Equipment Exchange/Free boxes on the Camino?

[jgpryde]

In Cheryl Strayed's book on walking the Pacific Crest Trail in California, she mentions "Free" drop boxes at various points along the trail where hikers leave unneeded items for later hikers to scrounge thru and possibly benefit from along the way. These are usually strategically located at post offices and cafes that hikers are likely to frequent. This seemed like a good idea as a hiker's needs are sure to change or become more apparent after they've been on the trail awhile. Is there such an informal exchange system on the Camino?


“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

-jgp

 

[C clearly]

Yes, most albergues have such a box.

 

[SYates]

I wouldn't say "most albergues" @C clearly and I also noticed last year, compared to 2014, that the number of them is dropping - perhaps out of fear that donated items might harbor bed bugs? But yes, there are still some donativo boxes/shelves around but there is often a good reason why things end up there - too heavy/warm/not warm enough/damaged etc.
In same cases the box is not immediately accessible and you have to ask the hospitalero for something, like when you have left your towel on the washing line of the last albergue - ask the hospitalero if he has one that has been forgotten by somebody else.
Buen Camino, SY

 

[jsalt]

I have also noticed that the donativo boxes are getting fewer and fewer. Now they tend to be in the bathrooms, full of big bottles of weird smelly concoctions that ladies put on their hair, face or bodies. I used to be able to exchange paperbacks along the camino, but those days have long gone.
Jill

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I'm with Jill. Although I keep reading about donation bins in which one can find anything that might be needed the only items I have ever seen are toiletries. Perhaps after the realisation that this 750ml bottle weighs a kilo, or simply forgoten or left behind after one is done walking for this time.

 

[Mark Lee]

No need for drop boxes on the Camino. Far from being a wilderness hike like the AT or the PCT. The nearest town is just a few kilometers away.

 

[SabsP]

And don't forget the hardware stores, even the smaller villages seem to have one . After I lost my spork I was able to buy 1 ( one ) small spoon, somewhere in Carrion de los Condes. But they also sold shoelaces, tableware and of course fertilisers for the agricultural industry...

And the Bazar Chino is also a good option.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

No need for drop boxes on the Camino. Far from being a wilderness hike like the AT or the PCT. The nearest town is just a few kilometers away.

I think the OP is referring to a box with unused/unwanted/forgotten gear left by previous owners (Donativo boxes) vs (re)supply drop boxes that you mail to yourself along the AT and PCT. Def don't need the supply drops on the Camino unless your need for the freshest possible cup of Kopi Luwak is an 11 on a scale of 1-10

 

[Camino Chris]

I have also noticed that the donativo boxes are getting fewer and fewer. Now they tend to be in the bathrooms, full of big bottles of weird smelly concoctions that ladies put on their hair, face or bodies. I used to be able to exchange paperbacks along the camino, but those days have long gone.
Jill

The only donativo box I ever saw on the Frances in spring of 2015 was in Roncevalles. There was a big table set up filled with things all the newbies left behind after trudging up the Napolean route and realized they'd brought way too much crap..., sorry, I mean too many items.

 

[don88]

I planned to buy rain poncho in Barcelona before taking the train to Sarria. However I arrived on May1 and all the stores were closed. I found an Altis poncho in Portomarin for less than 30 Euros at a hardware store. I also replaced my light travel towel that was left at home. Anything you may need is available even in small towns.

 

[camino-david]

In Estella, about 5 days from St Jean, at the Parochial Albergue, there was a donation bin about 45 x 45 x 60 cms (18 x 18 x 24 ins) which would be full after 3 or 4 days. We (hospitaleros) would take it to the parish priest to give to the poor. It was quite amazing what would be left in it - good quality clothes, huge first aid kits, sandals etc. and EVERY morning there would be clothes left on the drying lines. I always asked pilgrims who were leaving if the had everything including washing on the lines, and anything valuable or first aids kits, medications and so on would be kept for a few days in case the owner turned up (they never did). I admit I kept a good belt and a very nice tee shirt. After 5 days pilgrims would be realising they were carrying too much. We had a Korean girl - small with slight build - who said her pack weighed 20 kgs and I believed her when I tried to pick it up.