I would also recommend getting a proper fitting done for your walking boots/shoes. Don’t buy what looks nice, but what fits your feet the best. Decent retailers will custom fit the footwear during the purchase process. Get the socks sorted at the same time. Two or three pairs needed. Two for me.
For Camino walking a sleeping bag and liner is a good idea as of using Albergues they don’t often offer bedding.
Many will offer paper sheets and pillow cases.
Another tip would be to take a lightweight footwear alternative for when not walking/resting your feet. Flip flops/crocs etc. Plastic is good for use in communal showers.
As gbags said, Osprey rucksacks seem to be excellent. Again, there are different sizes so get fitted at purchase time. Using the hip belt is almost essential as it takes the weight from your shoulders. You carry the weight lower and everything is much more comfortable. I also had an Osprey water bladder that was an excellent fit in the bag. A waterproof cover for the rack sack is a must.
A travel towel is a must if using Albergues and bunk house type accommodation.
I also carry some wipes, hand sanitizer, a small medical kit. Spare laces. A hat. My wash bag has small toothpaste, shave gel etc and a sink plug for when there isn’t one (very useful for when washing clothes)
Cable ties are useful in case of broken something.
Obviously a plug and lead for changing the phone.
I also use dry bags for my clothes, sleeping bag etc. Not only do they keep the water out they act as compression bags too. I had three of these. Sleeping bag and liner in one, clothes in the second and other assorted stuff in the third.
As clothes need washing everyday I would avoid cotton T-shirt’s and the like. I’m a Rohan clothes fan. Lightweight, quick drying, hard wearing. Marino wool stuff is good too.
I prefer to walk in shorts, even in the rain. More comfortable and don’t stick to you when wet.
Trousers for the evenings though.
As has been said, start early finish early. Give yourself time for washing, showering, eating and resting.
There are plenty of guides available both printed and online. Very useful and you can choose what suits you, guides just about the walk and much more in depth guides of what’s along the way.
Michelin do a little green map book for The French Route which shows distances, elevation changes and services along the way. Accommodation and food etc. I liked that one.
Navigation is by guide, the yellow arrows that are painted ogling the routes plus other Camino signs. The Shell is the thing to look for. Sometimes on tiles, plaques, sometimes on walls but also on the ground.
A 1km wring turn is a bugger on foot, believe me, as it’s a km back again. Try not to follow other people in a sheep like state.
That’s about it for now. I have enjoyed the Camino walks that I have done and am very disappointed to have had to stop my latest walk.
Sept/Oct 2017:- French Route 32 days including 1 rest day.
April 2018:- Portuguese route from Porto, 12 days.
March 2020:- Via Serrana. Abandoned with 16km and 1 day to the end in Seville.
The Via de la Plata would have followed on from the Serrana. I’ll have to go back again...when times are different.
Buen Camino.
