Pilgrim Tips & Packing List Camino de Santiago: What you need to know beforehand, what you need to take, and what you can leave at home.

Paperback – April 11, 2013
138
English
1484079841
9781484079843
10 Apr
S. Yates
You have seen the movie, you have read all the novels, now you want to walk “The Way” yourself - the Camino de Santiago. But you have questions, many questions: What does the daily life of a pilgrim actually look like? How big should your backpack be and do you need xyz? What is the best time to walk the Camino? Is it dangerous to walk alone, especially as a woman? What about the dangerous dogs you have heard so much about? Are there gender-separated showers and toilets in the pilgrim hostels? And when nature calls when you are on the trail, will there be outhouses or not? How can you prevent blisters and other health problems? Will you find enough places to buy food from or restaurants to eat in? And what about if you are vegetarian – will you find adequate food to keep you going? Do you need to speak Spanish to walk the Camino? Do you need to be religious and / or baptized to do The Way? Where does the Camino start and how long does it take to walk “The Whole Way”? And, and, and ... If these are your questions, then this book is for you. Read about what you need to know beforehand, what you need to take, and what you can leave at home - which is the most important bit! Read about how to prepare for the Camino de Santiago in a book written by two experienced pilgrims and hospitaleras that, between them, have walked more than 10,000 km / 6,000 mi on European pilgrimage routes in Spain, France and Italy and have looked after, over the years, ten thousands of pilgrims in over twenty different refugios (pilgrim hostels). Some of the many topics covered in this book are: Introduction into the daily pilgrim life – So that you know what to expect and what not. Movies like “The Way” are not always true to reality ;-) Which way and when? - Choosing the right Camino for you, and yes, there is a choice! And choosing the right time to go, plus many insider tips on how to experience a somewhat quieter Camino, even in the midst of the pilgrim season. A detailed explanation of the few things you need to take, where best to buy them and what to look out for when buying them. And a longer list of things you don't need to take and the reasons why. A lot of practical background information covering pretty much every aspect of the pilgrim life. Plus pilgrim stories out of our real life experience to make it a more entertaining read and a large appendix with many useful addresses and texts. Also included is a free download link to a template that will allow you to create your very own, personalized packing list for your very own Way. If you are still unsure if this is the book you are looking for – just use the “Click to look inside” function here on Amazon to get a good impression of it. In all cases, we want to wish you a ¡Buen Camino! - A Good Way! And yes, you will pick up a few essential Spanish pilgrim terms in this book also ...

Reviews (176)

The complete basic guidebook for planning and initiating your Camino.

There are lots of books about lots of trails, and the Camino is no exception. However, I was just looking for a simple book that describes the Camino in general terms, and the logistics involved if someone wanted to hike part or all of it. This book fit the bill perfectly. Written by someone who not only has hiked this trail, but has also assisted other pilgrims with their successful journeys, it doesn’t have any unnecessary “fluff”. It covers all of the basics, from planning to packing to hiking and living on the trail.

Good book on the basics, A little helpful on my walk.

This is a short, useful book with the occasional clever line or interesting anecdote to help you start preparing for your pilgrimage. Though the information could be found in forums or blogs, here it is gathered together for an easy read. A lot of the information is basic preparation for people who have never done or researched a long-distance hike before. If this is you, this book is for you, just don't buy the paperback like I did. Buy the cheaper kindle version. I do have one problem with the suggestions in this book. I have not hiked The Way before, but I disagree with the author's recommendation for footwear. Hiking boots are heavy! There are many who believe that the support that they provide actually increase the chance of injury from a fall because they restrict natural movement. Also, waterproof shoes never stay dry. They hold in water and sweat, then take forever to dry. This is why people who thru hike places like Pacific Crest Trail tend to wear trail runners now. These running shoes grip well, breathe, dry somewhat quickly, and are super light. The downside is that trail runners don't last as long, but they should last longer than the 780km of The French Way. Perhaps this form of shoe wear is just not popular in Europe yet or at the time the book was written (published in 2013). I'm currently deciding between trail runners and broken in hiking sandals for my walk this summer. This is just my opinion, as the saying goes "hike your own hike." Overall, I recommend that future pilgrims read this. Buen Camino! Update: I noticed on my Camino that most Americans under 30 were wearing trail runners, and were quite happy with them. My feet were happiest with socks and sandals. A great look I know, but hey I'm happy when my feet are happy. I suggest reading the book still. It was useful in prepping for my Camino, just remember to listen to your body and enjoy the journey.

I found this book to be easy to read and I liked the format

I found this book to be easy to read and I liked the format. If you have never backpacked, you will find it very useful. If you are an experienced backpacker and traveler, you probably don't need this book. I agreed with the writer on packing light, but we differed on a few subjects. I found my headlamp to be very useful for packing my stuff. Some pilgrims don't arise till late and it's nice to pack up without turning on the overhead light. Also, do pack a LITTLE emergency food, especially for day 1 if you are going from St. Jean to Rosensvalles. It's a long day and starting out with some snacks is a great idea, as, yes, there ARE stores in Spain, but there are some long stretches without any stores.

Excellent

Thanks for your comprehensive information and advice The book is a great service for the understanding and preparation for the Camino Being a novice peregrine ( 5 Camino ) I appreciate very much you knowledge and support for the future peregrines Again thank you and Good Bless you

Straight forward information, easy read.

It was of importance to me to read a book on the Camino from the perspective of a female just to make sure there wouldn’t be anything I might miss or do incorrectly. The reading style was easy and fun and got me even more pumped up to prepare for and then walk the Camino. Thank you!

Most practical

I have now read at least six books on the topic of walking the Camino de Santiago as I continue to dream of/plan my own pilgrimage. I found this book to be the most helpful so far in terms of practical information.

Practical Down-to-Earth Guide for the Camino de Santiago

Yates and Hnatiuk's guide,

IF YOU ARE EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT, READ THIS BOOK.

reading for the second time. S.Yates has great insight and a honest concern for those with honest questions about walking across Spain. if after reading her book you still have questions, just ask on her forum. she will answer. if you are thinking of doing ANY overnight hiking, anywhere, READ HER BOOK.

Great practical "how-to" guide for any Camino

I found this guide very helpful because it addresses how to pack, how to choose a backpack, footwear, clothing, and all the other items that will be necessary for the Camino de Santiago. It answers many questions that new folks that want to walk The Way would have, like myself. This is not a guide that will show you which route to take, there are many, or what the mileage is between stages but a more practical guide of "how-to" do the essentials, prepare the items that you will need, and what to expect as you walk. Myths are dispelled and a common sense approach is used throughout the book. I love the little anecdotes from other peregrinos (pilgrims) that are sprinkled though the book. It helps to drive the point home to use common sense and pack light. You could find this information in the many forums that are out there but this book makes it so easy to get that same information that I wish I would have had it when I first started researching. It would have saved me a ton of time. Do yourself a favor and buy it. It makes for a great read as it is very informative but not in a dry manner, as sometimes guides can be. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do their own Camino de Santiago.

Great Beginner's Guide for the Camino!

I got this book after learning about the Camino De Santiago on a travel show. I was immediately in love with the idea of making the trek. It's a great pocket guide to have with you on the way, and very light weight. At this point I am not sure if I will ever get to make the trek, but it is a very informative read nonetheless!

The complete basic guidebook for planning and initiating your Camino.

There are lots of books about lots of trails, and the Camino is no exception. However, I was just looking for a simple book that describes the Camino in general terms, and the logistics involved if someone wanted to hike part or all of it. This book fit the bill perfectly. Written by someone who not only has hiked this trail, but has also assisted other pilgrims with their successful journeys, it doesn’t have any unnecessary “fluff”. It covers all of the basics, from planning to packing to hiking and living on the trail.

Good book on the basics, A little helpful on my walk.

This is a short, useful book with the occasional clever line or interesting anecdote to help you start preparing for your pilgrimage. Though the information could be found in forums or blogs, here it is gathered together for an easy read. A lot of the information is basic preparation for people who have never done or researched a long-distance hike before. If this is you, this book is for you, just don't buy the paperback like I did. Buy the cheaper kindle version. I do have one problem with the suggestions in this book. I have not hiked The Way before, but I disagree with the author's recommendation for footwear. Hiking boots are heavy! There are many who believe that the support that they provide actually increase the chance of injury from a fall because they restrict natural movement. Also, waterproof shoes never stay dry. They hold in water and sweat, then take forever to dry. This is why people who thru hike places like Pacific Crest Trail tend to wear trail runners now. These running shoes grip well, breathe, dry somewhat quickly, and are super light. The downside is that trail runners don't last as long, but they should last longer than the 780km of The French Way. Perhaps this form of shoe wear is just not popular in Europe yet or at the time the book was written (published in 2013). I'm currently deciding between trail runners and broken in hiking sandals for my walk this summer. This is just my opinion, as the saying goes "hike your own hike." Overall, I recommend that future pilgrims read this. Buen Camino! Update: I noticed on my Camino that most Americans under 30 were wearing trail runners, and were quite happy with them. My feet were happiest with socks and sandals. A great look I know, but hey I'm happy when my feet are happy. I suggest reading the book still. It was useful in prepping for my Camino, just remember to listen to your body and enjoy the journey.

I found this book to be easy to read and I liked the format

I found this book to be easy to read and I liked the format. If you have never backpacked, you will find it very useful. If you are an experienced backpacker and traveler, you probably don't need this book. I agreed with the writer on packing light, but we differed on a few subjects. I found my headlamp to be very useful for packing my stuff. Some pilgrims don't arise till late and it's nice to pack up without turning on the overhead light. Also, do pack a LITTLE emergency food, especially for day 1 if you are going from St. Jean to Rosensvalles. It's a long day and starting out with some snacks is a great idea, as, yes, there ARE stores in Spain, but there are some long stretches without any stores.

Excellent

Thanks for your comprehensive information and advice The book is a great service for the understanding and preparation for the Camino Being a novice peregrine ( 5 Camino ) I appreciate very much you knowledge and support for the future peregrines Again thank you and Good Bless you

Straight forward information, easy read.

It was of importance to me to read a book on the Camino from the perspective of a female just to make sure there wouldn’t be anything I might miss or do incorrectly. The reading style was easy and fun and got me even more pumped up to prepare for and then walk the Camino. Thank you!

Most practical

I have now read at least six books on the topic of walking the Camino de Santiago as I continue to dream of/plan my own pilgrimage. I found this book to be the most helpful so far in terms of practical information.

Practical Down-to-Earth Guide for the Camino de Santiago

Yates and Hnatiuk's guide,

IF YOU ARE EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT, READ THIS BOOK.

reading for the second time. S.Yates has great insight and a honest concern for those with honest questions about walking across Spain. if after reading her book you still have questions, just ask on her forum. she will answer. if you are thinking of doing ANY overnight hiking, anywhere, READ HER BOOK.

Great practical "how-to" guide for any Camino

I found this guide very helpful because it addresses how to pack, how to choose a backpack, footwear, clothing, and all the other items that will be necessary for the Camino de Santiago. It answers many questions that new folks that want to walk The Way would have, like myself. This is not a guide that will show you which route to take, there are many, or what the mileage is between stages but a more practical guide of "how-to" do the essentials, prepare the items that you will need, and what to expect as you walk. Myths are dispelled and a common sense approach is used throughout the book. I love the little anecdotes from other peregrinos (pilgrims) that are sprinkled though the book. It helps to drive the point home to use common sense and pack light. You could find this information in the many forums that are out there but this book makes it so easy to get that same information that I wish I would have had it when I first started researching. It would have saved me a ton of time. Do yourself a favor and buy it. It makes for a great read as it is very informative but not in a dry manner, as sometimes guides can be. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do their own Camino de Santiago.

Great Beginner's Guide for the Camino!

I got this book after learning about the Camino De Santiago on a travel show. I was immediately in love with the idea of making the trek. It's a great pocket guide to have with you on the way, and very light weight. At this point I am not sure if I will ever get to make the trek, but it is a very informative read nonetheless!

A solid guide to what to take and why based on experience and offered with respect

I found this very useful, even though I was an experienced backpacker. Walking the Camino isn't a backpack journey so the advice here is well suited to the trip. Even better, it is not a dictatorial declaration of what is good and bad, best and second rate. You are given information gleaned from experiences of the author and others and invited to make choices based on your own needs and preferences. More like a good coach than an "expert". Recommended highly.

I loved this book!

I found this book to be great in that 1) it stayed on topic, 2) included both what to do and examples of what not to do, and 3) provided humorous anecdotes - all the things it promised to do! It was easy to read and to me, very enjoyable. It is difficult for me to read these days, medical problems, so for me to read something of any length is great! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. And though I will never be able to walk the way, I wish you all well!

Good common sense approach to traveling light on any trip, not just the Camino - Well Done.

I was really able to get a good sense of what I had to take with me on the Camino. Although I was riding (and will be again soon), I did get the idea of what is and isn't necessary to take. Too many folks seem to think they need all the necessities of home, when in reality, take the BARE minimum or less, buy there if needed but pretty much everything is available in smaller portions there so no need to over do it. Great insights, worth the $$ if you are planning a trip to the Camino or anywhere really. Good common sense!

Practical Planning Book--Download is a great value!

A concise, well thought out guide to assist with planning your Camino. I plan to start my walk in SJPP in September of 2017, so I am grateful for the down-to-earth advice from an experienced, compassionate pilgrim and Refugio volunteer. Dmall beefs: Despite the conversion tips, I would have appreciated seeing the mile ages and weights in Imperial as well as metric. Author avoids pitching brand names, but when she did call out an inexpensive product by name I found it very helpful.

Very Good Reference for Preparing for the Camino

In 2012, while visiting my girlfriend's parents in California they were showing The Way in their clubhouse as their weekly movie. I was hooked on the Camino from then on. This book does a good job of telling the prospective pilgrim what and what not to bring on The Way. I hope to hike this trail within the next 3 years.

Great Advice and Information!!

Perfect!!! This is exactly what I was looking for. Great Resources and Information. Thanks for taking the time to put all of this together.

Terrific guide to Camino packing

Terrific guide to Camino packing. We just completed the Primitivo using almost all her suggestions and found her advice very helpful at avoiding carrying unnecessary items and on keeping weight down. Thanks to Yates, I carried NOTHING I did not use.

Okay

Honestly you can get better packing tips from YouTube videos on the subject. This is kind of more of the same stuff that you find another books.

Basic but much needed info

It’s simply written but in a good way. It’s not just about packing, but a history of the Camino, information such as refugios, bank, food, and even route. Well done.

Good tips

Found useful prior to my walk. Could have found most of the info without the book, but had lots of good stuff in one place.

Good book

Practical, informative

Perfect for planning or research.

I have walked more than 11 Camino routes over time. Almost every year.. and more than one a few years. That said, this book is perfect for anyone who is researching or planning a future pilgrimage to Santiago. I highly recommend it.

Be Prepared - Read this Book!

I found it very informative and helpful to know what to pack and what to leave home, including the tips for weight reduction of the backpack. Her book has answered many questions about when to pilgrimage, where to start, food to take or not take, safety, blister care and prevention, boots and backpacks. The book is all encompassing. She also includes where to apply for the passport for the Camino, and websites to best Camino guides. For me, the stress and concern of walking Camino de Santiago has been alleviated. I feel that I can be well prepared before hand.

Helpful and informative

Helpful and charming tips on what's important to know before embarking on a trek of El Camino--either full or partial. Garnered many helpful tips including packing suggestions.

Four Stars

Common sense and practical information. Essential for first time pilgrim, or anyone hiking.

Great practical guide for anyone planning to become a pilgrim on the Camino

I found this book to be extremely helpful in answering nearly all of my questions as I put together my pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. The detail of what to take, how to take it, and what not to take has saved my making some costly mistakes. The practical tips along with website links and even important postal mailing addresses has been very beneficial. This is a must read for anyone planning or even thinking about becoming a pilgrim.

Easy read. Straight forward

Easy read. Straight forward. Good information. I'm hoping to travel the Camino in a couple of months and put her suggestions to use!

Very Helpful

I have not done the walk yet but this has been very helpful in preparing for the walk. I will know more when I get back as to how much it helped. It seems to cover a lot about what to take and where to stay and what to visit and how to do all the things necessary to live on the road for a month.

Very Helpful! Answered all of my questions in detail

Having benefitted from reading Sybille's posts on a Camino forum, I did not hesitate to purchase her book when I saw it mentioned. Seven months til my first Camino & I am certain I will refer to this guide many times before I go.

Clear, Concise Overview of What to Expect on the Camino

Book provides a good overview of the history of the Camino de Santiago and how to prepare and what to expect on the journey.

... to bring and the sources suggested make this a great first read and guide for those contemplating this journey

I haven't made the Pilgrimage yet but the advice for what to bring and the sources suggested make this a great first read and guide for those contemplating this journey.

The BEST!

I leave in 3 weeks to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Of all the books I have read ( literally for years) this is the BEST..PRACTICAL book on the subject. The hints and suggestions are from real life expericnce from the authors and it shows. I am going the "luxury" way and will stay in hotels and not have to carry all my gear. In spite of that, the tips and suggestions on what to take are just great. Especially the section on blisters and what kind of socks to wear. It is worth the price of the book ten times over to be prepared before going!

A Good Guide to Preparing and Packing for Your Camino

This is a well written guide for preparing yourself and your pack for the Camino. From everything else I've read in books and on the forums she has it pretty well nailed. As the author states you will still need a good guide to the Camino you plan to walk. Buen Camino!

most people carry to much this book shows you how ...

most people carry to much this book shows you how little you really need, and if you have not got it you can probably buy it in the next village.

Pack for the Camino

It probably not needed, but it has some more information that confirms Brierly's observations, with a bit more specificity. There were what seemed to be some good ideas for women, but since I am a man, I cannot be sure they are on the money.

Tips from European Travelers

When I got this book, I was hoping for detailed information about what to pack, what to buy, and how to live while walking the Camino de Santigo. The authors live in Europe and gave general useful information. For instance, I did not realize that there were bandages specifically for blisters. Some brand names were mentioned, but these products are available in in Europe, and I had to do some snooping to figure out what were the equivalent products in the U.S. Airline and airport destinations were general, and would be most helpful to know, as I live in the Portland, Oregon area and would like info from, say Paris to the start in France. That being said, this book is packed with really useful information, including a link to their online packing list. Bottom line. Get the book and read and read. Experiment with your personal needs, and have a great time.

I could sense the love of the authors for "El camino" i've been thinking

Very practical, lovely produced. I could sense the love of the authors for "El camino" i've been thinking, planning to do it. I still don't know yet. I want to walk the whole french way, but I am still battling with time and family. It is one of my dreams and I usually make things a reality. Back to the book, the information is really useful.

A Must Read for the Camino Novice

This is a great book. I found it's practical advice very helpful as I prepare for my trip in the Camino Frances. The occasional humorous anecdotes were also enjoyable. A must read for those new to the Camino.

He loved it.

This was a gift for our son who is considering the Camino. He loved it.

Try this Book

This is a wonderful book. Its a nuts-and-bolts book about exactly what to expect. As I am a woman going alone, this is what I needed to prepare with. I fully recommend this book. And I bet I remember to thank the author when I hit the Cathedral.

Seems like good advice

Seems like good advice. Best adapted for the Camino Frances. Since we mean to do the Camino Ingles its usefulness is lessened. BUT-- the advice is still good and will be useful t

Good people!

GreT Company and products

Perfect! Great prep document that is very helpful in ...

Perfect! Great prep document that is very helpful in developing my plan.

Excellent summary for Camino preparation

The writers are very knowledgeable and their advice very practical. I've walked the Camino Frances once and plan to go again. This book is a great refresher of the lessons learned plus offering an insider's perspective (hospitalera) that reveal more lessons learned from others. The anecdotes are brief and appropriate. The opinions are moderate.

Great book!

I found this an extremely helpful and entertaining preparation for the Camino. Highly detailed and very useful information! Buen Camino!

Five Stars

good evaluation of packing tips for the camino

Future Peregrino

Born from years and miles of trekking, this book answers nearly any question you have about walking the Camino. It contains a wealth of resources for your perpetration. You will not be disappointed.

Full of great info

Helps with great tips and useful information for preparing to walk the Camino.

Totally need to buy this and use it!

I'm planning to do this trek and this book is filled with lots of useful information. A must for anyone who is considering doing this pilgrimage!

Handy Book!

I just finished the Camino Ingles - I didn't take all the stuff recommended here, but just reading the suggestions was helpful in deciding what to pack and what to leave behind.

go, just go!

This is a well written and thought out book. Great read if you are thinking about doing the Camino and a must if you are planning on doing the El Camino!

Very helpful!

Wealth of information for anyone contemplating walking the Camino for the first time. Very much to the point and a quick read. Highly recommended!

Great book!

I'm getting ready to walk the Camino in April. I'm doing exhaustive research to ensure a successful journey. Knowledge is power and this provided a great start.

Great Info!

Easy read. Lots of great practical info. I especially appreciate both authors have walked the Camino!

Five Stars

Just what I needed to prepare for the trip

Five Stars

Practical

Well done Peregrina!

Very nice job Sy. Although I have been preparing for my first Camino for 7 months I still managed to get a few tips and other insights from you. Thanks so much. ¡Buen Camino! Damián

Thorough and very helpful!

This was very helpful in outlining what one really needs on the Camino. I found myself highlighting many times and I plan to have it handy on my kindle as I prepare and then on the Way.

I read this after I walked the Camino Frances in ...

I read this after I walked the Camino Frances in July 2015. The tips are absolutely spot on. Although I got a free copy through kindle, I found this such an enjoyable read that I also purchased a paperback copy for my parents, who will be walking the Camino Frances in 2017.

Good guide

Interesting and useful book, packed full of interesting information.

The writing style was very clear and easy to understand

Very informational. The writing style was very clear and easy to understand. I felt like I was taking a class on it and came away with a great rubric to prepare for a successful pilgrimage!

This book is extremely helpful, as my 2 daughters ...

This book is extremely helpful, as my 2 daughters & I plan on walking the "Original Camino" (due to limited vacation time from work) in 2 years. Also, lots of time saving tips in the book that I never would have thought of helps us a lot as we are avid campers as well. Thank you again!

17 pounds

great practical advice got my pack down to 17 pounds... for 35 days of travel!!! 4 changes of clothes and a first aide kit... wish me luck!

a great help

Tons of very useful information; I'm keeping it as a checklist and guideline for my upcoming trip on the Camino.

Very helpful!

The first book I've picked up about the Camino de Santiago - lots of informative information for newbies contemplating doing this pilgrimage.

Great

I'm planning on doing the last 100km, although this is more designed for those traveling the entire walk it was still very helpful

We purchased this book and love it! It has so many helpful tips

We are planning to go on the camino next year. We purchased this book and love it! It has so many helpful tips! We shared a number of the tips from this book at a recent gathering of people who had walked the Way in the past, and they all said that they had wished that they had read it before they went!

Awesome book!

Still reading it and loving it! Very thorough and descriptive - but you can take from it what you need and discard what you don't. Very practical! It is definitely coming in handy!

Four Stars

Very helpful in thinking through the logistics of a long hike.

Good first intro to the Camino!

I thought this was a very good introduction to the basics of walking the Camino. I only recently became aware of the Camino de Santiago, and have become obsessed with doing the pilgrimage. Yates' book is the first I purchased (mostly due to the price) and have found it invaluable for starting my trip planning.

... planning my trip now and this book is very useful.

I am planning my trip now and this book is very useful.

Five Stars

Great suggestions, removes doubt about what to carry and what to leave.

It was easy to read and I liked the writing style but ...

It was easy to read and I liked the writing style but I will be better able to give a review after our trip to Spain this summer..

To Walk or Not to Walk

If you are planning on walking the camino, you definitely need to read this book. It's filled with practical information to prepare yourself for the walk.

Four Stars

Very good information regarding what NOT to pack. Informative and an easy read.

Five Stars

Great book! Easy read and to understand how to prepare for the Camino de Santiago

Great Book for Camino hiking tips

This book is filled with great ideas and tips for Camino packing. I highly recommend this book for anyone thinking of hiking the Camino. It is common sense good ideas and very useful information.

Good book...

Was good to ready and really has made me think about little is more to back if you intend to walk the Way....

Five Stars

great info

Very useful. Great tips for packing

Very useful hands-on book. Great tips and hints for pacing a backpack. Looking forward to doing El Camino.

Wonderful primer for The Camino!!

I very much enjoyed this book. The author's experience and enthusiasm are contagious! She provides a long list of very practical tops!

Five Stars

Great book with REALLY GOOD info!!! Useful guides on packing that make sense!

Very insightful

Gives great insight on preparation for Camino de Santiago! Definitely a must for those who are planning a pilgrimage. Additionally has links to websites that are helpful for preparation-a very nice all in one

Easy to Read

This is a nice book to read while planning my trip. The author provides some good tips that will help me pack and walk the Camino.

Five Stars

Most helpful

Helps you get ready to go

I read this Tip Book in advance of our hike of the Camino de Santiago and really enjoyed it! It helped get me ready to go![...]

Five Stars

great info for those planning a Camino.

Five Stars

good

Loved this book!

Practical information written with humor. Can't beat hearing all the details from an experienced Pilgrim.

This book has complete advice on how to pack and ...

This book has complete advice on how to pack and plan for your Camino, and is well worth the small price paid.

Great ideas and

I am planning to give this to a friend who will be making this pilgrimage. Great ideas and recommendations

The Bible of the camino....

I thought some day I'd do the camino, actually as a tourist, but after reading this book I am discouraged of doing it. But hold on, this is good news, the book helped make my mind up that this wouldn't be for me. Now the book deserves 5 stars because the way it was written, the attention to detail, the friendly explanations, the exploring of all the options, easy going reading. I can say that this book should be considered as the Bible of anyone, experienced or not, thinking about going through the camino.

helpful!

I have read a few books now on the way and this is one of the best in helping you pack.

Five Stars

Very useful.

Five Stars

Great and useful, knowledge. Arrived quickly.

Great reference book !!!

Great reference book. I bought this book from Amazon, it arrived on time, and I immediately took a deep dive reading all the good recommendations by S Yates. As I continue to get ready for my first Camino, I continue to use the book for reference. No, I will not take the book with me on my trip, doing so will violate one of the rules from S Yates, to take with me only what I MUST take. Oh, I just received the scale I ordered from Amazon, I will make sure to follow S Yates's weight recommendations to the letter!!! Overall, great reference book. Thank you for reading my comments. Carmelo (Fig) Figueroa

Very detailed and great for a new and inexperienced pilgrim

Very detailed and great for a new and inexperienced pilgrim. I would like to also see included a description of the terrain also to give the beginner an idea, esp. if they are older and may have slight joint issues.

Wisdom from miles of experience.

Thorough and insightful! Valuable tips and tricks on every page.

Great preparation for 1st timer to Camino.

Liked that author gave specifics for travel, sleeping, food, body care, anything one might need to know for the walk. Will re-read again. Thank you!

great info and intelligent format

Highly recommend to any newbie planning this trip...helped me tremendously...especially the downloadable packing list. Also, the references at the end were very helpful.

Good and useful information!

Good and useful information! It was very easy to read and packed with the right amount of detail. Made me more interested in walking the way...

Five Stars

Great book written by 2 experienced women.

if you want to be well prepared - read this book!

This book covers all the important aspects of preparing for your hike. All you need to do is pay attention!

Don't over pack, every oz counts

What u need to know and what u need to bring with u, so u don't overpack.

Great Pilgrim Guide !

A very updated and practical guide for El Camino. Light and thin enough to carry it with you ! Yet packed with great info !

Help to get ready

Easy read with lots to relevant information to help planning the trip. I would recommend as the first read for anyone thinking or planning to make the trip to Camino de Santiago.

This is a very good first resource to get you thinking in the right ...

One of the hardest decisions to make (after deciding to walk the Camino Frances) is what to take and what to leave at home. This is a very good first resource to get you thinking in the right direction.

great guide

Well researched lots of useful tips......... Thanks for putting this together Useful information for the serious hiker of the camino

Five Stars

Useful

Loved it!!!!

Best book I have read in years. I usually HATE reading, but this book had me hooked and very interested! Loved it!!!!

Helpful

I think this book will be very helpful in planning my trip. Planning on a walk in a couple of years.

Great!

Wonderful and well focused. As an Appalachian Trail through hiker I recognize the importance of proper planning. My wife and I are looking forward to our Camino.

A Great Read!

I've read many books on The Camino, and found this to be one of the best to help prepare for the journey. It was an easy and enjoyable read containing practical advice and information. I will retread it just before I leave on My Camino! Abigail Wake, Annandale, MN

Great Book!

The author's expertise as a frequent pilgrim trekker and refugio volunteer shows through in this book. This book contained the most logical and concise packing instructions out of any book I have read. I will be using the customizable packing lists that were provided when I prepare for my upcoming camino. A+

To the point

Just what I needed to sort out why I have to bring walking one of the Pilgrim routes in Spain.

Eliminates many questions

Terrific!! Tons of good knowledge.

Five Stars

Thx

Useful information

Filled with many useful tips for the Camino or indeed any long journey.I look forward to checking the list and heading out

thank you!

Awesome stuff! Thank you we now feel better prepared. We are hoping to start our Camino in April of 2016. M

How to "Go Light"

One of the most practical, down-to-earth guides about packing and getting ready for a trouble-free trip.

Run to read and dream about

I really enjoyed the book. It had helpful tips and was easy to read. I'd love to hike the trail one day.

If you're going to walk to Santiago, do yourself ...

If you're going to walk to Santiago, do yourself a favor and buy this before you pack. It will save you a *lot* of grief.

"Pilgrim Tips" is a quick read that provides useful suggestions as well as some interesting stories about the ...

"Pilgrim Tips" is a quick read that provides useful suggestions as well as some interesting stories about the Camino experience. It is most useful for people who don't have a great deal of backpacking experience, focusing on the things that pilgrims should bring along and the things that are better left at home. If you have significant backpacking experience, much of this advice will probably sound very familiar. Still, I found some nuggets of insight - discussions of dogs, bedbugs, and blisters - that helped me prepare. I found other parts of the book, especially the chapter titled 'Which Routes and When?' a bit superficial and the book makes no attempt to describe the Camino itself. If you're looking for a way-finder, you'll be better off with Brierley. Still, I found this an interesting book that is well worth its modest cost.

Five Stars

Excellent, practical, and knowledgeable book. Great resource!

Five Stars

great resource book!

Great prep book

Love that it was available in e-format. Now I can take it with me everywhere! Very helpful for my planning for the Camino?

Five Stars

Nice book, lots of useful information

Five Stars

GOOD BOOK

Review of Camino book and it's packing list

Really good and enjoyable book. Good value purchase . It is a quick any light read with good practical tips.

Preparing for El Camino de Santiago

Very practical and straightforward recommendations on what to take, how to economize on packing, and what to leave behind. Sound advice. I'll be re-reading and referring to this again just prior to my trip. It's a very easy read.

Five Stars

This is what everybody needs to start preparing for a walk on the Camino de Santiago.

i Like it

Found this book (in Kindle form) to be very helpful in planning my trip as well as the anecdotal tales.

Amazing book, it is exactly what I needed to ...

Amazing book, it is exactly what I needed to help prepare for my trip. She covers everything and I more excited than ever to begin my adventure. I highly recommend it to other pilgrims👍

Loved this book

Very informative an filled with great advice and info on The Way, especially for those planning or dreaming of making the pilgrimage.

Four Stars

AA++

Excellent

Very informative and easy to read.

Four Stars

Very pragmatic

Four Stars

Interesting and helpful.

Five Stars

Have picked up some good tips from this book.

I am very glad I bought it and will certainly refer to it ...

This book has tons of helpful hints for packing light as well as what to expect in the refugios. I am very glad I bought it and will certainly refer to it when it comes time to pack.

Five Stars

Good information!

Superb information

I am still at awww with this great book full of superb informative and great guidance for your own personal journey...loved it.

a good book

This was a really useful practical book with lots of information not found in any other Camino books I've read. Good one!

Life's too short to learn

This book contributes greatly to me feeling more prepared and calm, as I go about beginning to gather and purchase my needed gear and supplies for my Camino de Santiago that I will undertake this year. The saying "Life's too short to learn everything by experience" really applies here. This Author has been on many "Caminos" and she has already worked out what is essential and what is a luxury that will probably weigh you down and cause you to leave it behind or to mail it home. She shares many links and files allowing you to shop, prepare and pack like a "Camino pro" Your trip will go much more smoothly if you just learn from the "pros" BUY THIS BOOK! It's the best thing to do before you start to plan,

totally Awesome

Succinct, tells it like it is, lists great additional resources, provides wonderful insight from BOTH the pilgrim and the hostel host perspective, GREAT packing tips & Wisdom!

Great tips and hints

Handy hints and traveller tips. The packing list helps enormously. Thank you

Lots of great suggestions.

The info is very helpful. Lots of great suggestions.

This book is fantastic, I am writing this review after having finished ...

This book is fantastic, I am writing this review after having finished walking the Camino, the advise was great, RS

FINALLY A REAL NEED HAS BEEN FILLED

In the last few years I have completed the Camino de Santiago Frances. If only this book was available when I started the Camino. All your questions are answered. I believe this should be "required reading" for all pilgrims.

Five Stars

Excellent!

Practical, pertinent, helpful

If your looking for a simple guide to Camino logistics, this it it. Answers the questions you don't know to ask.

I bought this thinking it would be a nice way to gather what I need for my Camino

I bought this thinking it would be a nice way to gather what I need for my Camino. While the authors give some decent advice, at almost every page there was at least one thing that made me shake my head. Suggesting that women begin taking hormonal contraception before the Camino to alter their cycles, stating that Spanish nuts and dried fruits are a good alternative to taking vitamin supplements, inferring that you could induce water intoxication in yourself simply by not getting enough salt. (Water intoxication doesn't just happen; it's almost always the result of water drinking contests, hazing, torture, or other non-self regulated water consumption). Just remember, anyone can write a book, regardless of their expertise.

Mostly common sense, and a few bits of advice I’d never thought of

The author herself mentions several times that common sense is the least common of all senses. And she should know about common sense, because her book is packed with it. If you’ve never done any hiking before, the book is more than worth the few bucks it costs to download it. It provides tons of common sense advice that an inexperienced hiker might not think of on his or her own. But if you’ve already done a hike that lasted three days, you’ve probably already figured out 95% of what’s in this book. I’m tempted to reveal the remaining five percent, but I won’t. There are a few really good pieces of advice about the Camino in particular that I hadn’t thought of, and wish I had. Too late now. I’ll remember for next time.

smart packing

It is a very helpful book. It can also be for any trip taken. We all tend to take non essential items.

Four Stars

Very good, I like your service.

Five Stars

Just what I needed to help me prepare

Four Stars

Informative but would have liked some maps and photos.

Walk... and lighten the load

800 kilometers (approx. 500 miles) is a loooong way. Lose weight, get in the best physical condition you can, and lighten the load in your backpack. Leave most of it at home; "there are stores in Spain"! One of the best sections is "A typical day on the Camino".

Five Stars

Great tips!

Four Stars

Don't have any questions so far.

Four Stars

Thank you got a lot out of this book😃

very informative

Very informative. Would have liked a bit more info on northern routes requirements and were to get info on temperatures on different routes & seasons.

Five Stars

Very informative!

A great help!!!

Excellent down to earth practical an much Needed information based on first hand Experience Thanks for a great helping hand

Four Stars

Some veryhandy tips.

great

Great information. Hiking the camino in Sept this year and found useful information to ensure a great trip thank you

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