Our Top Tips For a More Rewarding Experience
We know how important it is to prepare well for a hike, so we’ve got you covered.
Our bookings team will support you from the moment you hit that ‘Contact Us’ button, to the Feedback Call after your adventure.
(Both equally exciting moments)
We teamed up with training experts to help you exercise and feel confident in your fitness levels.
Our local guides are loved for their patience and expertise. You’ll be in great hands.
Before your first call with Pippa or Sophie, you can check out our advice on:
- Gear and clothing
- Health & Comfort
- Packing & Logistics
- Airport Navigation
- Training for Hiking
Check out our top tips for a better and more rewarding Camino Women adventure.
Tips & Tricks from Sophie and Pippa: Getting Ready
Hiking is in the lifeblood of our tight-knit team.
In 2025, Sophie did two of our favourite treks. She hiked the Peaks of the Balkans with her family and the Soum Son trail in Northern Laos with a group of Camino Women.
Pippa is our two-time Mount Kilimanjaro hiker (and all-time legend).
Phone calls with them are a chance to get all your questions answered.
Here are their top tips and tricks on getting ready for a Camino Women hiking adventure.
Gear & Clothing
Hiking poles
Hiking poles relieve 15% of your body weight, helping you recover faster on multi-day treks. Also, they can be wonderful for balance when the terrain is full of tree roots. However, on scree, they can slip, so rubber tips are helpful.
Lightweight, adjustable poles make a huge difference on steep trails and long descents. (Note from Sophie: Look for cork handles – they reduce blisters on long hikes. I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on these, but I would aim for telescopic poles so they pack down into your day pack.)
Shoes/boots
Break them in at least 4 weeks before your trip. Waterproof shoes are great for wet weather, but breathable shoes are best for dry heat. For rocky terrain, we recommend boots for ankle support to help prevent injury.
Socks
Merino wool socks = blister prevention. Also, toe socks are a total game-changer for preventing blisters between your toes. They keep your feet dry and stop that annoying rubbing on long days. Wear them under regular hiking socks for extra cushioning. (Sophie: Injinji is a popular brand my partner (hiking guide) swears by.)
Pants
Quick-dry, flexible hiking pants make long days much more comfortable. Some have zip-off legs for warmer days.
Rain gear
With the right equipment, you can walk happily all day in rain and it is actually fun! In case of rain, a lightweight waterproof jacket and overpants can save your trip. There’s nothing worse than wet gear, so make sure to bring a pack cover.
Gaiters
These little shields wrap around the tops of your boots – the longer ones can go as high as your knees. They keep out dirt, pebbles, and also add a bit of protection from scratches, thorns, and insects. Tuck your pants into your socks or gaiters for full coverage.
Bonus tip: a light spray of insect repellent on the outside helps keep leeches and ticks away.
Hydration
Bring a water bladder and aim to carry 2-3 litres of water each day. If you’re travelling to destinations where tap water isn’t safe to drink, pack a water filter or purification tablets. Sophie mentions she likes to carry a separate one-litre bottle with electrolytes to start the day hydrated.
Tip: If you’re storing your water bladder for long periods between hikes, pop it in the freezer. That stops mould from forming inside the tube and bladder.
Note from Pippa: Test your gear and make sure it is in good order if it hasn’t been used for a while. (I arrived in France to walk the Camino and had left the hood for my Goretex jacket at home – didn’t check it). Don’t make my mistake!
Also, it’s best never to try anything new on a trip.
Health & Comfort
- Adjust to altitudes:
Drink plenty of water, pace yourself, and snack often.
Be aware of altitude symptoms and tell your guide immediately if you notice any (dizziness, nausea, headaches). That way, they can make quick adjustments, such as slowing the pace or descending if needed. It’s also a good idea to check in with your GP before your trip to discuss altitude medication options.
Your local guides are altitude experts, so let them set a slow and steady pace. The “hike high, sleep low” approach also helps with acclimatisation. Depending on the country, there may be natural local remedies to help – for example, coca leaves in Peru.
Wear hand and foot warmers, like “Hot Hands” body warmers. These little things are gold! You can ‘activate’ them by cracking them and they will provide warmth for up to 10-12 hours. Goretex gloves are great, too.
Have a layer of fabric over your nose (a bandana) and mouth to protect your face from the cold and also filter the icy air. (Note from Pippa: I have found breathing through cotton takes the chill from the air as I inhale it.)
- Prevent blisters and take care of your feet
Apply moleskin or blister patches at the first sign of friction. Don’t wait until it’s sore! It may be best to bring this from your home country.
Cut your nails super short. Toe socks can also be great.
Give your feet a rest at night and wear footwear that allows your feet to breathe after hiking, such as crocs.
- Apply sunscreen & lip balm
Even on cloudy days, the sun at altitude can burn you fast.
- Consider your dietary requirements and bring your favourite snacks
Many of our destinations have limited understanding, availability, or separate cooking facilities. Even if your Booking Manager confirms the local teams will do their best, it’s wise to come prepared. Bring some safe snacks, or even a few freeze-dried meals, just in case.
Always carry some favourite snacks (energy bars, nuts or chocolate in your backpack. They aren’t always available and having some familiar treats is a nice boost when feeling a little tired.
Packing & Logistics
Backpack
Twenty to thirty-litre backpacks are sufficient for all Camino Women trips (unless we advise you otherwise). At most, you will need to carry a few overnight essentials.
Layering
Wear a base layer + mid layer + waterproof shell. Easy to adjust to temperature changes.
Electronics
A headlamp is essential. A phone power bank is a lifesaver.
Laundry
Quick-dry clothing makes washing along the trail easier. Here’s some handy travel washing equipment. Portable clotheslines can also be amazing.
Packing list
Make a packing list that you can come back to before your trip starts. Scroll down for some great inspiration from a Camino Woman.
Airport Navigation
Prepare ahead and research your transit airport to save yourself time finding your gate. We’ve compiled guides on navigating through airports in Doha, Singapore and Dubai:
Navigating Singapore Changi Airport
Navigating Dubai International Airport
Tips from Rowan: training for hiking
Together with hiking expert, Rowan at Summit Strength, we host monthly training for hiking webinars. You can find them on our YouTube channel.
Here are a few tips from our favourite hiking training expert:
Reducing Knee Pain While Hiking
Knee pain on the trail usually comes from long and steep descents, uneven terrain, fatigue, and tight ankles or hips.
Rowan’s three key solutions are: strength training, mobility, and conditioning. Work on strengthening all four major muscle groups that support the knee: the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Do exercises such as:
- assisted eccentric pistol squat
- single-leg glute bridge
- assisted single-leg deadlift
- calf raises on a step.
For mobility, you can improve ankle range with the knee-to-wall stretch and hip mobility with the modified world’s greatest stretch. For conditioning, Rowan advises regular pack walking, stair or hill climbing or cycling. It’s also important to avoid big jumps in hiking distance or elevation. Ease slowly into new footwear, use trekking poles and practice short stair sessions, increasing the duration week by week.
How to Prepare for High Altitude Trekking
Rowan explains that the biggest factors in altitude sickness are how fast you ascend and how well your body acclimatises. Being exhausted increases the risk of altitude sickness. That’s why your training should focus on avoiding fatigue.
The most important fitness component is aerobic capacity. It’s built through long, low-intensity exercise, like hiking, pack walking, stair or hill sessions and cycling.
Plan your training hikes by knowing your trip’s longest hiking day and heaviest pack. Schedule a practice hike that matches both 2–3 weeks before departure, and build up slowly.
Off-trail conditioning (pack walking, long stair sessions) and basic strength training support your performance and reduce injury. Rowan advises against simulated altitude training, as it requires from 70 to 100+ hours to be effective.
On the mountain, use abdominal breathing to stay calm and control breathlessness. Also, snack every hour on high-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-fibre foods even if you’re not hungry.
How to Improve Hiking Speed
Rowan explains that slower hikers often burn more energy, get less rest, and feel more mental pressure – all of which can make hiking feel harder. To increase your hiking speed, build strength so your muscles can handle the extra force required with faster walking.
Practice quicker speeds in training through Tempo Walking (alternating normal and fast pacing on a short walk), Fartlek-style intervals on the trail (quick bursts to a landmark), or occasional time trials on a familiar route.
On the trail, the most powerful tool is a conversation: tell friends or your guide that you’re a naturally slower hiker. Set expectations early and agree on proper rest breaks.
To avoid slowing down from fatigue, he recommends snacking every hour with high-carb, low-fibre foods. Electrolytes with carbohydrates (such as Tailwind) can help fuel you while moving.
In our webinars, Rowan also shared his expertise on training for descents, preventing sore hip flexors and sore calves, training for hot weather hiking, and more.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified of upcoming Hiking Training Webinars and Campfire Chats.
Tips from Camino Women
Once you’re part of the crew, you’ll be invited to our private Facebook group, where you can chat with experienced Camino Women.
Camino Women share their tips daily there!
As a taste of how generous our hikers are when it comes to sharing their knowledge, you can check out one Camino Woman’s packing list:
Gaye’s packing list – thank you, Gaye 💚
(Note: in your trip notes, you’ll get an extensive packing list that’s specific to your trip)
Got any questions? Send them over to contact@caminowomen.com.au.
