Guide for pilgrims
How to be a Gear Freak

Boots. Sneakers/trainers/running shoes don't offer enough support. Sandals, well you'd have to be mad or a Brazilian guy called Amilca to wear sandals. Buy a good pair of boots. You're going to be walking a bloody long way in the buggers, so go to a proper outdoors shop (not what experienced walkers call a "fashion shop") and seek some professional advice. Be prepared to spend good money on your boots. The Camino covers all kinds of terrain: mountains, plains, mud, a whole lot of cowshit. You might get away with a pair of gore-tex or composite boots, but I'd recommend a pair of leather boots. BREAK IN YOUR BOOTS PROPERLY before you embark.

Socks. Some high quality socks will make all the difference to your camino. Combined with some ace boots, you could complete the Camino blister-free. (I copped one small one on my little toe.)

Wet weather gear. You could gamble that it doesn't rain at all while you're in Spain. Haha. Or you could gamble that it won't rain much. Well, you're going to Galicia, and in Galicia if it's not raining, then it's about to rain.

Rain jacket. Here you have a choice. Some people recommend only a poncho. You can buy ponchos that fit over both you and your backpack. If you choose a poncho, then good luck to you! I recommend that you invest in a quality raincoat, gore-tex or similar material. Test it out before you go! Make sure it really is rainproof, not merely rain resistant.

Waterproof trousers. Buy a pair of breathable waterproof trousers.

Backpack protector. A waterproof bag for your backpack is a bloody good idea.

Backpack. Again, go to a proper outdoors store (they don't have to be located in the outdoors, they just have to be reputable) and get some professional advice on backpacks. You don't have to take a ridiculously large pack like mine. At the risk of stating the bleedin' obvious, it has to be large enough to fit all your gear.