Gear for the Camino

Your Camino gear is the most important thing you will have to choose for your journey on the Camino de Santiago. Number one will be your boots and number two will be your backpack.

Your boots and backpack will support you every step of the way and are at the top of the “must choose wisely” list.  The right choice of boots and pack will carry you across the Camino comfortably while the wrong selection will bring you blisters, painful joints, and muscles and could easily ruin your experience or even send you home.

At Camino Bound, we will help guide you to choose wisely.

GEar for the Camino. #1 Boots

Hiking boots will be the most important purchases you will make for the Camino. They need to fit you perfectly and you must take the time to shop for and find them.

There are so many types of boots/shoes to choose from. How long you intend to walk the Camino and on what terrain can help you determine whether you want a full boot, low rise hiking shoe, or a pair of heavier soled running shoes.

Boots should fit snug on your feet and NOT tight. There must also be room for all of your toes to wiggle freely. This is important because after a few days of Camino walking your feet will swell and you’ll need the extra room to prevent blisters.

It is advised to get a specialist at a reputable store to measure your foot length and width. Take into consideration the shape of your foot, is it narrow or wide? Some people with wide feet and toes need a boot with a wide toe bed like Keens.

Shop for your boots at the end of the day when your feet are more likely to be a bit swollen.
Try on your boots with the socks you plan to wear on the Camino.
When you find a good fit walk around the store, stand on your tiptoes, walk up and down the steps and carry a weighted backpack.
Now, this might seem odd but try on the same boot one size bigger. If you can tighten your laces to feel comfortable and walk around well in them then the larger boot is a better choice. You will need the extra room for your swollen feet, believe us. Remember in the mornings you can tighten your laces but in the afternoon you will be loosening them. If your feet swell too much one thing you won’t be able to do is make your boots bigger, therefore another good reason for the extra space.
REI has more great advice on boot selection.

Break-in your boots before your Camino. Wear them in the house a lot. This will give you a good idea if they are the right fit and if not you will be able to return them for another size or style. Once you are sure they are the right boots then you should venture outdoors on various walks breaking them in further. It takes time to break in your boots so wear them a lot so they have time to mold to your feet.

CAUTION: the right boots will carry you across the Camino comfortably the wrong ones could result in blisters, having to buy new boots along the way, or even ending your Camino. So choose wisely.

Camino Gear, Your backpack

Choosing the correct backpack for you is of utmost importance because it will be on your back for several hours every day. If you choose the right bag it will sit on you comfortably and not be a burden, but if you choose a bag that doesn’t fit you properly you could suffer lots of pain and injury may result.

Choosing the best backpack for you will take time so do your research and allow a few hours to shop for it. Have an expert in the section help you. Tell them about your journey, how long you’ll be hiking, and what other gear you are planning on bringing. It is a good idea to ask if they or anyone on staff has experience hiking long distances, or on the Camino. If they are familiar with the Camino, that is a bonus, they will know what kind of Camino Gear you will need. Keep in mind that just because someone has done some long-distance hikes they might have missed a few key factors about choosing the right pack for you.

Your backpack should fit your torso properly, be a good size, not too big and not too small (30 to 36 litres depending on your size), and should be able to hold your daily needs and the rest of your Camino Gear.  It is suggested that you carry only 10% of your body weight, the weight of your backpack is included in that 10%.