One of the most frequent questions among those who are going to dare to do the Camino is: “what equipment should I take with me?” Regarding this, there are practically as many answers as there are pilgrims, since each person is a world, especially when we talk about equipment as "personal" as the backpack or especially footwear.
However, we can always take advantage of the experience of other veterans, since after doing the Camino a few times, it is easy to see that there are problems and situations that one encounters repeatedly, while other imaginary unforeseen events end up never happening, even though we have packed this or that in your anticipation.
That is why today we have gone to Joaquin Lujan, the Badajoz Walking Club, a true veteran who has done nine Caminos, looking for advice on what to take.
Joaquín emphasizes that he does not intend to advise anyone, since again, each person is different, but simply to share their experiences. For this reason, the first thing he advises us is that, for sports equipment (boots, backpacks, poles...), we go to a sports and hiking store we trust, and let ourselves be advised by their experts. Once this caveat is made, Joaquín tells us about the equipment that he has found useful in the many kilometers traveled by him:
- A light guide with the towns and hostels of the Camino.
- Footwear: whatever it is (boots, sandals, etc.), it must be a larger number than usual, and ideally we start using it two or three months before to do the Camino. "At first he used boots and two pairs of socks«, Joaquín tells us, «but now, after nine Caminos, I am wearing sandals. Once I met a group of Basques who called me 'the sandals'».
- First aid kit. One of the useful things to keep close at hand is a feminine pad, for blisters on the feet.
- Unmissable.
- Needle and thread.
- Even in summer, it is advisable to bring a raincoat with a cape, as well as some warm clothing, in case we decide to go out at dawn, when temperatures are usually lower.
- Sleeping bag, in case one decides to sleep in public shelters, although the truth is that most of them, nowadays, provide the pilgrim with sets of disposable sheets.
- The staff As we have already mentioned here before, it must be high enough to bring it to the level of the heart, to facilitate blood flow in the upper extremities.
Other than that, Doug Ericson, Australian adventurer, also has your own list. From it we have rescued some elements that may be interesting:
- Flashlight or LED lamp.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap, to protect yourself from the sun.
- Refillable water bottle.
In any case, since each person has their own needs, we again recommend asking your sports store for the most specialized equipment, as well as exchanging advice with other pilgrims. And of course, if you've made a mistake and overpacked, you can also use our services so that we transport your luggage day by day along the Camino.
