I personally don't think they are necessary on easy hikes like the Camino where you are on well formed trails usually carrying minimal weight.
They are well worth it for tougher hikes that include challenges such as very steep ascents and descents, river crossings and rough terrain.
I had to buy a backpack once and it lasted about two weeks of trail. It was a seriously bad product.
If you are in the slightest bit ethical about where you shop then you'd avoid Decathlon.
Evidence is for everyone to see. Go into one of their stores and see how cheap their gear is. How can...
But many pilgrims are not serious hikers. They probably do just one or two caminos in their lives and are not found on forums like these. Many of course only do the last 100km.
Either way, you get what you pay for and good quality that lasts comes at a price.
It is ridiculous how cheap some...
My best advice is to avoid anything with goretex or similar lining. If your feet get hot in goretex shoes it can literally ruin your hike as I found out a couple of times.
They also take ages to dry out too. I use hiking shoes with mesh so they are very breathable.
You would be far better off investing in proper light weight gear rather than hauling one of those things about. I mean seriously? This is the Camino, not an expedition across Russia!
I use two anti-snoring devices on Caminos.
One is called a private room and the other is a tent. Just to note that they are not always fully effective, particularly in cheap hotels or crowded campsites.
I used the cheapest pair of Salomons (linked below) and they lasted two Caminos (well over 1000k), one Bibbulmun Track (800k) and about 1000k of NZ's rugged backcountry. I also wore them quite a bit when travelling.
They cost EUR 60 in El Corte Ingles. I am buying another pair soon.
They are...
I have left my beloved crocs at home this time. They are just too bulky and heavy compared to flip flops. I don't like walking too far in flip flops but that's not an issue after a camino day!
I usually take a sarong. They are so multi-purpose and quick drying. Along with being a towel they can also act as a sleep sheet. My current one is long enough to cover me from neck to ankles.
Good for keeping the hot Spanish sun off too!
I probably wouldn't wear one myself but that's another...
I have used Orange in Spain every time I have visited and never had a problem with them. In the stores there is always at least one person who can speak English. They will require your passport but the process only takes about 10 minutes which is super fast for Spain!
In terms of coverage I...
Ear plugs are essential if you are a light sleeper.
They also weigh nothing and take up no room. You could even wear them on the trail (sometimes I wish I had them in all day!).
This site is run by Ivar at in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon