My first time. 01/10 -> 04/11

[NWY]

Hi CDSforum!
I'm going to walk the Camino (for the first time!!), starting @ 01/10.
My flight home is @ 04/11, is that about right or should I cancel it?
I'm contemplating bringing a pennyboard or a longboard.

Pennyboard pros:
Lightweight (2kg & very small)
Easy to carry

Pennyboard cons:
Not comfortable downhill & not very secure.

____________________________________

Longboard pros:
Very comfortable downhill & made for this.

Longboard cons:
Not lightweight. (3+kg & big)
Not that easy to carry.


Should I not bring either?
How big % of the roads are even asphalt?

Also, what should I bring?
So far I feel like I have the essentials:
2 jeans / pants
1 shorts
1 poncho in case it rains, which it most likely will
3 tshirts
4 socks
4 underwear
1 beanie
1 sleeping bag
1 hoodie
1 jacket<
1 pair of gloves
1 water bottle thing
1 SLR camera

I've probably missed something that I've already planned to take along, but please lecture me none the less!
Always great with help


How do I keep bed bugs away from me? I had them once in Paris @ a hostel and it was absolutely terrible, they're disgusting as hell.
Should I bring a powerbank for my phone or is there enough charger places @ the alberques?

Is 30euro/day enough? That's what I've read so far, 30eu seems to be pretty decent.

THANK YOU, SORRY FOR THE LONG POST

TL;DR tips and advices for Camino Frances

 

[Olivares]

Leave the pennyboard at home; it will definitely be more of a burden. The Camino is definitely NOT the right place to bring a skateboard.

I don't recommend jeans for the Camino. They are bulky, slow to dry up, and soak in dirt and mud like crazy. Bring sturdy shorts with plenty pockets, material that dries quickly.

For bedbugs, best approach is prevention. I brought with me an organic repellent, I also threw in lavender dryer sheets in my bag (lavender is a natural insect repellent). Plenty advice on this forum already posted. Browse and see if you still have questions. Buen Camino!

 

[MeganG22]

Hey there- welcome to the forum! I also am staring Oct 1st, but in Pamplona. Olivares above has good advice for those 3 topics and I just wanted to add- your dates are cutting it very close! I would give yourself AT LEAST another week... When I walked in 2012 it took 32 days and that was without any rest days really, and I also didn't go to Finisterre which you may want to do. You do not want to have the burden of a fast-approaching end date hanging over your head while you walk, that will really take its toll on your experience.

Buen Camino!

 

[NWY]

But, isn't it very likely to rain and be a bit cold in October? I'm from Denmark so I'm pretty used to bad weather, but how many celcius should I count with?
Is shorts what I'm going to be wearing for the most part? Is the weather really that good?

 

[Icacos]

Pennyboard? Longboard? Are you pulling a leg here?

 

[NWY]

Pennyboard? Longboard? Are you pulling a leg here?

I might break one if I bring it.
Packing light, can't carry safety gear.

 

[MeganG22]

But, isn't it very likely to rain and be a bit cold in October? I'm from Denmark so I'm pretty used to bad weather, but how many celcius should I count with?
Is shorts what I'm going to be wearing for the most part? Is the weather really that good?

Weather varies a LOT in October- you really need to be prepared for everything. In 2012 we had just a handful of rainy days and mostly warm or pleasant weather- also at least one day when I felt I would pass out from the heat! Like Olivares said- no jeans! But some light activewear pants are a good choice, and shorts for the warm days. Use the search bar up top to look up packing lists, you can find all the info you need in this forum.

 

[NWY]

Like Olivares said- no jeans! But some light activewear pants are a good choice, and shorts for the warm days.

Adidas Condivo 12, are they okay?

 

[Arn]

I wear shorts all year and I live where it snows. You can expect a few cool mornings, but for the most part, once you get going...you will warm up.
Dry and cold is good.
Wet and cold is bad.
No cotton clothing. COTTON Kills (even at higher temps)
Unpack your pack...take out all the "might needs"
Repack...over 20 lbs/9kg...you missed some of the might needs...take then out.
Buen Camino,

Arn

 

[Arn]

The Adi soccer training pants are great. 100% poly. Comfortable, provide just enough barrier in cool weather and dry quickly.

Arn

 

[NWY]

Thanks a lot Arn!
Cotton tshirts not even?
They're so light.

 

[MeganG22]

Thanks a lot Arn!
Cotton tshirts not even?
They're so light.

They're light, yes, but they don't dry quickly and don't wick.

 

[NWY]

They're light, yes, but they don't dry quickly and don't wick.

Which kind should I bring then?

 

[Olivares]

I "lived" in two Nike exercise long pants, quick dry, very breathable fabric. They were perfect for the Camino, I walked in May (4 times), October (1), June-July (1). These pants and a 7 inch tablet were the best things in my bag. Buen Camino!

 

[MeganG22]

Which kind should I bring then?

Well, anything quickdry, wicking, etc. Shirts made for working out, running.... Things you can find in most outdoor gear stores or sports stores. The search bar up top is your new best friend! Search for packing lists, gear lists, etc- there are lots of packing lists that people post and they might have more specific info. Not sure what stores are around you...

 

[fraluchi]

We've walked during September/October on various occasions and proper clothing proved essential: a) against the cold (early mornings, sun may get up later as you get along, sometimes foggy), b) against rain (unpredictable at any time, but rainier as you get nearer Santiago) and, believe it or not, c) for walking sometimes during soaring heat (particularly afternoons).
Light clothing materials are important for quick drying.
Take along an umbrella (which you can also buy locally when necessary): for either shade or against rain.
Ultreya!