1st Camino March 2018

[Sharonih]

As a 55 year old woman I am planning to do my first Camino this coming March. At this point I can easily walk 10 km every day (on holidays I generally walk 15 -22+ km per day). I am also working with a Kinesiologist to strengthen my back. For packing I am a minimalist and when I go on month long holidays I generally do not take as much items that are on the packing lists I've seen.

I am looking for actually any suggestions or helps but in particular what I absolutely must bring with me, preparations that I should do. Also footwear, some forums are saying to buy a size bigger than you normally wear, is this true?

Thanks for all helps and suggestions

 

[Deleted member 3000]

buy a size bigger than you normally wear, is this true?

Sometimes. Your boots should fit using the combination of socks you plan to use. If you will be wearing a liner sock and a heavier wool/blend sock, you may need a larger size. I suggest that you do not automatically get a larger size. I have a narrow foot, so the additional sockage (is that a word?) does not require a long shoe. Others want a larger size to accommodate foot swelling, but be sure such swelling is a problem for you. Footwear that is too small is a bit worse than footwear that is too large, but both can lead to blisters and other problems. Whatever you do, test it before you go. Learning anything new on the Camino is the wrong place to learn it (except for food, culture, history, and scenery).

 

[Rick M]

I am looking for actually any suggestions or helps but in particular what I absolutely must bring with me, preparations that I should do. Also footwear, some forums are saying to buy a size bigger than you normally wear, is this true?

What you must absolutely bring are a pair of trail shoes that you can walk distances in. A good rain solution that you trust is a good idea too. Start auditioning shoes any time now. MEC has a great return policy, meaning you can try them and exchange them if they don't work. Nothing else is more important than finding a shoe/sock combination that you trust, and can walk in blister free. You are already walking a lot, and that's 80% of your preparation. Walk the winter in your new shoes. If they start to wear out, buy a second pair and break them in before you go.

Everyone will give you advice on what shoes to wear. They are all wrong. The correct shoe is the one that fits you, and is comfortable. Bear in mind that March-April means plenty of rain (you know all about that, Galicia has the same climate as where you live!) and a certain amount of muddy trail to contend with. You don't need boots, but if thats your choice, then go with it.

Start wearing your pack for training walks. Yeah, people look at you funny. I was questioned by the police once. It takes a little while to get used to a pack, so build up to "trail weight" gradually. You will know you are there when you realize one day that you don't notice the pack any more when you are walking. While you are at it, test out your rain gear as well. Should be pretty easy around here over the winter!

Welcome to the forum, and Buen Camino!

 

[Marbe2]

If you are staying in albergues you will need a sleeping bag or quilt. Not sure where you are starting but if you go over the mountainous areas it is possible that you could experience snow! So make sure you have a layered system that is flexible enough to provide protection and warmth if need be.

 

[nycwalking]

March will be cold and many albergues do not turn on heat, take a sleeping bag. You will probably need raingear. I always had a bandana/scarf to cover my ears on cold windy days. Also, a pair of lightweight gloves will serve you well.
Buen camino.

 

[Sharonih]

Sometimes. Your boots should fit using the combination of socks you plan to use. If you will be wearing a liner sock and a heavier wool/blend sock, you may need a larger size. I suggest that you do not automatically get a larger size. I have a narrow foot, so the additional sockage (is that a word?) does not require a long shoe. Others want a larger size to accommodate foot swelling, but be sure such swelling is a problem for you. Footwear that is too small is a bit worse than footwear that is too large, but both can lead to blisters and other problems. Whatever you do, test it before you go. Learning anything new on the Camino is the wrong place to learn it (except for food, culture, history, and scenery).

Thank you for the info, I am taking all this information in

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Suggestion: - As a "minimalist", when packing make sure most of the items you pack have a duel purpose. This will allow you to take as little as possible and make your pack as light as possible.

 

[Davie Blisters]

Hey Sharonih, all good advice here, plus you know what you're doin!
My two-penneth is to remember that where you are going is not the back-of-beyond. If you need anything, you are normally never more than a day away (often a couple of hours) from modern-day services : medication, walking gear etc. etc.
Travel light, Buen Camino.
Davie

 

[DowtyCamino]

Congrats on your upcoming Camino. It will be something to remember for a lifetime and you may find yourself hooked. I can't offer much advice about March and cold weather Camino's. We have been twice in May/June and it was always dry and often very warm.
However one bit of advice I hadn't heard (at the time of our first Camino anyway) was to walk on streets and pavement v. soft "new world" trails. There is such a difference with how your feet may react to long distances on hard pavement. A lot of the Camino Frances (I assume that's where you will be going) is on hard packed earth or pavement. This may be different in March with the notorious mud of course.
We trained on East Coast U.S. trails as part of a local hiking club for several months because we enjoyed it. No blister problems and comfortable feet. This year before going I took the same group out on a 12mi hike on pavement and almost everyone had blisters. The different is astonishing.