Guides in gear
Gear
Hiking socks for the Camino: the two-layer trick against 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 to skip them
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, fleece, or skip the bag
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: honest verdict after 800 km
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
Power banks for hiking: what a 100 km night walk taught me
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
Choosing a Camino backpack: what I learned from a 65 litre pack
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: why I rarely bring one on the Camino Francés
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: merino, double layer, or just my old tennis socks
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: foam, inflatable or self-inflating, compared
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: comfort temperature explained
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
Binoculars for hiking: magnification and how to choose
Bringing binoculars in your backpack? My guide to magnification, lens size, weight and waterproofing, so you find the right pair for hiking and nature.
Gear
Hammocks for hiking: how to choose a good night out
Thinking of sleeping in a hammock on your next outdoor trip? My guide to weight, bug nets, tarps, suspension and what makes nights between the trees good.
Gear
Outdoor watches: GPS, battery life and what matters
Buying an outdoor watch for the Camino or your next hike? My guide to GPS, battery life, altimeter, heart rate and the features that matter on the trail.
Gear
Hiking backpacks for the Camino: liters, comfort and fit
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: everything I recommend, in one place
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: why I still don't bring mine
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: why I actually prefer sandals
Buying hiking boots for the Camino? Here is my guide to terrain, fit, ankle support and waterproofing, so you avoid blisters on the route.
Gear
Headlamps for hiking: how to choose the right one
Do you need a headlamp on the Camino or a hike? My guide to lumens, weight, rechargeable or battery power, red light in the albergue and what matters most.
Packing
The Camino packing list, tested on several routes and mistakes
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.