My Camino shopping

[SarahTheKiwi]

How exciting to go shopping for my upcoming Camino Frances, April 2024. Here are some of my bargain finds.

* Mini sanitiser and the perfect sized carabiner - it will hang from my ribbon webbing.
* Mini shampoo/conditioner bottles.
* A pouch with shoulder strap.... I'm going to fashion it into a sternum pouch using the metal hoops either side... and do away with shoulder strap.
* S hooks... I'll just take one.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't rule out your local Kmart, Target, $2 shop, or whatever it is in your area. I know there are people who insist on branded items, but there are options. I'll be going back for more carabiners

 

[trecile]

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't rule out your local Kmart, Target, $2 shop, or whatever it is in your area. I know there are people who insist on branded items, but there are options.

Absolutely. I have bought a number of Camino things at the Dollar store. They have some zippered mesh laundry bags that would be great for packing.

 

[J Willhaus]

Good for you! Another tip, a "shampoo bar" available at stylist shops can replace your body soap and shampoo. No, it isn't the best at either, but good enough for the Camino.

 

[trecile]

Good for you! Another tip, a "shampoo bar" available at stylist shops can replace your body soap and shampoo. No, it isn't the best at either, but good enough for the Camino.

Ever since my first Camino in 2016 I only use shampoo bars. They are available at many different places and at many different price points. In fact, I've bought some at Dollar stores.

A good thing about buying inexpensive items for your Camino is that if you decide that they won't work for you, that you haven't spent a ton of money on them.

 

[roving_rufus]

Given my favourite long sleeve hiking shirt I bought in Lidl 10 years ago which has outlasted the expensive one I got given as a present for Christmas the next year - I am all in favour of spending wisely on gear! I have stuff from IKEA, Lidl, Primark, Dunnes Stores (for my fellow Irish folks), Pound/euro shops, supermarkets in my pack. I have gear from the cheaper end of the outdoor/hiking market including shorts. I also have second hand branded gear that I bought online such as on ebay. But I have splurged on some items like shoes and rucksack, which is about spending wisely!

I am a shampoo bar girl - in fact I made the switch in my normal life at home not just travelling. Lighter and less messy travelling.

 

[SarahTheKiwi]

Absolutely. I have bought a number of Camino things at the Dollar store. They have some zippered mesh laundry bags that would be great for packing.

Yes got one of those previously so that I can air dry my towel on the outside my pack. I've heard of people using them to separate dirty shoes too.

 

[trecile]

Yes got one of those previously so that I can air dry my towel on the outside my pack. I've heard of people using them to separate dirty shoes too.

I use shower caps (from the Dollar store) for dirty shoes. I don't think that the mesh bags would work that well for that purpose.

 

[nidarosa]

Great finds! However, you might want to try that bag with the shoulder strap as is, since you'll want to keep your valuables with you at all times. Or are you planning on using a bumbag for that and this for something else? I personally prefer to use a cross-body bag for my passport, money, phone etc and put it on before/under the pack so it stays on even when I sit down for a coffee etc.

Oh and I totally agree with the shampoo bars, I use them at home now too. Being a kiwi you have probably got easy access to Ethique ones! Enjoy your prep and planning

 

[Jodean]

Love my mesh bags for packing. They are quiet and I can see everything. Plus they are super light.

 

[John Gilliland]

I found these collapsible dog bowls on Amazon, 2 for US $5.99. A whole lot cheaper and still larger than the Sea to Summit cup I have.

Amazon.com

 

[wynrich]

Fun thread. We found some super super lightweight plastic bowls at our local dollar store. We take them with us because we sometimes like to have breakfast cereal and fruit in our room for either breakfast or dinner. The bowls have held up for several years.

 

[Gringazolana]

I love my hat, that I paid five bucks for on Temu.

 

[J Willhaus]

I love my hat, that I paid five bucks for on Temu. View attachment 155312

As an aside, I also love the Mercado where you are in the your picture. So many good options to eat and drink. Something for everyone and the prices are not terrible.

 

[Anamya]

I love those finds!
I reuse little pouches from airlines ( those that come with socks inside) as first aid kits or other small things carriers. Ziploc bags also work.

 

[HappyValerie]

Maybe not for everyone, but for my first Camino, I had my hair cut really short. I didn't need to take shampoo, conditioner, a brush or a comb. It was mostly under a hat or a beanie, but it kept its "style" when uncovered. It was soooo easy, & it was the Camino, so appearance was not paramount. No regrets at all about my decision.
Second Camino, I enjoyed the same advantages, but with a centimetre or 2 more length!

 

[SarahTheKiwi]

Great finds! However, you might want to try that bag with the shoulder strap as is, since you'll want to keep your valuables with you at all times. Or are you planning on using a bumbag for that and this for something else? I personally prefer to use a cross-body bag for my passport, money, phone etc and put it on before/under the pack so it stays on even when I sit down for a coffee etc.

Oh and I totally agree with the shampoo bars, I use them at home now too. Being a kiwi you have probably got easy access to Ethique ones! Enjoy your prep and planning

I'm hoping to find a lighter strap, so that I can still use the pouch as a cross body bag under a jacket when going out. I didn't want to wear a bum bag as I've already got the pack hip straps there - but then again everything is subject to testing before I leave! I'm tossing up between liquid soap and shampoo bar to do everything including laundry, but must admit I'm more shampoo bar curious now.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yes got one of those previously so that I can air dry my towel on the outside my pack. I've heard of people using them to separate dirty shoes too.

I love my smallish zippered mesh laundry bags. I use them for packing nearly everything in my backpack as I use a white trash compactor bag to line the interior. They make no noise, so there is no annoying bag rustling when packing.

 

[goldie from aus]

A white trash compactor bag to line the interior. .

CC is this just to keep things clean, or for bugs??

 

[Camino Chrissy]

CC is this just to keep things clean, or for bugs??

If raining the trash compactor bag is extra protection to keep everything inside dry. Although my pack cover works pretty good, since I use a rain jacket instead of a poncho, things inside could still be compromised in a long lasting downpour. It also keeps bedbugs out of my things as I seal it shut at night. I prefer the laundry bags to stuff sacks. They are much easier to pack up and in addition.you can see what's inside.

 

[Gringazolana]

As an aside, I also love the Mercado where you are in the your picture. So many good options to eat and drink. Something for everyone and the prices are not terrible.

Decent vegan options plus craft beer. Everyone is happy!!

 

[John Gilliland]

Decent vegan options plus craft beer. Everyone is happy!!

Which market is it?

 

[J Willhaus]

It is in Santiago just outside the old town.
Rúa de Gómez Ulla, 1, Bajo, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain

 

[trecile]

Which market is it?

It is in Santiago just outside the old town.
Rúa de Gómez Ulla, 1, Bajo, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain

Called La Galiciana

Mercado La Galiciana · Santiago de Compostela

Un mercado gastronómico con 8 locales de cocina, 3 barras de bebidas y puestos delicatessen, en el corazón de Santiago de Compostela

en.mercadolagaliciana.es

 

[Mycroft]

I found these collapsible dog bowls on Amazon, 2 for US $5.99. A whole lot cheaper and still larger than the Sea to Summit cup I have.View attachment 155309

Amazon.com

Are they plastic or silicone?

 

[Debora]

How exciting to go shopping for my upcoming Camino Frances, April 2024. Here are some of my bargain finds.

* Mini sanitiser and the perfect sized carabiner - it will hang from my ribbon webbing.
* Mini shampoo/conditioner bottles.
* A pouch with shoulder strap.... I'm going to fashion it into a sternum pouch using the metal hoops either side... and do away with shoulder strap.
* S hooks... I'll just take one.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't rule out your local Kmart, Target, $2 shop, or whatever it is in your area. I know there are people who insist on branded items, but there are options. I'll be going back for more carabiners

View attachment 155288

An idea for shampoo/conditioner is Lush sells a round bar that can be used for hair and body. If you purchase their square tin it makes it easy to get the round soap out and best part...lasts the entire camino. (I even used it to wash my socks in the sink!)

 

[John Gilliland]

Are they plastic or silicone?

soft plastic

 

[EWB]

Ever since my first Camino in 2016 I only use shampoo bars. They are available at many different places and at many different price points. In fact, I've bought some at Dollar stores.

A good thing about buying inexpensive items for your Camino is that if you decide that they won't work for you, that you haven't spent a ton of money on them.

I am thinking about bringing a shampoo bar…but am perplexed with the best way to pack it. Any ideas for how to let it dry after use so you can pack it away?

 

[trecile]

I am thinking about bringing a shampoo bar…but am perplexed with the best way to pack it. Any ideas for how to let it dry after use so you can pack it away?

I made a mesh bag for mine. I can use it while it's in the mesh bag. Then I hang it on the clothes line after my shower. That doesn't get it completely dry though, so I wrap it in a small piece of microfiber towel and put it in a small ziplock baggie.

 

[J Willhaus]

We just keep ours in a ziplock sandwich bag. It dries pretty quickly and I pop it in after my shower. May depend on the type and brand you use.

 

[SarahTheKiwi]

Definitely going to check out these shampoo bars now! Ethique has been advertising a lot lately. I have exceptionally dry skin so need something that's kind.

 

[JillGat]

BTW, I am making shampoo and conditioner bars again (I wasn't happy with the durability of the Lush versions, so have formulated my own). I'll post them in the commercial/for sale/what's that section called?

 

[trecile]

BTW, I am making shampoo and conditioner bars again (I wasn't happy with the durability of the Lush versions, so have formulated my own). I'll post them in the commercial/for sale/what's that section called?

I have used @JillGat's shampoo and conditioner bars in the past, and the conditioner bar is the best bar type conditioner that I've used. I'm a little mad at myself that I gave one away to my daughter!

 

[JMac56]

How exciting to go shopping for my upcoming Camino Frances, April 2024. Here are some of my bargain finds.

* Mini sanitiser and the perfect sized carabiner - it will hang from my ribbon webbing.
* Mini shampoo/conditioner bottles.
* A pouch with shoulder strap.... I'm going to fashion it into a sternum pouch using the metal hoops either side... and do away with shoulder strap.
* S hooks... I'll just take one.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't rule out your local Kmart, Target, $2 shop, or whatever it is in your area. I know there are people who insist on branded items, but there are options. I'll be going back for more carabiners

View attachment 155288

I like the "sternum pouch" idea. I tried something similar on one Camino. Just be sure it doesn't jiggle around too much as this can become quite annoying when walking. Buen Camino.

 

[SarahTheKiwi]

I like the "sternum pouch" idea. I tried something similar on one Camino. Just be sure it doesn't jiggle around too much as this can become quite annoying when walking. Buen Camino.

Hi JMac - unfortunately this idea hasn't panned out for me. I've got my pack now and there's not a lot of webbing options on the front straps. It's still the best pack for me ergonomically and volume wise and those are pretty important too. So I think I'll go back to the idea of a pouch that can be worn across the shoulder, under the pack. Doubles as a purse/small bag when going out without the pack.

Speaking of shampoo bars - I've been doing some experimentation. I've tried the Anihana Lavender one available here in NZ. It's reasonably small, soaps up beautifully, but I don't think it will last long. Wasn't the cheapest either.

This one was excellent, and ironically it's the cheapest. Made in NZ. I'm pretty sure my hands are going to still be intact after a month of handwashing - Henrietta-natural-lemon-scented-shampoo-bar.

I've bought my sleeping bag - an ultralightweight 600gm down bag. Snug at room temperature. Have recently bought a lot of things for the Milford Track (10 Feb here we come!) so it will be a fitting road test for some of my gear. Very exciting times coming up!

 

[JMac56]

Yes Sarah, good idea. That is where I went next too.