Newby to the Camino

[Kendalaz23]

Hi There..I'm all booked to start the Camino from sjdp approx April 10th 2017. Has been a plan for the last 2 years..so am extremely looking forward to it. I'm travelling alone but intend making friends along the way This is a fantastic forum, have picked up some great tips..Thankyou.

 

[Kanga]

Welcome @Kendalaz23 - hope you enjoy the planning. Lots of Kiwis on the forum, so that may be helpful for information about locally available gear etc. And my favourite pack - in fact I won't use anything else - is the Aarn pack - from a Christchurch company!

 

[Kendalaz23]

Oh cool thanks for that..I haven't got round to getting a pack yet but will check that one out

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Hi @Kendalaz23 and welcome. Good on you for travelling so far to complete a dream. If you need any specific help, feel free to PM (personal Message) me. I’m also in NZ and have walked several different caminos. Here if you need any advice or support.
Cheers, Grace

 

[Kendalaz23]

Thanks for that Grace I will do that

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Oh cool thanks for that..I haven't got round to getting a pack yet but will check that one out

Second the Aarn pack. Lucky you living in New Zealand. Lots of great outdoor gear and places to train.

No problems with meeting people along the Way - you'll soon gain a Camino family!

Enjoy the preparation.

 

[Kendalaz23]

Thanks so much

 

[SYates]

Nothing else to say than - Have a Buen Camino! SY

 

[alexwalker]

This is a fantastic forum...

Yes, it is.

I recommend that you select a backpack that fits 2 demands:

1) Light/small enough to bring it as carry-on on the plane: no waiting for your luggage, and always in sight. No lost luggage.
2) That way you won't overpack; the most common mistake by newbies.

Buen Camino! It will most likely be the experience of your life, and it is much easier/simple than you most likely fear.

PS: Unless you are extremely introvert, you WILL make new friends; Sometimes for life.

 

[Kendalaz23]

Ouch..Not sure if I could be light enough to just have a carry on bag Tho I have a packing list in my head & I'm thinking It won't be too much ..Thanks muchly for your encouragement

 

[alexwalker]

Ouch..Not sure if I could be light enough to just have a carry on bag Tho I have a packing list in my head & I'm thinking It won't be too much ..Thanks muchly for your encouragement

Along the first stages of the Camino you will find lots of items in albergues, left by pilgrims who were overpacking... Pick up for free if you need anything... Walking with a backpack more than 10 % of your bodyweight is asking for trouble. Just a fact. Selecting a carry-on size backpack will secure that you do not bring with you more than you really need (in addition to eliminating the risk of losing your baggage), and remember: Spain is a highly civilized country in Europe: Whatever you forgot, you can buy there, and normally at a fraction of the price in your home country. f.ex.: The best walking socks I have ever owned, I bought in Castrojeriz (2 days after Burgos). Gonna buy 2 more pairs when I stay there there in Sept. this year.

Golden rule: If you know you need it, pack it. If you think you need it, throw it out immediately. And no makeup/mascara etc.: We do not give a sh*t how you look, and neither do you after a week on the trail!

The relief of having your backpack as a carry-on can hardly be overrated.

Buen Camino!

 

[Camino Kat]

Hi There..I'm all booked to start the Camino from sjdp approx April 10th 2017. Has been a plan for the last 2 years..so am extremely looking forward to it. I'm travelling alone but intend making friends along the way This is a fantastic forum, have picked up some great tips..Thankyou.

I'll be a day behind you, so perhaps we will meet along the way! I was on the Camino a year ago and I can't wait to get back there. Happy planning and Buen Camino!!

 

[Kendalaz23]

Oh cool..I will look out for you