Packing Tips
There is a lot of advice out there for walking. A huge amount of what to take and what not to take. What footwear's best, which socks prevent blisters, which rucksacks don't have you hating them after 20 miles...
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This is not the place for that advice. This is just a list of some of the little things that I have learned over the years make the way a little bit easier. It's very easy to put a lot of things in the rucksack "just in case" and there is nothing worse than carrying an item for several hundred miles to find that you didn't use it. On the other hand there are items which can make a difference. You'll develop your own list as you walk. This is mine for you to read or ignore but I hope it's helpful to at least someone, somewhere.
Paracord
2 yards of paracord. Doubles as a replacement shoelace (if cut with the penknife) or a washing line. Or to use a lead for a lost dog. I've done all 3.
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Clingfilm
Often the only place to wash is a hostel sink. Sadly the plug collectors have been busy in Spain and you'll often find a sink with no plug. Not good if you want to wash clothes. Cling film weighed down with stones or coins makes a passable plug.
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Washing powder
Lots of places have washing machines. However, a washing machine with no detergent is a bit frustrating. I carry a small bag with some washing powder in.
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Sewing kit
Ripped buttons, ripped clothes - you won't be carry a lot of spares. Simpler to have a repair kit to hand. Needles also come in handy for removing giant splinters from old wooden beds.
Light bug
You may find yourself walking in failing light, if you find your intended stop has no beds left for the night. A 20g light with a flashing red light to tie on your rucksack will make those last few km a bit safer.
Head torch
iPhone lights may be great but they are useless for walking through a wood at night. A head torch on the other hand...
Penknife
Obvs. I've not had to use the thing for getting a stone out of a horse's hoof but everything else - screwdriver, file, tweezers - has come in handy.
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Clothes pegs
Drying clothes can be a challenge, particularly if a bunch of pilgrims have got to the washing line before you. A few pegs can really help out. Also, fixing clothes to a rucksack is a quick way of drying clothes in the summer months.
Phone battery
You get to a hostel. Your phone is flat. Not necessarily a good idea to leave your $1,000 iPhone unattended and plugged in. Better off leaving your $20 battery charging and charge up the phone during the day.
Hanging hooks
Often you are staying in quite basic accommodation. A hook to go over a door or window frame, for a drying line or just to keep stuff off the floor.
Buff
Perfect for keeping the sun off necks and balding patches...even come in fancy camino styles...
Walking pole tips
If you are walking 500 miles and using walking poles, you'll probably go through a pair of tips. Easier to buy the right size before you go. Alternatively, just drive every person near you mad with the sound of your tapping,