Bring or Buy?

[ShoshTrvls]

I'm dividing my packing list into things I plan to buy in advance and bring with me to Spain, and those that are better bought once there becasue of airline regs (I'm not checking any bags), price or simply ease of purchase. So far, these are the things I plan to buy in Spain:

1. Trekking poles
2. Bug repellant
3. Sunscreen
4. Vaseline/Aquaphor
5. Moleskin/Compeed

Anything else I should think about purchasing after arrival?

 

[Bradypus]

I live in the UK. I would buy my poles in Spain but bring the other four items from home. Cheaper here, not a problem in cabin baggage and saves time finding them in Spain. For a long Camino I might also buy a cheap folding knife on arrival.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I live in the UK. I would buy my poles in Spain but bring the other four items from home. Cheaper here, not a problem in cabin baggage and saves time finding them in Spain. For a long Camino I might also buy a cheap folding knife on arrival.

I'm in the US, and unfortunately I've been stopped at TSA with both bug repellant and sunscreen identified as "liquids."

 

[Bradypus]

I'm in the US, and unfortunately I've been stopped at TSA with both bug repellant and sunscreen identified as "liquids."

Haven't been an issue for me if each is under 100ml volume. But each country has its own rules.

 

[C clearly]

1. Trekking poles - See this thread and make your decision.
2. Bug repellant - Normal rules re liquids and gels on planes
3. Sunscreen - Normal rules re liquids and gels on planes
4. Vaseline/Aquaphor - Normal rules re liquids and gels on planes
5. Moleskin/Compeed - There are no air travel restrictions.

Personally, I buy in advance, at home, and take everything I know I want. That eliminates the hassle of shopping upon arrival in Spain, and it allows me to choose the item and container size to suit my preferences.

 

[MichaelNW]

I only agree on the trekking poles. I am picky and a cheapskate and the US has a better selection and lower prices on the rest of those products and they are easy to find or repackage to be TSA compliant.

 

[trecile]

I'm in the US, and unfortunately I've been stopped at TSA with both bug repellant and sunscreen identified as "liquids."

I wouldn't want to carry more than the 100 ml size approved by security in my backpack anyway.

Instead of moleskin I would buy Omnifix or Hypafix tape at a pharmacy in Spain.

 

[klimmo]

to go against the tide: if I really wanted poles I'd bring them, everything else I'd buy locally. Sunscreen because I need loads and a tiny bottle just won't cut it (and another piece of single use plastic that I try to avoid). Bug repellent, vaseline and tape I'd buy if it turned out I'd need it.

 

[Anamya]

Coming from Australia, I bring them all from home. Poles and sunscreen (more than 100ml) go in the dispatch box/luggage that I collect when arriving there. The others go with me on the camino backpack on board.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Coming from Australia, I bring them all from home. Poles and sunscreen (more than 100ml) go in the dispatch box/luggage that I collect when arriving there. The others go with me on the camino backpack on board.

I get that and if I were checking or sending luggage I’d do the same. But I’m only bringing a carry-on.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Your list looks good to me. Those are all things I buy in Spain.
I fly from the US

 

[BillW]

Since most US toothpaste tubes are over 3 ounces and cannot be carried through US security, I brought a small tube with me, then bought toothpaste when I got to France.

FWIW... I really disliked the French toothpaste (which I think is the same in Spain). American toothpaste tastes much better to me. The toothpaste I bought in Europe tasted like baking soda. Others Americans had the same complaint, so I don't think it was just the tube that I purchased.

Since then I've learned that it is possible to buy a 3 ounce toothpaste tube in dollar stores in the US. That size is plenty for most Caminos. I'm not sure why the companies don't sell those at bigger retailers like CVS, Walgreens or Target, but they don't. Everything is 3.2 ounces or bigger.

I also bought a small pair of scissors when I got to Europe. I used those mainly for cutting tape and padding for my toes. Some people buy a small knife to cut cheese and such on the trail. Of course, both scissors and knives can't be carried through security in the US.

 

[trecile]

Of course, both scissors and knives can't be carried through security in the US.

Small blunt tipped scissors can be carried through security. I have this kind that folds.

 

[t2andreo]

I'm in the US, and unfortunately I've been stopped at TSA with both bug repellant and sunscreen identified as "liquids."

If you keep the size of each container under 100 ml (3.5 oz) and they fit in your 3-1-1 bag of liquids, they ought not confiscate them. Remember, you CAN buy all of this in Spain.

But, if you want to bring smaller start-up sizes, follow my sizing advice above. You will be fine. You can always buy 3 ounce nalgene, or similar, plastic bottles with secure closing lids / caps and decant product into the smaller bottles. I use a handheld Brother label maker to mark each bottle with contents. In over 30 years of global travel, I have never had a problem with security. Been using the same labeling machine.

As for buying hiking poles in Spain, if you are staying in Madrid for a day or two before starting, find where your hotel is located on Google Maps, then search for hiking and camping supplies near that address.

Alternatively, go to www.decathlon.es or decathlon.eu to locate the Decathlon sports super store nearest your lodgings. It is worth the price of a cab, especially if you are sharing with another person. Also, the El Corte Ingles department stores have very good sporting goods sections as well. You could check there. They have several branches downtown.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Dennis Pack]

I'd buy everything I could in Spain ... after all, it's the Spanish generosity that makes the caminos possible ... not some corporation from "home" ... and Spain is not a 3rd world country. You can find everything there that you "need" ... just like the original pilgrims had to do.
Buen Camino

 

[ShoshTrvls]

If you keep the size of each container under 100 ml (3.5 oz) and they fit in your 3-1-1 bag of liquids, they ought not confiscate them. Remember, you CAN buy all of this in Spain.

But, if you want to bring smaller start-up sizes, follow my sizing advice above. You will be fine. You can always buy 3 ounce nalgene, or similar, plastic bottles with secure closing lids / caps and decant product into the smaller bottles. I use a handheld Brother label maker to mark each bottle with contents. In over 30 years of global travel, I have never had a problem with security. Been using the same labeling machine.

As for buying hiking poles in Spain, if you are staying in Madrid for a day or two before starting, find where your hotel is located on Google Maps, then search for hiking and camping supplies near that address.

Alternatively, go to www.decathlon.es or decathlon.eu to locate the Decathlon sports super store nearest your lodgings. It is worth the price of a cab, especially if you are sharing with another person. Also, the El Corte Ingles department stores have very good sporting goods sections as well. You could check there. They have several branches downtown.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Thanks. I may bring small sizes of some lotions, etc. with me as starters, but I can’t imagine I won’t need more than 3 oz of sunscreen in August

 

[Gringazolana]

Compeed is more expensive in Spain. I regretted not bringing more with me. I also couldn’t find “little” toothpaste, hand cream, and sunscreen there, maybe in the larger towns. I just bought the larger sizes.

 

[AnnieWise05]

I'm dividing my packing list into things I plan to buy in advance and bring with me to Spain, and those that are better bought once there becasue of airline regs (I'm not checking any bags), price or simply ease of purchase. So far, these are the things I plan to buy in Spain:

1. Trekking poles
2. Bug repellant
3. Sunscreen
4. Vaseline/Aquaphor
5. Moleskin/Compeed

Anything else I should think about purchasing after arrival?

I always miss my pocket knife when I have to fly and leave it behind. It really comes in handy when I'm hiking.

 

[MethaV]

I'm in the US, and unfortunately I've been stopped at TSA with both bug repellant and sunscreen identified as "liquids."

They even took my tooth paste once! So make sure it contains less than 100 mg.

 

[trecile]

They even took my tooth paste once!

If it was more than 100 ml you shouldn't have been surprised!

Anything that can be poured or squeezed out of a tube or bottle is considered a liquid.

 

[RRat]

I'm dividing my packing list into things I plan to buy in advance and bring with me to Spain, and those that are better bought once there becasue of airline regs (I'm not checking any bags), price or simply ease of purchase. So far, these are the things I plan to buy in Spain:

1. Trekking poles
2. Bug repellant
3. Sunscreen
4. Vaseline/Aquaphor
5. Moleskin/Compeed

Anything else I should think about purchasing after arrival?

Bring. You don't want to spend your first hours on a scavenger hunt. Yes, all the things are easily obtained in Spain. But you're not familiar with the area. Example, I forgot my lip balm. Walked a few blocks and ended up purchasing at a cosmetic store, 9€. A few steps later came across a small store with my brand for 1€.