Newbe here

[Maverick19]

Hi all, just come across this forum, lots of info - I'm planning to walk the camino Frances next year, abw, so will be gathering tips from all you experienced pilgrims

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi all, just come across this forum, lots of info - I'm planning to walk the camino Frances next year, abw, so will be gathering tips from all you experienced pilgrims

Welcome to the forum @Maverick19
Yes, ask away or research the wealth of info on this forum using the ‘search’ function .

Buen Camino
Annie

 

[David]

Welcome - and it is not just one way, I'm sure you will have contributions to make!

Enjoy - and enjoy your planning too

Buen Camino!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @Maverick19 .
Another welcome. This forum and the Camino Family will be more than willing to help you with your quest. It is probable that 90% of the questions you will think off have all been asked (some more than others) and all have been answered. Use the search function as much as possible, but if you want a current answer to 3 or 5 year old post then we are here to help. Don't worry if the responses appear more than a bit overwhelming, you have signed yourself up to a bunch of camino fanatics. Again welcome and buen camino.

 

[wcsjms]

Welcome and Buen Camino ! You have come to the repository of everything dealing with the Camino. All one needs to do is investigate everything from photos to packing your backpack to clothing to what soaps to bring. It is all here. If you can't find an answer ask and someone in the forum will have the answer for you !

Buen Camino !!!

 

[Ricardo Moretti]

Hello newcomer,

Having started the Camino Frances in March of 2018, I completed it in April of 2018 and am planning on doing it again in 2019. I have the following reccomendations:
1. Shoes: Unless you have week ankles, I reccomend running shoes or trail runners for the Camino Frances. However, boots will be more apporpriate if you do it in March or early April or anytime from October to early April - as there are periods of snow and rain during this time of year. Whatever, you bring, MAKE SURE THAT YOU BREAK THEM IN BEFORE FOR AT LEAST 2 MONTHS PRIOR.
2. Backpack of 50L and under should do the job nicely.
3. Clothes: quick dry and lightweight: 2 shirts; 2 pants; 3 underwears; 1 fleece jacket or more depenging on season. PJs are optional.
4. Socks: wool - 3 pairs.
5. Map/Guidebook
6. Rain Gear
7. Hat (all year) and sunglasses (for summer months)
8. Gloves if you are walking it in October to early April.
9. Walking poles with rubber tips - they help take some of the strain off your joints whilst going uphill and downhill.
10. A water 750ml-1L bottle/container - I personally am NOT a fan of the water bladders that you put into your backpack as it is not convenient.
11. A pocket knife
12. First aid kit for blisters.
13. Toiletries including some toilet paper.
14. Sleeping bag: not necessary during the summer months. Actually at the time I did it, i slept in private rooms in private alburgues and/or hotels so I didn't need it.
15. Quick dry towel
16. phone
17. End of day footwear like sandals of flip flops - lightweight.
18. Ibuprofen and Voltaren extra-strength
19. sun cream

I would research on how to avoid blisters. You will still get some but you'll be better prepared.

Walk at your pace! Some people walk fast and some slow. When you meet someone and you want to walk together try to walk at your pace and by that I mean walking somewhat slower is fine but to speed up your pace to keep up with the other traveller will result in either with a blister(s) and some very sore muscles and joints. Remember this is NOT A RACE or a marathon! Relax and enjoy.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY: Your body will let you know when it is time to take a break or several breaks, to stop for the day, and to take a rest day which is often ignored.

LISTEN TO YOUR FEET: they will always warn you (such as rubbing, hard sport and hot spot) of an impending foot problems. Take breaks and take off your shoes and socks and let them air dry. Apply vaseline on feet on wet days and stick anti-perspirant on hot days.

Do not carry much supplies such as toiletries, first aid, food, or other as there is bascially a town or village within a few hours reach on the trail that will have some supplies.

Leave at times that are convenient: Some people will want to leave super early and in so doing they will wake everybody else up. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHHHH THEM!