I walked the Camino twice and recommend the following: *Waterproofing is best done by inserting a plastic bag such as a garbage bag inside the backpack and put the things that you want to keep dry inside that. *Lotions, potions, creams, toothpaste - you should not bring such huge quantities. These add a great deal of weight to your pack. Small travel size is good enough and simply replenish when you run out. Foot cream is important - I use petroleum jelly. *Electrolytes come from natural sources as well - such as bananas, nuts, dairy products, juices,... Carry some packets but just enough for a few days because they can be purchased all along the Way. *Rain gear - A poncho can be fine in light airs and they are excellent for warm weather as you are not encapsulated in a rain jacket, Goretex or not . However, they are pretty useless in heavy winds. Check the average temperature of the month that you plan on going. I walked at the tail end of March and all of April and had soft rain, driving rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. *Sleeping bag: You could bring if you plan on sleeping in albergues but some have slept there and did not bring. A sleeping bag liner is fine for summer weather but not colder temperatures so check the weather of the locations that you plan on hiking to... Buen Camino.
Thanks for the time that took to show everything - very thorough. I stopped and paused the video, to go look the stuff up that you mentioned, when I liked something, so I could add it to my "might have to get this list", haha
I hope you find some things that work well for you! I received your comment just after bathing on the final stage before Santiago de Compostela (I’m on the France’s now). My towel would have been handy 😀 It was lovely to read your comment then
Hi Lindsey! Thanks for your response glad your OK. Yeah had a great walk in Sept of again soon start on my 70th b/d fingers crossed. Yeah be good to have you back posting Woody😀
I have baby poo gold Berkies because of your suggestion and they have been wonderful - I had to hunt for them here in Australia and arrived in Portugal and found them everywhere and in better colours ! I too use them with merino socks - yes, I am at that age!
Greetings from where I work in AddisAbaba. I am a South African, preparing / researching to do my 1st Camino in September this year. 2023. Thank you for all the shared wisdom.
I haven’t come across ULA adventure equipment. Maybe they’re uncommon or unavailable here in the UK? I’ll look them up, though. Osprey dig into my lower back and give me sciatica! That said, I tried on one of their very large capacity ones and think it felt quite balanced when loaded with a lot of weight (I still dream of doing something like the PCT!). I do love my Gossamer Gear backpack.
Hola Lindsey, glad to see you again, great Camino you did and a great filming too, about this topic: How many GB did you film every day? I think you did a vlog masterclass. Buen Camino
I’m sorry I didn’t see this until now! It’s an arcteryx contenta dress but in the shift style which I think they’ve stopped making-I looked because I wanted another. It’s very light and comfortable
I’m sorry for this very late reply which I imagine isn’t much use now. I’m not sure which packs you meant but the larger waterproof ones are by Exped and the small packing ones are by Granite Gear, called Zipditty
Good video Lindsey, I'm thinking of starting the Camino France, from Leon to Santiago - start end of April and first half of May. Since you've traveled this period, do you recommend something fairly warm for walking AND in the hostels to sleep? Do the hostels usually provide a blanket? Or are they typically kept at a comfy room temp (20 deg C +/-)?
That’s a lovely section to walk! You’ll start a couple of weeks earlier than I did and you’ll be heading away from the meseta’s heat toward the cooler mountains, so I’d definitely recommend taking something warm for chilly mornings and evenings, plus good waterproofs. My down jacket was ideal but if I were going when you plan to go, I’d add a proper poncho and not the disposable type I’ve used previously. Blankets in hostels are usually provided. You’ll need a sleeping bag or liner. My plan B in case of no blankets would be to wear my day clothes and pile on warmer layers, but hopefully you won’t need to do this. Most hostels I was in were warm enough for me but Andrew was cold at night once or twice in the mountains you’ll go through. I’m excited for you! I’m sure it’ll be wonderful! Thanks for watching and commenting
@@lindseyhollandwalks Thanks soo much for the information. Have you ever done the Camino Frances in the fall? We're now thinking mid-Sept into October. Might be warmer - maybe less rain??
We walked out from SJPDP on August 21st so were then walking into early September (probably just a bit earlier than you’re thinking?). I’d say that’s a good time to do it because it’s still warm but not exhausting, and the heat of the meseta/stages just after Leon will have lessened. Even at this time though, in places, I was glad of an extra layer. I know you won’t be in the early sections but Burgos seems to attract winds, for example, and I felt mildly chilly in the evening there in early September. Leaving at this time, it will be cool and probably rainy in Galicia (it’s almost always going to rain in Galicia) but not too much so. Leaving a little later, you’ll encounter the chilly nights a bit more, and you’ll head into the cooler mountains as the season draws in, rather than as the hot months get closer. I spoke to people over there who’d walked Galicia in October and thought it the best month-bearable heat, not too busy-so it’s certainly worth considering. There’s probably not much in it, realistically. For my own part, if I had a free calendar, I would definitely choose early to mid May as a preference if I were starting it again. Verdant, flowers everywhere, bearable heat, not as busy as July and August. Hope this helps. I’d be interested to know what you plump for!
I have a question on medications. I have 3-4 prescription meds and about 4 supplements that I take. How does one travel internationally with these? And how do you best pack them? I have AM and PM meds.
Good question! I tend to ask my doctor for a longer supply than I really need, so if I lose any, I won’t be in too much trouble. I split my packets of tablets into some that I carry around my waist, and others that I put in bags inside my backpack. The backpack ones are the ones that I take daily: they’re easy to keep track of because they’re in my little bright blue air zipditty bag, which sits neatly at my bedside. In case I need to prove that I do legitimately have them prescribed and need them, I take copies of my prescriptions and make sure my GP app is working and has up to date information. I have sometimes also taken a letter from my doctor. I have to say that the last two times I’ve been in Spain, I’ve had absolutely no problem with any of it. No questions asked anywhere. And I didn’t lose my tablets because I was super aware of them all the time 😃 I hope you enjoy your travels, and thanks for watching and commenting!
Separate your prescriptions and place them in waterproof zip-lock bags. If you are going with another person, ask them to carry a double in their bag. You can also carry a double in your hip pack.Ask your doctor to supply you with a prescription in case you need to have a refill....while the prescription may not be valid depending on where you are coming from, it may help you in case of an emergency.
Hi Lindsey. Have enjoyed all your videos and I wanted to ask a question regarding sleeping bag liner. I am doing the Camino in the start of September staying in hostels and B&Bs should I take a Summer sleeping bag rather than a liner at the time of year? Thanks very much Hugh
Hi Hugh, Glad you’ve enjoyed the videos! Re your question, will you be in private rooms or dormitories at the hostels? The reason I ask is because private rooms will provide bedding, which at minimum includes sheets but we’ve always also had blankets. This would be sufficient, and you wouldn’t need either a sleeping bag liner nor a sleeping bag. If you’ll be in dormitories, or otherwise feel you may need the option of sleeping somewhere without a booking in advance, then you’d probably be best with a lightweight sleeping bag during September. Some hostels do provide blankets even in dormitories but you wouldn’t have a guarantee of them. Some people take both a lightweight sleeping bag and a liner, which of course gives you more flexibility, albeit more weight. Lightweight quilts are also popular but for my own part, I haven’t found one that’s light enough but also as cheap as equivalent sleeping bags. Your issue is likely to be that you’ll be fairly warm for the early sections (although both Roncesvalles and Burgos could be cool), but hitting Galicia and those mountains in later September, I think you could well need more warmth at night, if there are no blankets. But it’s an individual thing: some people run hot, others cold. Some choose to wear extra layers at night and make do that way. To summarise… probably can’t go too far wrong with a lightweight sleeping bag for September in dormitories. Hope this helps!
UltralightOutdoorGear is my go to for a lot of those as well as many other items. It’s a great website because items can be sorted by weight. Some of my bags are also available on Amazon but I think you mean the Granite Gear ones.
High Lindsey! great vid I remembered watching this a while ago and I have been looking for a new really light pack as now i have a shoulder issue (old age ha!ha!) and i walk Frances in early May! Lots of great reviews of the G 4-20 but I cant find the answer to this question can you help " can you take it as carry on in the airplane " I did try searching for you by username but drew a blank on the Forum! Hope you are OK and well; I also hope the answer to it being carry on is a yes All the best Woody (don't know why there is 58 added to my username)
Did you ever find out if it can be used as a carry-on? This is the first I've heard of this brand of backpack. Let me know how it worked for you. Thank you
@@Chellebeller Hi! Postponed May start(leg infection) leave now on 7th September;but i carry two cabin bags one is under seat bag when flying. This time it's Ryanair (40 x 20x25cm i use a gossamer gear Sil nylon day pack 70 grams packs to size of an egg. In that go spare clothes, electronics, meds and any thing else that will fit within their limits) The other is the G4-20 at 42 litres and 725 grams it is super squishy! (55x40x20 cm is the large bag limit) both bags are synched down and each has two additional nylon luggage straps i cut to fit they look like this +on the bag one vertically one round the middle; both bags especially the G4-20 are a couple of cm within the limits. If your walking Camino you shouldn't have that much my gear all up is 4.8 kg without water just over 10lbs. Hope this helps Woody
I’m so sorry I’ve been so slow to pick up on this conversation! The answer is yes, I’ve taken it on planes many times and have even managed to ram it under the seat in front when not over-full. Woody, I’m particularly sorry I didn’t spot that you’d commented here, and also that you had to postpone. I hope you had a wonderful time in September. I’ll get myself onto the forum soon, and will also post an update or two here. It’s been a turbulent year. Sorry again, and thanks so much for commenting 🙏
Yup, I agree. The sleep system doesn’t help, nor the camera gear. I’ll lose most of the bag of liquids in future too. Other than that, though. I’m not sure what I’d cut out, and I’d need some of the extras for albergues too (sleeping bag liner in particular). Most people of my weight accept they can’t carry just 10% without being very extreme. Plus it is in fact close to 10% without the water. But I’m giving it thought! Open to ideas
For balance, these two articles are worth bearing in mind. For day hiking, the 10% rule is appropriate as a rough guide. For backpacking, it’s the 20% rule (although this is for camping gear too). But it’s really more about what a person feels they’re strong enough for. explorationsolo.com/how-much-weight-should-you-carry-backpacking/#what-about-the-rule-you-shouldnt-carry-more-than-20-of-your-body-weight www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-weight.html
I thought your weight was fine and I enjoyedthe video. I wouldn't carry many of your toiletries personally. I would be carrying more water as I drink it a lot without their heat. I always carry water purification tabs plus a sawyer squeeze. I wouldn't risk any upset stomachs. Different coloured dribags for specific purposes help me, easy to grab.
@@lindseyhollandwalks You may want to think about not taking the camera gear and use your phone instead. Yes, do remove many of your potions and lotions. Though, 7.8kg is not that bad really.
@@lindseyhollandwalks I do not believe in the 10% rule. In the military, they carry more, Adventurers on special expeditions carry more, our ancestors carried more and we used to carry more weight for these kinds of trip because there were few items that were ultralight. Yes, the lighter the better, but at one point there is a trade off between the comfort while you walk and the comfort while you are not. In the end, it depends on the individual.
Oh absolutely! I think it was the combination of the pink shoes with bright pink shorts 😀 Beyond that, I suppose it’s about being yourself. I’ve always loved greens, blues, oranges… even greys and browns… but sometimes all stores sell for women is purple, pink and black, which drives me slightly nuts 😆 Thanks for watching and commenting!
I walked the Camino twice and recommend the following:
*Waterproofing is best done by inserting a plastic bag such as a garbage bag inside the backpack and put the things that you want to keep dry inside that.
*Lotions, potions, creams, toothpaste - you should not bring such huge quantities. These add a great deal of weight to your pack. Small travel size is good enough and simply replenish when you run out. Foot cream is important - I use petroleum jelly.
*Electrolytes come from natural sources as well - such as bananas, nuts, dairy products, juices,... Carry some packets but just enough for a few days because they can be purchased all along the Way.
*Rain gear - A poncho can be fine in light airs and they are excellent for warm weather as you are not encapsulated in a rain jacket, Goretex or not . However, they are pretty useless in heavy winds. Check the average temperature of the month that you plan on going. I walked at the tail end of March and all of April and had soft rain, driving rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow.
*Sleeping bag: You could bring if you plan on sleeping in albergues but some have slept there and did not bring. A sleeping bag liner is fine for summer weather but not colder temperatures so check the weather of the locations that you plan on hiking to...
Buen Camino.
Thanks for the time that took to show everything - very thorough. I stopped and paused the video, to go look the stuff up that you mentioned, when I liked something, so I could add it to my "might have to get this list", haha
I hope you find some things that work well for you! I received your comment just after bathing on the final stage before Santiago de Compostela (I’m on the France’s now). My towel would have been handy 😀 It was lovely to read your comment then
Hi Lindsey! Thanks for your response glad your OK. Yeah had a great walk in Sept of again soon start on my 70th b/d fingers crossed. Yeah be good to have you back posting Woody😀
Ooh will you be walking for your 70th this year?
I have baby poo gold Berkies because of your suggestion and they have been wonderful - I had to hunt for them here in Australia and arrived in Portugal and found them everywhere and in better colours ! I too use them with merino socks - yes, I am at that age!
They’re brilliant aren’t they? 😀 I plumped for the ‘baby poo gold’ this year too, which I’ll keep as a backup pair. I love your colour description 😂
Greetings from where I work in AddisAbaba. I am a South African, preparing / researching to do my 1st Camino in September this year. 2023. Thank you for all the shared wisdom.
Hello again! Thx for the inspiration. I received my G4-20 yesterday and made several notes of your tips. Now ut is time to start training. ❤
Love the video, love the top and colour you are wearing too
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much!
What is the brand of the coloured zip bags? Thank you.
They’re by Granite Gear, called Air Zipditty. As you can tell, I love them ☺️
Glad to see you're not using an osprey like everybody else. I find the Osprey heavy. I use ULA adventure equipment, Circuit.
I haven’t come across ULA adventure equipment. Maybe they’re uncommon or unavailable here in the UK? I’ll look them up, though. Osprey dig into my lower back and give me sciatica! That said, I tried on one of their very large capacity ones and think it felt quite balanced when loaded with a lot of weight (I still dream of doing something like the PCT!). I do love my Gossamer Gear backpack.
Hola Lindsey, glad to see you again, great Camino you did and a great filming too, about this topic: How many GB did you film every day?
I think you did a vlog masterclass.
Buen Camino
It was on average about 20GB a day. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for commenting again 🙏
Good job. The camino is indeed addictive. Buen camino.
Great gear. Could I ask what travel dress you have?
I’m sorry I didn’t see this until now! It’s an arcteryx contenta dress but in the shift style which I think they’ve stopped making-I looked because I wanted another. It’s very light and comfortable
@@lindseyhollandwalks Thank you.
Yep start from SJPP, Burgos, Bilboa ! Sept did Leon, Santiago, Muxia
That’s an unusual route, curving up from Burgos to the north after SJPP. I’ve heard it’s an unspoilt and stunning section
@@lindseyhollandwalks Flying from Bilboa to Faro
What brand are your X-Pac stuff sacks?
I’m sorry for this very late reply which I imagine isn’t much use now. I’m not sure which packs you meant but the larger waterproof ones are by Exped and the small packing ones are by Granite Gear, called Zipditty
Good video Lindsey, I'm thinking of starting the Camino France, from Leon to Santiago - start end of April and first half of May. Since you've traveled this period, do you recommend something fairly warm for walking AND in the hostels to sleep? Do the hostels usually provide a blanket? Or are they typically kept at a comfy room temp (20 deg C +/-)?
That’s a lovely section to walk! You’ll start a couple of weeks earlier than I did and you’ll be heading away from the meseta’s heat toward the cooler mountains, so I’d definitely recommend taking something warm for chilly mornings and evenings, plus good waterproofs. My down jacket was ideal but if I were going when you plan to go, I’d add a proper poncho and not the disposable type I’ve used previously. Blankets in hostels are usually provided. You’ll need a sleeping bag or liner. My plan B in case of no blankets would be to wear my day clothes and pile on warmer layers, but hopefully you won’t need to do this. Most hostels I was in were warm enough for me but Andrew was cold at night once or twice in the mountains you’ll go through. I’m excited for you! I’m sure it’ll be wonderful! Thanks for watching and commenting
@@lindseyhollandwalks Thanks soo much for the information. Have you ever done the Camino Frances in the fall? We're now thinking mid-Sept into October. Might be warmer - maybe less rain??
We walked out from SJPDP on August 21st so were then walking into early September (probably just a bit earlier than you’re thinking?). I’d say that’s a good time to do it because it’s still warm but not exhausting, and the heat of the meseta/stages just after Leon will have lessened. Even at this time though, in places, I was glad of an extra layer. I know you won’t be in the early sections but Burgos seems to attract winds, for example, and I felt mildly chilly in the evening there in early September. Leaving at this time, it will be cool and probably rainy in Galicia (it’s almost always going to rain in Galicia) but not too much so. Leaving a little later, you’ll encounter the chilly nights a bit more, and you’ll head into the cooler mountains as the season draws in, rather than as the hot months get closer. I spoke to people over there who’d walked Galicia in October and thought it the best month-bearable heat, not too busy-so it’s certainly worth considering. There’s probably not much in it, realistically. For my own part, if I had a free calendar, I would definitely choose early to mid May as a preference if I were starting it again. Verdant, flowers everywhere, bearable heat, not as busy as July and August. Hope this helps. I’d be interested to know what you plump for!
@@lindseyhollandwalks Awesome! Thanks again!
I have a question on medications. I have 3-4 prescription meds and about 4 supplements that I take. How does one travel internationally with these? And how do you best pack them? I have AM and PM meds.
Good question! I tend to ask my doctor for a longer supply than I really need, so if I lose any, I won’t be in too much trouble. I split my packets of tablets into some that I carry around my waist, and others that I put in bags inside my backpack. The backpack ones are the ones that I take daily: they’re easy to keep track of because they’re in my little bright blue air zipditty bag, which sits neatly at my bedside. In case I need to prove that I do legitimately have them prescribed and need them, I take copies of my prescriptions and make sure my GP app is working and has up to date information. I have sometimes also taken a letter from my doctor. I have to say that the last two times I’ve been in Spain, I’ve had absolutely no problem with any of it. No questions asked anywhere. And I didn’t lose my tablets because I was super aware of them all the time 😃 I hope you enjoy your travels, and thanks for watching and commenting!
Separate your prescriptions and place them in waterproof zip-lock bags. If you are going with another person, ask them to carry a double in their bag. You can also carry a double in your hip pack.Ask your doctor to supply you with a prescription in case you need to have a refill....while the prescription may not be valid depending on where you are coming from, it may help you in case of an emergency.
Hi Lindsey.
Have enjoyed all your videos and I wanted to ask a question regarding sleeping bag liner. I am doing the Camino in the start of September staying in hostels and B&Bs should I take a Summer sleeping bag rather than a liner at the time of year? Thanks very much Hugh
Hi Hugh, Glad you’ve enjoyed the videos! Re your question, will you be in private rooms or dormitories at the hostels? The reason I ask is because private rooms will provide bedding, which at minimum includes sheets but we’ve always also had blankets. This would be sufficient, and you wouldn’t need either a sleeping bag liner nor a sleeping bag. If you’ll be in dormitories, or otherwise feel you may need the option of sleeping somewhere without a booking in advance, then you’d probably be best with a lightweight sleeping bag during September. Some hostels do provide blankets even in dormitories but you wouldn’t have a guarantee of them. Some people take both a lightweight sleeping bag and a liner, which of course gives you more flexibility, albeit more weight. Lightweight quilts are also popular but for my own part, I haven’t found one that’s light enough but also as cheap as equivalent sleeping bags. Your issue is likely to be that you’ll be fairly warm for the early sections (although both Roncesvalles and Burgos could be cool), but hitting Galicia and those mountains in later September, I think you could well need more warmth at night, if there are no blankets. But it’s an individual thing: some people run hot, others cold. Some choose to wear extra layers at night and make do that way. To summarise… probably can’t go too far wrong with a lightweight sleeping bag for September in dormitories. Hope this helps!
Hi! Where did you get all those little bags?
UltralightOutdoorGear is my go to for a lot of those as well as many other items. It’s a great website because items can be sorted by weight. Some of my bags are also available on Amazon but I think you mean the Granite Gear ones.
High Lindsey! great vid I remembered watching this a while ago and I have been looking for a new really light pack as now i have a shoulder issue (old age ha!ha!) and i walk Frances in early May!
Lots of great reviews of the G 4-20 but I cant find the answer to this question can you help " can you take it as carry on in the airplane " I did try searching for you by username but drew a blank on the Forum!
Hope you are OK and well; I also hope the answer to it being carry on is a yes
All the best Woody (don't know why there is 58 added to my username)
Did you ever find out if it can be used as a carry-on? This is the first I've heard of this brand of backpack. Let me know how it worked for you. Thank you
@@Chellebeller Hi! Postponed May start(leg infection) leave now on 7th September;but i carry two cabin bags one is under seat bag when flying. This time it's Ryanair (40 x 20x25cm i use a gossamer gear Sil nylon day pack 70 grams packs to size of an egg. In that go spare clothes, electronics, meds and any thing else that will fit within their limits) The other is the G4-20 at 42 litres and 725 grams it is super squishy! (55x40x20 cm is the large bag limit) both bags are synched down and each has two additional nylon luggage straps i cut to fit they look like this +on the bag one vertically one round the middle; both bags especially the G4-20 are a couple of cm within the limits. If your walking Camino you shouldn't have that much my gear all up is 4.8 kg without water just over 10lbs.
Hope this helps Woody
so you were able to take the G4-20 back pack as your carryon ? thank you doing research for my first Camino Sept this year @@woody6658
I’m so sorry I’ve been so slow to pick up on this conversation! The answer is yes, I’ve taken it on planes many times and have even managed to ram it under the seat in front when not over-full.
Woody, I’m particularly sorry I didn’t spot that you’d commented here, and also that you had to postpone. I hope you had a wonderful time in September. I’ll get myself onto the forum soon, and will also post an update or two here. It’s been a turbulent year. Sorry again, and thanks so much for commenting 🙏
7.8 kgs is too much. Way beyond 10% of your weight
Yup, I agree. The sleep system doesn’t help, nor the camera gear. I’ll lose most of the bag of liquids in future too. Other than that, though. I’m not sure what I’d cut out, and I’d need some of the extras for albergues too (sleeping bag liner in particular). Most people of my weight accept they can’t carry just 10% without being very extreme. Plus it is in fact close to 10% without the water. But I’m giving it thought! Open to ideas
For balance, these two articles are worth bearing in mind. For day hiking, the 10% rule is appropriate as a rough guide. For backpacking, it’s the 20% rule (although this is for camping gear too). But it’s really more about what a person feels they’re strong enough for.
explorationsolo.com/how-much-weight-should-you-carry-backpacking/#what-about-the-rule-you-shouldnt-carry-more-than-20-of-your-body-weight
www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-weight.html
I thought your weight was fine and I enjoyedthe video. I wouldn't carry many of your toiletries personally. I would be carrying more water as I drink it a lot without their heat. I always carry water purification tabs plus a sawyer squeeze. I wouldn't risk any upset stomachs. Different coloured dribags for specific purposes help me, easy to grab.
@@lindseyhollandwalks You may want to think about not taking the camera gear and use your phone instead. Yes, do remove many of your potions and lotions. Though, 7.8kg is not that bad really.
@@lindseyhollandwalks I do not believe in the 10% rule. In the military, they carry more, Adventurers on special expeditions carry more, our ancestors carried more and we used to carry more weight for these kinds of trip because there were few items that were ultralight. Yes, the lighter the better, but at one point there is a trade off between the comfort while you walk and the comfort while you are not. In the end, it depends on the individual.
Powerbank....solarcharger.....speaker.....cooker.......Tent......i think i have 15 kilo
Even if you were into "girly stuff" that's fine too. 😊
Oh absolutely! I think it was the combination of the pink shoes with bright pink shorts 😀 Beyond that, I suppose it’s about being yourself. I’ve always loved greens, blues, oranges… even greys and browns… but sometimes all stores sell for women is purple, pink and black, which drives me slightly nuts 😆 Thanks for watching and commenting!