Hi Rob, these are some good and very necessary thoughts and tips on that topic! I walked the Camino Frances in 2014 and I had informed myself beforehand how I could leave as few traces as possible. I brought half a roll of dog poo bags to collect and dispose of things that shouldn't be left behind, which worked really well. For weight reasons I took along some washing powder instead of liquid detergent to do my laundry, and sometimes some pilgrims and I shared a washing machine. And I was glad to have brought a 5m lightweight cord (20g) and my own 6 pegs😊. I could wrap the cord around the bunk bed when I slept in the lower part and could dry my towel and protect myself from being looked at when I was sleeping. So, thanks for sharing your advice. Greetings from Germany
you can also go behind any Bush to do your nb2 just place a plastic bag where it will drop and at the end take it with you as well as all used tissues. as for tissue rolls in cafe or any public place its very unhealthy must be soiled with milion germs bc of the toilet flushing splatters. do not use it Camino or no Camino. and better spray toilet seat with instant disinfectant before sitting on it or put Kleenex all over it before. going into the Bush is way more healthier. in my opinion. I always have light roll of small plastic bags and thin transparent plastic gloves to remove anything. also better eat food with fibers that induce poop around the time you going into the hotel or albergue.
One tip pilgrims might consider is to have a toilet kit comprising; a plastic trowel, packet of paper issues, a Cricket lighter and some hand gel. Once the main 'business' is done and the associated 'paperwork' is completed, set fire to it in the 'cat hole ' , and then cover the ashes. which will be effectively broken down.(Be aware of fires in the dry season. )Quick decontaminate with the hand gel and you're good to go - leaving minimal trace . You can also get disposable paper underwear. Use once and throw away ! ( or burn...)
I have just subscribed to your channel. I have completed the Camino Salvado in Western Australia and am planning for the Camino Portuguese. Thank you for handling this subject so delicately! Ladies, and gentlemen, leave behind nothing but footsteps 👣 13:1013:10
Hi Bob. I just subscribed to your channel. Great stuff. My wife and I are planning to do the Camino in September and your advice is gold, as well as comments from other commenters. I'm anxious to watch all your other videos and learn. Thank you.
Might I suggest that in addition to packing out your own tp, that you clean up a bit of litter that others have left. Maybe we can all help restore the Camino.
...and, btw, great job! Thanks for all of your efforts and information. I’m planning my first Camino in the fall and your channel helps with my need for organization.
I know the seventeen Kilometre you talking about on the Maseta, I trailing a couple of fellow country girls and they need to pee in the wide open space, as a person I look in the opposite direction because I have learned we all need our privacy as a fellow pilgrim male or female. According to the Templar Order thou protect all pilgrims on their pilgrimage.
It's about mutual respect and support isn't it? The Pilgrim 'community' is a nice one. Same in communal Albergues. No one gawks at each other. You look the other way.
Thank you so much for addressing these ! My 18 yr old is booked to do his first pilgrimage on the Camino this June and I bet has not thought of this yet! Will be forwarding your video.
You can use dog poop bags to remove your poop as well as toilet paper. We should clean up after ourselves as we do for our dogs (in the US at least). Also a feminine uterine device helps solve a bit of the female peeing awkwardness.
That's certainly another option. We use those bags here in Australia too. Though carrying a 'loaded' one for 10-20 kms in the heat on Camino looking for a bin could be challenging. The couple of times I was 'caught short' I made to bury the waste with a camping trowel someplace where it would not get ploughed up! The feminine peeing devices certainly have quite a few users I think. Though the tissue issue still remains. Pat always carries a small ziplock bag with her and that gets put in a trash bin at the end of the day.
I'm sure there are cheaper versions around. It's just an Umbrella after all. Nothing that special about it. Many people use ones from the Chino shops in Spain.
Thanks for making a video about an important subject that no one else talks about. I would add more information about women hygiene for fisiologic issues. Greetings from México
For packing out the tissues I use dog poo bags. Very light and perfect for the job. I made my own trowel from a scrap piece of rainwater down pipe. Simple to make it you have a hacksaw.
Hi Rob, Thanks for mentioning the problem of Toilet issues, and if `someone', has To Go frequently, perhaps they have a Bladder Infection, please use a CITRAVESCENT Sachet, they can be used 2 or 3 times a day. - Toilet Paper, I see you take a half a roll to save weight ! great, - but you left the brown cardboard in the middle ! which is rarely used, I get a pencil and wrap the paper around, until I have enough, I also carry Wet Wipes, as you do, just in case, love your Blogs, Fond regards, Alan - New Zealand
Agree about taking toilet tissue away with you. I just wanted to mention that there is a more biodegradable tissue that its available for use with septic tanks. Although the ideal is to take the tissue with you as mentioned maybe this is worth a go if for any reason you can't take the tissue it away with you and more environmentally friendly to use anyway.
I'm leaving in TWO weeks today to start my Camino. I'm in Canada. I loved this video on personal hygiene. I've purchased a pee cloth so I won't be leaving tissue behind. That is so disgusting. I wonder if, instead of Ziploc bags, compostable bags for dog waste might be better? And could even be used to transport the waste out? It just shocks me how disgusting people can be about the environment!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the delicate subject.
I have just one disagreement. I have seen and heard men recommending bar soap to wash their hair, as well as their bodies. I use it for laundry. It is necessary to rinse thoroughly. But I would never use it on my hair. I tried it once, between caminos.My hair was thickly sticky and uncomfortable until I managed to wash it all out with my regular shampoo. I now take a couple of small bottles with enough shampoo for my walk, once a week washing. The couple of bottles are because I never check anything and large bottles are confiscated by airport security.
Yes, it's a personal thing I guess. If I'm staying in private rooms I'll use the shampoo provided, otherwise I'll use my bar soap. I wash my hair every night along with the rest of me......so I would use a lot of shampoo.
There are bar soaps made just for hair hygiene - Jack59 is a Canadian product - shampoo and conditioner in bar form. They work great! I believe Lush also has a hair product.
Rob- Sorry I went way back in your chronology of videos to ask this--sort of a strange question: Do men on the Camino usually let their beards grow or do they pack a razor and shave every few days? On NorthAmerican thru hikes, hikers usually let their beard grow with some trimming for five months. I am usually clean shaven but would grow a beard or at least a goatee for the Camino if that is what most guys do.
On my first Camino I took a razor and a small bottle of shaving oil. But after 3-4 days just thought 'what the heck'. I'll be walking for over a month, why not just grow a beard. I had never tried before. I haven't shaved since. I think that maybe I felt more like an authentic Pilgrim unshaven LOL. Most guys tend to shave though....
I have heard that some folks wash their clothes as they shower. Any comments? I think my shower would take a fair bit longer and the clothes may not get as clean. Good job on this video.
Washing clothes in the shower is considered a bit of a 'No No'. For two reasons. (1) your shower will take much longer, and others may be waiting to use it. and (2) It will use a lot more water, and those coming after you may find they only have a cold shower option. I have tried using a Scrubba Washbag, that worked well. (no commercial interest) thescrubba.com.au/products/scrubba-wash-bag But I think an ordinary dry bag would work just as well! Most Albergues will provide somewhere to wash and hang clothes, Some may have washing machines and driers. Some may even offer to do your laundry! Quite a few Casa Rural do this. You may also come across a Lavanderia (Laundrette) in towns you pass through. Hand washing is fine, but a machine wash now and again is nice too. I usually shower and do my laundry as soon and I check in and find my bed. This gives the washing maximum drying time.
@@robscamino thank you. That is what I did as well (shower, then wash clothes), then I started hearing about the 'shower clothes wash' - I agree that would take excess time and water, but just wondered what you thought of it. I appreciate your answer. I agree that it is a real treat to have someone do my laundry on Camino.
LOL. I think 'most' do..... Whilst I also shower in the mornings at home, I avoid it on Camino. (1) I don't want to start with wet feet. Moisture contributes to blisters, along with heat and friction. (2) Albergues want you out on the road quite early.
Since you say certain places will do laundry for you, what percentage of the time would you say you needed to provide your own laundry detergent? I'm trying to figure out how much soap to bring in total.. Thanks!
Hard to say, as it depends on what type of accommodation you are using. In my case I maybe washed my own clothes 50% of the time. Some Albergues will do laundry for you, all have DIY laundry facilities of course of some kind. Many Hostals, and Casa Rurals will do laundry for you. Hotels strangely don't, as they generally need 24 hours (it gets sent out I presume). When washing my own clothes I mainly took two approaches. (1) Lavandaria ( launderette) if in a town, and they have detergent dispensers anyway or (2) if washing in a sink, I used laundry leaves. They work! www.paddypallin.com.au/sea-to-summit-pocket-laundry-wash.html 1 leaf will do your laundry. 50 in the packet and weighs about 10 gms.
@@camilleg2497 Unfortunately, or maybe it adds to the charm; it is the nature of walking a Camino, that many of the answers to common questions are......Maybe, Sometimes, and the like........ As you will find, it is a wonderful constantly changing experience, during which we learn to let go of any expectations. So being 'prepared' is good. Knowing that some things might or might not be available or possible 🙂
Generally no. But some taht have washing machines will usually sell laundry soap. For hand washing clothes I carry very small laundry flakes like these. One small packet lasts a whole Camino. Weighs about 10-20 gms. www.wildearth.com.au/buy/sea-to-summit-trek-travel-pocket-laundry-wash-50pk/ATTPLW?gclid=CjwKCAiA2fmdBhBpEiwA4CcHzZHtMAoq6gGVV6J2-NPe8KqpbdAphV8mI76O35P-4HgCle3J5W6CbhoC1A0QAvD_BwE
@@robscaminoif those spots are well known to everybody why doesn t the municipality there clean them on a regular basis while providing a temp bathroom
@@fidjih This suggestion comes up a lot. But the thing is, the Camino is just a route. No one owns it. No one really has authority over it. Though local authorities may fund signs, benches and things like that. For a local authority to provide mobile toilets would be a huge undertaking in terms of cost, resources and management. On the flip side, we as Pilgrims need to take responsibility I believe. "Leave no trace" is a good ideal to pursue. On a route like the Camino Frances it is not that hard to access toilets. You frequently pass villages with bars etc. Buy something in the bar, or leave some coins in return for using the toilets. It all helps the local economy. My wife needs to pee about 10 times per day. This is her view: ruclips.net/video/8tTKSbXLmUU/видео.htmlfeature=shared It's about personal responsibility in my view.
Hi Rob, these are some good and very necessary thoughts and tips on that topic! I walked the Camino Frances in 2014 and I had informed myself beforehand how I could leave as few traces as possible. I brought half a roll of dog poo bags to collect and dispose of things that shouldn't be left behind, which worked really well. For weight reasons I took along some washing powder instead of liquid detergent to do my laundry, and sometimes some pilgrims and I shared a washing machine. And I was glad to have brought a 5m lightweight cord (20g) and my own 6 pegs😊. I could wrap the cord around the bunk bed when I slept in the lower part and could dry my towel and protect myself from being looked at when I was sleeping. So, thanks for sharing your advice. Greetings from Germany
Maybe see you out there on the path one day? 🙂
@@robscamino I would love to walk another camino one day, but first I have to repair my knee😂
what about BED BUGS INFESTATION .that you might bring from or to your home !
you can also go behind any Bush to do your nb2 just place a plastic bag where it will drop and at the end take it with you as well as all used tissues. as for tissue rolls in cafe or any public place its very unhealthy must be soiled with milion germs bc of the toilet flushing splatters. do not use it Camino or no Camino. and better spray toilet seat with instant disinfectant before sitting on it or put Kleenex all over it before. going into the Bush is way more healthier. in my opinion. I always have light roll of small plastic bags and thin transparent plastic gloves to remove anything. also better eat food with fibers that induce poop around the time you going into the hotel or albergue.
One tip pilgrims might consider is to have a toilet kit comprising; a plastic trowel, packet of paper issues, a Cricket lighter and some hand gel. Once the main 'business' is done and the associated 'paperwork' is completed, set fire to it in the 'cat hole ' , and then cover the ashes. which will be effectively broken down.(Be aware of fires in the dry season. )Quick decontaminate with the hand gel and you're good to go - leaving minimal trace .
You can also get disposable paper underwear. Use once and throw away ! ( or burn...)
Not sure I'd be lighting fires though. Spain has a a lot of Wild fires 🤔
Planning my first camino and this was truly helpful. thank you for being willing to share this
It's often the little things that people worry about 🙂
I have just subscribed to your channel. I have completed the Camino Salvado in Western Australia and am planning for the Camino Portuguese. Thank you for handling this subject so delicately! Ladies, and gentlemen, leave behind nothing but footsteps 👣 13:10 13:10
Sadly, many just don't 'get it'....... 😳
Hi Bob. I just subscribed to your channel. Great stuff. My wife and I are planning to do the Camino in September and your advice is gold, as well as comments from other commenters. I'm anxious to watch all your other videos and learn. Thank you.
Glad you find the channel useful. I think i have covered most topics, but by all means ask for anything specific..
Might I suggest that in addition to packing out your own tp, that you clean up a bit of litter that others have left. Maybe we can all help restore the Camino.
Very good point!
I so agree that you should buy something if you use a restaurant's facilities. I think it's incredibly rude not to at least buy something small
True.......
Well done on a sensitive subject, Robo!
Thanks Andrew. It does need to be talked about 🙂
...and, btw, great job! Thanks for all of your efforts and information. I’m planning my first Camino in the fall and your channel helps with my need for organization.
Always happy to talk Camino 🙂
I know the seventeen Kilometre you talking about on the Maseta, I trailing a couple of fellow country girls and they need to pee in the wide open space, as a person I look in the opposite direction because I have learned we all need our privacy as a fellow pilgrim male or female. According to the Templar Order thou protect all pilgrims on their pilgrimage.
It's about mutual respect and support isn't it? The Pilgrim 'community' is a nice one. Same in communal Albergues. No one gawks at each other. You look the other way.
I appreciate you keeping it real. Thanks Rob!
Well.........the Camino is very 'real' LOL
Thanks Rob well put on a “delicate” Subject!😊
Needs to be talked about 🙂
Thank you so much for addressing these ! My 18 yr old is booked to do his first pilgrimage on the Camino this June and I bet has not thought of this yet! Will be forwarding your video.
LOL.
look for bed bugs prevention too. theres a severe infestation in France, probably spreading all around.
You can use dog poop bags to remove your poop as well as toilet paper. We should clean up after ourselves as we do for our dogs (in the US at least). Also a feminine uterine device helps solve a bit of the female peeing awkwardness.
That's certainly another option. We use those bags here in Australia too. Though carrying a 'loaded' one for 10-20 kms in the heat on Camino looking for a bin could be challenging. The couple of times I was 'caught short' I made to bury the waste with a camping trowel someplace where it would not get ploughed up! The feminine peeing devices certainly have quite a few users I think. Though the tissue issue still remains. Pat always carries a small ziplock bag with her and that gets put in a trash bin at the end of the day.
Hi Rob, really love your channel, planning my first camino in August and your tips are super helpful 😀
Greta, Which route?
@@robscamino Invierno with my 20yo daughter
I've been trying to find that umbrella at a reasonable price 😫. I've no doubt it'll be worth it
I'm sure there are cheaper versions around. It's just an Umbrella after all. Nothing that special about it. Many people use ones from the Chino shops in Spain.
Nice. Might see you there. If I survive the walk up from Sevilla......
Thanks for making a video about an important subject that no one else talks about.
I would add more information about women hygiene for fisiologic issues. Greetings from México
Maybe I can persuade my wife to make one! 🙂
@@robscamino Thanks for your response.
That would be great!
Greetings to your wife.
For packing out the tissues I use dog poo bags. Very light and perfect for the job.
I made my own trowel from a scrap piece of rainwater down pipe. Simple to make it you have a hacksaw.
Nice tips
Thank you
You're welcome
Hi Rob, Thanks for mentioning the problem of Toilet issues, and if `someone', has To Go frequently, perhaps they have a Bladder Infection, please use a CITRAVESCENT Sachet, they can be used 2 or 3 times a day. - Toilet Paper, I see you take a half a roll to save weight ! great, - but you left the brown cardboard in the middle ! which is rarely used, I get a pencil and wrap the paper around, until I have enough, I also carry Wet Wipes, as you do, just in case, love your Blogs, Fond regards, Alan - New Zealand
Darn, I could have saved another 5-10 gms in weight! 😳
Thank you. Good tips indeed and will make use of your suggestions on my first Camino ... I leave Aug. 30th.
Wow! Lucky you. Buen Camino 🙂
@@robscamino Thank you
Agree about taking toilet tissue away with you. I just wanted to mention that there is a more biodegradable tissue that its available for use with septic tanks. Although the ideal is to take the tissue with you as mentioned maybe this is worth a go if for any reason you can't take the tissue it away with you and more environmentally friendly to use anyway.
I use it on my boat. But might not be so easy to find in villages in Spain?
I'm leaving in TWO weeks today to start my Camino. I'm in Canada. I loved this video on personal hygiene. I've purchased a pee cloth so I won't be leaving tissue behind. That is so disgusting. I wonder if, instead of Ziploc bags, compostable bags for dog waste might be better? And could even be used to transport the waste out? It just shocks me how disgusting people can be about the environment!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the delicate subject.
Yes I think Doggie poop bags could work. It works for our dogs! Though carrying one 10 kms in the heat whilst looking for a bin....... 🙄
@@robscamino lol. Yes. But at least for the TP. Love your videos
I have just one disagreement. I have seen and heard men recommending bar soap to wash their hair, as well as their bodies. I use it for laundry. It is necessary to rinse thoroughly. But I would never use it on my hair. I tried it once, between caminos.My hair was thickly sticky and uncomfortable until I managed to wash it all out with my regular shampoo. I now take a couple of small bottles with enough shampoo for my walk, once a week washing. The couple of bottles are because I never check anything and large bottles are confiscated by airport security.
Yes, it's a personal thing I guess. If I'm staying in private rooms I'll use the shampoo provided, otherwise I'll use my bar soap. I wash my hair every night along with the rest of me......so I would use a lot of shampoo.
Castille soap is fantastic for washing body, hair and clothes!
There are bar soaps made just for hair hygiene - Jack59 is a Canadian product - shampoo and conditioner in bar form. They work great! I believe Lush also has a hair product.
There are shampoo in small-size (10ml) sachets and they are very light.
Rob-
Sorry I went way back in your chronology of videos to ask this--sort of a strange question: Do men on the Camino usually let their beards grow or do they pack a razor and shave every few days? On NorthAmerican thru hikes, hikers usually let their beard grow with some trimming for five months. I am usually clean shaven but would grow a beard or at least a goatee for the Camino if that is what most guys do.
On my first Camino I took a razor and a small bottle of shaving oil. But after 3-4 days just thought 'what the heck'. I'll be walking for over a month, why not just grow a beard. I had never tried before. I haven't shaved since. I think that maybe I felt more like an authentic Pilgrim unshaven LOL. Most guys tend to shave though....
@@robscamino 2:31
I have heard that some folks wash their clothes as they shower. Any comments? I think my shower would take a fair bit longer and the clothes may not get as clean. Good job on this video.
Washing clothes in the shower is considered a bit of a 'No No'. For two reasons. (1) your shower will take much longer, and others may be waiting to use it. and (2) It will use a lot more water, and those coming after you may find they only have a cold shower option. I have tried using a Scrubba Washbag, that worked well. (no commercial interest) thescrubba.com.au/products/scrubba-wash-bag But I think an ordinary dry bag would work just as well! Most Albergues will provide somewhere to wash and hang clothes, Some may have washing machines and driers. Some may even offer to do your laundry! Quite a few Casa Rural do this. You may also come across a Lavanderia (Laundrette) in towns you pass through. Hand washing is fine, but a machine wash now and again is nice too. I usually shower and do my laundry as soon and I check in and find my bed. This gives the washing maximum drying time.
@@robscamino thank you. That is what I did as well (shower, then wash clothes), then I started hearing about the 'shower clothes wash' - I agree that would take excess time and water, but just wondered what you thought of it. I appreciate your answer. I agree that it is a real treat to have someone do my laundry on Camino.
@@Arlenetoys And give that someone some income.
I was thinking of doggie poop bags. They are biodegradable and come in a little roll. Thoughts.
I think some people use those......
Hi, I hope everyone takes a shower before going dirty to bed ahahah
LOL. I think 'most' do..... Whilst I also shower in the mornings at home, I avoid it on Camino. (1) I don't want to start with wet feet. Moisture contributes to blisters, along with heat and friction. (2) Albergues want you out on the road quite early.
@@robscamino I was thinking in fact of bad sweaty smell in the rooms during the night ahhhh but I understand why better not in the morning. Thanks
Since you say certain places will do laundry for you, what percentage of the time would you say you needed to provide your own laundry detergent? I'm trying to figure out how much soap to bring in total.. Thanks!
Hard to say, as it depends on what type of accommodation you are using. In my case I maybe washed my own clothes 50% of the time. Some Albergues will do laundry for you, all have DIY laundry facilities of course of some kind. Many Hostals, and Casa Rurals will do laundry for you. Hotels strangely don't, as they generally need 24 hours (it gets sent out I presume). When washing my own clothes I mainly took two approaches. (1) Lavandaria ( launderette) if in a town, and they have detergent dispensers anyway or (2) if washing in a sink, I used laundry leaves. They work! www.paddypallin.com.au/sea-to-summit-pocket-laundry-wash.html 1 leaf will do your laundry. 50 in the packet and weighs about 10 gms.
@@robscamino Thank you for the detailed answer!
@@camilleg2497 Unfortunately, or maybe it adds to the charm; it is the nature of walking a Camino, that many of the answers to common questions are......Maybe, Sometimes, and the like........
As you will find, it is a wonderful constantly changing experience, during which we learn to let go of any expectations. So being 'prepared' is good. Knowing that some things might or might not be available or possible
🙂
Does the posadas provide laundry soap?
Generally no. But some taht have washing machines will usually sell laundry soap. For hand washing clothes I carry very small laundry flakes like these. One small packet lasts a whole Camino. Weighs about 10-20 gms. www.wildearth.com.au/buy/sea-to-summit-trek-travel-pocket-laundry-wash-50pk/ATTPLW?gclid=CjwKCAiA2fmdBhBpEiwA4CcHzZHtMAoq6gGVV6J2-NPe8KqpbdAphV8mI76O35P-4HgCle3J5W6CbhoC1A0QAvD_BwE
@@robscamino Thank You
How many towels do you need?
Not sure I understand the question 🙂 One....... a small lightweight one. 😉
People can develop really unpleasant body odour in hot weather.
So true. I shower daily and wash my clothes daily. If anyone has noticed a bad smell, please tell me LOL
@@robscamino It wasn't meant to be personal. 🙂
Well, that's pretty shitty. I would be pissed off with people doing their thing along El Camino. I can also see how tissue can be an issue.
Sadly it's a bit of an issue.........
LOL 😂 enjoyed your pun
@@robscaminoif those spots are well known to everybody why doesn t the municipality there clean them on a regular basis while providing a
temp bathroom
@@fidjih This suggestion comes up a lot. But the thing is, the Camino is just a route. No one owns it. No one really has authority over it. Though local authorities may fund signs, benches and things like that. For a local authority to provide mobile toilets would be a huge undertaking in terms of cost, resources and management. On the flip side, we as Pilgrims need to take responsibility I believe. "Leave no trace" is a good ideal to pursue. On a route like the Camino Frances it is not that hard to access toilets. You frequently pass villages with bars etc. Buy something in the bar, or leave some coins in return for using the toilets. It all helps the local economy. My wife needs to pee about 10 times per day. This is her view: ruclips.net/video/8tTKSbXLmUU/видео.htmlfeature=shared It's about personal responsibility in my view.
@@robscamino are you a catholic pilgrim ?.or you re doing it for other reasons ?
Muy interesante , porque no en español? 😀
Van muy rápido los subtítulos en inglés .
Lo siento. Mi español es muy básico. ¿Quizás puedas reproducir el video más lento, con subtítulos?
@@robscamino Gracias.