Austinpaterson
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Future Camino
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As little as possible, but whatever you need to be comfortable. For me that consists of small versions of: tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, bar soap (used also for hair and laundry), hand lotion, sun screen. Then, any necessary prescription medications, and a sampling of first aid items. You might also want disposable razors.I’m wondering what others pack in the way of toiletries when considering weight?)
Agreed! That is in my sampling of medications, along with ibuprofen, and antihistamines!In addition to the basics listed above by C clearly e anti-diarrhea medicine and pocket packs of tissues for toilet paper. There is nothing worse than diarrhea on the trail first thing in the cold morning air!
There's a lot to be said for trying to take enough of what you use. Not only does your pack become lighter as you proceed but you can almost guarantee if you need to replenish something along the way, you'll only be able to find it in super jumbo family size!...items can be bought along the Camino, but I prefer to have enough so I don't have to look for a pharmacy at an inconvenient time.
Hi, get two or three small plastic squeezable tubes from any travel or outdoor store, fill them with shampoo, conditioner, some liquid soap, and you are covered. Also purchase a travel size tube of toothpaste. Hair brush, tooth brush. I also take a face cloth...and a ziplock bag for it in case I have to carry it damp. Outdoor store will also have lightweight towels, take one. You should be able to fit everything into a small, fabric toiletry bag....( except the towel). Two or three spare ziplock type freezer bags can be very useful, not just for damp stuff, but for snacks like cheese. Enjoy your Camino....best wishes from Canada!Good morning (from Australia-)
I’m wondering what others pack in the way of toiletries when considering weight?)
Planning on heading off from SJPP late April … first time and looking forward to the walk.
Thanks
Pack as little as possible with one exception: One roll of toilet paper in a ZIP lock bag. You are backpacking not gooing to socials.Good morning (from Australia-)
I’m wondering what others pack in the way of toiletries when considering weight?)
Planning on heading off from SJPP late April … first time and looking forward to the walk.
Thanks
Hi Austin.Good morning (from Australia-)
I’m wondering what others pack in the way of toiletries when considering weight?)
Planning on heading off from SJPP late April … first time and looking forward to the walk.
Thanks
Same for me on my first Camino. I was planning to use sunscreen and my conditioner bar which contains oils on my skin while I was damp from the shower, but it wasn't enough, so I bought a small tube of cream.C clearly nails it. I agree some lotion, other than sunblock, is needed. At least for me. It is the one thing I didn't bring and had to buy when my hands and feet started cracking and my legs were so dry then itched.
Bear in mind though that you are very limited as to how much liquid you can take into an aircraft cabin in carry-on luggage so make sure that you don't go over the total limit.Hi, get two or three small plastic squeezable tubes from any travel or outdoor store, fill them with shampoo, conditioner, some liquid soap, and you are covered. Also purchase a travel size tube of toothpaste. Hair brush, tooth brush. I also take a face cloth...and a ziplock bag for it in case I have to carry it damp. Outdoor store will also have lightweight towels, take one. You should be able to fit everything into a small, fabric toiletry bag....( except the towel). Two or three spare ziplock type freezer bags can be very useful, not just for damp stuff, but for snacks like cheese. Enjoy your Camino....best wishes from Canada!
You can save a little weight by using a shampoo bar for hair, body, and shaving. One 4 ounce shampoo bar has lasted me for an entire 1000 km Camino.For shaving, I find that bar soap works well in place of shave cream while backpacking
Gastro-stop (or equivalent) ! Almost no weight but if you need them, you need them!In addition to the basics listed above by C clearly carry anti-diarrhea medicine. There is nothing worse than diarrhea on the trail first thing in the cold morning air kms from any pharmacy.
Currently researching Turkish towels and would greatly appreciate any advice from experienced pilgrims on size and brands etc. Ideally, I want a lightweight, multipurpose towel that lifts my spirit with its quality and colour! I am happy to pay for such a thing, if it exists?!Bear in mind though that you are very limited as to how much liquid you can take into an aircraft cabin in carry-on luggage so make sure that you don't go over the total limit.
For conditioner when my hair was long I used a tiny drop of olive oil rubbed through the ends of my hair, and it's just as good as a skin lotion. Olive oil is dead easy to get hold of in Spain of course, often in little bottles. Snce I lost all my hair to chemo I've kept it cropped very short and I must admit that makes it very easy to take care of, just a swipe of any old soap or shampoo does fine.
For towels I like Turkish style woven ones, they are nearly as light as the microfibre ones, cost about 1/3 of the price, and feel much nicer to use. They dry as fast too. And they make a pretty good sarong or loin cloth.
Thanks for the positive review. I was looking at it at TJ's the other day, but didn't buy it.This is a good, very multi-purpose product for use on hands, feet, lips, hair, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UVOVIJW/?tag=casaivar02-20
A small roll of toilet paper for emergencies should be in one of those ziplock plastic bags.
Pack as little as possible with one exception: One roll of toilet paper in a ZIP lock bag. You are backpacking not gooing to socials.
Couldn't agree more! Already have a supply packed and have scoped out how to buy it along the Camino. Here's a link to a great site for finding the Spanish equivalent to many common US OTC drugs. It's called "Pill in a Trip". Here's the page to Imodium:In addition to the basics listed above by C clearly carry anti-diarrhea medicine. There is nothing worse than diarrhea on the trail first thing in the cold morning air kms from any pharmacy.
Google "peshtemal" or "fouta" - they come in two thicknesses:Currently researching Turkish towels and would greatly appreciate any advice from experienced pilgrims on size and brands etc. Ideally, I want a lightweight, multipurpose towel that lifts my spirit with its quality and colour! I am happy to pay for such a thing, if it exists?!
Fingernail clippers highly recommended.
Currently researching Turkish towels and would greatly appreciate any advice
When you need it you will not be in the mood to go searching for it. I remember one night in an alburge when in the middle of the night you could hear alot of running and bathroom door slaming. In the morning a previously prestine bathroom now looked like a battle field. It seems to have impacted a group of young pilgrims that partied earlier that evening. But not the mom of one of them who did not party with them. Its a bug that goes around and I can't remember it's name.In addition to the basics listed above by C clearly carry anti-diarrhea medicine. There is nothing worse than diarrhea on the trail first thing in the cold morning air kms from any pharmacy.
Hmm, I still say "buy local"... I’ll have to consider carrying my own
I took this and packed it with: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, small comb, small scissors, 2 disposable razors, soap, small shampoo, anti-bacterial ointment, zinc oxide. The organizer was great because it includes a small mirror and an integrated hook which allowed me to hang it in the shower. A great product that I continue to use on any outdoor multi-day trip.Good morning (from Australia-)
I’m wondering what others pack in the way of toiletries when considering weight?)
Planning on heading off from SJPP late April … first time and looking forward to the walk.
Thanks
I went with a large microfiber camp towel to save weight, but I love the Turkish peshtemal towels similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6M9NVD/?tag=casaivar02-20Currently researching Turkish towels and would greatly appreciate any advice from experienced pilgrims on size and brands etc. Ideally, I want a lightweight, multipurpose towel that lifts my spirit with its quality and colour! I am happy to pay for such a thing, if it exists?!
This is a good, very multi-purpose product for use on hands, feet, lips, hair, etc.
Note that it is way cheaper in the store, about $4, but may only be available seasonally, winter being dry skin season. It doesn’t melt or leak out of the tin. Two ounces is a good size to carry around. No petroleum-based ingredients.
As for travel deodorant, for some time now I have been doing this:
I use up a stick of my favorite deodorant.
I use a tool of some sort (pen knife, chop stick, etc.) to extract the remnants out of the base of the stick holder. There is a lot left in there. You can also just cut chunks off the stick.
I put the scrapings in a very small plastic jar. REI sells some naglene jars or you could easily repurpose something. I have been using an old film canister.
Now for the tricky part … I very carefully heat it in a microwave for maybe about 5-10 seconds. I stand there and shut it off almost as soon as it starts. This melts it just enough so it forms a solid mass.
I apply it with my finger tips. I experimented with adding a little unscented lotion to make it a bit softer, but found that isn’t really necessary. It makes a very compact, zero-cost travel deodorant. I don’t use as much without a stick smearing it all over. Just a little dab will do. A film canister sized jar (with remnants from several sticks) will last me for a month of travel. ymmv.
Toothbrush cut to fit ziploc bag along with:Good morning (from Australia-)
I’m wondering what others pack in the way of toiletries when considering weight?)
Planning on heading off from SJPP late April … first time and looking forward to the walk.
Thanks
I cut the toothbrush to make it fit the ziploc. My pack is 10 lbs plus 2-1/2 more pounds when carrying water and food for a day. I am 61, still have all my teeth, and grip is fine.One thing that this thread does, is point out the fact that everyone is different so such a great degree. I am an absolute minimalist but some people just cannot do without almost everything but the kitchen sink. I always laugh at those who cut off half of their toothbrush handle to save weight and then then carry half a kilo of unnecessary stuff. Keep the toothbrush whole. You need the whole handle to get a good grip one to get a good scrub. Well I do as I have false teeth. I have seen a couple of people in the bathroom trying to get to their back teeth with a toothbrush with about a 35mm (1 1/4") handle. It looks like something out of an old, overacted, silent comedy movie.
Thanks! They are lovely - light and bright. So after I spent a fair amount of time extensively assessing these, CACALA, DEMMEX and Sandy Cove brands as well as (seemingly) a thousand on Amazon and Etsy, I finally decided to buy this one: https://missapril.com.au/product/stonewashed-turkish-towel-blue/ Lightweight and bold blue, I can see myself using it, it was 'the one' for me. I am awaiting its delivery with some excitement!I went with a large microfiber camp towel to save weight, but I love the Turkish peshtemal towels similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/WETCAT-Original-Turkish-Beach-Towel/dp/B07P6M9NVD/ref=sr_1_6?crid=20XI04QYMMNIP&keywords=turkish+beach+towel&qid=1642864079&sprefix=Turkish+,aps,79&sr=8-6
I can get away with wearing it while doing laundry and it feels much nicer than microfiber, dries quickly, and looks nice!
I’m wondering what others pack in the way of toiletries when considering weight?)
WOW they're really expensive in Oz aren't they? That looks like one of the thicker ones, a bit slower to dry but just as versatile.Thanks! They are lovely - light and bright. So after I spent a fair amount of time extensively assessing these, CACALA, DEMMEX and Sandy Cove brands as well as (seemingly) a thousand on Amazon and Etsy, I finally decided to buy this one: https://missapril.com.au/product/stonewashed-turkish-towel-blue/ Lightweight and bold blue, I can see myself using it, it was 'the one' for me. I am awaiting its delivery with some excitement!
WOW they're really expensive in Oz aren't they? That looks like one of the thicker ones, a bit slower to dry but just as
So many things are more expensive in Australia. We live in paradiseWOW they're really expensive in Oz aren't they? That looks like one of the thicker ones, a bit slower to dry but just as versatile.
Soap is actively bad for hair though. It won't matter if your hair is short but people with longer hair may find that it leaves the hair rough and dull.Graeme Hall is right. You just can't beat Sunlight Soap for everything. You don't have to mess about with all of this fancy stuff.
That's why I bring a non-soap shampoo bar to use for my hair and body.Soap is actively bad for hair though. It won't matter if your hair is short but people with longer hair may find that it leaves the hair rough and dull.
They don't have to be... I bought my Turkish towel, same dimensions, perhaps a little thinner, from Ishka (Aussie 'exotic' goods retailer) for $7...but I guess @BeTheChange won't want to hear that now!WOW they're really expensive in Oz aren't they? That looks like one of the thicker ones, a bit slower to dry but just as versatile.
Soap is actively bad for hair though. It won't matter if your hair is short but people with longer hair may find that it leaves the hair rough and dull.
Absolutely!If you are not carrying it, then it’s seriously not your problem, right?
Absolutely!
Argh nooooo!! But seriously, I have received my towel and (thankfully, given the price) I LOVE it. So soft to the touch! So vibrant in colour! So light! The joy is real, peopleThey don't have to be... I bought my Turkish towel, same dimensions, perhaps a little thinner, from Ishka (Aussie 'exotic' goods retailer) for $7...but I guess @BeTheChange won't want to hear that now!
View attachment 117264
Ahh...the voice of reason!I’m sick of the moralizing about what people can do without.
We all take/pack what we need.
I *need* conditioner — I take it as a bar, and it doubles as shaving aid.
“Don’t shave your legs!” Someone will cry. ”That’s only for the vain!”
Who cares even IF it does come down to vanity?
If you are not carrying it, then it’s seriously not your problem, right?
I’m also guilty! I rarely wear make up any time. But I’m rarely without my pretty pink spf lip gloss! Functional and I like it.I was chastised on trail because my lip balm was (& still is...) of the tinted variety.
Obviously a very popular topic...so let's not stop at one more & see just how much life it has!Seeing as this thread is still going with 70+ posts, what’s one more?
It's getting through the 'yuk' phase I'd struggle with.......theory that if you don’t wash you hair so often (in his experiment, not at all for some months) after a few days of feeling ‘yuk’ your hair will begin to regain its natural oils.
In the months leading up to my first camino in 2011 there happened to be a local radio personality who was trialling a theory that if you don’t wash you hair so often (in his experiment, not at all for some months) after a few days of feeling ‘yuk’ your hair will begin to regain its natural oils. I decided on my first camino to test this theory - at least in part. I only washed my hair about once a week - the other days I ‘rinsed’ it under the shower. I found that after just a couple of days my hair actually did improve in touch and even appearance. Go figure.
Ahh...the voice of reason!I was chastised on trail because my lip balm was (& still is... ) of the tinted variety.
For me it's not about vanity either...it's doing whatever makes you feel positive & confident to step out into the unknown each morning & tackle whatever the day brings
As The French say, ‘la vie est faite de petits bonheurs’. Life is made of small pleasures.On my second Camino I walked off and on with a great group of women (we had all all started as solo peregrinas). It turns out that I wasn't the only one who had brought mascara - one afternoon when I met up with a couple of the other peregrinas they batted their mascared eyelashes at
Firstly...what a woman...a month without washing your hair!I have also read this and went for over a month (at home, not on the Camino) without using shampoo. I did use cheap conditioner to "cleanse" my hair. Indeed, after a few days my hair didn't "need" shampoo.
Since using a shampoo bar on my first Camino in 2016 that's all that I use now, and also a solid conditioner bar. I like that I'm not contributing as much in a small way to the over packaging of consumer products.
Ok, now we're confessing...My reaction to anyone who would chastise another pilgrim for using tinted lip balm is
Not only do I use tinted lip balm, I also use tinted sunscreen on my face and ::horrors:: I bring a small tube of mascara - I don't use it every day, but occasionally when I'm sightseeing in one of the larger cities on the Camino.
My Dr Bronner's soap all leaked out into my pack. Make sure you put it in a zip lock bag or put it in a different bottle than it comes in. Buen Camino!At home I've been testing Dr. Bonner's Castille - Almond to use and have decided on it. I use it for hair, body, face (I'm female) and I've handwashed my clothes in it. It works very well and a few drops go a long way. It's a liquid, not a bar, but a very small bottle has lasted me a month so far. You definitely need a conditioner with it so I've saved one of the tube conditioners from my hair coloring. I have short hair so I think one tube will do the trip. I've also been testing a micro dish towel and it seems to work great. I paid $3.00 for it at Walmart. I might get a second smaller one for my hair separate.
My Dr Bronner's all leaked out into my pack. Make sure you put it in a zip lock bag or use a different bottle from the one it comes in. Buen Camino!At home I've been testing Dr. Bonner's Castille - Almond to use and have decided on it. I use it for hair, body, face (I'm female) and I've handwashed my clothes in it. It works very well and a few drops go a long way. It's a liquid, not a bar, but a very small bottle has lasted me a month so far. You definitely need a conditioner with it so I've saved one of the tube conditioners from my hair coloring. I have short hair so I think one tube will do the trip. I've also been testing a micro dish towel and it seems to work great. I paid $3.00 for it at Walmart. I might get a second smaller one for my hair separate.
Seeing as this thread is still going with 70+ posts, what’s one more?
In the months leading up to my first camino in 2011 there happened to be a local radio personality who was trialling a theory that if you don’t wash you hair so often (in his experiment, not at all for some months) after a few days of feeling ‘yuk’ your hair will begin to regain its natural oils. I decided on my first camino to test this theory - at least in part. I only washed my hair about once a week - the other days I ‘rinsed’ it under the shower. I found that after just a couple of days my hair actually did improve in touch and even appearance. Go figure.
I’m not advocating this and I’m all for taking whatever you want - your camino, your backpack. But I have used this approach since to minimise toiletries. On the Frances and other popular routes it’s easy to buy shampoo etc along the way. On some other Caminos that’s not the case.
My French husband takes a different approach. He uses plain Savon de Marseilles for body, hair and clothes. Very efficient but I don’t like the feeling after soaping my hair. A good rinse works better for me.
So many options
For some people anyway, the yuk phase never goes away — I know plenty of people on this “no hair washing thing” (as a faculty member on a campus whose primary “clients” are 18-24 years old)…. The unwashed hair is very *stinky*…. And *if* they are told they’ve gone nose-blind to the stink, well then they just put patchouli on top… which I (perhaps alone) find just another stink on to of the sort of rancid smell of old body oils (like old clothes at the Sally Anne).Obviously a very popular topic...so let's not stop at one more & see just how much life it has!
It's getting through the 'yuk' phase I'd struggle with....
Yes, I have read that just using condition can work -- the silocone in it binds to the fats in the hair oil and pulls that out without leaving the hair stripped.I have also read this and went for over a month (at home, not on the Camino) without using shampoo. I did use cheap conditioner to "cleanse" my hair. Indeed, after a few days my hair didn't "need" shampoo.
Since using a shampoo bar on my first Camino in 2016 that's all that I use now, and also a solid conditioner bar. I like that I'm not contributing as much in a small way to the over packaging of consumer products.
My reaction to anyone who would chastise another pilgrim for using tinted lip balm is
Not only do I use tinted lip balm, I also use tinted sunscreen on my face and ::horrors:: I bring a small tube of mascara - I don't use it every day, but occasionally when I'm sightseeing in one of the larger cities on the Camino.
My shampoo bar goes into a mesh bag that I made, which I can hang up to dry with my laundry.What I don't really have is a method I like for carrying those items once they are wet. Last time I went I had each one in a small ziplock but it got gooey toward the end.
Anyone else have a better solution?
Anyone else have a better solution?
If you are not handy with a sewing machine, try using one of the little mesh bags that garlic comes in! Add a safety pin and piece of string to hang it up. You can even leave it in the bag while you scrub yourself - sort of like an exfoliator! But then your bar of soap tends to get mushed into the mesh and you are back to square one. (Can you tell that I have tried more than a few solutions to some of these important Camino challenges, and am still seeking?)My shampoo bar goes into a mesh bag that I made, which I can hang up to dry with my laundry.
I think I have a mesh swim-goggle bag that will do the trick! and I can cut up that gawdawful camping towel as a microfibre absorbent cloth!My shampoo bar goes into a mesh bag that I made, which I can hang up to dry with my laundry.
I also wrap a piece of a absorbent microfiber cloth around it before popping it into a zip lock bag. I wrap my conditioner bar in the microfiber too.
if you do, make sure it works on 220vI have this internal debate going on about bringing my electric toothbrush. I have always just brought a lightweight toothbrush like most everyone else. But I do notice by the time I return home my teeth aren’t as clean as they usually are. My next Camino will be about 2 months long from LePuy to Santiago.
Has anyone else taken an electric toothbrush?
If you are not handy with a sewing machine, try using one of the little mesh bags that garlic comes in! Add a safety pin and piece of string to hang it up. You can even leave it in the bag while you scrub yourself - sort of like an exfoliator! But then your bar of soap tends to get mushed into the mesh
A bit pricey, but these worked well for us and just fit a bar of Dr. Bronner’sDo NOT use one of these multi-layered mesh bags - the soap or shampoo bar will be incorporated into all of the layers, you you won't be able to remove it!
View attachment 117414
If you buy something look for a single layer mesh bag, like this.
View attachment 117415
It looks nice, but doesn't the bar of soap stay wet and never dry out when walking for weeks at a time?A bit pricey, but these worked well for us and just fit a bar of Dr. Bronner’s
This. I've encountered people who try to do the no soap or no shampoo thing and they all smelled like rancid sheep. You get used to your own smell and don't notice it.For some people anyway, the yuk phase never goes away — I know plenty of people on this “no hair washing thing” (as a faculty member on a campus whose primary “clients” are 18-24 years old)…. The unwashed hair is very *stinky*…. And *if* they are told they’ve gone nose-blind to the stink, well then they just put patchouli on top… which I (perhaps alone) find just another stink on to of the sort of rancid smell of old body oils (like old clothes at the Sally Anne).
I’m super-sensitive to odours… also highly allergic to scents. I really hope that people stop taking LUSH products on camino (and I get so ill anywhere near those stores in airports… also perfume counters etc). I can’t stay in hippy places with incense…This. I've encountered people who try to do the no soap or no shampoo thing and they all smelled like rancid sheep. You get used to your own smell and don't notice it.
It looks nice, but doesn't the bar of soap stay wet and never dry out when walking for weeks at a time?
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