There’s something about the Camino de Santiago that captures people’s interest. Maybe it’s the idea of walking hundreds of kilometres through small villages, mountains and countryside or maybe it’s the challenge itself. Or maybe it’s because everyone who has completed it seems to come home with stories that go beyond the physical journey.

That’s exactly why Ramakko’s has partnered with Rainbow Routes for Walk The Way: Stories & Strategies for Your Camino, featuring Monique Giroux. Having walked over 280 kilometres of the Camino Portugues and completed adventures everywhere from Mount Kilimanjaro to Machu Picchu, she’ll be sharing stories, lessons learned, practical advice and encouragement for anyone considering their own pilgrimage or long-distance trek.

The Camino Experience

Ahead of the presentation, we also caught up with one of our own team members, Ken, who completed the Camino and we asked him what he learned along the way. His experience reinforced something many Camino walkers discover: you don't need to have every detail perfectly figured out before you go.

One of the first surprises for many people? There isn't just one Camino route. There are twelve!

Our team member completed the French Camino, beginning in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and walking roughly 800 km to Santiago, before continuing on to Fisterra and Muxia for another 125 km.

The route itself became part of the adventure.

"I don't spend much time planning when I travel — whatever happens, happens."

Unlike remote backcountry trips, the Camino offers regular access to food, accommodations, and supplies, meaning detailed planning isn't always necessary. The bigger challenge often becomes learning to trust yourself and adapt along the way.

Lightweight gear or Comfort?

Instead of obsessing over every possible detail, Ken focused on a few key things: weather conditions, terrain, and making sure food and accommodations would be accessible. Because the Camino passes through numerous towns and villages, many of the basics are available along the route. Rather than packing for every possible situation, he packed essential gear a day or two before leaving.

That approach also taught one of the biggest Camino lessons: you probably need far less than you think.

Backpacks

His entire six-week trip fit into a 35-litre carry-on backpack, and he carried everything himself rather than sending gear ahead. But even with a relatively light setup, he learned that weight isn't the only thing that matters. He would suggest a pack like the Osprey Stratos with 44L capacity and excellent suspension, allowing you to take along extra food and fluids or comfort items like a good inflatable pad and pillow.

"Lightweight gear and not bringing too much is important, but honestly, I wouldn't obsess over ultralight gear. Comfort is most important."

Footwear

Footwear also quickly became one of the most important decisions he made. Over long distances, your feet become your entire world. Small issues become big problems, and comfort becomes priceless.

He also learned that waterproof footwear isn't always the answer. Wet shoes eventually dry, but hot and sweaty feet can create ongoing problems. Larger toe boxes, breathable materials and allowing room for foot swelling often matter more over long days of walking. Size up at least a ½ size to accommodate swelling and for more room for toes for the downhill.

For those attending the presentation and planning their own adventures, some of the footwear and gear being highlighted include options like the Keen Targhee IV Mid, Oboz Bridger Mid, Lowa Renegade EVO GTX, Salomon X-Ultra 360, and recovery footwear like slides or sandals for the end of the day.

Trekking Poles

"Definitely worth bringing," Ken said without hesitation.

Trekking poles help distribute weight, improve balance on uneven terrain, reduce strain on knees  and provide support on long descents, which the Camino has plenty of. For something that many people debate packing, they quickly became one of those pieces of gear that proved their value day after day.

Typical Day

A typical day often started around 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning. There was coffee and usually a chocolate croissant before setting out for the day. Then came several hours of walking before stopping for lunch, followed by more walking toward the next destination. Evenings often involved checking into an albergue, showering, grabbing dinner and meeting other pilgrims before heading to bed around 10 p.m.

Most days involved anywhere from 35–45 kilometres of walking, repeated over and over again.

Somewhere in all that repetition, people often discover something unexpected.

The Biggest Lessons

Over the course of weeks on the trail, many people discover that the Camino becomes about much more than simply getting from one destination to another. While the physical challenge is certainly part of the experience, there is also something about the routine of walking each day that creates space for reflection. Long stretches of trail, simple daily routines, and conversations with fellow pilgrims often give people time to think in a way that everyday life rarely allows.

Many people begin the journey wondering whether they are prepared enough. They question whether they have the right gear, enough experience, or the physical ability to complete something that feels so ambitious. However, stories from the Camino often reveal that success rarely comes down to having every detail perfectly planned or feeling completely ready before you begin.

Many people discover that confidence and resilience are built along the way rather than before the journey starts. The lessons often come from the small moments — pushing through a difficult day, adapting when plans change, or realizing that you are capable of more than you originally thought.

You simply have to be willing to start.  Take that first step and get planning your trek.

Gear List Highlighted in Presentation

Footwear: (Hiking and Recovery)
Keen Targhee IV mid
Oboz Bridger mid
Lowa Renegade EVO GTX
Newport H2
Salomon X- Ultra 360
Birks and North Face Slides – for shower  + recovery

Clothing (Layers, Convertible and Merino)
Mid Weight Fleece
Rab Nexus Zip Up
Patagonia
Mac in a Sac Poncho
Mac in a Sac Down Jacket
Icebreaker base layers
Icebreaker and Smartwool Tops
OR Ferrosi Convertible Pants
Columbia Tech Trail Pants
Columbia or Patagonia Quick Dry Shorts

Backpacks:
Gregory, Osprey and Rab
Rain Covers

Essentials:
Camp Suds
Telescopic Poles: Leki and CAMP
Quick Dry Towels: Pack Towel and Nomadix
Locks, Toiletry Bag, Lockable Purse, Travel On
Sleeping Bag Liner – Sea to Summit
Hydration and Filtration: Aqua Tabs, Katadyn Befree 1L, Lifestraw
1.5 Osprey Bladder
Dry Bag + Dry Compression Bag – Sea to Summit
Head Lamp: Petz and Black Diamand