List of things to take with you on the Way of St. James

Sometimes less is... less!

The most important things:

Backpack

A smaller backpack for the things you need during the day on the Way of St. James (**Daypack") is sufficient. However, it should be easy to carry because even a few kilos can become heavy after some time on the pilgrimage. The carrying system of the rucksack should also be adjustable for clothing of different thicknesses. Backpacks in the PilginoShop

Shoes/hiking sandals

Many pilgrims now walk the easy sections of the Way of St. James in sports or hiking sandals. Sandals naturally provide optimum ventilation and can protect the areas affected by blisters. In the afternoon after the pilgrimage, they are also the "distinguishing feature" of pilgrims strolling through the town. If you want to go on a pilgrimage in open shoes, it is worth buying good trekking sandals. Hiking sandals in the PilginoShop

Hiking socks

You need at least two pairs of hiking socks for a pilgrimage. You should also buy these in specialist shops. Good hiking socks are not necessarily cheap, but they provide excellent protection against blisters and other problems on a pilgrimage. The same applies to socks (and shoes) for the Way of St. James: don't save money at the wrong end! Unless you are hiking in winter, the socks should be made entirely of synthetic fibers without wool content. (Cotton is not suitable for sporting activities.) In addition, hiking socks have additional padding in the important areas and are made without bulky seams. Please wash at least once before going on a pilgrimage! Hiking socks in the PilginoShop

Rainwear

Option 1: Rainproof jacket (preferably with a waterproof, breathable membrane), rain trousers for the legs and rain cover for the rucksack. However, as water can still get into the rucksack between the back and the carrying system, all sensitive items in the rucksack should also be secured with plastic bags. Some pilgrims carry an umbrella with them, but this can hardly be used in strong winds.

Option 2: A larger rain poncho is worn over the body and rucksack. This makes everything rainproof from above and provides ventilation from below. In addition, during breaks in the rain, which can be very humid, you can simply slide the poncho over your head and onto the back of your rucksack as you walk. Wear rain trousers or rain gaiters on your legs in heavy rain. The disadvantage of a rain poncho on the Way of St. James is that it is somewhat more susceptible to wind. Rainwear in the PilginoShop

Without a rain poncho, you definitely need a rainproof jacket. With a poncho, a windbreaker is sufficient, which also keeps you warm in combination with a fleece jacket.

Walking stick

A trekking pole or a simple wooden stick is sufficient for pilgrimages. (Caution: problems with transportation on the plane!) For pilgrims with foot or knee problems, two walking poles have proven to be a great help on the Way of St. James. The poles with shock absorption should be adjustable in length. Walking poles in the PilginoShop

Fleece jacket

It should not be too thin and preferably windproof. Possibly take an additional fleece pullover (or jacket) with you.

T-shirts, shirts

Wear shirts or shirts with as little cotton content as possible, preferably so-called "functional clothing". Cotton is often the cause of chafing and the famous **wolf". T-shirts in the PilginoShop

Sports underwear

Insert your link here! Sports underwear without cotton has proven itself on the Way of St. James as it keeps the skin dry. Sports underwear in the PilginoShop

Hiking pants

One or two pairs of pants, at least one of which should have detachable legs. It is important that the pants are made of quick-drying materials. This also ensures good wicking of perspiration.

The day's equipment

Water bottle

So-called hydration systems are very good: Plastic water bags with a drinking tube. There are now also drinking tubes that can be screwed onto standard water bottles. You can carry both in your rucksack and drink through the drinking tube while walking without taking it off. As a simple (and cheaper) solution, you can of course also buy the water bottles available everywhere on the Way of St. James. Drinking systems in the PilginoShop

Sun cream and sunglasses

Protection from the sun. With a high protection factor for longer pilgrimages in the sun. Don't forget the protective case and glasses cleaning cloth for sunglasses!

Prevention of blisters

In addition to double-layer hiking socks (see above), you can rub skin protection balm into your feet (or other parts of your body that are exposed to a lot of friction) to prevent blisters from forming in the first place. Blister stoppers, which can be stuck directly into your hiking boots, also help. Skin protection balm and blister stoppers in the Pilginoshop

First aid kit and first-aid kit

Anti-diarrheal medication, ointment to rub on aching, tense body parts, possibly sports ointment, magnesium preparation for sore muscles, possibly ointment for chafing. Small basic equipment for any first aid you may need on the way. You should always have: plasters (possibly blister plasters) and disinfectant spray. First aid packs in the PilginoShop

Sun hat

Possibly to protect you from the sun. Hats in the PilginoShop.

Nice to have:

Stone

Bring a stone from home to accompany you on the Way of St. James and/or to place at the **Cruz de Ferro".

Scallop shell

If available, otherwise buy on the way. Scallops in the PilginoShop

Comfortable trousers

Possibly light jogging pants or similar to relax in after hiking.

Camera

Possibly (don't forget spare batteries or rechargeable batteries and charger!) Or simply a good cell phone today.

Diary

Possibly, if you want to keep a diary on the Way of St. James in addition to the notes in the pilgrim's folder.

Pilgrim's guide

Possibly a pilgrim's guide or travel guide with further information about the Way of St. James. Pilgrim guides in the PilginoShop

Literature

Possibly a book about the Way of St. James, possibly a Bible or similar. Possibly a Spanish dictionary.

Useful items:

Pocket knife

Ideally with an integrated corkscrew. Pocket knife in the PilginoShop

(Do not take in your hand luggage when flying!)

Flashlight

Possibly a small, lightweight flashlight or, even better, a headlamp. Especially if you are traveling independently.

Deer tallow

To rub into your feet before the pilgrimage (possibly also in between): Prevents blisters from forming!

Protective cover

Possibly for the pilgrim's passport. Protective cover in the PilginoShop

Food storage box

Possibly for transporting provisions.

Swimsuit

Possibly if your trip takes place in the months when you can swim outdoors.

Nylon socks

Possibly take nylon stockings (women's stockings) with you: Some pilgrims wear these stockings under their hiking socks to prevent blisters. This is particularly useful for pilgrims who are prone to blisters.

Compression socks

Pilgrims often have problems with **waterin the legs**. The long journey by plane (or bus) and then the many hours of upright movement cause lymph to seep into the legs. The legs swell, ache and red patches appear on the skin. This can be prevented by wearing simple compression stockings. As a rule, stockings that reach up to the knee are sufficient.

Earplugs

A proven remedy on the Way of St. James against noise at night. Important for those who are not traveling with us and sleeping in the pilgrims' hostels! Earplugs in the PilginoShop

Sewing kit

Possibly a small sewing kit (with strong thread) for small repairs to clothing and rucksack. Sewing kits in the PilginoShop

Towel

It is always useful to have a small towel with you. Especially if you are not traveling with Pilgino. Towels in the PilginoShop

Do not forget:

Flight documents

Travel documents with booking code and/or reservation number

Documents

ID, driver's license, EC and credit card, health insurance card, policy for international health insurance

Spare glasses

Protective case and glasses cleaning cloth if necessary.

Medication

With the medication you personally need and a note with personal medical details (blood group, GP telephone number, special illnesses such as diabetes), nail scissors and/or nail file.

Addresses

The most important addresses at home and of all persons to whom you would like to send mail. Please also keep a note with an emergency contact in your wallet.