The Camino de Santiago is not just the very long French Way: for many enthusiasts, it's a discovery that begins with sections of 100 or 200 km. Fewer days, but the same desire to walk, reflect, and enjoy the scenery.
If you're planning your "portion" of the Camino, technical preparation is your best ally. At BF Outdoor SHOP, we've selected the best to ensure you only have to think about putting one foot in front of the other.
Choosing shoes: our customers' favorite models
For sections up to 200 km, you don't need heavy mountaineering boots. Focus on trail running or light hiking shoes: they are lighter, more breathable, and cushioned. Remember that your shoe should be half a size (or a full size) larger than what you wear in the city, because your feet tend to swell after hours of walking. If you want to be sure about the right size, especially if you're buying online, try the Footly measurement tool > https://www.footly.fit/consumer.html
Based on feedback from those who have already walked the Camino with us, here are our top picks:
● TOPO Athletic Ultraventure: The undisputed queen for comfort. Its roomy forefoot fit and superior cushioning make it our customers' most loved choice.
● SCARPA Golden Gate LT: An excellent alternative for those seeking stability and a robust construction, perfect if the terrain has more uneven sections.
● ECCO Terracruise GTX: Ideal if you're looking for protection from the elements. Thanks to its GORE-TEX membrane, it's the perfect companion for those who don't fear variable weather.
The backpack: "less is more"
For a walk of a week or ten days, weight is your enemy. A backpack of about 30 liters is more than enough. Make sure it has a breathable back panel and a hip belt that distributes the weight to your hips, not your shoulders.
Here are our favorites:
● Ferrino Finisterre: It's an iconic backpack for walkers. Its various capacities cover every need, and its ventilation system is among the most appreciated on the market.
● Deuter Futura Pro: Its true strength lies in the back panel adjustment, which allows the load to be perfectly adapted to your body shape.
Essential accessories
● Technical socks: People often spend a lot on shoes and little on socks, but that's a mistake. We recommend GM Approach socks (classic or merino wool for perfect thermoregulation). For those who fear blisters, Injinji 5-toe socks are a real "game changer": they eliminate interdigital friction and truly make a difference.
● Telescopic poles: Essential for relieving stress on the knees, especially downhill. IMPORTANT: poles do not pass airport security, so buy them once you arrive at your destination or check if a pilgrim leaves them at the airport before leaving.
● Poncho/Shell jacket: A poncho is essential to cover you and your backpack in case of sudden rain; a shell jacket, on the other hand, serves as a rain jacket to be used as an alternative.
Note for "long-distance walkers"
If your goal is to walk the entire French Way (almost 800 km), the strategy changes radically: the need for an ultra-minimalist setup becomes a priority and the choice of footwear must fall on models with more resistant and performing soles. The backpack will need to be larger if you tackle the route in winter or autumn, and in general, there are more considerations to evaluate.
If it can be useful, here is the link to an interview with a friend of BF who walked the entire Camino in 2024: https://l1nq.com/bl70tip
Ready to go?
Stop by the store to test the fit and discover the most suitable solutions for your body type. Or explore our trekking selection online and write to us with any questions: we are here to help you choose the right equipment for your Camino.