Non-Shopper Packing for the Camino.......

[CelticQuest]

Dear pilgrims, I'm walking from Santiago to Finisterre and Muxia in September (2018) and then the full CF next year. I already own hiking clothes, but where do I go to to buy the other stuff (on the packing checklists)? How easy is it find the non-clothing things (i.e. towel, torch, spork, ear plugs, etc) in the UK? Is it just a matter of trawling the internet, to get the best deals, or is there a one-stop shop where I can get everything? I'm not a shopper and am looking for the easy way out here.................

 

[SabsP]

Dear pilgrims, I'm walking from Santiago to Finisterre and Muxia in September (2018) and then the full CF next year. I already own hiking clothes, but where do I go to to buy the other stuff (on the packing checklists)? How easy is it find the non-clothing things (i.e. towel, torch, spork, ear plugs, etc) in the UK? Is it just a matter of trawling the internet, to get the best deals, or is there a one-stop shop where I can get everything? I'm not a shopper and am looking for the easy way out here.................

Hi and welcome here.
I think Cotswolds Outdoor might be a good start.
https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/

Don't forget the one pound shops for a spork or ear plugs. If you have a smartphone you can use the light instead of bringing a torch.

 

[Waka]

I agree with SabineP regarding Cotswold Outdoor, but there are other places as well. I bought most of my marino gear online from Sport Pursuit, always doing sales.
Also Mountain Warehouse have some very good deals on, all there marino range are reduced to £19.99, a very good bargain.
If you're not into marino wool then others are always available at reasonable prices.
These 3 outlets will be able to address all your needs.

 

[CdnDreamer]

Do you really need the other stuff? I ate all my meals in bars/restaurants. Not once did I use the knife I bought in SJPdP, and I never used a spork. If you buy bananas, apples and granola bars you don't need utensils. You may not need a torch - I just used my cell phone the one time I was walking in the dark. At night the cell phone was all I needed to find my way to the bathroom. I never used ear plugs, but snoring doesn't bother me. I didn't buy any special soap either - just washed my clothes and hair with the shampoo I bought along the way. The packing checklists are guides - we don't all carry the same items. Sorry, can't help you with the names of stores in England, but may save you some time and money if you rethink what you really need for the trip! Buen camino!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Do you really need the other stuff? I ate all my meals in bars/restaurants. Not once did I use the knife I bought in SJPdP, and I never used a spork. If you buy bananas, apples and granola bars you don't need utensils. You may not need a torch - I just used my cell phone the one time I was walking in the dark. At night the cell phone was all I needed to find my way to the bathroom. I never used ear plugs, but snoring doesn't bother me. I didn't buy any special soap either - just washed my clothes and hair with the shampoo I bought along the way. The packing checklists are guides - we don't all carry the same items. Sorry, can't help you with the names of stores in England, but may save you some time and money if you rethink what you really need for the trip! Buen camino!

For those who purchase items like cheeses and sausages and sandwich rolls or baguettes, a knife -- like a small Opinel -- is invaluable. It can also be used to cut tape to length, trim off excess or bothersome fabric or straps, and to whittle toothpicks on the fly

 

[J Willhaus]

If you are a non-shopper, just look at a few packing lists either recommended here or in one of the books (such as the one by S.Yates) and make a list of things you don't already have for purchase. We also had almost everything we needed, but as a shopper, I found it fun to look at things even if I did not buy. You can make the decision about things you need or don't and there are stores in Spain in case you get there and decide that something else is needed. Generally most people take more stuff than they need and decide after a few days to either leave things behind or ship a box ahead to Santiago for pick-up when you arrive. Your goal is to have a light pack with only the essentials, but what is considered essential is often up for debate on the forum.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Millets is also good and like Cotswold Outdoors is also online with a click and collect option.
Note this is millets.co.uk not milletsports.
We took travel towels by life venture and sporks. Earplugs from a local pharmacy and eye shade for night. Mini torch and swiss card set, but it depends on how you are travelling/checking bag as the mini knife might not be allowed. Cheap knife from a bazaar type shop in Spain would do the job.

 

[C clearly]

the other stuff (on the packing checklists)? How easy is it find the non-clothing things (i.e. towel, torch, spork, ear plugs, etc)

The only specialty items you need on the camino are: footwear, backpack, sleeping bag or liner, and blister treatment. Everything else can be found in mundane locations.

For a towel, grab a tea/dish towel from your kitchen; take any tiny torch IF you want one, ear plugs from the drugstore/pharmacy, an ordinary pocket knife IF you want one. Any small spoon and fork IF you want to take them.

Many of us obsess over our packing lists because we enjoy "perfecting" the collection for best functionality, least weight and size, while we await our dates for departure.

 

[Pam Scott]

Dear pilgrims, I'm walking from Santiago to Finisterre and Muxia in September (2018) and then the full CF next year. I already own hiking clothes, but where do I go to to buy the other stuff (on the packing checklists)? How easy is it find the non-clothing things (i.e. towel, torch, spork, ear plugs, etc) in the UK? Is it just a matter of trawling the internet, to get the best deals, or is there a one-stop shop where I can get everything? I'm not a shopper and am looking for the easy way out here.................

Go Outdoors is a good place,reasonable prices and a 10 % if you have one of their discount cards. Spork, I never needed one. Earplug, a definite. Buen camino

 

[t2andreo]

I have also used Outdoor GB in the UK. They will ship to North America. Sometimes the savings is worth it, especially on European brands.

http://www.outdoorgb.com/

 

[JanelMcB]

REI.COM could handle all of your needs. One year return policy. Educated and well-informed sales personnel. To Walk Far, Carry Less by Jean-Christie Ashmore is a fabulous resource for all things Camino. Plenty of referral info contained within re websites. I had a question for the author, sent an e mail, and received an extremely detailed reply within a few days.

 

[CelticQuest]

REI.COM could handle all of your needs. One year return policy. Educated and well-informed sales personnel. To Walk Far, Carry Less by Jean-Christie Ashmore is a fabulous resource for all things Camino. Plenty of referral info contained within re websites. I had a question for the author, sent an e mail, and received an extremely detailed reply within a few days.

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That sounds incredible, thanks!