Sandcruiser
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June 2023
I've only done a bit more than a week, but here are some things I wish I'd seen while prepping:
1) briefs. I prefer boxer briefs at home, but after talking to some ladies in my camino family about underwear..... I grabbed a pair of briefs at decathlon in Pamplona.
They are lighter and dry much faster than boxer briefs. Pack smaller too. For walking they seem to work just fine. Try em out. Save space/weight and dry faster.
2) sun sleeves
I have a pair from cycling. They're great. Basically a very thin nylon stocking for your arms. They're cooler than sunshine (upf 50), and warmer for morning starts. Makes all your short-sleeve tshirts into longsleeve (sorta).
3) shade hat.
I have a ballcap... It's ok.
I'm looking to buy a straw hat for more shade on my ears.
4) comfy pants
I brought some slow-dry mostly cotton khakis for evening. I am very happy with this choice. Being comfy after walking all day is important. I haven't washed them yet (mostly using at night they're clean enough).... I did wear them all over Pamplona on a rest day and felt less like a pilgrim standout. <-- Purely ego, I know. Walking without the swish swish of nylon is pleasant to me.
5) one of my merino tshirts has a collar. Feels more appropriate in a Spanish bar vs a tshirt (few locals wear tshirts after about 20yrs old) adds.... A few grams
6) i brought different styles of socks. Each pair fits a little different. I think this helps my feet stay healthy but does require an extra minute each morning to readjust my laces.
7) packing light is great, but if you can add a day or two, you can pack a few small luxuries and just walk a little slower..... I'm at about 7kg (before water) and just added an umbrella because its better for sun and easier vs. a jacket for lighter rain. Maybe the added weight means I take 41 days instead of 40.... Ok. I can do that. If you must hit a deadline, ultralight is useful.... But I did 28km today without issues (even w the umbrella!)
Buen camino!
1) briefs. I prefer boxer briefs at home, but after talking to some ladies in my camino family about underwear..... I grabbed a pair of briefs at decathlon in Pamplona.
They are lighter and dry much faster than boxer briefs. Pack smaller too. For walking they seem to work just fine. Try em out. Save space/weight and dry faster.
2) sun sleeves
I have a pair from cycling. They're great. Basically a very thin nylon stocking for your arms. They're cooler than sunshine (upf 50), and warmer for morning starts. Makes all your short-sleeve tshirts into longsleeve (sorta).
3) shade hat.
I have a ballcap... It's ok.
I'm looking to buy a straw hat for more shade on my ears.
4) comfy pants
I brought some slow-dry mostly cotton khakis for evening. I am very happy with this choice. Being comfy after walking all day is important. I haven't washed them yet (mostly using at night they're clean enough).... I did wear them all over Pamplona on a rest day and felt less like a pilgrim standout. <-- Purely ego, I know. Walking without the swish swish of nylon is pleasant to me.
5) one of my merino tshirts has a collar. Feels more appropriate in a Spanish bar vs a tshirt (few locals wear tshirts after about 20yrs old) adds.... A few grams
6) i brought different styles of socks. Each pair fits a little different. I think this helps my feet stay healthy but does require an extra minute each morning to readjust my laces.
7) packing light is great, but if you can add a day or two, you can pack a few small luxuries and just walk a little slower..... I'm at about 7kg (before water) and just added an umbrella because its better for sun and easier vs. a jacket for lighter rain. Maybe the added weight means I take 41 days instead of 40.... Ok. I can do that. If you must hit a deadline, ultralight is useful.... But I did 28km today without issues (even w the umbrella!)
Buen camino!