My Equipment list for the Camino May/ June 2016

[PeteT70]

Ok, i'm sort of getting there with putting together my equipment list. But it's too heavy, hence i'm publishing my list here to get some valued feedback and tips on how to lighten my load.
All comments and suggestions welcome.


Equipment

1500g - Backpack Osprey Kestrel 48 (this may change)
149g - Small dry bags x3
110g - Paracord 550 (25ft)
200g - Walking Pole
100g - Water bottle 500ml
41g - Elastic travel clothes line
20g - Key ring LED light
60g - Swiss army knife - Spartan
90g - Note pad (small)
80g - Knee compression support
62g - Foil emergency blanket
15g - Sleeping mask
59g - Electrical adapter (British to Continental)
30g - Ziploc bags (lightweight) x 3
100g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
80g - iPhone waterproof pouch
150g - Contact Lenses & drops (50 pairs)
95g - Mesh wash bag
1000g - Sleeping bag
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit
100g - Head torch lightweight
25g - Ear plugs
50g - Dry liner (for back pack)


Toiletries
200g - Quick dry Towel
20g - Toothbrush
50g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
118g - Sun cream
100g - All purpose soap
100g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
30g - Toilet roll
15g - Flannel



Clothes - (packed)
400g - Footwear - evening
180g - Trail Socks x 2
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
200g - Shorts - quick dry x 1
400g - Tops - quick dry x 2
250g - Shirt (long sleeved) lightweight x 1
250g - Poncho (goes over backpack)
370g - Waterproof Mack
120g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go x 2
250g - Thin Fleece


Other
300g - All Documents
82g - Deck of cards

Packed weight - 8,123g


Worn whilst walking
800g - Trail shoes
300g - Cargo pants
90g - Socks
200g - Quick dry top
60g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go
490g - 1/2 litre water (weight of carried water)

Walking weight 1,940g


Total weight 10,063g - too much!!

 

[Waka]

I'm not an expert because I haven't yet done the journey, but someone did mention that you wouldn't count the clothes you are dressed in because you are always dressed. That would then bring your weight down to just over 8kg.

I'm sure the experts pilgrims will be along to put me right.

 

[jsalt]

Hi, I would toss out:

Paracord 110g

Clothes Line 41g

Key Ring 20g

Foil blanket 62g

Mesh Wash Bag 95g

Head Torch 100g (use your iphone light)

Anti Bac Wipes 100g

Half the Loo Roll 15g

Shorts 200g (you have them already in the cut-offs)

1 Top 200g

Waterproof Mac 370g (or the poncho)

Cards 82g

Change the sleeping bag and liner to a lightweight washable sleeping bag 350g

1 kg 745g saved.

Jill

 

[Walid Medawar]

I'm not Expert as well since My First Camino will be in July , but I think it's true , if we deducted the shorts , Pants , Trail Shoes and Other Small Stuff that don't go away in your Pack , that it is definitely below 10 .. But It was great to see such detailed backpack

 

[Anniesantiago]

Equipment

1500g - Backpack Osprey Kestrel 48 (this may change)
149g - Small dry bags x3
110g - Paracord 550 (25ft) - leave it home
200g - Walking Pole
100g - Water bottle 500ml
41g - Elastic travel clothes line
20g - Key ring LED light - choose the lighter of this or the headlamp torch - you don't need both
60g - Swiss army knife - Spartan - I'd leave it home and buy a nice Spanish steel blade there. That way you don't have to check your bag and worry about it not arriving.

90g - Note pad (small)
80g - Knee compression support
62g - Foil emergency blanket - leave it home
15g - Sleeping mask
59g - Electrical adapter (British to Continental)
30g - Ziploc bags (lightweight) x 3
100g - Silk liner - choose this OR the sleeping bag - you don' t need both
10g - Pen
80g - iPhone waterproof pouch
150g - Contact Lenses & drops (50 pairs)
95g - Mesh wash bag
1000g - Sleeping bag
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit- what is in this?
100g - Head torch lightweight
25g - Ear plugs
50g - Dry liner (for back pack) - If your poncho goes over the pack, you don't need this do you?


Toiletries
200g - Quick dry Towel
20g - Toothbrush
50g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
118g - Sun cream
100g - All purpose soap
100g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
30g - Toilet roll
15g - Flannel - what is this?



Clothes - (packed)
400g - Footwear - evening - what is this and why is it so heavy? Crocs/flip flops are lightweight
180g - Trail Socks x 2
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
200g - Shorts - quick dry x 1
400g - Tops - quick dry x 2
250g - Shirt (long sleeved) lightweight x 1
250g - Poncho (goes over backpack)
370g - Waterproof Mack - You don't need this AND a poncho - choose
120g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go x 2
250g - Thin Fleece


Other
300g - All Documents - what documents are you taking???
82g - Deck of cards - leave them home and talk to people instead

Packed weight - 8,123g


Worn whilst walking
800g - Trail shoes
300g - Cargo pants
90g - Socks
200g - Quick dry top
60g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go
490g - 1/2 litre water (weight of carried water)

Walking weight 1,940g


Total weight 10,063g - too much!!

 

[jsalt]

15g - Flannel - what is this?

I also take a flannel (wash cloth), and at the end of my shower, I wring it out and “dry” myself with it, before drying myself properly with my microfibre towel. My towel is then not very wet and it dries on the end of my bunk before I turn in, and I then use it as a “pillow case” across the top of my bed. Jill

 

[PeteT70]

Equipment

1500g - Backpack Osprey Kestrel 48 (this may change)
149g - Small dry bags x3
110g - Paracord 550 (25ft) - leave it home
200g - Walking Pole
100g - Water bottle 500ml
41g - Elastic travel clothes line
20g - Key ring LED light - choose the lighter of this or the headlamp torch - you don't need both
60g - Swiss army knife - Spartan - I'd leave it home and buy a nice Spanish steel blade there. That way you don't have to check your bag and worry about it not arriving.

90g - Note pad (small)
80g - Knee compression support
62g - Foil emergency blanket - leave it home
15g - Sleeping mask
59g - Electrical adapter (British to Continental)
30g - Ziploc bags (lightweight) x 3
100g - Silk liner - choose this OR the sleeping bag - you don' t need both
10g - Pen
80g - iPhone waterproof pouch
150g - Contact Lenses & drops (50 pairs)
95g - Mesh wash bag
1000g - Sleeping bag
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit- what is in this?
100g - Head torch lightweight
25g - Ear plugs
50g - Dry liner (for back pack) - If your poncho goes over the pack, you don't need this do you?


Toiletries
200g - Quick dry Towel
20g - Toothbrush
50g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
118g - Sun cream
100g - All purpose soap
100g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
30g - Toilet roll
15g - Flannel - what is this?



Clothes - (packed)
400g - Footwear - evening - what is this and why is it so heavy? Crocs/flip flops are lightweight
180g - Trail Socks x 2
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
200g - Shorts - quick dry x 1
400g - Tops - quick dry x 2
250g - Shirt (long sleeved) lightweight x 1
250g - Poncho (goes over backpack)
370g - Waterproof Mack - You don't need this AND a poncho - choose
120g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go x 2
250g - Thin Fleece


Other
300g - All Documents - what documents are you taking???
82g - Deck of cards - leave them home and talk to people instead

Packed weight - 8,123g


Worn whilst walking
800g - Trail shoes
300g - Cargo pants
90g - Socks
200g - Quick dry top
60g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go
490g - 1/2 litre water (weight of carried water)

Walking weight 1,940g


Total weight 10,063g - too much!!

Flannel - British word for face cloth.
Deck of cards because whilst I love a good chinwag (British word for conversation), people also like to play cards, it's sociable.
Documents - 2 debit cards, E111 health card, passport, Camino passport, travel insurance documents - part of the clause is to carry the policy booklet, yes I know it's a pain, but that's life.
Footwear - comfortable footwear, I wouldn't be seen dead in Crocs (lmao), cant stand flip flops.
Silk liner - cant sleep if its too hot, but im unsure of how warm it will be in May/ June for me, so i'll take a liner on nights its too warm.
Dryliner for back pack - always, I've done lots of long haul travel, you never know if water will ingress your back pack, its light, it's cheap, its staying lol.
First aid kit - plasters, crepe bandage, anti-septic cream, alcohol wipes, pain killers - all seal in a plastic polybag that's ziplocks.

The rest - ok I agree.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Flannel - British word for face cloth.
Deck of cards because whilst I love a good chinwag (British word for conversation), people also like to play cards, it's sociable.
Documents - 2 debit cards, E111 health card, passport, Camino passport, travel insurance documents - part of the clause is to carry the policy booklet, yes I know it's a pain, but that's life.
Footwear - comfortable footwear, I wouldn't be seen dead in Crocs (lmao), cant stand flip flops.
Silk liner - cant sleep if its too hot, but im unsure of how warm it will be in May/ June for me, so i'll take a liner on nights its too warm.
Dryliner for back pack - always, I've done lots of long haul travel, you never know if water will ingress your back pack, its light, it's cheap, its staying lol.
First aid kit - plasters, crepe bandage, anti-septic cream, alcohol wipes, pain killers - all seal in a plastic polybag that's ziplocks.

The rest - ok I agree.

Well I don' have to figure out weight I think Annisantiago nailed it down. I wear my Crocks (mine are cam0) now even in public. Yep not a good looking shoe but a great place to keep a spare set of foot cushions, they weigh nothing, & every culture so far shudders when they see them. But they have not walked across a country with a pack on. You will find that this is not a fashion show other than those of us that like to compete to see who has the hairiest back, but back to the issue.
I applaud you taking deodorant, I think you will get by with your Liner Just don't forget your fleece coat. If it gets really cold pay an extra 10 euro & stay in a place that has blankets. The osprey packs do come with a rain cover, but we all have to make the call. Now the playing cards this is a tough one you will more than likely find them in some albergues but most will be Spanish decks, they are not something I have seen before but I sure wish my spanish was good enough to have played.
Some alternate ideas:
Get some carbon walking poles very light but not on a budget. They also make great clothes hangers in the deep windows. As with the rubber tips in place you can expand them to fit the width of the window. I also found them useful when finding snakes. I like to see them up close. The other thing besides keeping you standing in slick mud & taking pressure off your knees is that when walking thru wet brush strike it first as you go. It will reduce a soaking.
Last thing I have spent literally hours determining what knife to take. I finally decided on a serrated 4 inch blade primarily because the Spanish women attempting to help me with spanish explained how food was purchased. A serrated blade will not dull & cut their bread, meat, cheese for your lunch, all that is left is a corkscrew & you are set. I checked my pack at the airport.

 

[smj6]

....Change the sleeping bag and liner to a lightweight washable sleeping bag 350g...

@jsalt, would be interested in the make of this lightweight sleeping bag - unless it's a Mummy bag.
Suzanne

 

[Bajaracer]

Opinel No.10 with corkscrew, the ultimate Camino knife.
http://www.opinel-usa.com/products/opinel-knife-no-10-corkscrew-picnic

 

[dougfitz]

I'm not an expert because I haven't yet done the journey, but someone did mention that you wouldn't count the clothes you are dressed in because you are always dressed. That would then bring your weight down to just over 8kg.

I'm sure the experts pilgrims will be along to put me right.

I prefer to use a from the skin out (FSO) target, when everything is counted, water, food etc. This removes some of the vagaries of just what is to be counted as part of the pack weight.

As for the OP, there are probably some additions that might be useful:

• A phone and charger, otherwise the waterproof case is just dead weight.
• A hat
• Sunglasses
• Underwear, unless Pete is really going commando, when I would wonder about carrying the deodorant. Mind you, I wonder about that anyway.

 

[Angelo]

I guess he included the underwear. It's the ExOfficio Give n Go x2.
Some of the things on the list can be left behind but it all depends on what season Pete will be walking.

 

[dougfitz]

I guess he included the underwear. It's the ExOfficio Give n Go x2.
Some of the things on the list can be left behind but it all depends on what season Pete will be walking.

Missed that. So are the tops base layer as well, outer layer or perhaps going to be both?

 

[cher99840]

I used a bandana for my wash cloth/flannel. It was tied to a belt loop thruout the day so it was handy for a nose wipe, drying hands in a public bathroom and drying feet when changing liners during the day. It went into the shower with me and I used it as a wash cloth and washed it at the same time.

Edited to eliminate redundancy.

 

[jsalt]

@jsalt, would be interested in the make of this lightweight sleeping bag - unless it's a Mummy bag.
Suzanne

Hi, the 350g would be the weight the OP would save if he took a light sleeping bag instead of a 1kg bag AND a liner. My bag is a South African make: “First Ascent”. 100% nylon outer shell, 100% polyester inner, weighs 750g and machine-washable. It’s a mummy bag; I like to have warm feet; but it unzips down one side to about a foot from the end, so I can still throw off most of the cover if too warm at night. In winter, if cold, I just wear a fleece as well. I don’t take a completely unzippable bag with me on the camino; someone once posted that during the night a thief had unzipped the bottom of her bag, while she was asleep, and stole her money, which she had pushed down into her bag. Jill

 

[Lou elliott]

Love all the opinions
I would say as long as you have a pair of flip flops-for grubby showers and evening wear you don't need another pair for eve -just seen your flip flop comment -get used to them they're invaluable
loo roll-not needed -just take enough for each day from where ever you are
Poncho enough don't need wet weather coat as well
You don't need foil blanket
A few small pegs were really handy -nothing worse than seeing your precious underwear flying off the line !
I bought a knife when I got there -small Spanish wooden handle pruning knife -perfect
Ditch the cards-good albergues often have them
Don't worry too much -I think it's so hard to imagine everything when you are sitting at home but once there it all falls into place and you generally find what you need
There are pharmacy s and supermarkets after all!

 

[PeteT70]

I prefer to use a from the skin out (FSO) target, when everything is counted, water, food etc. This removes some of the vagaries of just what is to be counted as part of the pack weight.

As for the OP, there are probably some additions that might be useful:

• A phone and charger, otherwise the waterproof case is just dead weight.
• A hat
• Sunglasses
• Underwear, unless Pete is really going commando, when I would wonder about carrying the deodorant. Mind you, I wonder about that anyway.

Doug, I do like your posts, they make me chuckle.
Yes I left off my iPhone from the list by accident, also sunglasses and hat ... DOH!
By no im not going commando, my underwear is quite tech; Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go boxer briefs, I kind of subtly mentioned it in my list lol.

 

[dougfitz]

loo roll-not needed -just take enough for each day from where ever you are

What else do you think albergues, etc should provide you that you haven't really paid for?

 

[PeteT70]

I guess he included the underwear. It's the ExOfficio Give n Go x2.
Some of the things on the list can be left behind but it all depends on what season Pete will be walking.

Next May/ June I'll be out there.
And yes, spot on Angelo, you did notice the underwear lol.
Ok its rare, but I need to keep away from cotton because of chaffing.

 

[dougfitz]

Doug, I do like your posts, they make me chuckle.
Yes I left off my iPhone from the list by accident, also sunglasses and hat ... DOH!
By no im not going commando, my underwear is quite tech; Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go boxer briefs, I kind of subtly mentioned it in my list lol.

Got it! Are they the high tech stuff that Ex-Officio was claiming you only needed to take one pair of, and they would dry overnight?

 

[PeteT70]

Missed that. So are the tops base layer as well, outer layer or perhaps going to be both?

Both, I can overheat with too many layers Doug. But I will take a light fleece for early starts or late finishes or simply because its cold one day.

 

[PeteT70]

Got it! Are they the high tech stuff that Ex-Officio was claiming you only needed to take one pair of, and they would dry overnight?

It would seem so Doug. I need to keep away from cotton due to chaffing. I intend to test all my equipment before I go, so if I find something isn't so good, it wont be in the pack.

 

[Lou elliott]

What else do you think albergues, etc should provide you that you haven't really paid for?

As a hopeful future hostel owner/runner I would never advocate 'stealing' from an Albergue but my daily consumption of loo roll is approx 10 sheets-not a whole roll -this is not something that I would be mean enough to begrudge a pilgrim -after all they could quite easily use it whilst staying there!!!!
Can't believe we re discussing loo rolls!!!
What I really meant was don't lug about a whole roll -it's just not necessary

 

[NoQ]

As a hopeful future hostel owner/runner I would never advocate 'stealing' from an Albergue but my daily consumption of loo roll is approx 10 sheets-not a whole roll -this is not something that I would be mean enough to begrudge a pilgrim -after all they could quite easily use it whilst staying there!!!!
Can't believe we re discussing loo rolls!!!
What I really meant was don't lug about a whole roll -it's just not necessary

Maybe albergues could adopt the Asian style and affix a hose to each lavatory with pilgims bringing their own soap. It would save on loo roll and would be better for the environment. Also, since I started using them I have found hoses to be a much much cleaner and more comfortable way to deal with the ...ahhmm...issue at hand.

 

[NoQ]

From the places I've stayed at on two Camino Frances's, I would say ditch the clothes line. I never found a problem with clothes space and I walked in the height of summer. Pegs are far more useful. If your Spanish is not that great and you plan on attending Mass (it's the Camino after all), the translated Book of Common Prayer with the Spanish on one side and the English on the other, is invaluable - available from CSJ.
Plus, I'd take more than a half litre of water on some stages (for instance the alternative from Calzadilla)

 

[Angelo]

Next May/ June I'll be out there.
And yes, spot on Angelo, you did notice the underwear lol.
Ok its rare, but I need to keep away from cotton because of chaffing.

Hi Pete,
The reason I noticed is: I used the same undies for the two Caminos I have done. They're sturdy and are quite comfortable. They outlasted the merinos.

 

[Angelo]

Got it! Are they the high tech stuff that Ex-Officio was claiming you only needed to take one pair of, and they would dry overnight?

Yes Doug, they dry really quickly. I'd just roll it inside my tech towel to squeeze whatever water is left and air dry afterwards- no problems the following morning.

About clotheslines, as it has been mentioned here... I have a Sea to Summit clothesline that packs into its really tiny pouch. It weighs next to nothing. I carried it last year at the CF and again this month on the CP. I only used it ONCE- at the Hotel Terco in Barcelos where I had my own balcony but it rained all afternoon and all night long so I just chuckled and had to hang the laundry indoors... Not really necessary.

As for water, I just buy them in their plastic bottles (two- one on each pocket on the backpack) and just refill when stopping at a Bar-Cafe or when there are Water fountains. When they start to look grubby, I just chuck them and get fresh ones from the Grocery or Tienda.

Buen Camino, Pete and plan well.

 

[dougfitz]

Can't believe we re discussing loo rolls!!!

We aren't. We are discussing an attitude that says it is okay to 'liberate' stuff that individually might be low value, and feel that it doesn't matter. I am sure that there are many frustrated bar owners and hospitaleros after this has been done by dozens of pilgrims, whether it be loo roll, soap, paper napkins, PCP salt and pepper ... I could go on. If you didn't pay for it, don't take it.

ps - the price of a visit to the toilet at a bar is a drink. Coffee, juice or water, it really doesn't matter.

 

[SabsP]

Love all the opinions
I would say as long as you have a pair of flip flops-for grubby showers and evening wear you don't need another pair for eve -just seen your flip flop comment -get used to them they're invaluable
loo roll-not needed -just take enough for each day from where ever you are
Poncho enough don't need wet weather coat as well
You don't need foil blanket
A few small pegs were really handy -nothing worse than seeing your precious underwear flying off the line !
I bought a knife when I got there -small Spanish wooden handle pruning knife -perfect
Ditch the cards-good albergues often have them
Don't worry too much -I think it's so hard to imagine everything when you are sitting at home but once there it all falls into place and you generally find what you need
There are pharmacy s and supermarkets after all!

Toilet paper : You do NOT nick/pick toiletpaper from Hostal/ Albergue / Café...etc... Buy a small pack at a shop and give some rolls away to fellow pilgrims or buy individual packets of tissue paper.
If people have money to buy an airplaneticket then sure they can buy some bogpaper!

 

[MTtoCamino]

Once again the forum group came thru with good insight.

 

[PeteT70]

Just back from the stores, in the end I bought an Osprey Talon 44. At just 1.09kg it was the best lightweight to practical pack that I could get.
Fits well, got 15% off and a free spare set of Paracord laces for my Salomons.

 

[Mark Lee]

You don't need a sleeping bag and a liner. Choose one, ditch one. I think the liner is more practical, and a lot of the albergues have blankets available. Also you can put on your fleece to bed.
On both my Caminos I carried 1/2 roll of toilet paper in a zip-lock bag. It came in handy. In some of the albergues the poop paper goes fast, and it was quite common to go to a stall early in the morning and there was no more. To make the roll more compact, pull out the cardboard tube in the middle and compress it down.
I always carry paracord on any type of hike, long walk, etc. It has a multitude of uses. One of the more practical uses is as boot/shoe laces in the event the ones on your footwear break.
cheers

 

[MTtoCamino]

Blue or black? I only ask as there are Spanish pelagrinos that will wear nothing but black some in robes with red crosses of the Templar. I can't imagine how hot that has to be in the hottest months. I would always take the path they took as it always was the most interesting.

 

[PeteT70]

Blue or black? I only ask as there are Spanish pelagrinos that will wear nothing but black some in robes with red crosses of the Templar. I can't imagine how hot that has to be in the hottest months. I would always take the path they took as it always was the most interesting.

Got the light blue one.
Yea I had been thinking about light and dark colours, i'll also get light coloured clothing too.
I've managed to get my equipment/ clothing list down in weight. So including my pack the total weight is 7.508kg.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Got the light blue one.
Yea I had been thinking about light and dark colours, i'll also get light coloured clothing too.
I've managed to get my equipment/ clothing list down in weight. So including my pack the total weight is 7.508kg.

Unfortunately it cost$ to get the lightest of everything, I am sure you have noticed that. Try your best with clothes, don't skimp on good wool socks, your feet have to be the priority. I wear glasses, have tried contacts, not for me. In any case my glasses lost a lens screw so it took 3 days to find a town big enough to get it replaced. In your case what if you get an eye infection as it is not real clean in some of these places.
Just making sure you are thinking ahead...

 

[PeteT70]

Unfortunately it cost$ to get the lightest of everything, I am sure you have noticed that. Try your best with clothes, don't skimp on good wool socks, your feet have to be the priority. I wear glasses, have tried contacts, not for me. In any case my glasses lost a lens screw so it took 3 days to find a town big enough to get it replaced. In your case what if you get an eye infection as it is not real clean in some of these places.
Just making sure you are thinking ahead...

Well Keith, you're right, it does cost to get good quality and light weight equipment and clothes. With almost a year to go im lucky that I have the time and money to invest, but not so lucky in that I have to wait til this time next year lol.
I will take your advice and not skimp. That said I'm buying Bridgedale socks. They're about £15 here in the UK. I've bought two types to try, one type is thicker for my blister prone feet, the other is a lighter trail sock. I don't need warmth, just the right type that don't make my feet sweat so much.

On the matter of my eyewear. Of course it's possible that I might get an eye infection, however, im on the London underground most every day visiting clients or their buildings that I manage. The only time I got an infection was when I forgot to take them out one night.
Sure i'll find a chemist along the route and get some antibiotic drops.
I will have a spare set of glasses with me. Which I think I left off the equipment list.
Still, I got time to come up with that definitive equipment list lol.

 

[PeteT70]

@jsalt, would be interested in the make of this lightweight sleeping bag - unless it's a Mummy bag.
Suzanne

Hi Suzanne, I bought a square sleeping bag, as light as I could find. I cannot get on with mummy style bags.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

these I would leave behind:

149g - Small dry bags x3
110g - Paracord 550 (25ft)
100g - Water bottle 500ml. - just a bottle from the grocery shop will do
41g - Elastic travel clothes line
20g - Key ring LED light
60g - Swiss army knife - Spartan
90g - Note pad (small)
62g - Foil emergency blanket
15g - Sleeping mask
59g - Electrical adapter (British to Continental)
30g - Ziploc bags (lightweight) x 3
50g - Dry liner (for back pack)
100g - Anti bac wipes
15g - FlanneL

Clothes - (packed)
400g - Footwear - Evening TOO HEAVY!
180g - Trail Socks x 2
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
200g - Shorts - quick dry x 1
400g - Tops - quick dry x 2
250g - Shirt (long sleeved) lightweight x 1
250g - Poncho (goes over backpack)
370g - Waterproof Mack
120g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go x 2
250g - Thin Fleece


Other
300g - All Documents
82g - Deck of cards

Packed weight - 8,123g


Worn whilst walking
800g - Trail shoes
300g - Cargo pants -are you taking 2?
90g - Socks
200g - Quick dry top
60g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go
490g - 1/2 litre water (weight of carried water)

Walking weight 1,940g


Total weight 10,063g - too much!!

 

[dougfitz]

You don't need a sleeping bag and a liner. Choose one, ditch one. I think the liner is more practical, and a lot of the albergues have blankets available. Also you can put on your fleece to bed.
On both my Caminos I carried 1/2 roll of toilet paper in a zip-lock bag. It came in handy. In some of the albergues the poop paper goes fast, and it was quite common to go to a stall early in the morning and there was no more. To make the roll more compact, pull out the cardboard tube in the middle and compress it down.
I always carry paracord on any type of hike, long walk, etc. It has a multitude of uses. One of the more practical uses is as boot/shoe laces in the event the ones on your footwear break.

I carried both a sleeping bag and liner, would do so again and accept the weight penalty. Otherwise, I am with Mark on these suggestions.

 

[Mark Lee]

Well Keith, you're right, it does cost to get good quality and light weight equipment and clothes. With almost a year to go im lucky that I have the time and money to invest, but not so lucky in that I have to wait til this time next year lol.
I will take your advice and not skimp. That said I'm buying Bridgedale socks. They're about £15 here in the UK. I've bought two types to try, one type is thicker for my blister prone feet, the other is a lighter trail sock. I don't need warmth, just the right type that don't make my feet sweat so much.

On the matter of my eyewear. Of course it's possible that I might get an eye infection, however, im on the London underground most every day visiting clients or their buildings that I manage. The only time I got an infection was when I forgot to take them out one night.
Sure i'll find a chemist along the route and get some antibiotic drops.
I will have a spare set of glasses with me. Which I think I left off the equipment list.
Still, I got time to come up with that definitive equipment list lol.

On both Caminos I carried and wore contact lenses. I just find them way more practical than eyeglasses and they allow me to have better peripheral vision and they don't fog up when it rains on you. I carried two sets and two small bottles (60 ml each) of cleaning/storage solution and a small bottle of rewetting drops. Of course I had a pair of prescription eyeglasses as backup and to put on at night after I took the contacts out. I never found any of the bathrooms and sinks in the albergues to be so dirty that I would not utilize them. Of course take the same precautions that you do when at home and handling contacts. Wash your hands and always use fresh storage solution.
cheers

 

[OTH86]

I've managed to get my equipment/ clothing list down in weight. So including my pack the total weight is 7.508kg.

Well, Pete, seems to me you're doing VERY well, indeed, at 7.5 kg!! If you're comfortable with all that includes - GO WITH IT!!! I saw many men carrying a LOT more than that!! Good on ya!!!
Buen Camino!!
Terry

 

[PeteT70]

Well, Pete, seems to me you're doing VERY well, indeed, at 7.5 kg!! If you're comfortable with all that includes - GO WITH IT!!! I saw many men carrying a LOT more than that!! Good on ya!!!
Buen Camino!!
Terry

Hi Terry

It's not finished yet lol.
That's why I published my list on here, because the much of the advice so far has been great. So far I have trimmed it down by almost 2 kilos. And im sure i'll somehow trim it down further. Havent bought all of my equipment yet deliberately in case I find better alternatives to what i'm already considering on taking.
If I could somehow trim in down another 1.5 kilos without my equipment list being too Spartan, then I would be even happier.
The backpack that I bought is great, and not too big at all.

 

[MTtoCamino]

When you find some time there is a vendor called Karrimor.com that I found I could get Event fabric rain gear from, it is what I had taken on my walk. But even with shipping it was still 100 dollars cheaper than here in the United States. Very light very breathable. Just a thought.
As you said you have a long time to look at all the options.

 

[Maduggan]

Flannel - British word for face cloth.
Deck of cards because whilst I love a good chinwag (British word for conversation), people also like to play cards, it's sociable.
Documents - 2 debit cards, E111 health card, passport, Camino passport, travel insurance documents - part of the clause is to carry the policy booklet, yes I know it's a pain, but that's life.
Footwear - comfortable footwear, I wouldn't be seen dead in Crocs (lmao), cant stand flip flops.
Silk liner - cant sleep if its too hot, but im unsure of how warm it will be in May/ June for me, so i'll take a liner on nights its too warm.
Dryliner for back pack - always, I've done lots of long haul travel, you never know if water will ingress your back pack, its light, it's cheap, its staying lol.
First aid kit - plasters, crepe bandage, anti-septic cream, alcohol wipes, pain killers - all seal in a plastic polybag that's ziplocks.

The rest - ok I agree.

Great - I'm trying to lighten my backpack and now you reminded me that I will want a deck of cards - lol.

 

[OTH86]

Hi Terry

It's not finished yet lol.
That's why I published my list on here, because the much of the advice so far has been great. So far I have trimmed it down by almost 2 kilos. And im sure i'll somehow trim it down further. Havent bought all of my equipment yet deliberately in case I find better alternatives to what i'm already considering on taking.
If I could somehow trim in down another 1.5 kilos without my equipment list being too Spartan, then I would be even happier.
The backpack that I bought is great, and not too big at all.

Ahhh -- that's right - you have some time before you start on your Camino! And I found that planning for the first walk was half the enjoyment!! So enjoy to the fullest all aspects of your Camino -- including the planning and getting acquainted with all these lovely folks on the Forum!!
Cheers! terry

 

[kipsna]

I used a bandana for my wash cloth/flannel. It was tied to a belt loop thruout the day so it was handy for a nose wipe, drying hands in a public bathroom and drying feet when changing liners during the day. It went into the shower with me and I used it as a wash cloth and washed it at the same time.

Edited to eliminate redundancy.

I use a bandana for my hat and towel!

 

[lizaresandrea]

You can save 100 grams by ditching the water bottle and bringing a 500 ml bottle of mineral water. 100 g is 100 g. The plastic bottle will last for the entire camino. I had 3 such 500ml plastic bottles. I lost one or two but these were easy to replace.

 

[lizaresandrea]

We also didn't bring dry bags (149 g.) For weather protection, we had a large plastic bag to line our backpacks, a light raincoat and umbrella (used it for rain,sun, and wind). We left SJDP on May 24 and arrived June 28 For the late spring and early summer, we were fine with our sleeping bags. When there were no blankets, we just used our extra clothes and socks When the albergue was warm, we'd sleep on top of the sleeping bag

Instead of evening shoes, we all brought trekking sandals as our extra footwear. Nice to have the spare. I ended up using my Teva sandals from Roncesvalles to Santiago.
10% is supposed to include food and water. I'd leave about a kilo for these.

 

[Cath Webber]

Ok, i'm sort of getting there with putting together my equipment list. But it's too heavy, hence i'm publishing my list here to get some valued feedback and tips on how to lighten my load.
All comments and suggestions welcome.


Equipment

1500g - Backpack Osprey Kestrel 48 (this may change)
149g - Small dry bags x3
110g - Paracord 550 (25ft)
200g - Walking Pole
100g - Water bottle 500ml
41g - Elastic travel clothes line
20g - Key ring LED light
60g - Swiss army knife - Spartan
90g - Note pad (small)
80g - Knee compression support
62g - Foil emergency blanket
15g - Sleeping mask
59g - Electrical adapter (British to Continental)
30g - Ziploc bags (lightweight) x 3
100g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
80g - iPhone waterproof pouch
150g - Contact Lenses & drops (50 pairs)
95g - Mesh wash bag
1000g - Sleeping bag
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit
100g - Head torch lightweight
25g - Ear plugs
50g - Dry liner (for back pack)


Toiletries
200g - Quick dry Towel
20g - Toothbrush
50g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
118g - Sun cream
100g - All purpose soap
100g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
30g - Toilet roll
15g - Flannel



Clothes - (packed)
400g - Footwear - evening
180g - Trail Socks x 2
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
200g - Shorts - quick dry x 1
400g - Tops - quick dry x 2
250g - Shirt (long sleeved) lightweight x 1
250g - Poncho (goes over backpack)
370g - Waterproof Mack
120g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go x 2
250g - Thin Fleece


Other
300g - All Documents
82g - Deck of cards

Packed weight - 8,123g


Worn whilst walking
800g - Trail shoes
300g - Cargo pants
90g - Socks
200g - Quick dry top
60g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go
490g - 1/2 litre water (weight of carried water)

Walking weight 1,940g


Total weight 10,063g - too much!!

I am impressed not only by your equipment list but by the fact that your not leaving for the Camino for another year and you are soooo organised already!!! I to am walking the Camino same time as you next year and so far I've just started my walking training and getting ideas in my head about lists and so on, Well done!!, might see you on the way

 

[PeteT70]

Hi

I am impressed not only by your equipment list but by the fact that your not leaving for the Camino for another year and you are soooo organised already!!! I to am walking the Camino same time as you next year and so far I've just started my walking training and getting ideas in my head about lists and so on, Well done!!, might see you on the way

hi Cath, that would be good. Follow each other's progress over the months training and equipment etc.
never know we could be on the trail same time.
I plan to start my first step in May 1st.

 

[David]

I absolutely love these lists and the responses. I don't have much to add .. I am totally with DougFitz re toilet paper. Makes it so much a better world if we leave things at refugios rather than taking them, extra toilet paper, food, oil, for others to find - and those bars, stocking up with loo rolls and by half day they are all gone, every day, so unfair, so selfish, so unthinking about others (end of rant)


you can buy 750ml bottles of still water in France and Spain and you will need two, one either side, then refill them along the way and dispose of them into the recycling when you finish your Camino.

As for the flannel - oh yes! Actually I take a linen napkin (died brown of course) which I use as a picnic cloth, to soak in fountains and streams to cool myself down, as a shower flannel (to our cousins - wash cloth?) - the super best thing is sitting under a tree in the shade, the worlds panoramic before me and with it laid out over my knees and my lunch on it.

What is also really handy - most people seem to walk out of the countryside into a town, usually at the end of the day - dusty and tired and sweaty. If you take the time to have a five minute break before going into a town the napkin (or flannel) can be soaked and used to wipe head and face, arms and legs to get cool and refreshed so that when you do walk in you aren't tired and confused but fresh and cool and bright - worth carrying it just for that!

Of which - when it is hot do take every opportunity to soak your hat - when you put it back on it will cool your head as it evaporates.

Buen Camino

 

[MTtoCamino]

Lol I forgot to mention best not use white skivvies/under garments probably don't have to discuss.....

 

[Old Koot]

Ok, i'm sort of getting there with putting together my equipment list.

Forget these items

Equipment
110g - Paracord 550 (25ft)
200g - Walking Pole Use trekking poles instead, Lecki carbon fiber and save your back
100g - Water bottle 500ml Take two bottles, 800ml minimum
41g - Elastic travel clothes line
20g - Key ring LED light
90g - Note pad (small)
80g - Knee compression support unless you already have bad knees
62g - Foil emergency blanket
30g - Ziploc bags (lightweight) x 3
100g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
95g - Mesh wash bag
20g - Blister plasters Use VaporRub daily after a shower instead, with a good pair of boots
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit
25g - Ear plugs
50g - Dry liner (for back pack) Use a garbage bag instead, and a rain cover on your pack.


Toiletries
100g - Deodorant (small)
118g - Sun cream
40g - Razor
30g - Toilet roll ?
15g - Flannel ?



Clothes - (packed)

400g - Tops - quick dry x 2 ?
250g - Poncho (goes over backpack) Use a backpack rain cover instead.
120g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go x 2 ?
250g - Thin Fleece when you walk, you won't get cold unles


Other
82g - Deck of cards

Worn whilst walking
800g - Trail shoes
300g - Cargo pants
90g - Socks
200g - Quick dry top
60g - Exofficio Men's Give-N-Go
490g - 1/2 litre water (weight of carried water)

Walking weight 1,940g

 

[PeteT70]

Lol I forgot to mention best not use white skivvies/under garments probably don't have to discuss.....

I've bought technical skivvies hehe!
They are a greyish silvery colour I think not dulux white lol.

 

[Felice]

I also take a flannel (wash cloth), and at the end of my shower, I wring it out and “dry” myself with it, before drying myself properly with my microfibre towel. My towel is then not very wet and it dries on the end of my bunk before I turn in, and I then use it as a “pillow case” across the top of my bed. Jill

I also like a flannel. I took a couple with me last year because when it is very warm, I use one to wipe my forehead to stop sweat dripping into my eyes. However, it was only very warm for the first week. After that, I found it very useful to dry my face and hands first thing in the morning when my dry towel was already packed, and again later on, to be able to dry my hands after washing them as bars seldom have a towel. I had 2 very light cloths, courtesy of British Airways business class from about 15 years ago! They wash and dry almost as quickly as trek towels and are much more pleasant to use.

 

[Felice]

Maybe albergues could adopt the Asian style and affix a hose to each lavatory with pilgims bringing their own soap. It would save on loo roll and would be better for the environment. Also, since I started using them I have found hoses to be a much much cleaner and more comfortable way to deal with the ...ahhmm...issue at hand.

I too have used the hose system, whilst living in the Middle East. It works there rather well there, where the water is always tepid. I can imagine nothing worse than using the system in Spain apart from mid summer - can you imagine the shock of cold water sprayed on one's delicate parts???

And on a more pressing issue, water is a scarce resource especially in summer across much of northern Spain south of the Cantabrian mountains. Remember that and dont use it wastefully.

 

[PeteT70]

I too have used the hose system, whilst living in the Middle East. It works there rather well there, where the water is always tepid. I can imagine nothing worse than using the system in Spain apart from mid summer - can you imagine the shock of cold water sprayed on one's delicate parts???

And on a more pressing issue, water is a scarce resource especially in summer across much of northern Spain south of the Cantabrian mountains. Remember that and dont use it wastefully.

Yes teacher, i'll also check that my laces are done up tight too!
Thank you

 

[MTtoCamino]

Pete have you thought of ways of hanging clothes on your pack to dry?

Yes you still have 11 months to take the tube to work with your pack on & your skivvies drying on the back, but it will make space as you ride on the tube. Your fellow passengers will not forget you!

 

[PeteT70]

Pete have you thought of ways of hanging clothes on your pack to dry?

Yes you still have 11 months to take the tube to work with your pack on & your skivvies drying on the back, but it will make space as you ride on the tube. Your fellow passengers will not forget you!

Hehe, now there's an idea.
Haven't got my skivvies yet. Had to inport them from America.
Hopefully arrive in the next week or so.
So, look out London Underground passengers!!

 

[owms2323]

@jsalt, would be interested in the make of this lightweight sleeping bag - unless it's a Mummy bag.
Suzanne

I would aso like that information.

 

[PeteT70]

I would aso like that information.

My bag is 890gm season 2 rectangular shape (not mummy). Not necessarily considered very lightweight. However, I have heard that a South African supplier/ manufacturer of bags make extremely lightweight kit, but they aren't cheap.
I have no further info on this though.

 

[PeteT70]

Ok forum, I tried out a ground mat whilst camping the past few days and got virtually no sleep. My back and shoulders ache and feel like I've been smashing rocks all day lol.
So im now thinking about these self inflating mats etc.
Would be good to get some advice and thoughts on these?
I cannot sleep on a hard surface that a roll mat provides, I need some cushioning etc.

 

[Mark Lee]

Ok forum, I tried out a ground mat whilst camping the past few days and got virtually no sleep. My back and shoulders ache and feel like I've been smashing rocks all day lol.
So im now thinking about these self inflating mats etc.
Would be good to get some advice and thoughts on these?
I cannot sleep on a hard surface that a roll mat provides, I need some cushioning etc.

You are going to be sleeping outdoors on your Camino Frances?

 

[PeteT70]

You are going to be sleeping outdoors on your Camino Frances?

Yea I'd like to a few times.

 

[Mark Lee]

Yea I'd like to a few times.

I've always used a closed cell foam roll-up type. Believe me, when you are tired you will sleep just fine on the ground.

 

[PeteT70]

I've always used a closed cell foam roll-up type. Believe me, when you are tired you will sleep just fine on the ground.

Believe me I wont.
Hence I'm looking for something other than a standard roll mat.

 

[Melensdad]

Next May/ June I'll be out there.

My wife and I will likely be walking with you, we are looking for early May as our starting time.

Oh, and I have Ex-Officio too. Great stuff!

 

[MTtoCamino]

I use Big Agnes pads Q-core S weighs 17oz not sure what the conversion would be like .5kg? Lightest smallest package, rated below 0c temp. Very comfortable.
There is one smaller if you don't mind your feet off the pad but you only save an ounce. Once again it would be easy to find places to throw a pad down but you best always be prepared for rain. I think the Meseta would be a great place to watch the stars. An emergency blanket would be all you need if you keep an eye on the weather. Sleeping on the ground with nothing under you will take about a week to get use to, but if the ground is cold you will hurt like crazy. When I was young I was bad I simply cut evergreen branches piled them up & slept on them but over there it would be bad advice. Plus there arn't too many places that have trees that wouldn't be getting you in trouble by a landowner.
So if you don't mind your own smell by staying out you will miss a shower. But other than that not a bad idea as long as you do this in the remote areas.
Keith

 

[MTtoCamino]

Yea I'd like to a few times.

I forgot to mention 2 things
I wore ex officious they work great!

Just a safety thing, if you decide to sleep out make sure you are not in someone's field that has signs of previous plowing. Don't sleep on or to near the trail the cars drive on very small parts of the Camino trail, folks out gathering snails very early. Farmers with heavy equipment can run all night. When running our tanks we always slept on them as you can run someone over with heavy equipment & not even know it. Yep it may sound over cautious but humor me.
Keith

 

[Dan the Man]

i am preparimng for my Camino which begins from SJPDP on August 23. I wear glasses,and I have never worn contacts. Has anyone ever taken an extra pair? My sunglasses are porescription.

I also recently met with 2 people who walked last year and they took flip flops, and 2 pair of shoes: trainers and hiking??

My pack is the Gregory Contour 50....It fits me perfectly. The people at Sail meaured me, let me load it with weight and walk around. We tried out 2 different packs.

 

[MTtoCamino]

i am preparimng for my Camino which begins from SJPDP on August 23. I wear glasses,and I have never worn contacts. Has anyone ever taken an extra pair? My sunglasses are porescription.

I also recently met with 2 people who walked last year and they took flip flops, and 2 pair of shoes: trainers and hiking??

My pack is the Gregory Contour 50....It fits me perfectly. The people at Sail meaured me, let me load it with weight and walk around. We tried out 2 different packs.

I wear glasses, one normal the other prescription sunglasses, just take small screws that fit in case You lose a lens.

I took light hikers, Keens but they had no tread left, used super glue to keep them together after 2/3 of the way. But I will use a new pair for the next Camino. I took crocs for at the end of the day kept spare foot cusions in them.

My pack was 48L Osprey most folks recommend the smallest you can fit all your stuff in. Makes sense if you are making the highest priority weight. For me it is a matter of likening convenience of everything easy to re-pack. My pack averaged 18lbs it got heavier when I was just out of Sarria due to my collecting stuff. Bottom line is pick the pack that carries the most comfortable for you then stuff it & walk a lot before you go. If you do trial walks up to 25k fully loaded it will give you a clear idea of what you are going to deal with.
August wow that will be warm.

 

[Dan the Man]

August 23 start from SJPDP. i am sure it will be hot! will i be looking at cooler nights and mornings with swealtering days like here?

 

[MTtoCamino]

August 23 start from SJPDP. i am sure it will be hot! will i be looking at cooler nights and mornings with swealtering days like here?

I assume it will be very hot, others who have been there that time of year can answer better than I.
Keith

 

[PeteT70]

i am preparimng for my Camino which begins from SJPDP on August 23. I wear glasses,and I have never worn contacts. Has anyone ever taken an extra pair? My sunglasses are porescription.

I also recently met with 2 people who walked last year and they took flip flops, and 2 pair of shoes: trainers and hiking??

My pack is the Gregory Contour 50....It fits me perfectly. The people at Sail meaured me, let me load it with weight and walk around. We tried out 2 different packs.

Hi Dan, I've switched from extended wear lenses to dailies as they are now better for me.
I intend taking 50 pairs.
Total weight including a typical small bottle of rewetting drops is only around 150g. I consider this nothing compared to comfort and the ability to have decent vision as often as I need.
This should include about a weeks worth of spares, you know what it's like at times, you need spares.

 

[PeteT70]

My wife and I will likely be walking with you, we are looking for early May as our starting time.

Oh, and I have Ex-Officio too. Great stuff!

Received the Ex-Officios today, think i'll try them out tomorrow lol.
I think doing the hike May - June means it isn't too hot or too busy with pilgrims. Hopefully ideal conditions for us all.

 

[FurnessTravellers]

Yes teacher, i'll also check that my laces are done up tight too!
Thank you

Hi there. Coming from a country where water is also a very precious commodity, and having walked part of the Camino in late summer, I agree with Felice that we need to be careful of our water usage. I guess it all boils down to respecting the local environment, and remembering that we are visitors in someones elses home country.

 

[PeteT70]

Hi there. Coming from a country where water is also a very precious commodity, and having walked part of the Camino in late summer, I agree with Felice that we need to be careful of our water usage. I guess it all boils down to respecting the local environment, and remembering that we are visitors in someones elses home country.

With respects, I don't need coaching on being a respectful visitor to another country.
Quite a decent bloke with a moral compass and experienced with etiquette when abroad.
Thank you!

 

[FurnessTravellers]

With respects, I don't need coaching on being a respectful visitor to another country.
Quite a decent bloke with a moral compass and experienced with etiquette when abroad.
Thank you!

Okay!

 

[Pepin]

Received the Ex-Officios today, think i'll try them out tomorrow lol.
I think doing the hike May - June means it isn't too hot or too busy with pilgrims. Hopefully ideal conditions for us all.

Pete, I am using a 32l Spanish Altus pack 1300grs, total weight I am carrying including the pack is 5kg without 0,5l of water.
Take one weekend complete and try to live on what you have in your pack as you were on the Camino, what you do not use in these two days are not necesary except the poncho. You would be surprissed how little is needed and if you hapen to need somthing you can by it local, do not forget El Camino is the most populated street in Europe! and every littel shop in every village can have all necessary and technical solutions for a Pilgrim.
Buen Camino

 

[PeteT70]

Pete, I am using a 32l Spanish Altus pack 1300grs, total weight I am carrying including the pack is 5kg without 0,5l of water.
Take one weekend complete and try to live on what you have in your pack as you were on the Camino, what you do not use in these two days are not necesary except the poncho. You would be surprissed how little is needed and if you hapen to need somthing you can by it local, do not forget El Camino is the most populated street in Europe! and every littel shop in every village can have all necessary and technical solutions for a Pilgrim.
Buen Camino

Yes you're right, I guess it's the ... what if I need this or that!
I'm sure that once both Doug and Keith have finished with me over the coming months I shall have not much more than a rucksack lol.
Seriously though, im getting some great tips and ideas in this forum.
I'm definitely searching for Technical clothing, I need to reduce weight to help keep weight off my knees. I'll use a walking pole too.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Yes you're right, I guess it's the ... what if I need this or that!
I'm sure that once both Doug and Keith have finished with me over the coming months I shall have not much more than a rucksack lol.
Seriously though, im getting some great tips and ideas in this forum.
I'm definitely searching for Technical clothing, I need to reduce weight to help keep weight off my knees. I'll use a walking pole too.

Kuhl! Very light pants that wear like iron get the convertible Liberators they zip to shorts. You will have to sell your favorite scooter

 

[PeteT70]

Kuhl! Very light pants that wear like iron get the convertible Liberators they zip to shorts. You will have to sell your favorite scooter

I'll look into that.
Thanks for the tip Keith!

 

[Melensdad]

Kuhl! Very light pants that wear like iron get the convertible Liberators they zip to shorts. You will have to sell your favorite scooter

I'm more of a fan of ExOfficio pants but I have been seeing the Kuhl brand pop up more frequently and plan to check them out too. ExOfficio makes some really nice travel clothing, lightweight/quick drying fabrics. Kuhl seems to be marketing the same type of clothing.

Whatever brand I end up with I will be taking 2 pairs of the exact same pant. Sadly I already have, and regularly use, convertible pants BUT unfortunately I don't own 2 of the same pair/same color. So when we (my wife/myself/possibly our daughter) walk the CF I will be buying 2 new pairs. I just wish they were not so expensive!

I know I can shave off a few ounces by taking 2 pairs of "Legs" and only of the "Pants" portion, but I think I can carry that extra few ounces.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I'm more of a fan of ExOfficio pants but I have been seeing the Kuhl brand pop up more frequently and plan to check them out too. ExOfficio makes some really nice travel clothing, lightweight/quick drying fabrics. Kuhl seems to be marketing the same type of clothing.

Whatever brand I end up with I will be taking 2 pairs of the exact same pant. Sadly I already have, and regularly use, convertible pants BUT unfortunately I don't own 2 of the same pair/same color. So when we (my wife/myself/possibly our daughter) walk the CF I will be buying 2 new pairs. I just wish they were not so expensive!

Going solo as I did was less expensive but I think you will be very blessed to have those you love with you.
Definitely the lighter the more$, so as you pass all the ruins of the hospitals going back to the 10th century along with the graves, think how easy we have it. We only walk 1 direction. They were some tough buggers.

 

[Urban Trekker]

Keep at least 10 feet of the Para cord. In has multi uses. Use safety pins to hang cloths from Para cord.
People don't care if your clothes match. I have two pair of same make zip off pants. I only take one set of pant legs. iPhone light is OK but it can be dark early in the morning. Use a head lamp. I also keep a red button light on the back of my pack.
Crocks. Laugh all you want but this is probably the best after walking foot wear on the camino and it doubles as a shower shoe or water crossing shoe.
You didn't state your weight. Rule of thumb is 10% of you body weight, for me that mesns I can carry 17.5 pounds. The other 5 pounds I put in my pockets
Oh and why bother to shave let it grow.
Never walk the camino without a poncho

 

[rockkeyjohnson]

From this thread I learn many things about how to arrange the equipment’s.

 

[Anniesantiago]

i am preparimng for my Camino which begins from SJPDP on August 23. I wear glasses,and I have never worn contacts. Has anyone ever taken an extra pair? My sunglasses are porescription.

I also recently met with 2 people who walked last year and they took flip flops, and 2 pair of shoes: trainers and hiking??

My pack is the Gregory Contour 50....It fits me perfectly. The people at Sail meaured me, let me load it with weight and walk around. We tried out 2 different packs.

I do suggest an extra pair of glasses - one of my walkers lost hers in a snowstorm going over the pass to Roncesvalles and was "blind" the rest of the Camino.

I would never consider carrying the weight of two pair of shoes. You do not need hiking shoes. You need walking shoes.
The Camino is not a mountain hike - it is a long stroll with one or two hill crossings and 2-3 steep rocky places where you need walking sticks.
The shoes you are wearing plus some lightweight crocs or flip flops for showering/resting is all you need.

 

[Pepin]

Just another piece of humour as reflexion:

Remember most people fill their pack with their fears! That's why their packs, are, so heavy and so big.

Fear of being cold, being hot, getting wet, having no pillows, not being able to dry themselves after a shower, having 20 blisters and 4 tendinitis at the same time, ah and a painfull body, a high temperature, If I break my glasses or leg or arm, etc.

Did you know some youngsters take even a hair dryer in their pack? What if I meet my dreamed boy and he see me with this hair? OMG No?..

But the reality is different. As far as you are clean, showered, comfortable and don't smell horrible, no body will remember what you were wearing yesterday or what brand of shirt or underwear you had on the day before. Aftershaves or perfumes attract Pet flies! You surely have seen pilgrims walking and dozens of flies around their head, as satellites following them ?!

This is Camino, Spain, Europe, you are not going to Macadonga Forest in middle of nowhere! Our postal services and couriers have a fantastic business, sending back, the pilgrims fears to their homes, after the first week of their Camino in boxes.

Buen Camino and do not carry unnecessary load. Light load carriers enjoy most and you kindly help us all to save money on, curing unnecessary tendinitis, Hahaha

 

[Dutchwalk53]

Hi, I would toss out:

Paracord 110g

Clothes Line 41g

Key Ring 20g

Foil blanket 62g

Mesh Wash Bag 95g

Head Torch 100g (use your iphone light)

Anti Bac Wipes 100g

Half the Loo Roll 15g

Shorts 200g (you have them already in the cut-offs)

1 Top 200g

Waterproof Mac 370g (or the poncho)

Cards 82g

Change the sleeping bag and liner to a lightweight washable sleeping bag 350g

1 kg 745g saved.

Jill

I walked last May/June and agree 100 % with what Jill suggest you get rid off.

 

[willydp]

iPhone light is OK, butt what if it is raining?
I prefer a small rechargeable LED light 9.6gram/0.34 oz good for 48hr of light (lowest setting)-->Nitecore T Series Tube
Buen Camino

 

[Anemone del Camino]

iPhone light is OK, butt what if it is raining?
I prefer a small rechargeable LED light 9.6gram/0.34 oz good for 48hr of light (lowest setting)-->Nitecore T Series Tube
Buen Camino

As basic as albergues may sometimes be it seldom rains indoors

 

[willydp]

@Anemone del Camino
When you get up early and start to walk when it is still dark...
it is not about fear in the backpack

I drink more water in the first hours then those 9.6gr

 

[Anemone del Camino]

@Anemone del Camino
When you get up early and start to walk when it is still dark...
it is not about fear in the backpack

I drink more water in the first hours then those 9.6gr

Ah, but there is the real question, another can of worms: why walk so early in the morning that you can't see where ypu are going. And you roommates will thank you for sleeping in until the sun rises.

 

[Saint Mike II]

OK So I have not read all the above replies - but one item I would still take, regardless of the advice from the experienced ones, I ALWAYS use a sleeping bag liner - mine is silk, it definitely keeps your sleeping bag cleaner. It can be used on the nights when its very warm - and you can leave the bag open. Starting out at less than 10 kg is an excellent "starting point". Of course by the time you reach Pamplona you can work out what you don't need, or haven't worn and you can send it home (or to Ivar's left luggage facility). I think I would also keep in the shorts - as long as they are really light weight (under 20/250 grms) - zip-offs are not always the "solve all" alternative. A combined poncho/backpack cover might be a better choice. But the final determiner is that you are the one carrying this load so its really up to you. Cheers

 

[Caminokiwi]

I am impressed not only by your equipment list but by the fact that your not leaving for the Camino for another year and you are soooo organised already!!! I to am walking the Camino same time as you next year and so far I've just started my walking training and getting ideas in my head about lists and so on, Well done!!, might see you on the way

Hi I'm planning on leaving St Jean on the 6th of May 17, current training with a nine kg backpack. I think I need to lighten the load. Hope to see you on the way. Regards Jackie NZ

 

[Melensdad]

Hi I'm planning on leaving St Jean on the 6th of May 17, current training with a nine kg backpack. I think I need to lighten the load. Hope to see you on the way. Regards Jackie NZ

Keep training with that weight but lighten the load you will actually carry to the minimum you need. In fact, if you can manage it, train with 10 or 12kg and only take 6 to 8kg on your trip. You'll be happy you trained with a little extra weight.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Keep training with that weight but lighten the load you will actually carry to the minimum you need. In fact, if you can manage it, train with 10 or 12kg and only take 6 to 8kg on your trip. You'll be happy you trained with a little extra weight.

An easy way to add weight or remove at the top end for training is extra water bladders or bottles. When you are on the last few miles of a training walk your feet feel like lead simply pour off water. Or sit down. Sometimes we get over zealous & go farther than we should have.

 

[JillGat]

Hey, where's Pete? I want to find out how his walk went and what he learned about his kit. (Planning is at least half the fun and then you throw it all out the window when you get there)

 

[JillGat]

It's good to reduce one's load, get rid of non-essentials and monitor the weight of your pack. But, before you leave behind a third pair of underwear or pair of socks to eliminate pack weight, step on a scale and take a look at how much your body weighs, too. If you're above your ideal weight and it's possible to lose a few pounds before you go, walking will be that much easier and there will be less wear and tear on your joints. Of course you will likely lose some weight from walking every day on the Camino, too. I shipped a bunch of stuff ahead from Pamplona that I realized I didn't need. I enjoyed carrying a lighter pack. Then, as I lost weight and got fitter, I found myself justifying adding some heavy stuff back (a bottle of sunscreen, a large camino guidebook I found in an albergue, etc.) We are a funny species, aren't we?

 

[MTtoCamino]

It's good to reduce one's load, get rid of non-essentials and monitor the weight of your pack. But, before you leave behind a third pair of underwear or pair of socks to eliminate pack weight, step on a scale and take a look at how much your body weighs, too. If you're above your ideal weight and it's possible to lose a few pounds before you go, walking will be that much easier and there will be less wear and tear on your joints. Of course you will likely lose some weight from walking every day on the Camino, too. I shipped a bunch of stuff ahead from Pamplona that I realized I didn't need. I enjoyed carrying a lighter pack. Then, as I lost weight and got fitter, I found myself justifying adding some heavy stuff back (a bottle of sunscreen, a large camino guidebook I found in an albergue, etc.) We are a funny species, aren't we?

Nice to hear I wasn't the only person to add items I found like Gps units, cigar lighter that folks leaving Sariah left going up the hill.