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Best guide for reading before you go/taking with you??

caminoforme86

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances October 2013 - December 2013
Hi,

There seems to be so many guide books out there, I set off in just over one month and wondered what guide book most people find useful and the best. One that isn't too heavy if you decide to take it with you...

Many thanks
K
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Yeah having looked at previous searches on guide books I see the John Brierley is a very popular choice with great reviews. Thanks falcon269
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
It really depends on what information you want?

If you want the basic facts about the stages, the route and names and phone numbers of various pilgrim style accommodation, then Brierley's map book is lighter and probably the best thing to take.

If you want some additional information about some of the key landmarks and sights then his guidebook, though heavier, is a good choice especially for english speaking pilgrims.

If you want to go deeper into the history, geography, culture and/or cuisine then you might want to search Amazon for your favour book on your favour subject. If you are taking a kindle or ibook enabled device, then a look for a kindle or ibook version of the latter, and take this along with a guide.
 
I carried Brierley's guidebook, and would do so again. Whatever guidebook you do choose, remember that any internal breakdown into stages does not compel one to follow these exactly. Where you stay each night is a personal choice. Although I found Brierley's stages sensible, I found some gems of albergues by not sticking to his stages all the time.

Regards,
 
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
Can I recommend that you have a look at www.guidetothecamino.com where a day by day published guide is now available as an e-book
You can, but you might also have pointed out that you appear to be the author, and then I wouldn't need to point out that a self recommendation might just lack the level of objectivity that other recommendations might have.

If you haven't done so already, why don't you list it in the resources section?

Regards,
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
For me it would be the Michelin guide to the Camino de Santiago. The path is overlaid on a real map and it also has elevation charts and distances between towns. It's light, cheap and fits well into a cargo pocket, combine this with Ivars accomodation list above. Thats all you will need.
 
Would recommend Brierley's. Some tear out the pages they don't need before they go and also rip out pages they have completed. Amazing how much it lightens the book. Next time you go you'll probably purchase an updated one anyway.
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Some tear out the pages they don't need before they go and also rip out pages they have completed. Amazing how much it lightens the book. Next time you go you'll probably purchase an updated one anyway.

I couldn't face ripping the pages out - as I quickly be came very attached to my Brierly guide having consulted it frequently over the trip - it's now a delightfully battered momento alongside my credential
 
As a preparation, I would recommend "Priez pour nous a Compostelle" by Barret/Gurgand, but am not sure if there is an English translation. It gives you the medieval/1970s perspective. On the go, the phone app guide "Camino" by Eroski consumers (in Spanish) does not weigh a thing and is excellent, wherever wifi available.
 

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