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I don't think so .You're kidding, right?
I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
@janiecI will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
Not crazy, but when you haven't done something like this, it is hard to imagine how it all works. Different people do things differently, just like they do at home. I do wash underpants and socks pretty much everyday, and my base layer "undershirt" as it gets sweaty. I have a daytime outfit (which can remain a bit dirty as I am walking outdoors) and a night-time outfit (which stays clean for many days since I shower before putting it on). I wash selected items as it seems appropriate.Message received! Thank you everyone for weighing in. I'm not an experienced hiker or walker, and I did not mean to offend anyone with the question. I know see that it was crazy!
Yes, I totally agree with this. It's not a hike or camping trip. It's a journey where walking is your mode of transportation instead of traveling by car, train, bus, etc.First and foremost, the Camino de Santiago is not a hike, it is a walk. A long daily walk between towns.
Second, if you decide to stay in albergues, they have showers, sinks, etc. No reason not to bathe, and your fellow pilgrims will thank you for it.
I have never looked upon personal hygiene as inconvenient...
Message received! Thank you everyone for weighing in. I'm not an experienced hiker or walker, and I did not mean to offend anyone with the question. I know see that it was crazy!
On Camino (unlike some "wilderness" hikes you will likely sleep in dormatory settings. Your fellow pilgrims will appreciate you showering often! Walking in May/June, the weather was hot and a shower was a welcome sight at the end of the day.
Washing clothes is indeed a hassle - but it quickly becomes part of your routine. Like most pilgrims we brought two changes of clothes, washing one set at the end of each day. Drying clothes was not a problem, but those that have traveled in April may wish to jump in.
A little about odd rashes. In boot camp recruits, who sleep in quarters a bit like albergues, have developed a method of ensuring personal hygene on the part of all. Those who got a bit too smelly ended up having a blanket tossed over their head and then escorted, with all the politeness due to someone who didn't care about anyone else, to the showers where bristle brushes used for scrubbing floors ensured that all dirt, sweat and smell got removed.On behalf of fellow pilgrims, thankyou. Your adherence to simple daily washing will be much appreciated. Not only will you avoid the nickname Mr Smelly, but you will find it's not that hard and it saves you developing odd rashes (to go with the odd looks).
Hi, I too am a long distance hiker and totally understand how you feel.y advice wash you and your clothes when they are dirty. This is my system. I bring one hiking outfit, tank top, shirt and pants and one extra tank top and shorts. When I get to the albergue I may or not shower depending if I sweated that day. But each night I wash my underpants and socks. My tank top too if the day was very hot--do the sniff test. Then about once a week or less I use a washing machine for everything. The clean clothes smell lasts for days. I hand wash the shorts and tank whenever they feel dirty. My husband on the other hand has to wash his hiking tee shirt more often due to salty sweat marks and he does this in the shower. Things do dry quickly in Spain, especially in the dryer. I agree it is important to be aware of body odor and I bring a small cream deodorant.I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
If it rains you will get wet through and need a shower If it is hot you will sweat like hell and need a shower. Many of us would step into the shower with your clothes on and wash them off your self then wash your self. Rolling your eyes wait till your on the Camino for a week.I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
Haha! Not these days i hope. Good way to cut the numbers perhaps.Most pilgrims just wait until they get to the river in Lavacolla where they splash and frolic and give themselves a good scrubbing.
How often depends on how much you perspire or how hot it is. I can tolerate a lot of heat, don't "glow" much, so don't need to wash outer clothes every day.I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
Please don't think it a silly question - it's tricky to know what to expect and how fantastic the alburgues are set up - I walked my first camino a couple of years ago with my 16 year old son and aimed to be super prepared. We took a hiking laundry bag which was totally unnecessary and ended up being sent ahead. I always felt having a shower after the walk was amazing - especially for our feet. Good shoes and socks - change of clothes and foot care stuff.... keep it simple - keep your weight of your backpack in check - there is plenty of shops on route - there was even a machine - like for drinks but for medical stuff, like plasters, in one placeMessage received! Thank you everyone for weighing in. I'm not an experienced hiker or walker, and I did not mean to offend anyone with the question. I know see that it was crazy!
I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
Shower daily, wash clothes as needed, every 2 to 3 days.On Camino (unlike some "wilderness" hikes you will likely sleep in dormatory settings. Your fellow pilgrims will appreciate you showering often! Walking in May/June, the weather was hot and a shower was a welcome sight at the end of the day.
Washing clothes is indeed a hassle - but it quickly becomes part of your routine. Like most pilgrims we brought two changes of clothes, washing one set at the end of each day. Drying clothes was not a problem, but those that have traveled in April may wish to jump in.
Thanks for informing. I will avoid the Portuguese route in April.I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike
you better shower every day and change and wash your clothes everyday other wise no one will come near you.I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
Message received! Thank you everyone for weighing in. I'm not an experienced hiker or walker, and I did not mean to offend anyone with the question. I know see that it was crazy!
yes, I couldn't believe it either. I traveled one Camino with two guys in mid-twenties. One of them ended up with a bad rash from not washing his clothes, he would turn his boxer inside out. he eventually paid for his lack of uncleanliness he could barely walk until I suggested he get Nivea cream and apply it to the affected area and within a few days all was well again. yes, shower and washing of clothes on the Camino.You're kidding, right?
I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
Do wash your undies and socks and towels. I put them in the dryer ( haha on safety pins outside of pack if not dry overnight) Never had a problem. Being exposed to stinking microfibre towels draped over neighbouring bunks, at the same time as refusing to leave just a small tilt of window open in the middle of summer, sent me insane! We are cold, they bleated, sleeping bags, extra blankets on hand, a washing line in a drying room, sow why not hang your towels there??? Who would steal them??? Yuk...I just had a silk liner to sleep in. What the F.... I had a total meltdown. Grabbed my mattress and threw it down the stairs after unsuccessful mediation attempts and slept in the entrance way. I was classified as a mad woman and the talk of the pilgrim community for days to come....Hospitalero said it wasn't a hotel. Exactly my point! That is why you are considerate to others and don't stench the place out and allow some air into a room with 20 people, so we can breathe.....Other peoples' stench is insufferable frankly and there is no need for it.Shower daily, wash clothes as needed, every 2 to 3 days.
I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
No one else showers everyday while hiking. So it is totally acceptable to go multiple days without.
No one else showers everyday while hiking. So it is totally acceptable to go multiple days without.
Other peoples' stench is insufferable frankly and there is no need for it.
I'm with @gitteharre and @Robo on this one. Don't assume everyone appreciates your aroma.Ahem...... I would beg to differ.
In shared accommodation?
Hahahahahahaaa! I'll have to try that on the next gang of smelly guys I get stuck with."A la ducha o a la calle!"
In over 60 days on two Caminos I can only think of about a half a dozen times that I had to wait for a shower. People are arriving at different times throughout the afternoon, and not everyone showers immediately upon arrival.Just a little tangent here...so everyone seems to take their shower upon checking into an albergue...how long is that wait??? Do you take a number or stand in line or what exactly to get into the shower?
Ahem...... I would beg to differ.
In shared accommodation?
When I look back at the pictures I still smell the guy who dried his smelly hemd and socks next to my fresh washed cloths in an albergue. JaggggI will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
only really smelly ones I recall have been cyclists, in their lycra
Can we somehow 'micro chip' the cyclists. That way we'll know where they are staying
I am looking at the places I am staying at only one in six days has a laundry, I ma going in March so it might also be wet - do you know where I can find a list with available laundries or services to wash clothes? or can you just go to the albergues you are not staying at and wash clothes there ( as there are not many beds available there - many thanksJust a thought. If you decide against the advice of the other forum guys, could you please let us have a list of the dates and albergues you plan to stay in? Thanks
Can't give you the list you are looking for, but most albergues at least have facilities for hand washing, which is usually enough for basic needs - t-shirts and underwear - and clothes lines / racks to hang things to dry. If your clothes don't dry in time, hang them outside of your pack the next day while you walk (safety pins come in handy here). We never worried about washers and dryers but did take the opportunity when those were available to wash items that didn't require washing everyday. Sometimes the washer/dryer was coin-operated, sometimes the hospi looked after it, and there was a fee charged. Only once did I stop at an albergue midday, wash an item and then hung it on my pack while I continued my walk.I am looking at the places I am staying at only one in six days has a laundry, I ma going in March so it might also be wet - do you know where I can find a list with available laundries or services to wash clothes? or can you just go to the albergues you are not staying at and wash clothes there ( as there are not many beds available there - many thanks
Can't give you the list you are looking for, but most albergues at least have facilities for hand washing, which is usually enough for basic needs - t-shirts and underwear - and clothes lines / racks to hang things to dry. If your clothes don't dry in time, hang them outside of your pack the next day while you walk (safety pins come in handy here). We never worried about washers and dryers but did take the opportunity when those were available to wash items that didn't require washing everyday. Sometimes the washer/dryer was coin-operated, sometimes the hospi looked after it, and there was a fee charged. Only once did I stop at an albergue midday, wash an item and then hung it on my pack while I continued my walk.
Just be sure to gauge the weather and not wash something that might not dry overnight, as you may find you need it for warmth the next morning and you will be caught short.
Heading out of Burgos at -4 degrees one morning I was wearing thin, quick dry zip-off pants (from REI) and capri length Icebreaker leggings, quick dry short sleeved top, fleece jacket and a windbreaker, gloves and headwarmer. Some good socks and my Goretex boots. I could have really used a scarf to keep my neck warm but, otherwise I was fine. Next time I will most likely replace the fleece jacket with a wool jacket; I've got a really nice one from Icebreaker (wait for the sales!) that is very light and can fold up tightly. Oh, and one of our members swears by wool gloves; next time I'll take wool gloves, as they are supposed to be great even in the wet. And in March? I'd take a poncho; I'd recommend the Altus poncho.yes but in March what clothes are warm and dry fast / what materials ( temperatures pretty low in March) reason doing it in March as doing another leg in August so need time to save more money hehe otherwise might bite bullet and do in May.. April is Semana Santa and will be chocka of people... I am sure and one of the stopping stations only has rooms available in March and nothing more til November eeek
If you are walking the Camino and staying in albergues, you must be prepared to wash clothes by hand (especially if you are trying to save money), improvise with the drying methods, and/or wear dirty clothes upon occasion. That is part of the adventure.I am looking at the places I am staying at only one in six days has a laundry, I ma going in March so it might also be wet - do you know where I can find a list with available laundries or services to wash clothes? or can you just go to the albergues you are not staying at and wash clothes there ( as there are not many beds available there - many thanks
What do you mean by "stopping stations"? Are you saying that there are no rooms available on the camino for next March until November? That is not true. Maybe you have a packaged itinerary and you are looking at availability with a particular tour company that has limited bookings.one of the stopping stations only has rooms available in March and nothing more til November
I am looking at the places I am staying at only one in six days has a laundry
I already asked and they dontThe section you are walking has everything and i mean everything you request.
They cater for all .
I already asked and they dont
First and foremost you will not be appreciated due to your smell, secondly, I walked with two friends one did like to wash and change his underwear regularly. All he did was turn them inside-out. Guess what he had a rash in his crack and could hardly walk. I recommended he take a good shower and then apply Nivia cream within a few days he was healed. Cleanliness and changing clothes is a necessity. I apply underarm deodorant every day just to smell clean.I will be walking my first Camino in April. I plan to hike for about 2 weeks from Porto to Santiago. From what I've read, it seems that a lot of people shower and wash their clothes pretty often on the hike. I've been on week-long hikes without any showering and just one change of clothes. For the Camino, I was thinking that it would be much more convenient to not shower and change my clothes regularly, maybe just once or twice in the 2 weeks. Washing clothes every day seems like a huge hassle, and I would be worried that things drying overnight. I know it's ultimately up to preference...but am I crazy (or gross) for thinking this??
Not crazy, but when you haven't done something like this, it is hard to imagine how it all works. Different people do things differently, just like they do at home. I do wash underpants and socks pretty much everyday, and my base layer "undershirt" as it gets sweaty. I have a daytime outfit (which can remain a bit dirty as I am walking outdoors) and a night-time outfit (which stays clean for many days since I shower before putting it on). I wash selected items as it seems appropriate.
Why do you need permethrin in your clothes?? It's not a malaria carrying mosquito infested jungle trek.We have adapted a similar system with designated walking clothes and an evening outfit, and sleeping clothes. Three sets. However, we stay mostly in private rooms. Yes, we, shower daily. But we not wash tops daily. Permethrin supposedly lasts for six washes. If we wash clothes daily, permethrin would be useless. We air out the clothes, on a line or we hang them in the bathroom. Then we put them back n the plastic sealed bag till the morning. Also we wear layers and most of them do not retain odors. We try to wash the closest layer every 3 days. We bring extra underwear and change daily.
Brilliant.Why not use the “potato” principle! You wait until all the dirt dries. You then jump up and down and the dirt falls off! Job done!
So very true.Why do you need permethrin in your clothes?? It's not a malaria carrying mosquito infested jungle trek.
Depends on your resistance or reaction to those little critters. Personally prefer the gin and tonic method!!So very true.
I have never encountered a single mosquito on any Camino I have walked. Zero. No ticks either. I have only encountered a few biting flies as I passed through spots where there is some livestock close by, but that is normal and certainly quite bearable. Certainly nothing worth wearing toxic soaked clothing for a month over.
There's never a crazy question. What's awesome on this forum is different perspectives, different solutions, and different approaches. In 2014, it was cold, even in May/June. I probably could have gotten by without washing every day. In 2017 it was hot and muggy in May/June. If I could have stopped mid day and taken a shower I just might have. I definitely wanted to take a 2nd or 3rd shower some evenings because the albergues were roasting and it was a way to cool off. I never did...but I thought about it!
Nivia cream
keeps the bed bugs away.Why do you need permethrin in your clothes?? It's not a malaria carrying mosquito infested jungle trek.
yes I agree.I remember smell of awfully stinky feet in bunk atop of me. Also I remember walking into a 50+ room which reeked of body odor. As a courtesy to others please bath, brush your teeth and wash your clothes daily. You’ll rest better, too. Thank you.
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