Smart Packing and Unexpected Backpack Items

[Deleted member 3000]

Hi Falcon:
Are they strong enough to hold up your pack from bed posts?

They are strong enough, but the latching mechanism can become weak, so take a few extra ones.

 

[David]

Helium sandwiches - really lightens the load (and raises the voice pitch)

 

[plainlost]

A toilet bag with 4 plastic zip closing showerproof pockets. I can put my passport/credential/money/camera/phone/spectacles in there as well as my toiletries and it hangs up in the shower. Practical security solved.

what are showers like at the albergues anyway? are they like ours at home with toilet and shower single occupancy or more like locker rooms?

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

what are showers like at the albergues anyway? are they like ours at home with toilet and shower single occupancy or more like locker rooms?

Locker room style most of the time (but with dividing walls). Sometimes with a door/shower drapes to separate more.

 

[Leanan-sidhe]

Instead of buyng expensive travel towel I bought a microfibre tea towel ... exactly the same and it cost me 75 cents (weighs only 45g too!) But the one thing I wouldn't miss are my crocs .... ugly as hell but the most comfortable thing to wear both in the shower (if it looks a bit dodgy) and around town ... lots of air for my poor toes!

 

[plainlost]

Instead of buyng expensive travel towel I bought a microfibre tea towel ... exactly the same and it cost me 75 cents (weighs only 45g too!) But the one thing I wouldn't miss are my crocs .... ugly as hell but the most comfortable thing to wear both in the shower (if it looks a bit dodgy) and around town ... lots of air for my poor toes!

HI everyone!!

I'm thinking a large travel towel will be my luxury item. I rather enjoy being dry; somehow a tiny tea towel, shammy et al does not seem to me that it would do the job. Also I have long thick hair and it takes a long time for my hair to dry!! Ladies with long hair what do you all do about shampoo, conditioner?

 

[Leanan-sidhe]

HI everyone!!

I'm thinking a large travel towel will be my luxury item. I rather enjoy being dry; somehow a tiny tea towel, shammy et al does not seem to me that it would do the job. Also I have long thick hair and it takes a long time for my hair to dry!! Ladies with long hair what do you all do about shampoo, conditioner?

I have very long hair and it's curly and frizzy ... the bane of my life! I should have mentioned that I bring 2 towels, 1 slightly larger one that can serve as a turban after I wash my hair. As regards to shampoo / conditioner ... I bring a good, non chemical, olive oil soap and you would be surprised how well it works for hair (and body, clothes etc), conditioner ... I try and go without it, usually i rub a bit of face moisturiser into ends if it gets very bad or a drop of olive oil (there is usually some in the albergue kitchen). If you walk during the summer month drying it won't be a problem, just leave it open and the summer sun will do the rest; in winter ... well don't wash it that often (only in well heated albergues) and hope it dries. I have seen some spanish girls with small hair dryers and even a straightener but seriously nobody cares if you have a birds nest on your head

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

HI everyone!!

I'm thinking a large travel towel will be my luxury item. I rather enjoy being dry; somehow a tiny tea towel, shammy et al does not seem to me that it would do the job. Also I have long thick hair and it takes a long time for my hair to dry!! Ladies with long hair what do you all do about shampoo, conditioner?

I have long and curly hair and as I didn't use conditioner and mainly washed the hair with soap. I came to Santiago with my hair in a total mess. It had been in a pony tail most of the time was like one big dreadlock in the end. Not so funny to try to fix. Bought a big bottle of conditioner in Santiago and spent 2 hours with untangling the hair. Not recommended.


I had sea to summit shampoo/conditioner "papers" and they were so useless when having long hair. I got some hotel shampoo "sample style" and I some albergues people had left shampoo but without conditioner my hair hated me. Next time I'll carry a small bottle of conditioner to use now and then and have my hair in a braid.

 

[Tia Valeria]

In the past I have used a large towel for shower and a small towel for my hair, both lightweight microfibre. I carry what I hope is enough shampoo to last me and as my hair is short I need very little each wash. I use it occasionally for washing my shirt etc but prefer a small soap bar for clothes. Personally I would never use anything apart from shampoo on my hair, so if I ran out I would buy more in Spain.

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Awesome thread! Some of you must be comedians on your day job!

 

[Agnogel]

A spiral immersion heater to make tea, coffee, cup-of-soup etc. Never travel without it.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/111227714025?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
I just ordered this one on ebay for 3.50 euros amazon were 22.50 euros and they would not ship it to Ireland

 

[peregrina2000]

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/111227714025?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
I just ordered this one on ebay for 3.50 euros amazon were 22.50 euros and they would not ship it to Ireland

Agnogel, you are now eligible for induction into the electric coil club. I would not EVER walk again without one.

http://www.caminodesantiago.me/comm...ric-coil-changed-my-life-on-the-camino.19167/

 

[AZgirl]

HI everyone!!

I'm thinking a large travel towel will be my luxury item. I rather enjoy being dry; somehow a tiny tea towel, shammy et al does not seem to me that it would do the job. Also I have long thick hair and it takes a long time for my hair to dry!! Ladies with long hair what do you all do about shampoo, conditioner?

Hi,
I have long thick unruly hair that tends to get tangled. I don't think conditioner as luxury, so I carry a travel size one. I use the lush shampoo bar as an all purpose for everything else.
I carry a large size travel towel as well it's amazing how dry they can get things. And it's nice to use to be covered up after showering as well. I would recommend it. Everyone has different items they are willing to carry, but if you bring it and don't use it you can always leave it for a lucky pilgrim or conversely pick some thing up along the way.

Ash

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

OK peregrinos, this first-time pilgrim (leaving SJPdP on May 19) hopes to learn from your experience. What was the SINGLE smartest "unexpected" item you included in your backpack? Keep it to one item, please, and (may I suggest?) skip the basics. I hoping for examples of items I would NEVER have considered taking! Maybe even little "luxury" items that weigh essentially nothing but that greatly enhanced your Camino experience. Be creative, now!

"Weighs hardly anything" stuff adds up to weighing a lot! I always travel with a sink stopper of some sort. I have a whistle built into the clip on my backpack as all newer ones do, but my son had to point it out! I learned to cut off the long unnecessary ends of straps and melt the ends so they don't fray. Every gram counts. I've had the same bright orange nylon shopping bag for 10 years, take it everywhere. I put it on the scale, but it didn't weigh enough to move it. Great thread, I got many ideas! Buen camino.

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

Hi,
I have long thick unruly hair that tends to get tangled. I don't think conditioner as luxury, so I carry a travel size one. I use the lush shampoo bar as an all purpose for everything else.
I carry a large size travel towel as well it's amazing how dry they can get things. And it's nice to use to be covered up after showering as well. I would recommend it. Everyone has different items they are willing to carry, but if you bring it and don't use it you can always leave it for a lucky pilgrim or conversely pick some thing up along the way.

Ash

I am cutting my hair before I leave. It is an unnecessary luxury. Wash and go for me!

 

[Tonm]

The two most stupid things I packed: Sony ereader....... Yes I walked the Camino with an ereader and I have not used it once!! The other item was the sunglasses, also never used them.

 

[Tonm]

Btw all items in your back pack represent fears that you have.......it is with the fears that you have in your live..... They only slow you down!! Take the risk

 

[Espero]

Btw all items in your back pack represent fears that you have.......it is with the fears that you have in your live..... They only slow you down!! Take the risk

Uh . . . . I guess I have a fear of being naked. My bad.

 

[biloute]

The two most stupid things I packed: Sony ereader....... Yes I walked the Camino with an ereader and I have not used it once!! The other item was the sunglasses, also never used them.

I will definitely take and use mine. One reason I read is to wind down, and after a day of walking I imagine I'll need to wind down and rest. As for sunglasses, I prefer not to damage my eyes with UV rays and later develop cataracts.

 

[Tonm]

Uh . . . . I guess I have a fear of being naked. My bad.

It is not bad, just a fear. Enjoy it

 

[tweedy48]

Some great ideas for inclusion in my packing list for my trip next September. Thanks you all so much.
Buen Camino!

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

How about just a very light weight Carabiner to attach your pack strap to your chair or a post to slow down someone trying to take it. You can hang your pack away from bed bugs. And they have many other uses. Has anyone tried that? Issues???

 

[dougfitz]

I use a small carabiner to clip my camera pouch onto my pack harness, so my camera is accessible without removing my pack. I hadn't thought of using it for other purposes.

 

[handzondeck2]

I will definitely take and use mine. One reason I read is to wind down, and after a day of walking I imagine I'll need to wind down and rest. As for sunglasses, I prefer not to damage my eyes with UV rays and later develop cataracts.

I use an ebook reader not only to read but also download my itinerary and relevant camino guide. Saves lugging around books which can add weight when you really don't need it. As for sunglasses they weigh next to nothing. With my camera it is in a small pouch that can attach to your belt so I thread my chest strap through that loop and voila easily accessible and don't need to remove the back pack. Hands free and next to nothing. Food for thought and each to their own I say. @Tonm - I guess it's a personal choice whether you carry these items.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

How about just a very light weight Carabiner to attach your pack strap to your chair or a post to slow down someone trying to take it. You can hang your pack away from bed bugs. And they have many other uses. Has anyone tried that? Issues???

I have found that a carabiner often does not fit the size of the bunk post or chair rail. It will work if it is large enough.

 

[lynnejohn]

The twisty clothesline that I use solves this issue. Just loop it through bunk post and strap of pack. I put a carabiner on one end.

 

[nidarosa]

Two items I would not have wanted to be without in the heatwave in Spain:
- My Lush solid shampoo bar (or similar) for washing my hair, body and clothes (choose one without bits in) - but *not* in the round tin, as I couldn't get it out with wet or soapy fingers and it sort of got stuck inside! Go for the square tin or a slightly larger round one.
- My Spanish fan! Just a cheapo collapsible flap-it-out-and-fan-yourself one I got in a souvenir shop, but it weighs hardly anything and creates a lovely breeze when it gets too hot - and also kept flying things away! I will be bringing mine back again next time.

 

[bimblingalong]

Forgot to mention . . . ear plugs . . . essential.

Also . . . . . tiny, tiny pot of lavendar oil .... relaxing, aid to sleep, and covering over those pilg smells!

This was my most useful "extra" too...a small jar of lavender/ sandalwood essential oils...a multi purpose deodoriser, post blister popping antiseptic, foot soak, "perfume", clothes freshener & sleep aid!!

 

[bimblingalong]

Interesting thread. Having read all of this I'm imagining staggering into an albergue dusty, sweating and thirsty. The place is festooned with paracord, dental floss, bungee cords and duck tape. Peregrinos are poking each other with needles, one is having a bath in a zip lock bag (a must see), another is is smoking cigars, one even wearing a nappy (diaper). What sort of madness am I letting myself in for? Time to reach for the most important item. The one without which this scene from Hieronymus Bosch would be intolerable. In the land of Tempranillo.... a cork screw.

An absolute given!!!....most used bit on my army knife..should probably check it's going to last the next walk..;-))

 

[Jennifer1959]

Not sure if its been said but my must have was a simple plastic hook thats hangs over a door - weightless - hung over shower door to hold clothes, toilet bag etc. Next time ill take two or three.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Lavender oil. I can not sleep in a room with the smell. Pilgrims what can your sleep aid can be somebody else nightmare, Buen camino

 

[gerardcarey]

Lavender oil. I can not sleep in a room with the smell. Pilgrims what can your sleep aid can be somebody else nightmare, Buen camino

Stinkers they are!

 

[AZgirl]

Two items I would not have wanted to be without in the heatwave in Spain:
- My Lush solid shampoo bar (or similar) for washing my hair, body and clothes (choose one without bits in) - but *not* in the round tin, as I couldn't get it out with wet or soapy fingers and it sort of got stuck inside! Go for the square tin or a slightly larger round one.
- My Spanish fan! Just a cheapo collapsible flap-it-out-and-fan-yourself one I got in a souvenir shop, but it weighs hardly anything and creates a lovely breeze when it gets too hot - and also kept flying things away! I will be bringing mine back again next time.

Try keeping a bit of a paper towel under the lush bar when you have the small tin, it helps from sticking. It is great stuff though.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Try keeping a bit of a paper towel under the lush bar when you have the small tin, it helps from sticking. It is great stuff though.

Looks like a great product. Which Lush soap to you use?

 

[Katycamino]

Hi there. I too am a big fan of the Lush shampoo products in a bar. On my camino this year I did take the small round tin. All you need to do is wrap the bar in a little bit of clingfilm and it will stop it sticking to the tin. Just rewrap after each use. Worked for me!

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Ear plugs, not to block out snorers but to get some quiet time

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Hi there. I too am a big fan of the Lush shampoo products in a bar. On my camino this year I did take the small round tin. All you need to do is wrap the bar in a little bit of clingfilm and it will stop it sticking to the tin. Just rewrap after each use. Worked for me!

Just trying to understand this product as I have an interest in using it. ---Does it come in a "tin", and are there various types of soaps we can get? Which type would you recommend? Thank you.

Ed

 

[Katycamino]

Hi again. I use the Lush bar that is a combined shampoo and conditioner although you can buy these as individual bars too. They come loose and you can choose to buy one of their tins or even use your own container. For information, my bar lasted for four weeks using daily for hair and body, they give a huge amount of lather from very little 'soap'. If you have a shop nearby they will happily demonstrate.

Interestingly I was mentioning this to a friend who also suggested using a match in the tin. This would work too tho the clingfilm probably makes it easier to pull out and push back in again without getting messy.

 

[nidarosa]

As for which one I would get one without conditioner or rosemary twigs in if you want to use it for laundry - I took the Seanik, but the juniper, bliss, karma or new bars would be equally good for hair, body and clothes.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

This is a great product for any bar soap. You can hang it to dry after your shower, but you will want a plastic ziplok bag to hold it in your pack.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GXZOEO/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Thank you All!!!

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Just ordered online the Karma and the Seanik. Going to give this a try at home first before I commit to take it on my Camino. Thx again everyone for your help and response to my questions!!! You the best!!!!

Ed

 

[TraceyIrish]

A buff is a tube of thin material which can be used as a hat, scarf, hand warmer, towel, etc. Most useful piece of kit, and even available in camino design... (search for Camino Buff on here, which will take you to Beverley's post, on the Pilgrim Books board. There's a picture of one)
Most camping stores stock them.

I got one in the men's section of Penney's (Primark) for €2. It's fleecy and has elastic with a toggle at one end to convert it to a beanie.

 

[MargaretWilson]

OK peregrinos, this first-time pilgrim (leaving SJPdP on May 19) hopes to learn from your experience. What was the SINGLE smartest "unexpected" item you included in your backpack? Keep it to one item, please, and (may I suggest?) skip the basics. I hoping for examples of items I would NEVER have considered taking! Maybe even little "luxury" items that weigh essentially nothing but that greatly enhanced your Camino experience. Be creative, now!

My sarong was fantastic - I could sleep under or over it, wear it as a scarf, wrap, and you would look fetching in one!
Buen camino!

 

[HelenvE]

Not sure if its been said but my must have was a simple plastic hook thats hangs over a door - weightless - hung over shower door to hold clothes, toilet bag etc. Next time ill take two or three.

Hi Jennifer1959, what sort of plastic hook did you use? Sounds handy!

 

[nidarosa]

Based on the tip about a hanging hook for bathroom stuff I have bought this toiletries bag for my travels, Camino and otherwise. It hangs on hooks, over doors, on shower curtain rails etc. It is very small and takes only your essentials, small and travel size products, and even comes with a mirror for shaving or makeup (not that there's a lot of that on the camino ...)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have bought this toiletries bag

Handy; heavy. Convenience is always nice, but when you weigh everything, you might leave the bag behind, then some of the contents.

 

[nidarosa]

I would, if there was anything left to get rid of in fact the small size weighs no more than my former toiletries bag and also holds most of the contents of my first aid bag - the rest go in a ziplok bag in the side pocket of the pack - so all in all I have saved a few grammes ... but the weight/comfort ratio is an individual thing. I'm happy with it.

 

[Jenyat53]

I took a 20 cm piece of double sided Velcro that attaches to itself. Held the weight of my 6kg pack off damp ground around tree branch or off floor around bunk rail. Also useful to attach pack to chair in cafe/bar as it makes quite a loud noise when being ripped apart quickly. I used it to extend my portable clothes line (so it could reach between attachment points) and to tape my pacer poles together when they were in a tub at an albergue door with several other pairs. All in all, a very versatile, relatively lightweight asset.

 

[rsmith0000]

The most useful single item, for me, was a fleece headband. It kept my ears warm, under my hood on the coldest, wettest days and on milder days functioned as a turtleneck. At night, it was a great eyeshade in the albergues, so I slept better. A weightless wonder. The one "essential" I didn't carry was my Kindle reader. Next camino, it's coming! I had too many evenings longing for something to read.

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

Met Sillydol in a Confraternity of St James meeting in Jhb South Africa and she has got smart packing done to a T.....She was both entertaining, dynamic and full of knowledge...
I am debating taking a portable 10l basin made by Sea to Summit to avoid the washing queue, any thoughts??? :!:

Don't bother...

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

One item I used every night to read for a few minutes and finding the bathroom when it was dark was a headlamp. In fact, I don't travel anywhere without a headlamp. You can find some very tiny and efficient ones with LEDs.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

My view on LUSH soap.
Bought it, took it, used it and then got rid of it! Dried out my hair and skin. Hated it. Had to then buy Dove soap, and a shampoo/conditioner in one.
Then I was happy!

 

[Camembert]

One item I used every night to read for a few minutes and finding the bathroom when it was dark was a headlamp. In fact, I don't travel anywhere without a headlamp. You can find some very tiny and efficient ones with LEDs.

Very good. Used a headlamp when we walked at the shoulders of busy roads in Portugal during our caminho Portuges to keep cars, trucks and busses away from us.
Together with a fluoriscent safety vest.

 

[Mary Power]

Out of all the items listed so far, for me Portia's reusable shopping bag would have been an excellent item to have had. I saw other pilgrims with them and although I have tons at home, it's something I never thought to take and quite honestly didn't see them in Spain. They were no doubt there, I just failed to find them.
My 2 "must" items that some folks might consider the basics were my Spork and my trusty Swiss Army knife. I learned about the Spork (from this forum) just before I left on my Camino and I had planned to take my basic Swiss Army knife but I upgraded it just before I left with several more accessories (that corkscrew on the new one came in handy many times along the way). These are 2 items were very useful and I carry them both on my daytrips

Shopping bag a wonderful idea

 

[pippa]

That's OK Mike - I don't drink Glühwein so I wouldn't have used it at all for that!
But, we found it very useful to make a hot drink before we left in the morning, especially in albergues with no electricity or no kitchens. Also when the kitchens were busy with people waiting to use a pot on the stove to boil water. I often had other pilgrims cups lined up next to mine wanting a cup of coffee before they left.
As a vegetarian I often bought a box of soup and heated it for supper, with cheese and bread it made a nourishing meal. And so quick to prepare.
Very countries in Europe provide a kettle and cups in the Hotel rooms (as they do in England) and I have always used it to make my own hot drink when staying in a hotel.
I also carry a whistle - with a little led torch attached.

These are fabulous, I have always taken mine where-ever I've gone.

 

[Rambler]

I used to always travel with a carabiner on my pack. In the CDG airport, as I was transferring terminals the Security took it away saying I could not have them.
YMMV, but I stopped bringing them after that.
For security, I always put the chair leg of the chair I am sitting in through a shoulder strap or the clipped waist belt to deter a would be thief. On daypacks I use a small clip http://www.rei.com/product/811687/nite-ize-stainless-steel-s-biner-size-1-package-of-2
Connect one side to the zipper and the other to another zipper, a d ring or another part of the pack. This stops pickpockets from opening the pockets easily without your knowledge. Plus it is a good zipper pull.

Rambler

 

[SYates]

My sarong, basically a thin, rectangular shaped (1x1,5m) piece of fabric that weights less than 100g and serves as a towel, skirt, dress, 'sun scarf', head / shoulder scarf, summer blanket, shade when popped up with a stick ect ect ect. SY

 

[Mars R]

....if I ask really really nicely....

Can someone please put all of the suggestions into one list? So us newbies don't get sidetracked with all the other chat and have one Unexpected item list to look at and then perhaps as we go we can add onto that? I think it might be helpful to all

Pretty please .....

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

....if I ask really really nicely....

Can someone please put all of the suggestions into one list? So us newbies don't get sidetracked with all the other chat and have one Unexpected item list to look at and then perhaps as we go we can add onto that? I think it might be helpful to all

Pretty please .....

Hey there Mars!! What I do is every time I see something that I like on the Forum I cut and paste it into a Word document on my laptop under different titles such as---Places to stay. things to take, Spanish words to learn etc....That way I can cull thru everything before I go and I will not forget all the good ideas from the other forum Folks.....Give that a try....Buena Suerte

 

[dkenagy]

OK peregrinos, this first-time pilgrim (leaving SJPdP on May 19) hopes to learn from your experience. What was the SINGLE smartest "unexpected" item you included in your backpack? Keep it to one item, please, and (may I suggest?) skip the basics. I hoping for examples of items I would NEVER have considered taking! Maybe even little "luxury" items that weigh essentially nothing but that greatly enhanced your Camino experience. Be creative, now!

Take a very light 1L collapsible plastic bladder for wine. Reason: buying a small glass of wine is expensive - as much as a Euro or even 2 Euros, while whole bottles may cost only three or four. Also, when buying the pilgrim menu including wine, you may have leftovers. Most people carry water. I don't. I carry wine.

 

[AZgirl]

Take a very light 1L collapsible plastic bladder for wine. Reason: buying a small glass of wine is expensive - as much as a Euro or even 2 Euros, while whole bottles may cost only three or four. Also, when buying the pilgrim menu including wine, you may have leftovers. Most people carry water. I don't. I carry wine.

Brilliant, I shall be taking your advice. It would be great for picnics in the middle of nowhere. I was thinking of using a wide mouth bottle for the job but that seems like a better idea and less space too.

 

[gerardcarey]

Take a very light 1L collapsible plastic bladder for wine. Reason: buying a small glass of wine is expensive - as much as a Euro or even 2 Euros, while whole bottles may cost only three or four. Also, when buying the pilgrim menu including wine, you may have leftovers. Most people carry water. I don't. I carry wine.

LEFTOVERS?
What is this leftovers business?
There aren't any leftovers!

Regds
Gerard

 

[Saint Mike II]

I used to always travel with a carabiner on my pack. In the CDG airport, as I was transferring terminals the Security took it away saying I could not have them.
YMMV, but I stopped bringing them after that.
For security, I always put the chair leg of the chair I am sitting in through a shoulder strap or the clipped waist belt to deter a would be thief. On daypacks I use a small clip http://www.rei.com/product/811687/nite-ize-stainless-steel-s-biner-size-1-package-of-2
Connect one side to the zipper and the other to another zipper, a d ring or another part of the pack. This stops pickpockets from opening the pockets easily without your knowledge. Plus it is a good zipper pull.

Rambler

How big was the carabiner? If it was less than 75mm I think the security guard was either over reacting, or wanted one himself and decided yours would do. I usually travel with one or two around 65mm - just pack them inside so the officious security people don't get ideas. I also use the chair leg or my leg as a temporary security strap.

 

[Ullamae]

My view on LUSH soap.
Bought it, took it, used it and then got rid of it! Dried out my hair and skin.

Good to know, since my skin is very dry to begin with!

 

[Olivia Luna]

LEFTOVERS?
What is this leftovers business?
There aren't any leftovers!

Regds
Gerard

Right you are Gerard!!!

 

[Former member 32445]

This is a great product for any bar soap. You can hang it to dry after your shower, but you will want a plastic ziplok bag to hold it in your pack.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GXZOEO/?tag=casaivar02-20

Flacon, your knowledge astounds me, sincerely, and this too looks like a great product! it also looks as it may come in handy for them cold mornings, when somethings are a little chilly!
Blessings
Blu

 

[lrisvold]

I carried a business card, I find it easier than trying to have someone write down email or web site info. It is especially nice if it is raining. I included the line in my talents, "Dragon Slayer." I figured it was a medieval route and there was always a chance of a dragon popping up. When people would see how old I looked they would usually draw the conclusion that I must be a retired dragon slayer. it was a great conversation starter, I never had difficulty engaging people. Hint: don't print cards on ink jet printers, the colors run if wet, use a laser printer.

Other useful things we carried was a three way power-outlet adapter so we could share outlets for charging things. (If you do carry one, be sure to carve your initials into it so everyone knows you're not stealing it.) Also, be sure to carry a headlamp, having a hands-free flashlight is a must.

In places that had "questionable" pillow cases we would use a spare tee shirt as a pillow case over the pillow.

Lots of good ideas in this forum, keep it up!

Dennis, "K1"

Dennis, where did you get your power adapter?

 

[Tia Valeria]

........On daypacks I use a small clip http://www.rei.com/product/811687/nite-ize-stainless-steel-s-biner-size-1-package-of-2
Connect one side to the zipper and the other to another zipper, a d ring or another part of the pack. This stops pickpockets from opening the pockets easily without your knowledge. Plus it is a good zipper pull.

Rambler

They now also make a small lockable version of this. Brilliant - we just bought them. Look for 'S-biner micro lock'

 

[Metropolly]

I would, if there was anything left to get rid of in fact the small size weighs no more than my former toiletries bag and also holds most of the contents of my first aid bag - the rest go in a ziplok bag in the side pocket of the pack - so all in all I have saved a few grammes ... but the weight/comfort ratio is an individual thing. I'm happy with it.

I used the same bag last year. It's very compact and convenient and lighter than any others I've seen

 

[Camino Yogini]

This is a variation on the great business card idea; it involves some effort (or considerable, depending on what you have on hand) but it might catch someone's fancy. On my first Camino, I wished for a pack of postcards from home since pilgrims ask about each others' homelands (when we're not talking blisters, etc). As it happens, I was part of a group that had organized a national conference a couple of years earlier. Among our promotional items, we created little cards with hometown photos (that talented staff members took) on one side and conference info on the other. We still had some now-useless cards so before my next Camino, I put my contact info on appropriately sized sticky labels for the cards. I asked my new friends to choose their card; they loved the bright images! My one regret was I didn't include my phone number because I thought that wouldn't work in Spain. Turns out it was the one near-constant way I could be contacted. Here's a photo of the cards I still have left for my next Camino! (The company that made these cards is MOO, not that I'm advertising for them.)

 

[Stefania13/14]

This is a variation on the great business card idea; it involves some effort (or considerable, depending on what you have on hand) but it might catch someone's fancy. On my first Camino, I wished for a pack of postcards from home since pilgrims ask about each others' homelands (when we're not talking blisters, etc). As it happens, I was part of a group that had organized a national conference a couple of years earlier. Among our promotional items, we created little cards with hometown photos (that talented staff members took) on one side and conference info on the other. We still had some now-useless cards so before my next Camino, I put my contact info on appropriately sized sticky labels for the cards. I asked my new friends to choose their card; they loved the bright images! My one regret was I didn't include my phone number because I thought that wouldn't work in Spain. Turns out it was the one near-constant way I could be contacted. Here's a photo of the cards I still have left for my next Camino! (The company that made these cards is MOO, not that I'm advertising for them.)

Very cool! What a great idea. Maybe I will try to think of a similar thing only smaller (reduce weight LOL). Thanks for sharing.
Stefania

 

[Rambler]

How big was the carabiner? If it was less than 75mm I think the security guard was either over reacting, or wanted one himself and decided yours would do. I usually travel with one or two around 65mm - just pack them inside so the officious security people don't get ideas. I also use the chair leg or my leg as a temporary security strap.

The carabiner was a standard climbing carabiner and WAS on the outside of the pack. It was one I dropped on a climbing trip, so he had better not try using it for its intended purpose or it might fail. Climbers never use a carabiner they have dropped onto a rock from any distance out of fear that it could have a hairline crack.
Rambler

 

[Warren Sly]

You will need to scan the documents and then save them on your computer as pdf document(s). Then link your Kindle to the computer and copy the file(s) into its Documents folder.

I take pictures of my key docs and save them as JPGs (now use my iPhone too) then email them to myself and save them on the device I want.

 

[jeffrey r aitken]

I don't know what this is, but it sounds really useful! What do I ask for at the hardware store?

It's called a zip tie

 

[jeffrey r aitken]

These things... however I must confess I think they would have limited use on the camino and they are "once only use" items.

Actually if you use a tip of something pointed you can reuse them over and over,there is a little tab you pull back just a smidge

 

[Ullamae]

I always travel with a sink stopper of some sort.

What do you use for sink stopper? I read somebody made one, but didn't quite understand how? It will be difficult to do laundry without one!

 

[lynnejohn]

Enter "sink stopper" in search and you will find an entry from @TerryB re a homemade stopper. You can also buy one for about 3 bucks. I have never used one I just stick one sock in the drain, wash the rest of my clothes, and then the sock last... not exactly science but it works well enough...

 

[Alexster66]

I work for a tyre wholesaler so I just asked the boss if I could have a truck tyre tube.
I will cut it into sink style plugs and take a couple with me, perfect

 

[Song]

Hi all,
For me it isn't a great problem to have to leave my make-up behind, but my teenage sister díd find it shocking that I wouldn't take any so she came up with a very smart alternative: apparently you can dye your eyelashes. It lasts for about a month (at least the Dutch Hema variant that I know of!). It weighs nothing if you do it at home before you leave, and you're even leaving your mascara behind (if you were planning to take it..) so it's less weight to carry! And for some of us it might just mean that little bit of extra luxury feeling along the way.

Greetings,

 

[Warren Sly]

Actually if you use a tip of something pointed you can reuse them over and over,there is a little tab you pull back just a smidge

You are right. They are re-usable. The best solution seemed to be a glasses-repair mini-screwdriver.

 

[Warren Sly]

Very good. Used a headlamp when we walked at the shoulders of busy roads in Portugal during our caminho Portuges to keep cars, trucks and busses away from us.
Together with a fluoriscent safety vest.

Some of the more expensive headlamps have a flashing mode which would be good for road walking.

 

[koilife]

I used a tiny red "photon" LED light (9 grams) for getting around the alburgue in the dark (red light won't ruin night vision or blind either myself or those around me). I can't express the frustration I felt every time I was blinded by someone's bright white headlamp (which should be reserved for the road).

I kept it on a cord around my neck with a small whistle (8 grams) and a 2.25" 'Classic' Swiss Army knife (16 grams), which is all the knife one needs --- scissors, small blade, tweezers, and a nail file that is largely useless (for me) except that it also doubles as a tiny screwdriver.

At just over an ounce, the combination of these three items was almost always around my neck.

 

[koilife]

One other item I found helpful for alburgues with sketchy kitchens is a "G.I. can opener" (8 grams). You can find them at almost any military supply store and most camping stores.

http://www.rei.com/product/696009/coghlans-can-opener-package-of-2

 

[Rosemaryk1]

I think those GI can openers are called "P38's!!"

 

[Wayne's World]

Back in my day (USMC 70-74) we called those C-ration can-openers a "John Wayne".

 

[dougfitz]

I still have some of the FRED (Field Ration Eating Device) used by the Australian and New Zealand Armies. Similar to the P38/P51 but extended to form a spoon. Unfortunately the FR of FRED is given a slightly different meaning by those of us who had to use these devices.

 

[tiregirl]

OK peregrinos, this first-time pilgrim (leaving SJPdP on May 19) hopes to learn from your experience. What was the SINGLE smartest "unexpected" item you included in your backpack? Keep it to one item, please, and (may I suggest?) skip the basics. I hoping for examples of items I would NEVER have considered taking! Maybe even little "luxury" items that weigh essentially nothing but that greatly enhanced your Camino experience. Be creative, now!

my STRONG STONES from my GRANDCHILDREN....yes they were extra weight.....but they kept me Safe and Brave https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/998131_385388664900148_461642620_n.jpg

 

[Silverton]

Something I added only on my most recent camino last month: a hook to hang my backpack on my or my neighbour's bunk. The cut off top of a chunky plastic hanger, weighing 20gr, proved very handy, and it might also serve at the showers and as a bedbug deterrent (tho I've never met a chinche on my springtime walks).

 

[cindyjo]

Helpful posts! I took a portable solar charger for my iPhone when I walked the Camino Frances in 2012. I'll take it again when I walk the del Norte in June 2014. I just charged my phone while I walked. I never had to hunt down an outlet or wait in line to charge my phone. I also never walked off leaving my phone plugged into a wall at the Albergue.

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Helpful posts! I took a portable solar charger for my iPhone when I walked the Camino Frances in 2012. I'll take it again when I walk the del Norte in June 2014. I just charged my phone while I walked. I never had to hunt down an outlet or wait in line to charge my phone. I also never walked off leaving my phone plugged into a wall at the Albergue.

Cindyjo,
If you don't mind me asking, what brand/type is your solar charger? Sounds like one of the best packing items yet!
Thanks!
Rosemary

 

[Alyssa]

Helpful posts! I took a portable solar charger for my iPhone when I walked the Camino Frances in 2012. I'll take it again when I walk the del Norte in June 2014. I just charged my phone while I walked. I never had to hunt down an outlet or wait in line to charge my phone. I also never walked off leaving my phone plugged into a wall at the Albergue.

Cindy, I'd love more details about your portable solar charger for you iPhone. Thank you!

 

[cindyjo]

Rosemary and Alyssa, I am attaching the website for the solar panel I used. I believe there are others available at REI and other sports stores, but after some research this one seemed to be the best for my use. The panel folds in half flat so it is easy to pack when not in use and then opens to hook on the back of your pack. I had holes drilled in the top of mine, but I now see that they actually come with eyelets. This charger will also charge a small rechargeable battery for emergencies when there is no sun. I kept one for a back up. Here's the website: http://www.suntactics.com/ I just purchased a kayak and will take it kayak camping too.

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Rosemary and Alyssa, I am attaching the website for the solar panel I used. I believe there are others available at REI and other sports stores, but after some research this one seemed to be the best for my use. The panel folds in half flat so it is easy to pack when not in use and then opens to hook on the back of your pack. I had holes drilled in the top of mine, but I now see that they actually come with eyelets. This charger will also charge a small rechargeable battery for emergencies when there is no sun. I kept one for a back up. Here's the website: http://www.suntactics.com/ I just purchased a kayak and will take it kayak camping too.

Thank you Cindyjo!

 

[Jnlee99]

Can I take a large balloon filled with helium attached to my backpack to offset the weight so I can take my whole wardrobe and electronics with me? I am little vain that way

PS: hint to humor challenged - hydrogen works as well but don't smoke around it

 

[cindyjo]

Jnlee99, I guess I am humor challenged. No wardrobe or other electronics...just an 89 year old mom to keep in touch with. Weight of solar panel 8 oz. and total pack weight 13 lbs. We all have our priorities. Mine is a peaceful, spirit filled journey with few worries about my mom .

 

[trevorcc]

OK peregrinos, this first-time pilgrim (leaving SJPdP on May 19) hopes to learn from your experience. What was the SINGLE smartest "unexpected" item you included in your backpack? Keep it to one item, please, and (may I suggest?) skip the basics. I hoping for examples of items I would NEVER have considered taking! Maybe even little "luxury" items that weigh essentially nothing but that greatly enhanced your Camino experience. Be creative, now!

Compression tights

 

[Bill_R]

Helpful posts! I took a portable solar charger for my iPhone when I walked the Camino Frances in 2012. I'll take it again when I walk the del Norte in June 2014. I just charged my phone while I walked. I never had to hunt down an outlet or wait in line to charge my phone. I also never walked off leaving my phone plugged into a wall at the Albergue.

I too have a solar charger for my iPhone and sons Gopro camera hope it works for us


Buen Camino
Bill

 

[Maureen O'Donoghue]

A small booklet called "Libro de Oracion Comun" published by the Catholic Truth Society. It includes the Order of the Mass and a number of prayers in both Spanish and English. As my Camino started on Palm Sunday I knew I would be going to church in Spain several times in addition to Sunday services, and I wanted to be able to join in with the prayers. The booklet was perfect and small enough to easily fit into a pocket. I got in some practice in advance by finding recordings of prayers on YouTube and reading along with them.

The vocabulary picked up in this way also came in handy in other contexts, e.g. if you know "Cordero de Dios" means "Lamb of God" you can always find lamb in menus.

 

[Wayne's World]

A small booklet called "Libro de Oracion Comun" published by the Catholic Truth Society. It includes the Order of the Mass and a number of prayers in both Spanish and English. As my Camino started on Palm Sunday I knew I would be going to church in Spain several times in addition to Sunday services, and I wanted to be able to join in with the prayers. The booklet was perfect and small enough to easily fit into a pocket. I got in some practice in advance by finding recordings of prayers on YouTube and reading along with them.

The vocabulary picked up in this way also came in handy in other contexts, e.g. if you know "Cordero de Dios" means "Lamb of God" you can always find lamb in menus.

The Missals we use in our Fort Worth, Texas church are also printed in Spanish and English. When Bonnie and I make our Camino, we'll be sure to tuck one in our gear.