JUST GOT BACK: ABOUT ME: WENT SOLO, VERY FIT, QUIET NICE GUY, AMERICAN:
BRING: besides minimal clothes. and a total 18 pound pack (shoot for 14 lbs.)
IPOD--bunch of songs, suggest some podcast, worked for me...
GOOD HAT, GOOD SUNGLASSES, METAL WATER BOTTLE, I DID NOT USE WALKING STICKS..
CELL PHONE FOR PHOTOS, I used :VIBER free text with wi-fi, which is everywhere. have your contacts download viber in their cell phones, used Tango a couple of times too. I have wife, kids--things happen.
MED KIT: You will probably get Blisters, REALLY SUGGEST pre cut a bunch of moleskin patches-THIS IS A BIG DEAL..Take care of your feet every day. foot lotion, etc. the Comseed patches in Spain do not breath...pussy yellow gross stuff happens...also med tape..
SHOES-SOCKS: THE BIGGEST FACTOR in my opinion..I ended up with (1) pair of SALOMON high end off road hike shoes w/ speed laces, yep over $110 dollars..and (1) High end TEVA Sandles.
4-5 Pair of the best socks you can find...alternate between Shoes / Tevas --you will figure it out.
Big boots not needed..
SLEEPING BAG: I Sent mine back, per summer ALL I EVER USED was my sleeping sheet liner thing. If you bring a bag... get the smallest, lightest one made. never used a pad, etc. but i never slept on a floor either..
FOR STUFF YOU DO NOT NEED...find a Correos--post office box and send it to Santiago--super easy to do ...goes to main post office right by church about 10-15 bucks..
TID BITS: ATM's Everywhere..getting money there is not a problem. FOOD..if albergue has kitchen use it.. I made several dinners of pasta, eggs, rice, save lots, shared meals, met people, etc....
SANDWICHS---SECRET TIP--find small market, have them cut 5-6 slices of meat, 4-5 slices of cheese, buy an avacado(?) ...buy fresh bread, buy a small oil pack...make your own--TWICE as good, Half the price...last 2 meals.
WALKING: When you feel good walk--LISTEN TO YOUR BODY !!!!!..I did it in 25 days, took a rest day in Burgos...did an 11 mile day...did a 28 mile day...do what feels right..HAVE NO PLAN is a great plan...things always worked out....the JB guidebook is a must---have it !!!!
OK---THE SAD PART ..WHEN IT'S OVER !!!...it is wierd-depressing.??..Life is SO SIMPLE but so meaningful when your doing this...you will understand--trust me...then when the girl stamps your final stamp and signs your compestella...and then says congratulations ...and the "next"...it's over man..Yes, great memories, every emotion experienced, great people met--rerally great-but it's wierd when your done .
SO...HAVE FUN, YOU WILL. TALK TO GOD...YOU WILL...God Bless