What is the one luxury or non-essential item you would bring with you?

[Christie Hoang]

Haven't heard this one mentioned yet. True luxury: A tiny container of Lush Pink Peppermint Foot Cream. Not enough to use daily, but allowed me the occasional "Ahhhhhhh"
A little goes a long way.

To me, a good peppermint foot balm is essential!

Is that a 50mm on a full frame body? If so, sounds great! On a DX body I'd go for the 35mm or wider. But yes, the one lens--sounds great! Have fun![/QUO

Haha...don't know anything about real cameras...my camera is my phone...

Ditto! I want to bring my kindle and my camera but am trying to figure out if I should bring just one. I have a feeling I'll end up with both!

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

I took an old, well-worn cotton pillow case and used it every night.

Next time I am taking a US size hand towel to use after showering as the camping towel I used on my first Camino felt terrible. I did not find any small towels for sale in Spanish stores, just big ones. I might throw it way after 2 showers, but I think it will be worth it. If it doesn't dry overnight I'll hang it on my pack.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am having the same conversation with myself. Not just the body - but how many lenses? And what about tripods... Have talked myself down to body, 50mm prime, and polarized filter. I figure I can clip it to the front of my pack while walking, and bring a light weight satchel for when I settle in for the night.

Now I just have to decide if the e-reader and sketch book come too.

If I walked with a camera what I would being is a wide angle.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Haven't heard this one mentioned yet. True luxury: A tiny container of Lush Pink Peppermint Foot Cream. Not enough to use daily, but allowed me the occasional "Ahhhhhhh"
A little goes a long way.

I mixed peppermint essencial oil il my vaseline tube. Ahhh every morning before putting my socks on, and only a few grams more for the ahhh.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

What is your reason for the silk pillowcase? I have one and wasn't sure about bringing it. I'll be sleeping in a sleeping bag. Thanks!

Sheets and pillowcases are not always washed daily in albergues, so if you rely on the pillow case they provide you will be sleeping on someone else's bodily secretions: think caughing, sweating, sneezing...

 

[AbbyDee]

A question for those who have walked (or cycled that matter) before me
Something I have been pondering of late: I like to cook, and share, and I have herb and spice containers - very small - sort of a wheel configuration with separate sections for various dried herbs and blends. I would imagine that the communal kitchens in albergues are pretty basic and I thought it might come in handy when assisting in the preparation of meals.

What think you?

 

[Bradypus]

I met two Englishmen on the camino who had brought quite a big bag of Kendal Mint Cake.

I've seen a couple of people mentioning peppermint foot balm and peppermint oil. Would rubbing the feet with Kendal Mint Cake work just as well? Not the chocolate coated variety obviously....

 

[AbbyDee]

I've seen a couple of people mentioning peppermint foot balm and peppermint oil. Would rubbing the feet with Kendal Mint Cake work just as well? Not the chocolate coated variety obviously....

(scurries off to find out what a Kendal Mint Cake happens to be I think I would have to search stores that carry imported sweets to find it in my neck of the woods.

Now, a visit to Wikipedia has educated me:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendal_Mint_Cake

and I found this particular bit of history:

Kendal Mint Cake is based on a traditional recipe known as mint cake, peppermint tablet and various other similar names.[1] Kendal Mint Cake is well known to mountaineers and explorers for its high energy content.[2] There are currently two companies that still produce Kendal mint cake in Kendal. The origin of the Mint cake is allegedly from a batch of Peppermint creams that went wrong. The mixture was left overnight and the solidified 'mint cake' was discovered in the morning.[3]

Created by a fortuitous mistake, and lives on as an energy source: that could be quite useful on long treks.

As for your original question, I haven't a clue.

 

[Purky]

I've seen a couple of people mentioning peppermint foot balm and peppermint oil. Would rubbing the feet with Kendal Mint Cake work just as well? Not the chocolate coated variety obviously....

 

[Anemone del Camino]

A question for those who have walked (or cycled that matter) before me
Something I have been pondering of late: I like to cook, and share, and I have herb and spice containers - very small - sort of a wheel configuration with separate sections for various dried herbs and blends. I would imagine that the communal kitchens in albergues are pretty basic and I thought it might come in handy when assisting in the preparation of meals.

What think you?

Lots of left over herbs/spice containers in albergues. Leave yours at home.

 

[Davie Blisters]

I think rubbing Kendal Mint Cake into your feet will sort out any problems you have with vicious dogs on the trail.
Imagine melting 1k of pure sugar and then adding 1k of sugar to it.......that's Kendal Mint Cake!

 

[Henry Appelt]

I've seen a couple of people mentioning peppermint foot balm and peppermint oil. Would rubbing the feet with Kendal Mint Cake work just as well? Not the chocolate coated variety obviously....

I would prefer to rub it on my feet rather than having to eat the stuff. It is horrible!

 

[Mike Savage]

A question for those who have walked (or cycled that matter) before me
Something I have been pondering of late: I like to cook, and share, and I have herb and spice containers - very small - sort of a wheel configuration with separate sections for various dried herbs and blends. I would imagine that the communal kitchens in albergues are pretty basic and I thought it might come in handy when assisting in the preparation of meals.

What think you?

I think it is a great idea as long as you have the room. I have never seen spices in an albergue kitchen other than maybe salt and pepper.

 

[domigee]

A question for those who have walked (or cycled that matter) before me
Something I have been pondering of late: I like to cook, and share, and I have herb and spice containers - very small - sort of a wheel configuration with separate sections for various dried herbs and blends. I would imagine that the communal kitchens in albergues are pretty basic and I thought it might come in handy when assisting in the preparation of meals.

What think you?

I don't but then I don't usually cook on the Camino (makes a change from every day at home ).
I walked with a lovely pilgrim who did all her own cooking and yes, she carried every type of herbs/seasonings etc. in her rucksack. If the extra weight is negligible and doesn't bother you, I suggest you bring it ...as long as you're fairly certain that you WILL use it.

 

[domigee]

To me, a good peppermint foot balm is essential!

I bought a wonderful minty foot/leg gel in a farmacia on the VdlP.
You can buy everything in Spain and often much cheaper than at home (well, the UK anyway)

 

[notion900]

Romney's 'Everest' Kendal mint cake, for those unfamiliar with it, is so sugary and pepperminty it causes an instant headache and tooth pain. Even sniffing it makes your nose hurt. It's a kind of smelling salt for altitude sickness.

 

[kdespot]

Can't believe I'm only the second pilgrim to mention a heating coil! Caffeine first thing in the morning is essential... especially if I'm leaving in the dark with the flashlight brigade!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Can't believe I'm only the second pilgrim to mention a heating coil! Caffeine first thing in the morning is essential... especially if I'm leaving in the dark with the flashlight brigade!

Lots of posts over the years about heating coils. Use the search function and you will see them.

 

[mspath]

Lots of posts over the years about heating coils. Use the search function and you will see them.

Happy boiling and enjoy!

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ric-coil-changed-my-life-on-the-camino.19167/

 

[Kanga]

...I have inherited the ugliest troll that has graced her luggage since 1981!! Boris will be my non essential companion on all my trips, including the Camino....

Photo please!

 

[cherie]

Mascara

To save bringing Mascara I have my eye lashes permed and tinted before I travel & voila, eyes look great everyday

 

[Paddington Bear]

My second mobile phone - loaded with all the same apps and e-books as my main phone. Both use the same charger and USB cable. That way I can lie on my bunk or sit in the shade happily reading on phone A while phone B is charging at the one available power socket which so often is at the far end of the room.

Don't know if it will work for you but we have a couple of these. You can use your phone while it's charging. It's portable and quick to recharge when you get to a PowerPoint.

https://tinyurl.com/l3jgbct

 

[AbbyDee]

Can't believe I'm only the second pilgrim to mention a heating coil! Caffeine first thing in the morning is essential... especially if I'm leaving in the dark with the flashlight brigade!

heating coils were quite lively in another thread, having to do with the Camino Portugues, or the Nord, I think. They have proven to be invaluable, on those routes as apparently they are not as rich in amenities. as the Frances.

Ah! here it is!

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ric-coil-changed-my-life-on-the-camino.19167/

 

[trecile]

To save bringing Mascara I have my eye lashes permed and tinted before I travel & voila, eyes look great everyday

I didn't know that you could have your eyelashes permed!

 

[cherie]

I didn't know that you could have your eyelashes permed!

We can here in Australia Trecile although not all Beauty Therapists do this treatment. It also works great for a Summer Beach Holiday

 

[KerrySA]

You'll quickly realize you don't need stuff. I didn't take any luxury items (if you consider a mobile phone necessary), hell... I even posted my sunglasses back home, but when I do it again, I'll definitely take a pillow case.

 

[nycwalking]

Second camino, I took half of flat sheet to use on bed. I tore sheet I was least likely to use again: flannel with XMAS theme. Every time Catholic priest, who happened to live across Central park from me, saw sheet he'd worble " Frosty the Snowman".

 

[copado]

I think the jury is in. I will have to pack Mascara and some lipstick. ANd my beard trimmer of course. Having said that you will probably be able to regonize me en route!

 

[Mumalby]

Photo please![/QUOTE
Well Kanga, as you can see it is not too handsome!!

 

[Mike Savage]

View attachment 32884

Well maybe not like that. They say "clothes make the man" maybe it is the same for Trolls. He needs a little hiking outfit. Maybe dress him up in traditional pilgrim garb? (Or at least a loin cloth!)

 

[japes_inspain]

Lightweight travel nail clippers - hate long nails
View attachment 32726

 

[Mumalby]

Well maybe not like that. They say "clothes make the man" maybe it is the same for Trolls. He needs a little hiking outfit. Maybe dress him up in traditional pilgrim garb? (Or at least a loin cloth!)

Thanks Mike. I have some time to be able to make Boris travel ready!!

 

[japes_inspain]

Vegimite

 

[Karen2017]

Vegimite

That is neither a luxury or a non -essential it is a "given"

 

[Hutton24]

Arnica cream for the calves, mascara, moisturiser and Ancient Minerals Magnesium oil to rub on my legs each morning before walking. Loosens the muscles!

 

[djmartineau]

For me a beard trimmer, rechargeable. About 250 gm (small). With the sweating all day shaving would result in raw or rashly skin. With a trimmer, I won't walk out the far end looking like Santa Claus either nor will I have to go through the itchy beard growing phase while hiking.

P.S. This forum is different than the one essential item forum, which is an invaluable resource... this one is about the non essential but wonderful stuff you could pack that would make your trip better.

Good question. Is a Solar phone charger a good idea? Just an extra battery? I am going in May and will leave behind my laptop, iPad, and Kindle...but I feel compelled to bring my phone for hotel reservations, weather reports, etc., etc...

 

[BuenQamino]

I wrote this article of 15 things to consider bringing, based on a survey I sent out. Some might consider them luxury items, but I don't think they are...

https://traveldejavu.com/15-things-people-forget-tell-pack-camino-de-santiago/

My blog: www.buenqamino.com

 

[The12stepwarrior]

Compeed plasters for feet and ear plugs are a must.they may not seem like luxury items now but they will after a few days I promise.

 

[trecile]

I wrote this article of 15 things to consider bringing, based on a survey I sent out. Some might consider them luxury items, but I don't think they are...

https://traveldejavu.com/15-things-people-forget-tell-pack-camino-de-santiago/

My blog: www.buenqamino.com

Interesting list. A few things I would definitely not bring. I don't see any good reason to bring a second silk liner. You aren't getting dirty while you sleep. If you want to wash your liner and or sleeping bag periodically there are plenty of albergues with washers and dryers to make quick work of it. I never ran into a pilgrim that went weeks without washing clothes.

I think that the only spray that might be effective against killing bed bugs on your bunk is DEET, and I certainly wouldn't want to smell that all night. Essential oils have been proven to be pretty much worthless.

Wet wipes are pretty heavy, so I would leave those at home.

Siracha might be a welcome addition to the pilgrim meal. I was tempted to take some Tajin seasoning last year.

Waterproof socks, pants, etc., would depend on the time of year that you walk. I've walked in the summer/fall, and have had no need for anything other than my 7.2 ounce homemade "parcho", which zips up the front, has sleeves and covers my pack.