My advice

[Frank Mestre]

Hi I am in Finistierre at the end of my 35 day 910km. 1st. Camino. My advice whilst still fresh is this. What you wil need. 35k back pack. Smallest sleeping bag you can afford. 2 t shirts, 1 pair of walking shorts, 1 poncho, I pair of long comfy trousers. I pair walking sandles 1 pair light walking boots. 1 fleece, 1 waterproof jacket, belt and pouch to carry wallet, passport, credenciales. 2 pairs of good walking socks, 2 pairs of pants/ knickers, 1 lightweight quick drying Towel. Blister plasters, toothpaste, brush, a soap in a holder, perhaps shampoo or small shower gell use these for washing cloths whilst showering. Mobil charger, ear plugs. You can buy 600ml. Iboprofen in Spain and very cheap. You will need on average 30euro per day. Sleep/ evening pilgrims menu/ breakfast/ beer. Try to find a supermarket buy rolls and fillings and make your lunch. A bottle of wine goes a long way for around 1-2 Euro. Book SJPdP Albergue. Start early 6-6.30am. you should arrive a Rondesvalles around 3pm. Book monestry, just in case you gat delayed. If your going for a long stretch then book an Albergue for security just in case you arrive later. This also gives you the luxury of taking it easy. I’ve seen many people having to walk another 5-10km because of albergues being fully booked. Remember if you decide you don’t want the booking you can cancel at any point. Try to make companions early with people who you feel comfortable with, get up at the same times and walk at your pace more or less. Even if you don’t always walk Accompanied it’s always good to get together at the end of the day and have a laugh. I loved chatting to many people and it was great to occasionally come across those same people at different times during the Camino. I never felt alone and yet I often walked alone. We started a watts app group and we kept in touch. I’ve just said goodbye to a walking partner and it was very sad. Buen camino.

 

[Geoff Shepherd]

Hi I am in Finistierre at the end of my 35 day 910km. 1st. Camino. My advice whilst still fresh is this. What you wil need. 35k back pack. Smallest sleeping bag you can afford. 2 t shirts, 1 pair of walking shorts, I pair of long comfy trousers. I pair walking sandles 1 pair light walking boots. 1 fleece, 1 waterproof jacket, belt and pouch to carry wallet, passport, credenciales. 2 pairs of good walking socks, 2 pairs of pants/ knickers, 1 lightweight quick drying Towel. Blister plasters, toothpaste, brush, a soap in a holder, perhaps shampoo or small shower gell use these for washing cloths whilst showering. Mobil charger, ear plugs. You can buy 600ml. Iboprofen in Spain and very cheap. You will need on average 30euro per day. Sleep/ evening pilgrims menu/ breakfast/ beer. Try to find a supermarket buy rolls and fillings and make your lunch. A bottle of wine goes a long way for around 1-2 Euro. Book SJPdP Albergue. Start early 6-6.30am. you should arrive a Rondesvalles around 3pm. Book monestry, just in case you gat delayed. If your going for a long stretch then book an Albergue for security just in case you arrive later. This also gives you the luxury of taking it easy. I’ve seen many people having to walk another 5-10km because of albergues being fully booked. Remember if you decide you don’t want the booking you can cancel at any point. Try to make companions early with people who you feel comfortable with, get up at the same times and walk at your pace more or less. Even if you don’t always walk Accompanied it’s always good to get together at the end of the day and have a laugh. I loved chatting to many people and it was great to occasionally come across those same people at different times during the Camino. I never felt alone and yet I often walked alone. We started a watts app group and we kept in touch. I’ve just said goodbye to a walking partner and it was very sad. Buen camino.

Great advice Frank - thanks. Good to hear that you had a wonderful first Camino. I do my first in Sep - hope it goes as well as your obviously did. Cooee

 

[tillyjones]

Congrats on your walk. It is always nice to reflect on just what you needed and didn't need at the end of it all.

Just a reminder to newbies, that while this represents what this pilgrim has concluded he needs, it isn't necessarily what everyone needs. I don't take many of these things. Would hate to see someone load up based on a post that says this is what you 'need'. To each their own. It is nice to see what others take though to compare and plan.

 

[Robo]

Glad to hear it all went well Frank.
When is the next one ?

 

[nycwalking]

Congratulations.

 

[tomnorth]

Great to hear how your Camino was. I’m glad you had a good experience.

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi I am in Finistierre at the end of my 35 day 910km. 1st. Camino. My advice whilst still fresh is this. What you wil need. 35k back pack. Smallest sleeping bag you can afford. 2 t shirts, 1 pair of walking shorts, I pair of long comfy trousers. I pair walking sandles 1 pair light walking boots. 1 fleece, 1 waterproof jacket, belt and pouch to carry wallet, passport, credenciales. 2 pairs of good walking socks, 2 pairs of pants/ knickers, 1 lightweight quick drying Towel. Blister plasters, toothpaste, brush, a soap in a holder, perhaps shampoo or small shower gell use these for washing cloths whilst showering. Mobil charger, ear plugs. You can buy 600ml. Iboprofen in Spain and very cheap. You will need on average 30euro per day. Sleep/ evening pilgrims menu/ breakfast/ beer. Try to find a supermarket buy rolls and fillings and make your lunch. A bottle of wine goes a long way for around 1-2 Euro. Book SJPdP Albergue. Start early 6-6.30am. you should arrive a Rondesvalles around 3pm. Book monestry, just in case you gat delayed. If your going for a long stretch then book an Albergue for security just in case you arrive later. This also gives you the luxury of taking it easy. I’ve seen many people having to walk another 5-10km because of albergues being fully booked. Remember if you decide you don’t want the booking you can cancel at any point. Try to make companions early with people who you feel comfortable with, get up at the same times and walk at your pace more or less. Even if you don’t always walk Accompanied it’s always good to get together at the end of the day and have a laugh. I loved chatting to many people and it was great to occasionally come across those same people at different times during the Camino. I never felt alone and yet I often walked alone. We started a watts app group and we kept in touch. I’ve just said goodbye to a walking partner and it was very sad. Buen camino.

Congratulations. Ups and downs, of course sad to say goodbye... but a lot to savour as you run it all over in your mind in the days and weeks to come...

 

[JanelMcB]

If you need a holder for your soap, check out theshowerbuddy.com. Soap holder, back scratcher, and exfoliator all in one. Hang it from your pack for easy access whenever hand washing is needed along The Way. Super quick drying and absolute minimal weight.

 

[HedaP]

Well done and congratulations.

 

[Frank Mestre]

If you need a holder for your soap, check out theshowerbuddy.com. Soap holder, back scratcher, and exfoliator all in one. Hang it from your pack for easy access whenever hand washing is needed along The Way. Super quick drying and absolute minimal weight.

You’ll go far Jane. But for the record nothing worse than a wet soup knocking around in a wash bag.

 

[JanelMcB]

You’ll go far Janel. But for the record nothing worse than a wet soap knocking around in a wash bag.

Soap and nylon net bag dry fast. The product can be secured from both ends, so there is no "knocking around." It works well on my pack and is convenient. I've found it's the best way to carry soap.

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

Well done and congratulations ! It's such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment .

 

[Richard Smith]

>> Thanks for posting, a great response just after you finished. Looks like you enjoyed your Camino!