Useful tips
Doing the 476 km of the Ruta dels Indiketes is not easy and you need to have a minimum of preparation, but if you follow the advice we give you, you will manage it:
1.- Before you start, exercise for 2 or 3 days carrying the weight of the backpack you are going to carry. This will be useful as a physical exercise to tone your muscles and to determine exactly what equipment and clothing you will be carrying (the less weight the better).
2.- Here we propose a possible list of the material to carry. Remember that in case you don't want to carry your backpack, Ruta dels Indiketes offers you a luggage transport service between accommodations. Also remember that this route is not a crossing of an African desert and each day you will spend the night in villages that have a minimum of services:
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30/40 litre backpack
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Sleeping bag
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Boots
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Trainers or hiking sandals (for breaks)
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2 T-shirts (you can wash your clothes in the place where you stay)
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Jersey
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Fluorescent armband (in case night falls without arriving at the destination)
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Head torch
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Trousers with zips (in case of hot or cold weather)
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Reserve sports trousers
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Waterproof or oilskin
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Underwear - 3 pieces (can be washed as you go along)
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Cotton socks in summer and/or woollen socks in winter
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Sun hat
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Fleece collars or balaclavas in winter
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Sunglasses (and regular glasses for those who need them)
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Backpack protector (to be used in case of rain)
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Small first-aid kit (take only one if you are several people)
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Towel
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Personal hygiene kit (toothbrush, soap, etc.)
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Sunscreen
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Vaseline gel
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Earplugs (for sleeping in hostels and not hearing snoring)
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Set with needle and thread for sewing
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Usual medicines (vitamins, muscle pain pills, etc.)
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Multi-purpose knife
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Folding cutlery set (spoon, fork, etc.)
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Camera + battery charger + memory card
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Video camera
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Mobile phone + charger
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Lighter
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A small binocular
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Pepper spray (for safety) and/or whistle
3.- To avoid blisters on your feet, it is very useful to make a military stop (5 minutes) every 7 kilometres or so, take off your socks and leave your feet in the open air for this time.
Wear suitable footwear: hiking boots or trainers with good soles and cushioning. And adjust your clothing to the weather conditions by dressing in layers, like an onion.
5.- Remember that as in any long-distance route, the first 3 stages are the most difficult, then the body and mind adapt and walking becomes easy.
6.- Always carry water, in summer a 1.5 litre bottle for 2 people. Nuts and fresh fruit also help to replenish the body's minerals.
7.- It is advisable to carry a change of clothes and a change of clothes in a waterproof bag so that they do not get wet if it rains.
8.- Always be careful. Remember that the Ruta dels Indiketes is done with your head (your feet or your bicycle are only your companion).
9.- Be cautious on descents, do not overestimate them. Bear in mind that accidents tend to happen more on the way down than on the way up.
10.- If you go in a group, bear in mind that its strength lies in the weakest of its members. You have to help and give confidence to the least prepared person.