Bilbao What to Pack

Luggage and bags: If you are travelling Anywhere and using a Rucksack / Backpack as your luggage then I would Strongly recommend that you use some form of Rucksack / Backpack Pro-tector !!

This tip is from my own personal experience, as I have had Big Problems having my Rucksack damaged or even destroyed by airlines, particularly on Airport Carousels,
What can happen is that one of the straps can drop in-between the lats on the moving Carousel and then as your Rucksack goes around a corner, the strap gets ripped off, I lost the entire back and carrying system from one of my rucksacks !! You Definitely don't want this to happen, Especially on the way out to start walking your Camino !!
As The Rucksack Pro-Tector has the second function as a water-resistant liner for your rucksack. It is a particularly useful piece of kit for Camino walking, Other rucksack protectors leave you with the problem of having to carry it around with you for the walk with no useful function !!

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: I have tried many of the Rucksack / Backpack Protectors that are available on the market and was disappointed with how they performed, So after having many problems with these decided to design and manufacture my own.
Full details of how this came about are written up on my Nepal page.
So, Obviously my own recommendation would be to get your Rucksack / Backpack Protector from Pro-Tector

Miscellaneous: Also, after successfully designing, producing and selling the Rucksack Pro-tector for several years, I have now introduced some new lines such as a Pro-Tector Travel Wallet and a Pro-Tector Document / Valuables Travel Pouch and now the Brand New Trekign Pole Pro-Tector
If you think that any of the above would be of benefit for yourself on your own travels then please take a look at my web-site

Miscellaneous: If you happen to carry any electrical stuff like hair dryers or just a simple charger for your mobile telephone - you will have to take into account that the electrical systems admit only the 2 pin round plug as shown in the picture. If you are coming in from Britain you might want to buy an adapter to be able to use your stuff in Spain. It may be a little difficult to get it in any normal electrical store. If you happen to have a El Corte Ingles department store near you - they sell adapters for different systems.
The Spanish system is compatible with most European plug sockets – except mainly for the British 3 pin plug - so get that adapter.

Miscellaneous: Bilbao is a vibrant city, but timing is all, so bring a watch.

Turn up too late, or more likely, too early, and you will wonder what all the fuss is about. Turn up on time and you will have a real party.

If you are British, you may have a real problem adjusting to the times - not eating before 1.30pm, having dinner at midnight.

Miscellaneous: If you want to blend in, gentlemen should bring a large supply of check shirts and a jumper (pullover/jersey) to drape artistically accross the shoulders.

No, I'm not joking, have a look when you are here

Luggage and bags: Bring spare bag with you when you come to Bilbao, as there is much to take back. I recommend stocking up on the following:

a) Rioja (get crianza that tend to be good and good value)
b) Txakoli (local white wine that is sharp and green)
c) Cider (different to other ciders you may have tried
d) Patxaran (aniseed liquer that is excellent for settling overfull stomachs
e) Jamon (cured hams - the more expensive the better)

Luggage and bags: The weather in northen Spain can be unpredictable,especialy in the mountains....warm & waterproof clothing.

Photo Equipment: No problem buying film for your camera...until you get in the mountains.