You have by far the best supplies list. I walked the Camino in 2009 and the list I followed had me carrying 25lbs!!!! It was ridiculous. Thanks for the Real list.
Really helpful video that would have been great to see before I did the Camino. I hiked it with my 18 year old son 3 months before you did! I also wish I had lighter shoes instead of hiking boots. We hiked WAY too much on the first day and I developed feet that looked like yours at the worst. Terrible, and never really recovered. Limped my way through Spain. Suggest one start off a bit slow and work up your speed and distance (but I'm an old lady). Good foot care is essential - a tip would be to take off your shoes and socks every time you stop for a rest, to air your feet off. I only brought 2 changes of clothes and washed them out in the sink every evening and they were (mostly) dry in the morning. I was really on a budget and running out of funds at the end - you can buy marvelous fresh bread and cheese at the markets for almost nothing. It was one of the top wonderful experiences of my life and it's calling out to me - must go back somehow!
I have watched your full Camino video and now this one and you should be commended for your presentation in both videos and for your spirit and generosity in what you tell us all from your experience on your trip and as I have just turned 65 years old I am inspired by you to undertake my first Camino later this year. Thank you
Great advice! I'd suggest two small and light additions from my backpacking days, a little plastic ring with a camera screw mount that lets one mount one's camera or phone on the pointy end of a trekking pole to make a useful "selfie stick". The one I have had for many years is called a "StickPic". The other is a folding foam seat cushion like a Thermarest or cheap Chinese variant. Both less than an ounce. As for packs, that Osprey is a fine pack but carrying less than 10 lbs one could comfortably go one of the smaller simple ultralight packs which would cost about the same, or perhaps less, and weigh half as much, a pound or less. Also you could ditch the rain cover with these packs as they're pretty watertight.
Hi Hank, LOved your video of your Camino. My wife and I did the Northern Way back in 2015 and I had very similar foot issues. My feet felt like two bloody stumps!! I was quite literally disabled after about 4 days. I too ditched my heavy hiking boots and bought Soloman trail runners. OMG!!! What a difference. Like walking on air. Forget hiking boots for the Camino. Buy some light, well-made trail runners with good ankle and arch support. Buen Camino!
One more thought. Never wear cotton underwear! Chafing in the nether regions is even worse than blisters on your feet. You'll have to trust me on on this one.
Thirty minutes video to discuss a packing list? Count me in -- IF it is a Hank Leukart film. You have a real knack, Hank, for making compellingly watchable videos... Actually, flair and talent are terms more appropriate to describe what you achieve with your videos. And the videos keep getting better; watching your new video proves a fun 29 minutes with old friends (you and Amalie, and others)... And I learned a lot. Good, good, good; all good. Your first Camino video has become one of the more popular videos re the Camino, and for good reason(s). I hazard a guess this new video will grow in similar stature and popularity: The repeat footage in this new video is just as fun this time around as originally AND the 'found' footage (okay, okay, the outtakes) proves positively exhilarating. Thank you (again)!
Ha, yeah, I know this one was outside my normal genre, but I ended up making it by popular demand (I get asked about hiking gear constantly) and because I knew it would give me an excuse to dig up some fun Camino footage that no one had seen before. Anyway, glad you liked it! More pure adventure videos coming soon.
I am very grateful to your videos and my sister who found it, after I told her weight was a problem. I carried about 10 or 12 pounds. I had several pairs of socks. A pair of sandals would have been great. The weight was a issue because of tears in my rotator cuffs. The only thing different I would consider is inserts for my flat feet. Not from the store but from a foot doctor. The French Camino turned out to be great. Thanks.
Hola Hank Soy de Ayora ESPAÑA🇪🇦 Me encantan tus videos, reflejan el espiritu del camino de Santiago. Una experiencia inolvidable. Se nota que disfrutas de nuestra gente, los paisajes y la cultura Española.
Hey Hank, I just found your page. I just returned from my Camino. I packed far too much. And learned so much along The Way. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. xoxo
This was a thorough, awesome video! I hiked the Camino in 2014 and kept my weight in my pack down to 12lbs total (a little less and then a little more with a few tiny souvenirs). I really enjoyed your short videos of places you went, too, recognizing several locations! :-) Very n ice job!
I have just watched both your videos! The entire journey and the packing list! I am doing a small stretch to raise funds for breast cancer research in October this year and your packing list was great - thank you. We are actually starting in Santiago and finishing in Finisterre - so a very small section. 70+ miles in 3 days. Your videos have made me want to do the entire Camino - maybe next time!
Hi Rebecca! Sounds like you have a great trip planned, and it's for a good cause. If you have any other questions, let me know. The stretch from Santiago to Finisterre is a beautiful section and a great choice for a three day trip, so I'm sure you'll love it -- and it will definitely make you want to do more. But, there's always time for more walking in future years!
Thanks Hank! I already walk regularly on the Cornish Coast Path (am very lucky to live here) and have almost completed it over a period of years with a group of girlfriends... You should try it for one of your trips sometime. Awe-inspiring and also quite tough in places but constantly changing sea views - my favourite. Likewise, if you decide to do it and need any advice, I'm happy to help! :)
Chiruca shoes made in Spain are pretty good and not expensive as well I recommend a Luna Sandals as a minimalist huaraches sandal made in Seattle, EEUU
Great video Hank, but caution to those who hike in early Spring. I hiked SJPP to Santiago in April '12. I froze my rear-end off virtually every night ... with a sleeping bag!
Hi, Marc! I'm so sorry you were cold! Yes, there's a lot of different temperature ratings for different sleeping bags and sleeping bag liners, and some people run colder/hotter than others. Since I'm focusing on hiking ultralight, I think that a sleeping bag liner is adequate, especially since it's possible to wear your jacket and pants as backups while sleeping during especially cold nights. But, the right thing for everyone to do is confirm the historical temperature conditions for the time of year you're planning on doing the Camino, and getting a liner (or bag) that can handle those temperatures (plus about 5C/10F since you'll be warmer inside). For me, since sleeping in albergues in spring to summer meant sleeping inside in mostly warm rooms for the entire Camino, I never got cold just using a sleeping bag liner. For people nervous about this, get a sleeping bag liner beforehand and test out whether you feel warm enough using it in your own bedroom, with climate control adjusted to be a bit chillier than usual. See how it feels!
👍👍That's incredibly light... i try to play around with my stuffs & the best I can possibly do is 7.5kg (including the carrier + 1 L water bottle). Basically the weight that i will carry on my back
Wonderful advice! I went to Italy in 2013 (from USA) and carried one bag, 25lbs. My pack pretty much matched the items you described in this video. Carrying my bag across my Italian ventures was really effortless, I had all the clothes and supplies I needed. Travel sizing is KEY for saving weight, and storage. Enjoyed your video.. Have you and your friend stayed in touch?
Thank you for the movie of your walk on the Camino. This has been a dream of mine. To take five to six weeks to walk this journey would be great. At my point right now, would be nearly impossible. I would have to jump on the Camino somewhere it would only take 10-14 days at the most. I really want to begin at San Sebastion, France but to complete this journey I would have to wait for another 13 years when I'm retired. But at 65 will I be able to complete this? Or walk over 35 miles per day, is this possible? Maybe but not logical!
One of my best friends is on the Camino NOW! She started in Le Puy France. My favourite padded 'running' socks are by Copperfit. They're not only padded but have a super thick 'lip' at the heal to keep your heel protected from shoes sliding. They are amazing. I purchased mine at "Big 5" in California.
Hi Hank, Thanks, I chose your Pack and bought a decent set of Cross Trainers which were fine. The sleepign bag liner was a great idea but a mate didnt bring a bag so he ended up using that. We went in March,quiet and perfect Thanks and will use your Kit list again when I go back next year so dont delete it :-) Roy
Hey, Roy! Glad that you found the packing list useful! And yeah, March sounds like a very nice time to do the Camino with fewer people. I won't delete the list -- I may even update it sometime soon...
Two factors that play a big role are: how cold you run normally when you sleep and the season in which you do the Camino. I did the Camino in May-June and was never cold just sleeping in a sleeping bag liner (especially because you're usually sleeping in dorm rooms with a lot of other people creating body heat). But, if you go during a colder time of year, or you're a person that's often cold when you sleep, you may want a sleeping bag. (Or, you can still bring just a liner to save on weight and then wear extra warm clothes if you're too cold on a handful of nights.)
Hank - enjoyed your very impressively edited and narrated videos. The music was spot on - not too much nor too little. Your suggestions as to what items to bring - I would agreed with wholeheartedly. Collapsible walking poles help both going up and down some of the treacherous narrow and rocky trails. (Some Pilgrims really hate the clacking sound of poles hitting the ground particularly if there is a large herd of walkers - but those people can speed up or slow down - plenty of room for everyone. You're right about boots. I jettisoned them in Pamplona and purchased a pair of North Face trail runners and was totally comfortable ever since - just a few minor blisters along the way. Compeed plasters for blisters. They greatly speed up the healing process. You are going to get blisters! (Hank, you were standing next to a huge rack of Compeed when you were in a pharmacy in Leon I believe.). Back packs of ten pounds is clearly the gold standard. I started out in France with 35 pounds - bad idea - and ended up sending 20 ahead to Santiago to a chap who advertises in the refugios who accepts packages for a small fee - and you then pick up that needless weight when you get to end. I was 73 old - and a Santa Clara, CA resident prior to walking the Camino two years ago. No major problems along the way. I've always been an avid runner and cyclist - and sorta believe that my cycling of helped prepare me the most.
Hi Philip! Thanks for your kind words. Glad you agree with the advice -- it's hard to give a mountain of advice that fits all people, but I did my best. And yeah, I did use Compeed on the trip (as well as moleskin and some Dr. Scholl's blsiter products), and they helped, depending on the kind of blister. Congrats on staying so fit and active into your 70s -- that's my goal! I have also been doing a bunch of paddling and I really enjoy cycling. I had considered cycling the Camino too, and I saw some people doing that, but since it's such a vibrant walking community I think I would have felt a bit too removed if I had cycled it. But I am thinking about other cycling trips in the future. -Hank
I'm planning on bringing an utra lightweight fanny pack on my camino to put my money and phone as well as earbuds and any other stuff I might need, like a muesli bar while I hike. That way I don't have to try to get into pockets that are hard to reach with the pack on and just have them in one spot all the time. Even on days off I can just carry this thing with me and know I have everything. The clothes I'm planning to bring don't all have pockets and I just don't like having my phone in pants pockets while I hike, I find it uncomfortable.
Hank, Hola! I am leaving for St. Jean in two weeks and double checking gear lists. For some reason I can’t figure out how to access your detailed gear list. Can you help me? Love your videos! Thanks 🙏
Hank, how did you get your sharp things past airport security? Did you check your luggage or take it on the plane with you? In particular hiking poles and tweezers and small knives. Thank you.
i put my entire hiking backpack with all that stuff in it inside a cheap duffel to protect it from the evil monsters in the baggage machines and then check it with the airline
Great Video! For peope walking Around Late Oktober-March i would recommend some higher an waterproof shoes, because if it Rains for Days, its crucial to keep your feet dry. To prevent blister i recommend to use some fat-lube like „hirschtalg“ in advance and Walk some Miles in your shoes before going on the Santiago. ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
I walked around that time and I had a light jacket and no sleeping bag (only a small sleeping bag liner). It was fine for me, though if you run very cold at night you may feel differently.
Great Video. I made our list here. We're going at the beginning or September (2018). Practiced at Cumberland Gap then trail near Clifftop, WV during the String Band Festival.
yes, the best albergues get filled first, so you don't always get a bed in the specific one you wanted in a town, but you'll nearly always be able to find a bed. in 35 days, I only once ended up in a town where no beds were available in any of the albergues (it was a very small town). but the albergue directed us to a guy who rented apartment rooms to pilgrims and we just stayed there instead. it was actually a nice night. some people just walk to the next town instead if that happens -- depends how tired you are. you can be assured a better pick of beds if you start walking very early in the morning so you arrive in town earlier in the day. hope that helps!
At 2:10 you made a statement 'To be honest, you shouldn't be carrying that much (more than 10lbs) on the Camino de Santiago". Can you explain to me why this statement is a 'should'? I have heard it a lot and I am curious the reasoning and origin behind it?
Hey, Lindsay! Of course, the amount of weight you carry on any hiking trip is your choice, but, in my experience, long walking/hiking trips are much more comfortable if you work hard to make sure the backpack you're carrying is as light as possible. Because the Camino is a trip that doesn't require you to carry a tent, food, cooking kit, or even a sleeping bag in most cases, it's possible to reduce pack weight by a lot more than is possible on difficult wilderness adventures. Thus, most Camino walkers can reduce their pack weight to 10lbs or less, which makes for a much more enjoyable 30-40 day experience. Of course, if your pack weighs a little bit more than that, you'll still enjoy the trip -- but you may find yourself throwing an extra pair of pants into the trash along the way!
Hey mate, fab video with a lot of detail and many good tips. We are off in a few days time and just needed to double check my packing list. Great video. Thanks
Nice video and overview of the Camino. I have to admit that I was perplexed for most of the video, thinking “how the heck is all his gear under 10lbs” when it struck me that you didn’t have a shelter or any cook kit. I’m so used to considering those into a base weight that it never crossed my mind that you’d do a trail and NOT have those things! 😄
Yes, on walks and hikes with significant infrastructure (like the hostels on the Camino, the teahouses on the hike to Everest Base Camp/Three Passes (see my video!), or the refuges on the Tour du Mont Blanc), you can reduce your base weight significantly because you don't need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, or pot.
This is very helpful, since I'm planning a trek on the Camino next year. For footwear, I get why trail runners are good for asphalt and dirt roads, but do you still prefer your heavier boots for backcountry and hard trails?
It depends on the terrain, weather, and the weight of your pack. Thruhikers doing the PCT and AT these days overwhelmingly use ultralight packs and trailrunners, which I think is the right decision for most on-trail hikes in non-winter. But, if you're doing backcountry trips off-trail or in places like New Zealand or Alaska where trails may be barely trails, more durable boots may be appropriate (though I still tend to use lightweight boots even in those cases). Trailrunners are often not warm enough for winter trips, and they can feel mushy and less comfortable if your pack is very heavy.
Considering that your backpack weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and you brought an extension cord, deck of cards and a camera with tripod, that seems like your weight would definitely be over 10 pounds without water. I have a 30L bag that weighs only 1.5 pounds, the same amount of clothes, etc. but no camera, tripod or cards and I’m coming in at 10. Did you count the weight of the backpack in your 10 pounds?
Hey Hank, great video, as always from yourself. The one thing I would add if you are from the UK is if you are likely to use Ibuprofen, a packet of 16 was 7 euros in Spain, while in the UK the same is around £1 for 72....I'm heading to the Frances and planning to take several packs with me. Cheers for the great vids!
Awesome videos..I am enjoying them, thank you. I walked the Camino in hiking boots and had no blisters. It seems that some use walking shoes & others boots. I walked the green route into Leon as I had heard about the roads😊. It was a good choice but it is still 9km!!!! I loved my Osprey backpack. Good reminder to take as little as possible.
Hi, Rosie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the videos. Yeah, I think people with more conditioned feet than mine may do better in boots than me, though the real issue is all the road walking, which is no fun. But I found that the trailrunners were easier on my feet because of all the road walking. And, yes, I have a couple Osprey backpacks and really like them.
The "blisters" I had on the Camino were more like calluses/pressure blisters that occurred due to repeated pressure and not due to friction, which was strange. But yeah, I know that people with friction blisters have good luck with Injins.
Did you buy your trekking poles when you started or bring them with you. If you brought them, how did you pack them in checked baggage and did you bring your backpack as carry-on?
i brought them with me. i usually put my backpack in a very cheap ($10) duffel bag and put my collapsed hiking poles in the duffel with the backpack, and then check the whole backpack. for this trip, i think i packed the backpack in a large plastic bag though, so i could throw it out and never carry it again.
Great videos, thankyou for sharing. Since stumbling across a Chilean guitarist, singing about the Camino Santiago, at a market in Byron Bay, NSW, Australia in Spring 2017; I've hiked Caminos Frances(Jul&Aug/2017) Portuguese(Sept&Dec/Jan 2017/18) Inglese (Aug 2017) Norte/Primitivo(Apr 2019) and The Pennine Way (UK)(Jul 2019) as well as several other UK National Trails. Total approx 2500kms. In varying temperatures from -2C to 40C, mixed terrain and tough elevations. Always looking to learn from others experiences, ideas, tips and hiking philosophies. Two questions, what happened with Amelia? You two seemed well suited. What editing software? My 2020 Camino plans - C.San Salvador & Norte have been upset by CV19 BUT as Arnie once said "I'll be back". Buen Camino Amigo.
Wow, that's amazing! Amalie are friends now -- I live in LA and she lives in Denmark, but we stay in touch. I have a girlfriend here in Los Angeles. For this edit, I used FCPX. Wow, your Caminos sound amazing! I hope I get a chance to try one of the alternate routes in the future.
Glad you liked the video. I did carry some antihistamines because I have some mild allergies, but you can also buy them at the pharmacy in basically every town, so you won't have trouble finding them. I didn't get any wasp or bee stings on the trip.
@@HankLeukart thank you so much. Really enjoying all your vlogs (vicariously during the pandemic!). Love the realistic insights and helpful tips. A lot of viewers will benefit especially when it comes to tips on camera gear and tripods. Stay safe.
Okay, so we got to know you and Amalie on your trip. I was really sad for you when the trip ended. What happened with your friendship? Did you just go home and that was that? Did you meet up again to do other hikes? Any romance? I am curious to know, since you commented repeatedly that people get close very fast on the trail, and then may never see each other again.
Sound advice, this. Well done. But you made me curious - if according to you Cruz de Ferro (over1500 m) is the second highest point on the Camino, what is the highest? The Cebreiro is more than 200 metres lower and the Col de Lepoeder in the Pyrenees is 1430. I can't remember crossing anything higher than those.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Good question: Cruz Ferro is about 7.7km from Rabanal at about ~1502m of elevation on the Camino. But about 5.7km past that point on the trail, there is another, higher point that is about ~1533m, just next to the Pena de la Escurpia (Punto Alto). A separate side trail goes to the high point and then reconnects to the Camino with only a few extra meters of hiking, but even on the Camino itself, that point is higher than Cruz Ferro. A bit pedantic, really, but that's why I make the distinction in the film.
well said Pilar. I have been thinking exactly the same thing ....what happened to Amalie ? you seemed to get on super well together. Hank ....Loved your Camino Video and the packing List too I have been twice due to time shortage and did it in stages first to Burgos and then second to Leon. Waiting for this Covid to go to go back and finish the Journey ASAP.
Never having done this, I am realizing that you basically have to empty your pack each evening to get what you need out or in the bag. Is that correct? I guess that is not a huge commitment.
Hey Greg, I had my med kit, rainjacket and fleece at the bottom of the bag, so they could be accessed easily if needed. The rest of my kit was an evening wear bag, evening sandals and spare dry clothes bag. After that, the rest was just in ziplock bags at the top, with water in the side pocket. As there was a limited amount of kit, it was easy to move it in and out of the bag when needed. Definitely not a huge commitment compared to the average self supported trail.
Yeah, I used most of what was in my bag every night, especially because I did laundry every 2-3 days, but it wasn't much stuff, so it was pretty easy to repack. The things I accessed constantly I put in an outside side pocket.
Hi Hank, I found your documentary inspiring and this packing video extremely helpful. I was just wondering if you had an itinerary of sorts? A list in order of all the places you stayed and visited along the way. I’ve wanted to do it for years and I know will someday.
Hi Richard! Glad you liked the videos. I don't have a written itinerary, but on this page, you can see/download my GPS track of the entire trip, which includes waypoints (the flags) showing where I stayed each night: withoutbaggage.com/gps/camino-de-santiago-frances/ I think you'll find that when you do the actual Camino, you'll likely be making decisions on the fly each day about how far you want to go depending on your mood/energy. So, I wouldn't plan on trying to follow what I did exactly, but you can use my GPS route to get an approximate idea of how far you'll probably end up traveling each day.
Great suggestions. Appreciate advice about whether to carry a camera. I will depend on my i phone for our pilgrimage. Like the duct tape on the poles idea.Hard-core American through hikers prefer a Smart water bottle which looks like the bottle you held. Your comfort in speaking in metric terms makes me suspect you're a Canadian brother. Thanks
Glad you liked the video! Haha, actually, I'm American, but I wanted to make sure that the majority of people, who use metric, were also able to find the video useful.
Sorry to burst your bubble but 10 pounds = 4.535 kg. and 9 lb = 4.082 kg (I'm a Brit living in Canada and use these measurements on the daily). Anyway, I enjoyed this gear video - it'll put a lot of people on the right lines of going lighter. And I also really enjoyed all the great footage in your full trip video, so thanks!
Haha, yes, I know, but I was trying to not sound pedantic by saying 4.5 kg over and over in the video. Maybe I should have though. Glad you enjoyed the video!
While there is a lot of road walking, there are a lot of uneven hiking trails too, which would make using a wheeled bag difficult. However, there are companies and services that will transport your bag for you everyday, so you don't have to carry it. I recommend using one of those if you want to do the Camino but can't carry your bag. Hope that helps!
Hey Hank ! Would you say your gear list video covers all Camino's or just the Frances? Would there be different gear lists depending on the Route and time of year?
Hi, Bob! I should say upfront that I've only walked the Francés. But, based on my general experience, there's two important things to keep in mind: 1) infrastructure and 2) weather/season. First, the Camino Francés has extensive infrastructure (hostels, hotels, restaurants, and cities), which means you're nearly guaranteed never to need a tent or sleeping pad. If you're going to walk any route that's more rural/through wilderness (the Camino Norte/Primitivo?), you need to consider whether you'll be able to find a place to stay every night, and if not, you'll need a tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Second, I walked the Camino Francés starting at the beginning of May, and I think for normal weather conditions from April to September, my gear list will work great. Outside of that season, people should seriously considering bring warmer gear, a full sleeping bag to stay warmer at night, better boots if you expect a lot of mud or snow, and maybe rain pants to go with your rain jacket.
The blisters might be because of the rubber crocs?. I lived in the tropics where I walked a lot. Taking off your boots you should have leather sandals..
I checked my backpack, packed in a plastic protective bag (provided by Delta, but a heavy-duty industrial trash bag would work just as well). I took the electronics and jacket in a shopping bag on the plane. When I landed, I picked up my backpack, threw the plastic bag and shopping bag in the trash, and headed out.
Very helpful and also beautifully made video! I walked the Camino Portugues last September and I'm really looking forward walk the French way. I took a lightweight sleeping bag and it was very useful, because in the small albergues it got pretty cold during the nighttime. I took a Gopro with me that I never used and my water bag also stayed unused, I just used a plastic bottle. I only wish I had a headlamps, because some days I started walking really early and during sunrise in that bluish light it was impossible to see the yellow arrows.
Thanks, Katalin! Glad you found the video helpful! Yes, depending on weather conditions and the route you take, I can imagine a sleeping bag might sometimes be nice, but it wasn’t necessary on the Camino Frances in the spring or summer.
Hi, Debora! I think we stayed in the NH Collection Palacio de Burgos, though it's been awhile and I'm not 100% positive. I hope you have a great Camino!
I met Patrick, from Switzerland, who was walking the camino in flip flops and he was on his 13th camino. He just took his time and talked to everyone
You have by far the best supplies list. I walked the Camino in 2009 and the list I followed had me carrying 25lbs!!!! It was ridiculous. Thanks for the Real list.
Really helpful video that would have been great to see before I did the Camino. I hiked it with my 18 year old son 3 months before you did! I also wish I had lighter shoes instead of hiking boots. We hiked WAY too much on the first day and I developed feet that looked like yours at the worst. Terrible, and never really recovered. Limped my way through Spain. Suggest one start off a bit slow and work up your speed and distance (but I'm an old lady). Good foot care is essential - a tip would be to take off your shoes and socks every time you stop for a rest, to air your feet off. I only brought 2 changes of clothes and washed them out in the sink every evening and they were (mostly) dry in the morning. I was really on a budget and running out of funds at the end - you can buy marvelous fresh bread and cheese at the markets for almost nothing. It was one of the top wonderful experiences of my life and it's calling out to me - must go back somehow!
I have watched your full Camino video and now this one and you should be commended for your presentation in both videos and for your spirit and generosity in what you tell us all from your experience on your trip and as I have just turned 65 years old I am inspired by you to undertake my first Camino later this year. Thank you
Thanks, Paul! I'm glad you liked it! I hope you have a great Camino!
Great advice! I'd suggest two small and light additions from my backpacking days, a little plastic ring with a camera screw mount that lets one mount one's camera or phone on the pointy end of a trekking pole to make a useful "selfie stick". The one I have had for many years is called a "StickPic". The other is a folding foam seat cushion like a Thermarest or cheap Chinese variant. Both less than an ounce. As for packs, that Osprey is a fine pack but carrying less than 10 lbs one could comfortably go one of the smaller simple ultralight packs which would cost about the same, or perhaps less, and weigh half as much, a pound or less. Also you could ditch the rain cover with these packs as they're pretty watertight.
Nice! One of the only sensible Camino packing and gear-advice videos out there!
Thanks! Glad you found it useful. If you have any other questions about planning your trip, let me know.
@@HankLeukart hi Thank you for this. Did you sign up for a tour? Or do it on your own?
Hi Hank, LOved your video of your Camino. My wife and I did the Northern Way back in 2015 and I had very similar foot issues. My feet felt like two bloody stumps!! I was quite literally disabled after about 4 days. I too ditched my heavy hiking boots and bought Soloman trail runners. OMG!!! What a difference. Like walking on air. Forget hiking boots for the Camino. Buy some light, well-made trail runners with good ankle and arch support. Buen Camino!
One more thought. Never wear cotton underwear! Chafing in the nether regions is even worse than blisters on your feet. You'll have to trust me on on this one.
Thirty minutes video to discuss a packing list? Count me in -- IF it is a Hank Leukart film.
You have a real knack, Hank, for making compellingly watchable videos... Actually, flair and talent are terms more appropriate to describe what you achieve with your videos. And the videos keep getting better; watching your new video proves a fun 29 minutes with old friends (you and Amalie, and others)... And I learned a lot. Good, good, good; all good.
Your first Camino video has become one of the more popular videos re the Camino, and for good reason(s). I hazard a guess this new video will grow in similar stature and popularity: The repeat footage in this new video is just as fun this time around as originally AND the 'found' footage (okay, okay, the outtakes) proves positively exhilarating.
Thank you (again)!
Ha, yeah, I know this one was outside my normal genre, but I ended up making it by popular demand (I get asked about hiking gear constantly) and because I knew it would give me an excuse to dig up some fun Camino footage that no one had seen before. Anyway, glad you liked it! More pure adventure videos coming soon.
I am very grateful to your videos and my sister who found it, after I told her weight was a problem.
I carried about 10 or 12 pounds. I had several pairs of socks. A pair of sandals would have been great.
The weight was a issue because of tears in my rotator cuffs.
The only thing different I would consider is inserts for my flat feet. Not from the store but from a foot doctor.
The French Camino turned out to be great.
Thanks.
Hola Hank
Soy de Ayora ESPAÑA🇪🇦
Me encantan tus videos, reflejan el espiritu del camino de Santiago. Una experiencia inolvidable.
Se nota que disfrutas de nuestra gente, los paisajes y la cultura Española.
¡Gracias! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te haya gustado el video!
Very well made video. Thank you!!! I am doing a 10 day portion and this video was super helpful!
Loved it. Great details, great descriptions. Thanks a million hank! Congratulations again!
Hey Hank, I just found your page. I just returned from my Camino. I packed far too much. And learned so much along The Way. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. xoxo
Yeah, it's hard not to pack too much. But, I hope you had a great trip!
This was a thorough, awesome video! I hiked the Camino in 2014 and kept my weight in my pack down to 12lbs total (a little less and then a little more with a few tiny souvenirs). I really enjoyed your short videos of places you went, too, recognizing several locations! :-) Very n ice job!
I have just watched both your videos! The entire journey and the packing list! I am doing a small stretch to raise funds for breast cancer research in October this year and your packing list was great - thank you. We are actually starting in Santiago and finishing in Finisterre - so a very small section. 70+ miles in 3 days. Your videos have made me want to do the entire Camino - maybe next time!
Hi Rebecca! Sounds like you have a great trip planned, and it's for a good cause. If you have any other questions, let me know. The stretch from Santiago to Finisterre is a beautiful section and a great choice for a three day trip, so I'm sure you'll love it -- and it will definitely make you want to do more. But, there's always time for more walking in future years!
Thanks Hank! I already walk regularly on the Cornish Coast Path (am very lucky to live here) and have almost completed it over a period of years with a group of girlfriends... You should try it for one of your trips sometime. Awe-inspiring and also quite tough in places but constantly changing sea views - my favourite. Likewise, if you decide to do it and need any advice, I'm happy to help! :)
Love Hanks blog, very heartfelt and emotional
Thanks so much, Ann! Glad you enjoyed it.
Chiruca shoes made in Spain are pretty good and not expensive as well I recommend a Luna Sandals as a minimalist huaraches sandal made in Seattle, EEUU
Great video Hank, but caution to those who hike in early Spring. I hiked SJPP to Santiago in April '12. I froze my rear-end off virtually every night ... with a sleeping bag!
Hi, Marc! I'm so sorry you were cold! Yes, there's a lot of different temperature ratings for different sleeping bags and sleeping bag liners, and some people run colder/hotter than others. Since I'm focusing on hiking ultralight, I think that a sleeping bag liner is adequate, especially since it's possible to wear your jacket and pants as backups while sleeping during especially cold nights. But, the right thing for everyone to do is confirm the historical temperature conditions for the time of year you're planning on doing the Camino, and getting a liner (or bag) that can handle those temperatures (plus about 5C/10F since you'll be warmer inside). For me, since sleeping in albergues in spring to summer meant sleeping inside in mostly warm rooms for the entire Camino, I never got cold just using a sleeping bag liner. For people nervous about this, get a sleeping bag liner beforehand and test out whether you feel warm enough using it in your own bedroom, with climate control adjusted to be a bit chillier than usual. See how it feels!
👍👍That's incredibly light... i try to play around with my stuffs & the best I can possibly do is 7.5kg (including the carrier + 1 L water bottle). Basically the weight that i will carry on my back
Thank you for this video and the packing list! I'm going in 20 days and am unbelievably excited!
No problem! Glad you found the video helpful, and I hope you have a great trip!
Wonderful advice! I went to Italy in 2013 (from USA) and carried one bag, 25lbs. My pack pretty much matched the items you described in this video. Carrying my bag across my Italian ventures was really effortless, I had all the clothes and supplies I needed. Travel sizing is KEY for saving weight, and storage. Enjoyed your video.. Have you and your friend stayed in touch?
i'm glad you enjoyed the video! yes, i'm still in touch with some camino friends!!
I liked this one as much as the To the End of the World video. You're awesome, Hank! Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Best packing video I’ve seen. 2nd Camino starting in two weeks for me 😀
Good luck, and have a great trip!
That straw hat is totally awesome. Glad you brought it home.
brings back good memories of the trip whenever i see it in the closet
Thank you for the movie of your walk on the Camino. This has been a dream of mine. To take five to six weeks to walk this journey would be great. At my point right now, would be nearly impossible. I would have to jump on the Camino somewhere it would only take 10-14 days at the most. I really want to begin at San Sebastion, France but to complete this journey I would have to wait for another 13 years when I'm retired. But at 65 will I be able to complete this? Or walk over 35 miles per day, is this possible? Maybe but not logical!
One of my best friends is on the Camino NOW! She started in Le Puy France. My favourite padded 'running' socks are by Copperfit. They're not only padded but have a super thick 'lip' at the heal to keep your heel protected from shoes sliding. They are amazing. I purchased mine at "Big 5" in California.
Hi, Debra! I'll have to check out these amazing socks for myself. I hope your friend is having a great trip! When are you going to go?
Love this video, hope can be there and feel how an amazing experience to camino de Santiago.. greeting from Indonesia 👋
Many thanks, hoping to complete this journey next year. Thank for the great advice.
Truly a sensitive yet informative video on topic. THx Hank. Good job.
Thanks!
Hi Hank, Thanks, I chose your Pack and bought a decent set of Cross Trainers which were fine. The sleepign bag liner was a great idea but a mate didnt bring a bag so he ended up using that. We went in March,quiet and perfect Thanks and will use your Kit list again when I go back next year so dont delete it :-) Roy
Hey, Roy! Glad that you found the packing list useful! And yeah, March sounds like a very nice time to do the Camino with fewer people. I won't delete the list -- I may even update it sometime soon...
I've been told the opposite regarding sleeping bags and that it's recommend to bring one from others who have done the Camino.
Two factors that play a big role are: how cold you run normally when you sleep and the season in which you do the Camino. I did the Camino in May-June and was never cold just sleeping in a sleeping bag liner (especially because you're usually sleeping in dorm rooms with a lot of other people creating body heat). But, if you go during a colder time of year, or you're a person that's often cold when you sleep, you may want a sleeping bag. (Or, you can still bring just a liner to save on weight and then wear extra warm clothes if you're too cold on a handful of nights.)
@@HankLeukart I'll be going April into May. I've decided on a liner rather than proper sleepy bag. Thanks for recommendation!
Hank - enjoyed your very impressively edited and narrated videos. The music was spot on - not too much nor too little. Your suggestions as to what items to bring - I would agreed with wholeheartedly. Collapsible walking poles help both going up and down some of the treacherous narrow and rocky trails. (Some Pilgrims really hate the clacking sound of poles hitting the ground particularly if there is a large herd of walkers - but those people can speed up or slow down - plenty of room for everyone.
You're right about boots. I jettisoned them in Pamplona and purchased a pair of North Face trail runners and was totally comfortable ever since - just a few minor blisters along the way. Compeed plasters for blisters. They greatly speed up the healing process. You are going to get blisters! (Hank, you were standing next to a huge rack of Compeed when you were in a pharmacy in Leon I believe.).
Back packs of ten pounds is clearly the gold standard. I started out in France with 35 pounds - bad idea - and ended up sending 20 ahead to Santiago to a chap who advertises in the refugios who accepts packages for a small fee - and you then pick up that needless weight when you get to end.
I was 73 old - and a Santa Clara, CA resident prior to walking the Camino two years ago. No major problems along the way. I've always been an avid runner and cyclist - and sorta believe that my cycling of helped prepare me the most.
Hi Philip! Thanks for your kind words. Glad you agree with the advice -- it's hard to give a mountain of advice that fits all people, but I did my best. And yeah, I did use Compeed on the trip (as well as moleskin and some Dr. Scholl's blsiter products), and they helped, depending on the kind of blister. Congrats on staying so fit and active into your 70s -- that's my goal! I have also been doing a bunch of paddling and I really enjoy cycling. I had considered cycling the Camino too, and I saw some people doing that, but since it's such a vibrant walking community I think I would have felt a bit too removed if I had cycled it. But I am thinking about other cycling trips in the future. -Hank
I walked the camino one and a half time,it is great,,thanks for information!
No problem -- I hope you have another great trip in 2019!
Thanks for the great packing tips ... very helpful advice
Glad it was helpful!
I'm planning on bringing an utra lightweight fanny pack on my camino to put my money and phone as well as earbuds and any other stuff I might need, like a muesli bar while I hike. That way I don't have to try to get into pockets that are hard to reach with the pack on and just have them in one spot all the time. Even on days off I can just carry this thing with me and know I have everything. The clothes I'm planning to bring don't all have pockets and I just don't like having my phone in pants pockets while I hike, I find it uncomfortable.
this is the best packing list I have seen. Thank you soooooo much❤
no problem! let me know if you have any other questions I can help with!
Hank, Hola! I am leaving for St. Jean in two weeks and double checking gear lists. For some reason I can’t figure out how to access your detailed gear list. Can you help me? Love your videos! Thanks 🙏
Very nicely done !!
Great info, beautiful pics. 👍
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video, Ken!
Hank, how did you get your sharp things past airport security? Did you check your luggage or take it on the plane with you? In particular hiking poles and tweezers and small knives. Thank you.
i put my entire hiking backpack with all that stuff in it inside a cheap duffel to protect it from the evil monsters in the baggage machines and then check it with the airline
The max. knife blade length ar Dublin airport is 60mm for carry on luggage.
Multi tools are banned.
Great Video!
For peope walking Around Late Oktober-March i would recommend some higher an waterproof shoes, because if it Rains for Days, its crucial to keep your feet dry.
To prevent blister i recommend to use some fat-lube like „hirschtalg“ in advance and Walk some Miles in your shoes before going on the Santiago.
✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
"Trail Toes" ointment every morning before the socks go on.
Thank you for the helpful tips and for sharing your awesome experience of the Camino.
Helpful! Assuming I'm walking in late April to late May (2024), what should I bring for warmth? A heavier jacket? Sleeping bag? More? Thanks!
I walked around that time and I had a light jacket and no sleeping bag (only a small sleeping bag liner). It was fine for me, though if you run very cold at night you may feel differently.
Great Video. I made our list here. We're going at the beginning or September (2018). Practiced at Cumberland Gap then trail near Clifftop, WV during the String Band Festival.
Wow! this is a great video! It will a great help to me in 2023, my planned time to do the Camino
and a great ending!
thanks so much! glad you enjoyed it. if you have any trip-planning questions, let me know!
@@HankLeukart The Osprey 38 has been replaced by the Kestrel 38. In any case, will it qualify as a carryon for the plane trip?
Good information about the phone charging, that will be important. I want to charge my phone at every stop for taking photos ect.
Nice video and instructive what about availability to sleep, what about places run out of rooms or albergues, does it happen?
yes, the best albergues get filled first, so you don't always get a bed in the specific one you wanted in a town, but you'll nearly always be able to find a bed. in 35 days, I only once ended up in a town where no beds were available in any of the albergues (it was a very small town). but the albergue directed us to a guy who rented apartment rooms to pilgrims and we just stayed there instead. it was actually a nice night. some people just walk to the next town instead if that happens -- depends how tired you are. you can be assured a better pick of beds if you start walking very early in the morning so you arrive in town earlier in the day. hope that helps!
Hank Leukart, thanks well clarified
Great and helpful video!!!! I was going to make the Portuguese Camiño this year but now only in 2021.
Thanks, glad you liked it! I hope you get a chance to do the trip next year -- you'll love it.
Gracias. I will be going June 2023
Very useful! Thank you for the vid
glad you liked it!
At 2:10 you made a statement 'To be honest, you shouldn't be carrying that much (more than 10lbs) on the Camino de Santiago". Can you explain to me why this statement is a 'should'? I have heard it a lot and I am curious the reasoning and origin behind it?
Hey, Lindsay! Of course, the amount of weight you carry on any hiking trip is your choice, but, in my experience, long walking/hiking trips are much more comfortable if you work hard to make sure the backpack you're carrying is as light as possible. Because the Camino is a trip that doesn't require you to carry a tent, food, cooking kit, or even a sleeping bag in most cases, it's possible to reduce pack weight by a lot more than is possible on difficult wilderness adventures. Thus, most Camino walkers can reduce their pack weight to 10lbs or less, which makes for a much more enjoyable 30-40 day experience. Of course, if your pack weighs a little bit more than that, you'll still enjoy the trip -- but you may find yourself throwing an extra pair of pants into the trash along the way!
Hey mate, fab video with a lot of detail and many good tips. We are off in a few days time and just needed to double check my packing list. Great video. Thanks
Glad you liked the video! Are you doing the Camino Francés? Pack light and have a great trip!
Nice video and overview of the Camino. I have to admit that I was perplexed for most of the video, thinking “how the heck is all his gear under 10lbs” when it struck me that you didn’t have a shelter or any cook kit. I’m so used to considering those into a base weight that it never crossed my mind that you’d do a trail and NOT have those things! 😄
Yes, on walks and hikes with significant infrastructure (like the hostels on the Camino, the teahouses on the hike to Everest Base Camp/Three Passes (see my video!), or the refuges on the Tour du Mont Blanc), you can reduce your base weight significantly because you don't need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, or pot.
This is very helpful, since I'm planning a trek on the Camino next year. For footwear, I get why trail runners are good for asphalt and dirt roads, but do you still prefer your heavier boots for backcountry and hard trails?
It depends on the terrain, weather, and the weight of your pack. Thruhikers doing the PCT and AT these days overwhelmingly use ultralight packs and trailrunners, which I think is the right decision for most on-trail hikes in non-winter. But, if you're doing backcountry trips off-trail or in places like New Zealand or Alaska where trails may be barely trails, more durable boots may be appropriate (though I still tend to use lightweight boots even in those cases). Trailrunners are often not warm enough for winter trips, and they can feel mushy and less comfortable if your pack is very heavy.
Considering that your backpack weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and you brought an extension cord, deck of cards and a camera with tripod, that seems like your weight would definitely be over 10 pounds without water. I have a 30L bag that weighs only 1.5 pounds, the same amount of clothes, etc. but no camera, tripod or cards and I’m coming in at 10. Did you count the weight of the backpack in your 10 pounds?
Thank you Hank! I just watched both videos. I wish you’ve filmed Amelie’s packing list as well.
glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Hank, great video, as always from yourself. The one thing I would add if you are from the UK is if you are likely to use Ibuprofen, a packet of 16 was 7 euros in Spain, while in the UK the same is around £1 for 72....I'm heading to the Frances and planning to take several packs with me.
Cheers for the great vids!
Thanks for that great Camino ,,,
glad you liked it!
Awesome videos..I am enjoying them, thank you. I walked the Camino in hiking boots and had no blisters. It seems that some use walking shoes & others boots. I walked the green route into Leon as I had heard about the roads😊. It was a good choice but it is still 9km!!!! I loved my Osprey backpack. Good reminder to take as little as possible.
Hi, Rosie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the videos. Yeah, I think people with more conditioned feet than mine may do better in boots than me, though the real issue is all the road walking, which is no fun. But I found that the trailrunners were easier on my feet because of all the road walking. And, yes, I have a couple Osprey backpacks and really like them.
Did you wear liner socks? That usually helps avoid developing blisters.
The "blisters" I had on the Camino were more like calluses/pressure blisters that occurred due to repeated pressure and not due to friction, which was strange. But yeah, I know that people with friction blisters have good luck with Injins.
Great video, looking forward to my journey.
Thanks, Margo! Have a great Camino.
Did you buy your trekking poles when you started or bring them with you. If you brought them, how did you pack them in checked baggage and did you bring your backpack as carry-on?
i brought them with me. i usually put my backpack in a very cheap ($10) duffel bag and put my collapsed hiking poles in the duffel with the backpack, and then check the whole backpack. for this trip, i think i packed the backpack in a large plastic bag though, so i could throw it out and never carry it again.
Very informative video. Thanks! We’re doing our Camino next month.
Hank the tank!
The video I was looking for. Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Great videos, thankyou for sharing. Since stumbling across a Chilean guitarist, singing about the Camino Santiago, at a market in Byron Bay, NSW, Australia in Spring 2017; I've hiked Caminos Frances(Jul&Aug/2017) Portuguese(Sept&Dec/Jan 2017/18) Inglese (Aug 2017) Norte/Primitivo(Apr 2019) and The Pennine Way (UK)(Jul 2019) as well as several other UK National Trails. Total approx 2500kms. In varying temperatures from -2C to 40C, mixed terrain and tough elevations. Always looking to learn from others experiences, ideas, tips and hiking philosophies. Two questions, what happened with Amelia? You two seemed well suited. What editing software? My 2020 Camino plans - C.San Salvador & Norte have been upset by CV19 BUT as Arnie once said "I'll be back". Buen Camino Amigo.
Wow, that's amazing! Amalie are friends now -- I live in LA and she lives in Denmark, but we stay in touch. I have a girlfriend here in Los Angeles. For this edit, I used FCPX. Wow, your Caminos sound amazing! I hope I get a chance to try one of the alternate routes in the future.
Great video with lots of helpful advice. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it.
Thanks for the great advice Hank. Did you bring along any anti-histamines for wasp and bee stings?
Glad you liked the video. I did carry some antihistamines because I have some mild allergies, but you can also buy them at the pharmacy in basically every town, so you won't have trouble finding them. I didn't get any wasp or bee stings on the trip.
@@HankLeukart thank you so much. Really enjoying all your vlogs (vicariously during the pandemic!). Love the realistic insights and helpful tips. A lot of viewers will benefit especially when it comes to tips on camera gear and tripods. Stay safe.
Thanks for the fantastic video. Is the equipment list available online?
yeah, it's available for channel members, but if you drop me an email, i'll email it to you no problem
I really enjoyed your video!! Thanks for the intel man!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Super useful, thanks!!!
I am from Spain, and I had walked the camino 4times. nice packinglist, very inteligent. and nice video. But you have forget a pocket knife
thank you! i don't think i ever needed a pocket knife, though i did carry some small scissors to cut moleskin
Okay, so we got to know you and Amalie on your trip. I was really sad for you when the trip ended. What happened with your friendship? Did you just go home and that was that? Did you meet up again to do other hikes? Any romance? I am curious to know, since you commented repeatedly that people get close very fast on the trail, and then may never see each other again.
Thank you!
awesome video! Thanks for sharing your insights
Glad it was helpful!
Sound advice, this. Well done. But you made me curious - if according to you Cruz de Ferro (over1500 m) is the second highest point on the Camino, what is the highest? The Cebreiro is more than 200 metres lower and the Col de Lepoeder in the Pyrenees is 1430. I can't remember crossing anything higher than those.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Good question: Cruz Ferro is about 7.7km from Rabanal at about ~1502m of elevation on the Camino. But about 5.7km past that point on the trail, there is another, higher point that is about ~1533m, just next to the Pena de la Escurpia (Punto Alto). A separate side trail goes to the high point and then reconnects to the Camino with only a few extra meters of hiking, but even on the Camino itself, that point is higher than Cruz Ferro. A bit pedantic, really, but that's why I make the distinction in the film.
@@HankLeukart Thanks - that is really subtle. I'll make a point of taking the detour next time I walk the Camino!
Brilliant!! Thank you Hank!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great vdos. Thanks for bringing your personal experiences to the world
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed the videos.
I love your video!. Can you give us in update on Emilya. She's beautiful. You two look good together.😀 Buen Camino.
well said Pilar. I have been thinking exactly the same thing ....what happened to Amalie ? you seemed to get on super well together. Hank ....Loved your Camino Video and the packing List too I have been twice due to time shortage and did it in stages first to Burgos and then second to Leon. Waiting for this Covid to go to go back and finish the Journey ASAP.
Great video, which months did you hike your camino? Seem like early summer/late spring?
Early May to Mid June.
Never having done this, I am realizing that you basically have to empty your pack each evening to get what you need out or in the bag. Is that correct? I guess that is not a huge commitment.
Hey Greg, I had my med kit, rainjacket and fleece at the bottom of the bag, so they could be accessed easily if needed. The rest of my kit was an evening wear bag, evening sandals and spare dry clothes bag. After that, the rest was just in ziplock bags at the top, with water in the side pocket. As there was a limited amount of kit, it was easy to move it in and out of the bag when needed. Definitely not a huge commitment compared to the average self supported trail.
Yeah, I used most of what was in my bag every night, especially because I did laundry every 2-3 days, but it wasn't much stuff, so it was pretty easy to repack. The things I accessed constantly I put in an outside side pocket.
Hey: Hank Thanks for all the info!!
Hope it helped!
Did you find many natural water sources on the Camino, and if so, were people using them to fill up their bottles at all?
Great video man. I'll be there in August. This helped a lot!
Thanks -- glad you found it helpful. Have a great Camino!
Will be there in August too!
Zak Wright me too....
Thank u so much for your inspiring video. I will be there in two weeks. I really hope to get some answers for myself. Many thanks. Muchas gracias!
Very Nice and useful the focus of the video!!!! Thanks for the tips!!! Congratulations!!!
Thanks, Caren! Glad you liked it.
Hi Hank, I found your documentary inspiring and this packing video extremely helpful. I was just wondering if you had an itinerary of sorts? A list in order of all the places you stayed and visited along the way. I’ve wanted to do it for years and I know will someday.
Hi Richard! Glad you liked the videos. I don't have a written itinerary, but on this page, you can see/download my GPS track of the entire trip, which includes waypoints (the flags) showing where I stayed each night: withoutbaggage.com/gps/camino-de-santiago-frances/ I think you'll find that when you do the actual Camino, you'll likely be making decisions on the fly each day about how far you want to go depending on your mood/energy. So, I wouldn't plan on trying to follow what I did exactly, but you can use my GPS route to get an approximate idea of how far you'll probably end up traveling each day.
Hank Leukart thanks mate. I appreciate it!
Lovely. Thank you.
Great suggestions. Appreciate advice about whether to carry a camera. I will depend on my i phone for our pilgrimage. Like the duct tape on the poles idea.Hard-core American through hikers prefer a Smart water bottle which looks like the bottle you held. Your comfort in speaking in metric terms makes me suspect you're a Canadian brother. Thanks
Glad you liked the video! Haha, actually, I'm American, but I wanted to make sure that the majority of people, who use metric, were also able to find the video useful.
Sorry to burst your bubble but 10 pounds = 4.535 kg. and 9 lb = 4.082 kg (I'm a Brit living in Canada and use these measurements on the daily).
Anyway, I enjoyed this gear video - it'll put a lot of people on the right lines of going lighter. And I also really enjoyed all the great footage in your full trip video, so thanks!
Haha, yes, I know, but I was trying to not sound pedantic by saying 4.5 kg over and over in the video. Maybe I should have though. Glad you enjoyed the video!
GREAT video, thanks a lot for this! I'm also planning to do my camino. You seem like a great guy
thank you! i hope you have a great camino!
Thank you Pergrino!
Thanks, Maria! Glad you liked it.
Hi, you mentioned that most of way is asphalt or road. Is it feasible to take a backpack with wheels? I have a bad back and shoulders.
While there is a lot of road walking, there are a lot of uneven hiking trails too, which would make using a wheeled bag difficult. However, there are companies and services that will transport your bag for you everyday, so you don't have to carry it. I recommend using one of those if you want to do the Camino but can't carry your bag. Hope that helps!
Hey Hank !
Would you say your gear list video covers all Camino's or just the Frances? Would there be different gear lists depending on the Route and time of year?
Hi, Bob! I should say upfront that I've only walked the Francés. But, based on my general experience, there's two important things to keep in mind: 1) infrastructure and 2) weather/season. First, the Camino Francés has extensive infrastructure (hostels, hotels, restaurants, and cities), which means you're nearly guaranteed never to need a tent or sleeping pad. If you're going to walk any route that's more rural/through wilderness (the Camino Norte/Primitivo?), you need to consider whether you'll be able to find a place to stay every night, and if not, you'll need a tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Second, I walked the Camino Francés starting at the beginning of May, and I think for normal weather conditions from April to September, my gear list will work great. Outside of that season, people should seriously considering bring warmer gear, a full sleeping bag to stay warmer at night, better boots if you expect a lot of mud or snow, and maybe rain pants to go with your rain jacket.
Thanks Hank for your prompt reply.......
The blisters might be because of the rubber crocs?. I lived in the tropics where I walked a lot. Taking off your boots you should have leather sandals..
Did you bring your backpack as carry on on the plane or did you checked it?
If you checked it how did you protect it?
I checked my backpack, packed in a plastic protective bag (provided by Delta, but a heavy-duty industrial trash bag would work just as well). I took the electronics and jacket in a shopping bag on the plane. When I landed, I picked up my backpack, threw the plastic bag and shopping bag in the trash, and headed out.
Thanks a lot for the quick response. Will do the same, I was worried for my trekking poles and also my squirt multitool.
Thanks Hank! I will be heading there in July :) How many days was your whole trip, I am still trying to figure out my time frame?
Glad you found the video helpful, Hayden! I walked from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Finisterre in 38 days, which includes three rest days.
Awesome thanks! Your original video was one of the major things that has inspired me to walk the Camino, so thank you
Very helpful and also beautifully made video! I walked the Camino Portugues last September and I'm really looking forward walk the French way. I took a lightweight sleeping bag and it was very useful, because in the small albergues it got pretty cold during the nighttime. I took a Gopro with me that I never used and my water bag also stayed unused, I just used a plastic bottle. I only wish I had a headlamps, because some days I started walking really early and during sunrise in that bluish light it was impossible to see the yellow arrows.
Thanks, Katalin! Glad you found the video helpful! Yes, depending on weather conditions and the route you take, I can imagine a sleeping bag might sometimes be nice, but it wasn’t necessary on the Camino Frances in the spring or summer.
A guidebook in electronic format. I don't have Kindle so I'm photographing mine onto my phone.
You can also install the Kindle app onto your phone and just download the guidebook from Amazon into the Kindle app.
Very helpful
Finally a great list even for girls too 😉
glad it helped :)
Very useful and nice video, thanks
Thank you!
I'm leaving next week. Can you tell me the name of the hotel you used in Burgos? Thanks!
Hi, Debora! I think we stayed in the NH Collection Palacio de Burgos, though it's been awhile and I'm not 100% positive. I hope you have a great Camino!