Camino cache: what to bring to walk your path

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/11/2022 (1097 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For my recent Camino walk from Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compestela in Spain, I learned there are many different ways to walk your path.

You can travel with adventure companies who manage and book everything for you. You can plan it yourself by pre-arranging properties – whether hotels, hostels (a.k.a. albergues) or guest houses – either directly or via third-party websites. Or you can simply choose to wing-it day-by-day, seeking out random places along the way. There are also shuttle services that will transfer luggage from one place to another, or you can carry what you bring. The beauty of it all is that everyone does their own thing.

After researching the John Brierley guidebooks, consulting with colleagues who had walked a Camino, and gleaning what I could from Facebook groups, I decided to take the road most assured. I planned in advance how much distance I’d like to do each day, and pre-booked my accommodations with the one-stop convenience of booking.com. I also planned to carry my own load, thereby putting deliberate thought into what to bring.

Most important for me were shoes. I began researching options a few months before the trip, to allow adequate time to break them in. I tried a few different brands and styles before settling on a pair of Merrell Moab 3 hikers. They feature a dense and durable sole, suitable for all kinds of terrain, and kept me moving well on the cobblestone streets, rugged rocky trails, and everything in between. The waterproof membrane did a good job of keeping my feet dry, and the stability of their structure kept me confident with every step.

Just as important as shoes – maybe even more important – are socks. Yes, socks! I met many a pilgrim on the way experiencing blisters. When asked what kind of socks they were wearing, time and again the same answer came back: “Cotton.” Now, I’m sorry cotton, and mean no maliciousness to you — in fact, I love you most times! However, for my Camino journey I chose two pairs of thin, double-layer Wrightsock socks – and loved them. Especially their no-blister guarantee. During my 296 kilometres of trekking, I can attest to not even one hint of a blister.

In order to carry belongings on my back for multiple days on end, a good pack would be a must. Knowing that I knew next to nothing about backpacks, I consulted with MEC and Wilderness Supply staff for knowledge and advice. I settled on the Osprey Kyte 36, constructed with a sturdy but lightweight frame, a well-ventilated back panel, and thick, comfortable hip belt. It’s also adjustable for vertical fit, with an external reservoir pocket for water. While I was OK with a bringing a one-litre Nalgene bottle this time, if I did another backpacking trip I would definitely use a hydration bladder.

The bulk of my clothing was made right here in Winnipeg by designer Anne Mulaire. She crafts stylish and versatile pieces for all walks of life – including my Camino walk. I brought three-quarterlength leggings for daytime and cozy full-length ones for the evenings, made from a super comfortable bamboo-Lycra blend. My short-sleeved and long-sleeved walking shirts were both made from Tencel, one of today’s leading sustainable fabrics. All of these pieces proved to be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and fairly quick-drying.

More to come: My next Travelations column will share more about what I carried in my Camino backpack, including must-have necessities, what to leave behind, and luxury items for a little extra pampering…