La Pata de Oca

There are many different lists of what you’ll need to bring/wear/eat whilst on the "camino", but the one main thing to remember is you are carrying everything on your back or bike. Every gram / ounce add up and EVERYTHING must be kept to a minimum. There are however, some unavoidable necessities that you will need to carry with you, whether walking or cycling.

Water: The heaviest thing you will carry. Irish pilgrims in particular should be careful to always carry a supply of drinking water, unaccustomed as we are to the Spanish heat and humidity which can de-hydrate even the most experienced celtic wanderer! A suggested 2 litres is recommended by many guidebooks but one may suffice. Although there may be many fuentes along the way with "agua potable" or drinking water, one cannot rely on their existence or maintenance. This situation improves, however, every year, in particular since the Holy Year in 1999 and Jubilee Year in 2000. De-hydration is a condition to be avoided at all costs and should be watched out for. Nuts are a good mainstay of many pilgrims as they help replace lost body salts under the Spanish sun. Don’t forget, however, it doesn’t need to be sunny for you to become de-hydrated. Drink plenty of water!!

First Aid Kit: Roller bandage, blister kits and plasters, antiseptic, gauze, sun screen, insect repellent, safety pins, needle and thread (for draining blisters, as well as haute couture repairs!) and a couple of sachets of whatever settles an upset stomach for you.

The Pilgrim’s Staff: Pilgrims of old carried a long staff (known as a bordon in Spanish) to help them on their journey. It gives the pilgrim something to lean on and is especially welcome on steep hills. Some guidebooks claim it is a good deterrent against any "not-so-friendly" canines that you might come across on your travels, after a few days of walking with a bordon, it will feel like an extension of your arm!!

Sleeping Bag: Light, cotton-lined preferably and if you can get one that has a "hood" it is an advantage. You may not always get a "pillow"!

Rain Gear: Believe it or not, you may actually get some rain on your journey, in particular in the Pyrenees and "green" Galicia! It’s best to be prepared. A light but large and easily packed away rain-poncho that covers both you and you’re backpack is the best option. Bright colours are favourable… the more noticeable you are, in particular when the trail may be close to any roads, the better.

A Hat: Essential protection from the sun, make sure it covers the back of your neck. You will find that you will be doing most of you walking/cycling in the morning hours, when the sun is behind you.