Multipurpose Stuff I'm Glad I Brought...

[InOrlando]

I walked the Camino this past July, and I have a list of stuff I'm glad I brought. Perhaps future pilgrims will find it useful:
--One (1) Collapsible trekking pole (gave the other to my partner). Multipurposes:

• As a "tension rod:" shower curtain/laundry line (when placed inside a window);
• Parted thorn bushes/spider webs in front of me as I walked along forest paths;
• Stabilized me when I stumbled on the sharp shale rocks;
• Fit snug in my backpack and took up little space.

--Skirt: long, opaque, elastic-waist lightweight w/pockets. Multipurposes:

• Discreet after-shower strapless dress (pulled up to armpits, won't accidentally slip down like a tied sarong; indispensable when panties are on the laundry line)
• Cool, breezy more formal change from pants to stroll through town or attend mass in the evenings

--Recycled large grocery bag: Multipurposes:

• Shower/toiletries bag: hung inside the shower, holds bottled soap/shampoo/clothing without getting them wet while showering;
• Dirty laundry bag: keeps dirty laundry separated from clean inside the pack; easy to carry to the washing area
• Groceries: carry to the store to buy dinner items and then stores them until they're cooked/eaten
• Collapses flat and feather-weight inside the pack

--Small multiool: Multipurpose:
Too many to name: cut a painful hangnail/ingrown toenail, remove a splinter/thorn, open a bottle of beer, etc. I still carry it on my keychain

--Female urinal: Multipurpose
This has only one purpose, and it's indispensable on the meseta where there are no toilets, few trees and nature calls.

--Crocs Sandals: Multipurpose

• Shower shoes
• Formal evening wear (with the skirt above)
• Fold flat and weightless in the pack

--BPA-free Nalgene bottle: Multipurpses:

• Carry water (duh)
• Better than hydration bladder—easier to clean and sanitize and carry in the mesh pocket (hydration bladder inside the pack is a pain to fill)

--Washcloth: Multipurposes:

• Scrub off in the shower
• Wipe sweat/cool off while you walk

--Buff headband: Multipurposes:
Check out the website: the possibilities are endless: it's a quick-drying (in hours)
sweat-band, scarf, cold-weather hat/earband, etc.

--Alligator clips (hardware store): Multipurposes:

• Clip wet clothes/washcloth to the outside of your pack
• Hang drying clothes/wet towel underneath the upper bunk when the albergue clothesline is overcrowded (or you want just a little bit of privacy)

I hope this list is helpful. The list of stuff I wish I'd left behind is short:
--A tent (loaned this out early on the Camino, and miraculously got it back. Never used it)
--Water purification system: useless.

[Covey]

A very useful list!! I had not thought about using my walking pole for hanging laundry on!

I took Crocs this year instead of my Teva Trail Sandals and they were brilliant. Very light and comfortable.

I walked last year with a German lady who wore a skirt as per your description and she said it was far more comfortable than trousers and far cooler to walk in as we were crossing the Meseta in August and the temp was around 33c.

You often see ladies who carry a sarong which has multiple uses as a dress, shower curtain, bed sheet etc.