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Walking holidays are hugely popular right now because they blend fitness and fun, with a chance to immerse yourself in nature, culture, or both.
A 7-day walking holiday, like the one from Sarria to Santiago, has a few challenges along the way. The upside of using a company like Orbis Ways to organize your route and accommodation for you is that you have more time to focus on the walk itself. And, in this case, what to craft for your trip to make it all the more comfortable.
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Handmade Essentials
A good way to kick off your holiday gear crafting is with a simple lightweight drawstring bag. This can be really useful as a packing cube, which keeps your luggage organized. But, of course, it can be used as a light day bag for detours without your main rucksack. You can make these by using ripstop nylon, or just opt for cotton if it’s going to always be inside your waterproof backpack.
Sew Your Way to Comfort
Custom hiking socks can make a big difference in preventing blisters on long hikes. Plus, they’re a big home comfort that can get you through the difficult days. Begin with moisture-wicking socks made of synthetic material or merino wool – both of which dry quickly too. Reinforce high-friction areas, like the heel and ball of the foot, by darning them with strong thread or adding thin fabric patches. And for added comfort, sew soft yarn loops inside the sock at pressure points.
Crafty Sleeping Solutions
A DIY silk sleep sack is a perfect lightweight option for staying in albergues on the Camino. Whether you’re on a 8-day hike in Madeira or venturing through France, you’re likely staying in hostels or hotels. While the rooms should be clean, it’s nice to have your own sleep sack.
Silk is a great fabric choice because it helps regulate temperature. To make one, cut two pieces of silk, each 90″ x 35″, and sew them together, leaving one end open. Keep it simple. At the open end, you can sew a casing and thread a drawstring through it for easy closure – just like the previous drawstring bag. You could even sew a small pocket at the top for a pillow if you want extra hygienic covering.
Engaging Children in the Camino Spirit
Making a nature guide for kids is a fun way to get them involved in the Camino. You can use waterproof paper to create a small, easy-to-carry booklet filled with pictures and simple descriptions of plants and birds. In fact, this can double as a conservation effort by reporting your findings of any rare or important sightings.
Preserving Your Camino Memories
A shadowbox display is a lovely way to keep the memories of your Camino alive until next year. Start by selecting a deep frame and covering the back with a map of the route you walked, making it somewhat interactive and 3D. Arrange meaningful items like shells and stamps. You can use small pins or clear fishing line to hold everything in place. The final product should be a visual and tactile way to remember your trip.
Final Word
While lots of fun, a walking holiday does bring its challenges. Some of these difficulties can be overcome through functional designs, but homely fabric and sheer sentiment can go a long way to lift spirits on the hard days.