Waterproofing: keep in mind that although waterproofing keeps light rain out, heavy rain or river crossings can still let water in, which may then get trapped inside the shoes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\u201cMy Camino de Santiago experience was with Gore-Tex trail runners, a waterproof membrane. However, upon reflection, I realized I might have preferred shoes without this technology. I sweat a lot, so my feet were often damp, which could have caused blisters had I not been careful to dry them and remove my shoes during breaks.\u201d<\/p>\n
So, waterproofing is a factor to consider, but it’s important to reflect on your personal needs.<\/p>\n
Sandals and flip-flops<\/h3>\n
Besides allowing your feet to rest while visiting cities and villages after a long walking day, sandals can help pilgrims keep going when their feet are injured. With her toenail and cuticle damaged, Marianna decided to buy a pair of sandals mid-way and used them for four days. \u201cI wore them with toe socks to avoid friction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flip-flops are mainly useful for showers, but Pedro points out that the lighter your backpack, the better. \u201cYou need to choose what to carry with discernment and coherence. I only took sandals. I considered flip-flops for showering, but opted for something safer for walking in the cities after leaving my things at the albergue.\u201d<\/p>\n
A tip: if you shower with your sandals on, do it at night and carry them on the outside of your backpack the next day to dry as you walk.<\/p>\n
Clothing for the Camino de Santiago<\/h2>\n
As in other outdoor activities where weather conditions are unpredictable, the layering system helps organize your daily gear and keeps your body at the right temperature throughout the pilgrimage.<\/p>\n
First layer:<\/strong> everything in direct contact with your body. Its purpose is moisture management. In hot weather, it should maximize heat loss through evaporation. In cold weather, it should both manage moisture and retain heat.<\/p>\nSecond layer:<\/strong> meant to retain the heat your body produces. Fleece jackets or insulated jackets are recommended.<\/p>\nThird layer:<\/strong> the final layer is designed to shield you from the elements\u2014rain, wind, or snow. Usually, this is a waterproof and breathable shell, like an anorak.<\/p>\n\u201cSome people opt to bring thermal underwear as a first layer for cold weather, but I just packed a long-sleeve shirt with a hood to help protect from the sun. In cold situations like crossing the Pyrenees, the second and third layers were enough. Carrying thermal underwear for rare use didn\u2019t make sense to me due to extra weight and bulk,\u201d says Pedro.<\/p>\n
To protect your lower body, Pedro uses just the first layer, typically zip-off pants. For rain or cold, a waterproof and breathable overpant is advised.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget to bring bandanas, a cap, and sunglasses.<\/p>\n
Backpack: Ideal Size and Model<\/h2>\n
Nowadays, backpacks of all sizes can be seen on the Camino de Santiago. As many people have their luggage forwarded from one albergue to another, it’s common to see pilgrims carrying only small backpacks (10 to 20 liters), enough for the day’s essentials.
\nHowever, since this article is focused on those carrying all their gear, Pedro recommends packs of around 35 liters.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the training sessions I\u2019ve taught since 2002, I always talked about the Deuter Futura PRO 34 SL for women and the Futura PRO 36 for men. But it really depends on what you need to carry, your size, and your specific needs. I chose a larger pack, the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5. Since I\u2019m 1.92 m tall, my clothes, sleeping bag, and other items are bulkier. I could have gone with the smaller version of this model\u2014the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 40+5\u2014but the weight difference was negligible, and I preferred the convenience of the larger pack.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Deuter](\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/mochila-aircontac-ultra-50-5-deuter.webp\")
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In this article, Pedro Lacaz Amaral offers key insights on weight and volume differences in backpacks, based on needs and individual differences<\/a>.<\/p>\nSleeping System<\/h2>\n
The sleeping bag on the Camino de Santiago or on most Multi-Day Hikes is used as bedding.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince pilgrims sleep in hostels and sometimes hotels, there\u2019s no need for a sleeping bag for very low temperatures\u2014unless you’re going in winter, which changes things a bit. Sleeping bags like the Deuter Dream Lite and the Micron from NTK are more than sufficient. Many people also use just a liner to go ultralight. I chose a Sea to Summit sleeping bag, the Traveller Tr 1, a relatively unique model because it has no hood and opens up fully like a blanket. It\u2019s filled with goose down, is very light, and very versatile,\u201d explains Pedro.<\/p>\n
Trekking Poles<\/h2>\n
The foldable model, also known as Z-fold, is recommended for its easy storage in your backpack during the hike. But regardless of the model, don\u2019t forget to bring a pair of poles!<\/p>\n
Headlamp<\/h2>\n
Pedro recommends headlamps, which take up less space and leave your hands free during the walk. The model he used was the Spot R 400 Black Diamond. \u201cOne important feature is that the headlamp has a red LED.\u201d<\/p>\n
In this video, Pedro Lacaz Amaral shares five valuable tips about gear for pilgrims. One of them is the use of a headlamp.<\/p>\n
![\"Socks](\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/meias-peregrinacao-caminho-santiago-compostela.webp\")
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