Best latest guide book including prep details

[letsmile]

After having now done some research I'm pretty overwhelmed by the amount of material out there, and frankly confused as to what may be the best. I really wanted to home in on the most highly rated guide book by those on here with lots of experience. Ideally, I'd also love the book to include details on preparation, namely kit to take and any other relevant prep. Really appreciate any feedback, as I can see there's a real dearth of experience on here - thanks

 

[trecile]

As far as what gear to take, this forum is the best resource.

 

[Tincatinker]

After having now done some research I'm pretty overwhelmed by the amount of material out there, and frankly confused as to what may be the best. I really wanted to home in on the most highly rated guide book by those on here with lots of experience. Ideally, I'd also love the book to include details on preparation, namely kit to take and any other relevant prep. Really appreciate any feedback, as I can see there's a real dearth of experience on here - thanks

Get yourself a Brierley. He'll even guide your thinking

 

[xin loi]

And remember any guide book is only a guide. Feel free to deviate. Some of the most interesting albergues are not at the suggested daily stopping points. Generally wise to stop short or walk a little further than where the guide book stops for the day.

 

[CWBuff]

Hello and Welcome to The Forum
Please do NOT overwhelm yourself by 'overthinking' stuff.
The most important (IMHO) is your gear and your stamina (reasonably). You need to go (perhaps) to Decathlon and get fitted for your backpack and figure out your shoewear - way too many threads here on the topics and in the end it will still be ultimately YOUR decision and up to YO want to buy. Just because it works for someone does not mean it will for you (I am a good case to point - I got a pair of Lowa's Renegades because couple of folks like them; and to be fair I did like them a lot and trained in them and even walked 1st 8-9 days on the Camino, but then they gave me issues and I had to get new footgear....).
Your hiking clothing has to be fast-drying and comfortable. Some folks go with 2 sets and some with 3...
Your ability to walk certain distance on the daily basis is next. Again, no amount of research material will be of any 'true' help - you either CAN walk the distance or you CANNOT. Do train if you must!
I know this is not much of help you are looking for but this is as straight as I can advice you for all purposes being a practical newbie myself who just finished his 1st Camino a month ago
Good Luck and Buen Camino

 

[JerryStroebele]

I would first read Gerald Kelly's book, next I would read Fixing your Feet, by Jon Vonhof. (You are WALKING, right?) Buen Camino

 

[MikeyC]

Really appreciate any feedback, as I can see there's a real dearth of experience on here - thanks

The curse of auto correct strikes again it seems and gives the exact opposite of "depth".

 

[letsmile]

The curse of auto correct strikes again it seems and gives the exact opposite of "depth".

Thanks - do love autocorrect certainly had more embarrassing autocorrects

 

[Rita Flower]

Hello and Welcome to The Forum
Please do NOT overwhelm yourself by 'overthinking' stuff.
The most important (IMHO) is your gear and your stamina (reasonably). You need to go (perhaps) to Decathlon and get fitted for your backpack and figure out your shoewear - way too many threads here on the topics and in the end it will still be ultimately YOUR decision and up to YO want to buy. Just because it works for someone does not mean it will for you (I am a good case to point - I got a pair of Lowa's Renegades because couple of folks like them; and to be fair I did like them a lot and trained in them and even walked 1st 8-9 days on the Camino, but then they gave me issues and I had to get new footgear....).
Your hiking clothing has to be fast-drying and comfortable. Some folks go with 2 sets and some with 3...
Your ability to walk certain distance on the daily basis is next. Again, no amount of research material will be of any 'true' help - you either CAN walk the distance or you CANNOT. Do train if you must!
I know this is not much of help you are looking for but this is as straight as I can advice you for all purposes being a practical newbie myself who just finished his 1st Camino a month ago
Good Luck and Buen Camino

Agreed.
I think one of the great learnings of the Camino (after gathering information - and this forum is full of information ) is to practice thinking for oneself and to connect more deeply with ones own inner wisdom. And to become comfortable with the 'mistakes' we will surely make as we prepare and travel. (As in this post)
The Camino is very forgiving if you allow it to be. You can post extra stuff you bring, home or to Santiago. There are plenty of trekking stores along the way. There are plenty of experienced pilgrims and happy to help. You can walk as long or short as suits your body. You can get a taxi if needed. On the Portuguese a couple of times I had to stop at random cf coffee shops and ask them to call a taxi for me.
My first Camino many years ago at age 56 I had no books, no forum, just a few pages from a Lonely Planet guide and the albergue list from SJPP. It was wonderful.
I just prepare as best I can and then set out for my Camino adventure to see what arises, and to learn and grow from the experience.
Buen Camino.