First aid kit?

Camino Yogini

Camino Junkie

Time of past OR future Camino

Francés (Spring 2012); Norte Costa (Fall 2013); Del Ebro/Francés (Fall 2014); European Peace Walk (Spring 2016)

• Mar 22, 2012

• #1

Hola, peregrinos!
I will be walking from SJPP, leaving Calgary Canada on April 24. This is my first Camino. Getting excited! I'm almost ready though I do still have to lighten my pack considerably (currently at approx 16 lbs, need to get down to 13.5 lb). Thanks so much for this fabulous forum! I've learned lots from you folks.

But I still need to put together a first aid kit. Can some experienced peregrinos post photos of what you've done? I'm especially interested in your needle and thread for potential blisters. I don't want the point of a needle sticking somewhere where it could jab me unexpectedly but I don't want to overpack with some massive case for a wee thing.

Thanks, and Buen Camino!
Helen

 

Abbeydore

Veteran Member

• Mar 22, 2012

• #2

we are taking lots of those old film cases with grey tops so you can write what the hell is inside, vaseline, sudocrem, needle, teatree oil, pills & potions, ear what-its, soap shampoo, string, start off with small compeed pac & hope to give it away, saftey-pins, plasters, these things are pretty water proof too, I refuse to take a sac cover, we both use macpac's, & I'm re-proofing mine(20yrs old)

ps we are not taking a camera, just our eyes
Going to wash my hat too so reproof that too :roll:

 

Pieces

Veteran Member

• Mar 22, 2012

• #3

i took one of those sewing kits one picks up in hotels... otherwise maybe use a matchbook/box....

apart from that all my toiletries were in 2 ziplock bags (flight size) one for the dailies one for the rest, no need to pack everything seperately, and this way you can locate everything easily and they are lighter than lots of film cases...

 

fraluchi

RIP 2019

Time of past OR future Camino

One every year since 2007

• Mar 22, 2012

• #4

Camino Yogini said:

But I still need to put together a first aid kit.

Click to expand...

Helen, you may find that, even on the holy Camino, Murphy's law remains very much applicable: the one thing you didn't carry with you will inevitably be necessary.
Don't panic yet! Most, if not all, albergues have not only a comprehensive first aid kit available for unfortunate pilgrims, but also experienced hospitaleros who can advise and patch most pilgrims' misadventures. For major accidents they can direct you to more specialized assistance, in which cases any first aid kit would be hopelessly inadequate.
On top of that, local pharmacies along the Camino are usually well equipped with whatever items many pilgrims over the years have proven to necessitate.
And should you get stuck somewhere with some really serious misadventure, you may well be assisted by experienced passing pilgrims who can communicate with locals and ask for help.
Always remain calm and listen to obviously knowledgeable locals.

 

Abbeydore

Veteran Member

• Mar 22, 2012

• #5

Pieces said:

i took one of those sewing kits one picks up in hotels... otherwise maybe use a matchbook/box....

apart from that all my toiletries were in 2 ziplock bags (flight size) one for the dailies one for the rest, no need to pack everything seperately, and this way you can locate everything easily and they are lighter than lots of film cases...

Click to expand...

maybe but in our case split between 2 including tooth paste :lol: ziplock bags sound a good idea, will look into them too. thanks.

 

jpflavin1

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino 2024 unknown starting 4/1 from somewhere.

• Mar 22, 2012

• #6

Camino Yogini:

I bring a first aid kit purchased from REI. They offer a variety of different very lightweight kits also very nicely packaged.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

FrancesK

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances (April/May 2012); Le puy (Sept 2013)

• Mar 23, 2012

• #7

I'm starting only a week or so earlier than you

I've put together a first aid kit that includes bandaids, ear buds, disinfectant wipes, blister tape and panadol. The way I see it, these are things i could potentially need whilst hiking during the day. Anything more advanced I can seek assistance with at a town.

I learnt from backpacking for 6mths in which i took every first aid item under the sun, most of which returned home with me at the end of the trip!