Dispelling a few rumors...

  1. Along the French Way, Primitivo, or Camino de Norte, you won't need to camp (unless you want to)
  2. Most albergues have sheets and some have blankets
  3. Bring a lock so the lockers are actually useful
  4. "Breakfast included" has many interpretations. One day it was a single loaf of bread for everyone, and another day it was fresh coffee, fruit, and toast with jam. Be prepared.
  5. The route is well marked! I'd recommend a guidebook, and this app was very helpful. BUT challenge yourself and try to hike without referencing them.

**SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR A FEW MORE FUN TIPS!**

The Packing List


CLOTHES

Wool socks 3/4 pair

**Socks are SUPER important. Invest. I got THESE.**

Shirts x2

Shorts x2

Pants x1

**ZIP-OFF PANTS make for a great way to bring less!

Underwear 3/4 pair

Bras x2

Dress x1

**for the evenings, really nice to wear something loose and comfortable

Poncho/Rain jacket and backpack cover

**I used THIS poncho that went over myself and my bag, and it was perfect. It also doubles as a tarp in the event you want to camp and it rains!

Fleece

**it gets cold at night or hiking over the mountains

Hat

Hiking Shoes

**consider if you need ankle support shoes. If not, I'd recommend going lightweight > durable. Aside from mud, the trail isn't incredibly rough. I wore Hoka trail-runners.

Sandles and/or shower shoes

**I brought Teevas


OTHER

Pilgrim passport

**you can snag one of these in most towns at the local Church or tourism office.

Journal

Kindle

**I wanted to buy books along the way, but they were all in Spanish haha

Guidebook

**I recommend THIS ONE

Rosary

Sunscreen

Laundry detergent

**small packets in a ziplock

2 Water Bottles

Headphones

Sleep sack

Towel

**I loved THIS ONE!

Small knife

Hammock *optional

Sketchbook *optional

carabiners

**optional (helped for hanging laundry on my bag)


Med kit

**there are pharmacies EVERYWHERE but some things, like ibuprofen or midol, are not available.

blister bandaids, needle

gauze

neosporin

benadryl

dramamine

midol

ibuprofen

Aquafor or vaseline for your feet!

Toiletries

**tiny versions!

A few other tips...

  1. Stop in every Church, if you can!
  2. Take time to talk to people. You have an excess of time to offer people on the Camino.
  3. At least one day, spend enough time at a cafe that you have both coffee & wine there.
  4. Be intentional with your packing and placement of items. Consider what needs to be accessible.
  5. Your way is flexible. Hold the route loosely.
  6. Walk slowly.
  7. Have picnics.
  8. Jump in a body of water.
  9. Hike before sunrise and watch the sky light up.
  10. Stretch twice a day (at least!). Take your time.
  11. Taking a break is not a failure. Swing up a hammock and rest!
  12. Do your laundry often. Don't put it off.
  13. Make a night bag - with your book, sketchbook, light - easy to remove and access in the evenings or walk around with.
  14. Remember the Way is not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Don't rush and have fun discovering what that is going to look like.

Huge thank you to Michelle Dalton, Brigid Trufant, & Lizzy Miller for helping me prepare for this trip and providing the basis for these notes!