Guides in gear
Gear
Hiking Socks for the Camino: My Guide to Beating Blisters
Socks decide whether you get blisters on the Camino. My guide to merino wool, the two-layer system, how many pairs, washing and fit, so your feet last all the way.
Gear
Electrolytes for Hikers: What They Are and When They Actually Help
What electrolytes are, why they matter on long hot hikes, and when you can skip them. Practical advice from years of long-distance walking on the Camino.
Gear
Sleeping Bag Liners: Cotton, Silk or Fleece? How to Choose
A sleeping bag liner can replace or upgrade your sleeping bag on the Camino. Here is how cotton, silk and fleece compare, and when to bring one.
Gear
Microfiber Travel Towels: What I Learned After 800 km on the Camino
Is a microfiber travel towel worth packing? Honest pros and cons after carrying one across the Camino Francés, plus what to look for when you buy.
Gear
Choosing a Power Bank for Hiking: What Actually Matters on the Trail
How to pick the right power bank for long hikes and the Camino. Capacity, weight, ports and flight rules explained by a hiker who learned the hard way.
Gear
Which Backpack Should I Choose? A Practical Guide for the Camino
How to pick the right backpack for the Camino: sizes in liters, weight rules, packing order and the five features that matter most on a long walk.
Gear
Hiking tents: how to choose the right one
Buying a tent for hiking or camping? Here is my guide to weight, waterproofing and size, so you find the right tent for the trip.
Gear
Walking socks: how to avoid blisters on the route
Choosing walking socks for the Camino? Here are my experiences with merino wool, double layer and fit, so you avoid blisters on long trips.
Gear
Sleeping mats: a guide to the best sleep in nature
Buying a sleeping mat for hiking or camping? Here is my guide to the four types and to weight, comfort and packing, so you sleep well outdoors.
Gear
Sleeping bags for hiking: a guide to the right choice
Buying a sleeping bag for the Camino? Here is my guide to comfort temperature, weight, liners, washing and packing, so you sleep well on the route.
Gear
Hiking backpacks for the Camino: how to choose the right one
Buying a backpack for the Camino or your next hike? Here is my guide to liters, material, comfort and the features that matter most.
Gear
Outdoor gear for hiking: the big guide
Looking for outdoor gear for hiking and outdoor life? Here is my overview of the backpack, footwear, sleeping bag and the kit that matters most on the trip.
Gear
Trekking poles for the Camino: pros, cons and how to choose
Should you bring trekking poles on the Camino? Here are my honest experiences with the pros, cons and a simple guide to setting your poles correctly.
Gear
Hiking boots for the Camino: how to find the best pair
Buying hiking boots for the Camino? Here is my guide to terrain, fit, ankle support and waterproofing, so you avoid blisters on the route.
Packing
The complete Camino packing list
A field-tested Camino packing list from a hiker who has walked several routes. What to bring, what to leave at home, and answers to common questions.