3.5 Weeks Away from My Camino...Packing Items/ Weight...Is 8.5 Kg a lot?

[Dan the Man]

You have all been such a GREAT help from Day 1 when I joined this months ago. I am training and want to lighten my current load. I am torn as to what to ditch and what not to.

I welcome any comments as they are ALL helpful.


Equipment

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included - This pack fit me perfectly
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs
22g - Key ring LED light
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small)
59g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe)
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini _______________________Up for Debate
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80g - Hikers Wool - for anti blister on feet
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
62g - Toothbrush
80g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
115g - Sun cream
125g - All purpose soap
110g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
85g - Tissue and Toilet roll
274g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops- WAY lighter than my Tevas
100g - Merino Wool Socks x 2 50g each
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved 125g each
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
125g - Merino Wool Underpants x 2 - wieghed all together
11g - Extra Shoe Laces


Other
350g - All Documents
1150g- 1litre Water bottle filled


Packed Weight - 9, 340g 9.3 Kg Is this TOO MUCH?


Worn whilst walking - NOT INCLUDED in Weight Total

Merrell Moad Ventillator Trekking Shoes
Merino Wool Shorts and Underwear
Merino wool Socks
Merion wool T shirt
Aussie Chiller Hat

 

[wayfarer]

Hi Dan, I would leave the solar powered battery pack and the ipad, you will find plenty places to charge the the phone in the albergues, the rest looks good to me.
Buen Camino.

 

[C clearly]

By all means, carry this if you are happy with it. But you said you really wanted feedback, so I'll point out (in CAPS below) a few places where you could reduce the weight. For example, I was puzzled by the electrical adaptor. You only need a tiny adaptor for the plug, not a voltage converter. Duct tape it to your charger because it's very easy to leave behind!

My suggestions may seem trivial, but they could easily add up close to 1000 g.

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included - This pack fit me perfectly
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring - YOU COULD FIND A LIGHTER DAY PACK
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs -
22g - Key ring LED light
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small) - MY 3.5X5.5, 65-PAGE MOLESKINE WEIGHS 38 G.
59g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe) - MINE WEIGHS ONLY 11 G!
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini _______________________Up for Debate
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit - MINE, INCLUDING TINY FOLDING SCISSORS, SEVERAL NEEDLES, AND 3 METRES OF THREAD, WEIGHS 17 G.
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80g - Hikers Wool - for anti blister on feet - SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF WOOL BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY TO COMPARE!
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries -
275g - Quick dry Towel
62g - Toothbrush - MINE WEIGHS 16 G
80g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small) - THAT'S NOT SMALL
115g - Sun cream
125g - All purpose soap - TAKE A SMALLER ONE
110g - Anti bac wipes - TAKE HALF
40g - Razor - I JUST WEIGHED A DISPOSABLE ONE AT 11 g
85g - Tissue and Toilet roll - I'D TAKE ABOUT 25 g
274g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases - CAN YOU FIND LIGHTER CASES?
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops- WAY lighter than my Tevas) - MY PLASTIC SLIP-ONS WEIGH 177 g
100g - Merino Wool Socks x 2 50g each
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved 125g each
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
125g - Merino Wool Underpants x 2 - wieghed all together
11g - Extra Shoe Laces


Other
350g - All Documents - PASSPORT, CREDENTIAL, SOME MONEY, BANK CARDS, INFO NOTES CAN'T WEIGH MORE THAN 150 G.
1150g- 1litre Water bottle filled

 

[Dan the Man]

THANK YOU for your input. I asked because I wanted to think about what I was packing.

C clearly - I put my changes in italics. I was using plastic cases for toothbrush, soap, etc...zip lock bags are much lighter. I will look at another pack but my decision to ditch the Ipad mini saves 500 g!

I ask you all again for ideas/ suggestions.
I have posted the new weight 8.2 Kg instead of 9.3 Kg. I saved 1.1 Kg by looking things over and looking at your input.

Thanks,
Dan

Equipment

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small)
27g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe) I had another one which was lighter
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini ______________________ I can blog on my phone, harder but lighter
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80g - Hikers Wool - GREAT stuff from New Zealand, lighter than Vaseline, prevents blisters
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
22g - Toothbrush - I can leave the plastic case
80g - Toothpaste
55g - Deodorant (small) - wrong size listed originally
115g - Sun cream
57g - All purpose soap - I will use a zip lock bag not a plastic case
110g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor - Weighing the blades as well. The wrong blade causes a horrible rash, can't do that in heat.
40g - Tissue and Toilet roll
176g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases - I had much lighter cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops). Oofos have built in arch supports as I wear orthotics
50g - Merino Wool Socks - 2 pairs is finee, 3 not necessary
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
65g - Merino Wool Underpants - 2 pairs are good, 3 isnt needed as shorts have liners too
11g - Extra Shoe Laces

Other
185g - All Documents - It was weighed incorrectly
1050g- 500 g Water bottle filled x 2 - I can save some weight changing to smaller botles


Original Weight - 9, 340g 9.3 Kg

New Weight 8,240 g = 8.2 Kg


Worn whilst walking - NOT INCLUDED in Weight Total
Merrell Moad Ventillator Trekking Shoes
Merino Wool Shorts and Underwear
Merino wool Socks
Merion wool T shirt
Aussie Chiller Hat

 

[Dan the Man]

I struggled the most with water. I bought a 3 litre water bladder but i think it may be a pain. It will be haevy and will need a clean every now and then.
I have met 3 people who walked it and all said with the exception of a few places where i can buy more water to carry, 3 litres is a lot of weight and water is readily available?????

The iPad mini was for blogging, easier than a phone. The phone will do it, less charging, less to worry about being secure. I can practice on the phone before I go

I have carried 20 pounds in training with no problem, but lighter would be better

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I love my mini-ipad on the Camino as I like to read. Your backpack seems very heavy to me. Mine is under a kg. Foe evening shoes, look at plastic Birkenstocks, they have support and woman' size 9 pair weight 150g.

 

[Anniesantiago]

My comments:

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included - This pack fit me perfectly - That's a mighty big pack. Joe takes a 35L and it seems huge to me.
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring - Leave it home
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs
22g - Key ring LED light
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small)
59g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe)
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc - Leave it home. You can plug in at the albergues.
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini _______________________Up for Debate - Leave it home. You'll just have to worry about it being stolen. Or take it instead of the phone.
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins - take large ones
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit - leave it home
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners - are these carabiners? Leave them home.
31g - extra walking pole tips - Leave them home. I pick up at least 6 of these each camino along the road.
80g - Hikers Wool - for anti blister on feet - This stuff is AWESOME!
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
62g - Toothbrush
80g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
115g - Sun cream
125g - All purpose soap
110g - Anti bac wipes - Just use soap
40g - Razor
85g - Tissue and Toilet roll - get a travel kleenex pack instead
274g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers Don't forget a list of GENERIC names for your prescriptions


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops- WAY lighter than my Tevas
100g - Merino Wool Socks x 2 50g each
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved 125g each
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
125g - Merino Wool Underpants x 2 - wieghed all together
11g - Extra Shoe Laces


Other
350g - All Documents
1150g- 1litre Water bottle filled

Looks pretty darned good to me!
Annie

 

[2sassytravelers]

I liked C clearly’s comments. Here are my thoughts -

Equipment

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring - Bring a small light weight daypack
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs - Zip Lock Bags
121g - Swiss army knife - REMEMBER TO PACK IT IN YOU CHECK-IN LUGGAGE, YOU DON’T WANT TO DONATE IT TO THE TSA GARGAGE SALE.
90g - Note pad (small)
27g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe) I had another one which was lighter - All we carried was a plug adapter. Most electronics can adapt to the different voltages.
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc - Leave at home
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini ______________________ I can blog on my phone, harder but lighter
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit
25g - Ear plugs - Never used mine
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80 - Hikers Wool - GREAT stuff from New Zealand, lighter than Vaseline, prevents blisters
270g - Brierly's Guide Book

Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
22g - Toothbrush - I can leave the plastic case
80g - Toothpaste
55g - Deodorant (small) - wrong size listed originally
115g - Sun cream
57g - All purpose soap - I will use a zip lock bag not a plastic case - Also consider a net bag so the bar soap can dry and not turn into a slimy mess
110g - Anti bac wipes - FYI These things DO NOT break down very easily in septic or sweage systems. If you use them don’t flush them in the toilet.
40g - Razor - Weighing the blades as well. The wrong blade causes a horrible rash, can't do that in heat.
40g - Tissue and Toilet roll - See my blog at http://2sassytravelers-spain2015.blogspot.com/ This is how I did my TP.
176g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases - I had much lighter cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers

Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops). Oofos have built in arch supports as I wear orthotics
50g - Merino Wool Socks - 2 pairs is finee, 3 not necessary
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool - Wool vs quick drying nylon??? Will the wool dry over night?
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved - Will the wool dry over night?
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt - Will the wool dry over night?
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
65g - Merino Wool Underpants - 2 pairs are good, 3 isnt needed as shorts have liners too - Will the wool dry over night?
11g - Extra Shoe Laces

Other
185g - All Documents - It was weighed incorrectly - Store in a Zip Loc bag
1050g- 500 g Water bottle filled x 2 - I can save some weight changing to smaller bottles

Buen Camino

 

[Urban Trekker]

You're at 18 pounds, that's not bad if you weigh over 180 pounds. I prefer all synthetic clothing except for socks, they have to be wool. I would leave the guide book home and pay for and download the German Yellow Book "The Way of St James" into your tablet. It's available from Apple books or Kindle.

Tablets do so many things that are useful, good reads, looking up information, making reservations, keeping in touch, daily diary, and a lot more. I would ditch the solar panel. Instead think about a small rechargeable battery charger. I use up my camera battery almost every day on the Camino, with my charger I can keep taking pictures. Mine also doubles as a flashlight. Buen Camino

Happy Trails

 

[Dan the Man]

Merino wool dries within a few hours, actually quicker than nylon. The best part,, is that it is light weight and does not smell even after being soaked in sweat.

I was skeptical but bought them and have trianed in them all the time

 

[Dan the Man]

Merino wool dries within a few hours, actually quicker than nylon. The best part,, is that it is light weight and does not smell even after being soaked in sweat.

I was skeptical but bought them and have trianed in them all the time

Thanks Zsassytravellers and Urban Trekker. My body weight is 220. I just want o go as light as possible. The Day pack will need to be changed

 

[Kanga]

@Urban Trekker I hate synthetics and am passionate about ultra-fine merino. Superb comfort in all weather, dries quickly, does not smell. Only problem is cost.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

You have all been such a GREAT help from Day 1 when I joined this months ago. I am training and want to lighten my current load. I am torn as to what to ditch and what not to.

I welcome any comments as they are ALL helpful.


Equipment

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included - This pack fit me perfectly
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs
22g - Key ring LED light
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small)
59g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe)
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini _______________________Up for Debate
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80g - Hikers Wool - for anti blister on feet
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
62g - Toothbrush
80g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
115g - Sun cream
125g - All purpose soap
110g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
85g - Tissue and Toilet roll
274g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops- WAY lighter than my Tevas
100g - Merino Wool Socks x 2 50g each
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved 125g each
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
125g - Merino Wool Underpants x 2 - wieghed all together
11g - Extra Shoe Laces


Other
350g - All Documents
1150g- 1litre Water bottle filled


Packed Weight - 9, 340g 9.3 Kg Is this TOO MUCH?


Worn whilst walking - NOT INCLUDED in Weight Total

Merrell Moad Ventillator Trekking Shoes
Merino Wool Shorts and Underwear
Merino wool Socks
Merion wool T shirt
Aussie Chiller Hat

Hi Dan, you already got lots of advice that's why no more advice from me. The only thing I want to say is, that my pack was 9kg. and it was very comfortable . I had no problems with it what so ever. One thing more, I'm 1.97 mtr. tall and I'm 92kg. So the pack for me was o.k.
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[Griffin57]

Hi Dan, great list I would just say that your dry sacks seem awfully heavy? I'm off to weigh mine now!
Combined with the weight of your day pack which I would exclude there's 2 kilos right there?

 

[Tia Valeria]

The day pack is heavy. Can you get a Sea to Summit ultra-sil pack - 20lt, weighs 68gms and folds down into its own mini pack to fit in your fist. Water repellent. Expensive but very useful.
Often on Amazon etc.....
We use ziplock type food bags rather than dry sacks. Much lighter.
The less electrics the happier we are. No worries about loss/damage/charging with a pen and paper. We do take a phone each.
Food weighs! The apples in Spain weighed 250gms each, twice the size of ours at home - I took to carrying half only, having eaten the other half.
Buen Camino

 

[2sassytravelers]

Dan, thanks for the info on Merino Wool. I will need to check into it. I too don't like nylon but wanted something light and dried fast.

 

[Julesandzaza]

I have found that I only needed two changes of clothes total and one super light fleece in the summer. You have, in my opinion, one extra pair of shorts as extra jackets than I would take and every gram counts in my book. Also the two best pieces of advice I received were 1) smart wool socks and 2) petroleum jelly ... Use both every day for NO blisters. These two things worked exceedingly well for me.

 

[acadiejd]

I too have been hiking with my 19 lb (8.5 K) backpack, and have pretty much the same items as Dan. I too am Canadian, leaving August 22 from SJPP with my girlfriend from Michigan. My uncle keeps telling me no more than 10% of my body weight, which would mean 14.5 lbs. I just can't cut it down, unless I leave my 2 lb sleeping bag behind. Any thoughts on that from anyone?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Merino wool dries within a few hours, actually quicker than nylon. The best part,, is that it is light weight and does not smell even after being soaked in sweat.

I was skeptical but bought them and have trianed in them all the time

Nah, Merino does not dry as fast. Perhaps in strong sun, but certainly not in humid conditions. But at least it doesn't smell as bad as synthetics so you can wear it for more than 1 day at a time. But if you wash and it starts to rain. You are walking hanf naked and carrying dame clothes é. Been there, done that. Never again.

 

[movinmaggie]

I love my mini-ipad on the Camino as I like to read. Your backpack seems very heavy to me. Mine is under a kg. Foe evening shoes, look at plastic Birkenstocks, they have support and woman' size 9 pair weight 150g.

Your Gregory Contour 50 seems large for 8.5kg, but it looks like you're getting great suggestions for your list. I'm a newbie, so I'm often the
same kind of questions. Good luck and Buen Camino.

 

[Patch]

Well thought out and congratulations. I am off on 1st September and my pack weighs in at under 5 kg but no water bottle (just buy it on the way if absolutely necessary) and no pad (just a small windows phone), no guide book (on phone), minimal documents (mostly on phone), no Swiss army knife, only one small pack, no water proof jacket (just a cheapo plastic poncho). This was the same as I took last year apart from ditching the water containers and including swimming trunks and a decent towel.

 

[mspath]

Patch,
One of the minimal documents carried should be your national passport. Often in Spain you are required to show the actual passport and not a photo copy in order to register at an albergue or hotel.
Happy packing and Buen camino!
MM

 

[Dan the Man]

Dan, thanks for the info on Merino Wool. I will need to check into it. I too don't like nylon but wanted something light and dried fast.

Nah, Merino does not dry as fast. Perhaps in strong sun, but certainly not in humid conditions. But at least it doesn't smell as bad as synthetics so you can wear it for more than 1 day at a time. But if you wash and it starts to rain. You are walking hanf naked and carrying dame clothes é. Been there, done that. Never again.

I guess to each their own. I wore mine today for a 20 Km walk and i was really sweaty and it dried fine. It is all amatter of personal preference.

I have found that I only needed two changes of clothes total and one super light fleece in the summer. You have, in my opinion, one extra pair of shorts as extra jackets than I would take and every gram counts in my book. Also the two best pieces of advice I received were 1) smart wool socks and 2) petroleum jelly ... Use both every day for NO blisters. These two things worked exceedingly well for me.

Julesandzaza....Hikers wool is fantastic! I use petroleum jelly sometimes. I ordered the Hikers Wool from New Zealand after talking to a coworker who went last year. She said it was amazing and IT IS! i wrap it around my toes, and it heres to my wool socka and the lanolin does wonders.

You can also put it on a hotspot to prevent a blister from forming

 

[Dan the Man]

Dan, thanks for the info on Merino Wool. I will need to check into it. I too don't like nylon but wanted something light and dried fast.

Hey 2sassytravelers:

Icebreaker is a brand name for some Merino Wool clothing. I live in Toronto, Canada and we have a few Icebreaker stores in Outlet malls. GREAT prices ( half the price of MEC Mountain Equipment Co-Op and Sail).

There are varrying types depending on climate etc. I bought really thin stuff for Spain's heat which is why it dries so quickly.

My Tshirts were $39.00 each on sale as opposed to $79.00 at other stores. I HATE spending that kind of money on a T shirt. I had a gift card, so I went for it. It is the most comfortable T Shirt i own. I will work out in my stuff once I return. I decided to buy all merion wool for my Camino.

Dan

 

[Introibo]

Hi Hi Dan

My Icebreaker underwear was brilliant and worth the extra weight.

Your Gregory pack is heavy, but with only 3 weeks to go .... stick with it

Tia Valeria's suggestion of Sea to Summit packs is spot on. Very very light but still useful
for shopping trips or taking the essentials if you chose to use Jacotrans.

I took one 0.75 litre bottle and was able to fill it throughout the day.

The sewing kit ? Strewth but that sounds heavy.

No need for a solar charger. You can plug into the mains anywhere.

iPad Mini ? What's that giving you that isn't already on your phone ? Why not use this trip to talk with
people or just gaze into space ? " What is this life if, full of care
We have no time to stand and stare"

My big breakthrough came when I took all the stuff I was unsure that I needed and placed it together
in a single bag and then weighed it. From memory, it came to over a kilo. I left it all behind.

The consistent message from experienced walkers on this forum has been that lighter is better. Plus, it's not
a wilderness walk. You can always buy on the way if you really need something

Have a great time

Buen Camino

 

[John Briscoe]

You have all been such a GREAT help from Day 1 when I joined this months ago. I am training and want to lighten my current load. I am torn as to what to ditch and what not to.

I welcome any comments as they are ALL helpful.

You have all been such a GREAT help from Day 1 when I joined this months ago. I am training and want to lighten my current load. I am torn as to what to ditch and what not to.

I welcome any comments as they are ALL helpful.


Equipment

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included - This pack fit me perfectly
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs
22g - Key ring LED light
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small)
59g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe)
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini _______________________Up for Debate
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80g - Hikers Wool - for anti blister on feet
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
62g - Toothbrush
80g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
115g - Sun cream
125g - All purpose soap
110g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
85g - Tissue and Toilet roll
274g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops- WAY lighter than my Tevas
100g - Merino Wool Socks x 2 50g each
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved 125g each
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
125g - Merino Wool Underpants x 2 - wieghed all together
11g - Extra Shoe Laces


Other
350g - All Documents
1150g- 1litre Water bottle filled


Packed Weight - 9, 340g 9.3 Kg Is this TOO MUCH?


Worn whilst walking - NOT INCLUDED in Weight Total

Merrell Moad Ventillator Trekking Shoes
Merino Wool Shorts and Underwear
Merino wool Socks
Merion wool T shirt
Aussie Chiller Hat

Dan, The weight all depends on what you wish to carry. I carried a lot more than that over the Camino and did not worry to much.

Equipment

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included - This pack fit me perfectly
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs
22g - Key ring LED light
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small)
59g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe)
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini _______________________Up for Debate
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80g - Hikers Wool - for anti blister on feet
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
62g - Toothbrush
80g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
115g - Sun cream
125g - All purpose soap
110g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
85g - Tissue and Toilet roll
274g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops- WAY lighter than my Tevas
100g - Merino Wool Socks x 2 50g each
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved 125g each
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
125g - Merino Wool Underpants x 2 - wieghed all together
11g - Extra Shoe Laces


Other
350g - All Documents
1150g- 1litre Water bottle filled


Packed Weight - 9, 340g 9.3 Kg Is this TOO MUCH?


Worn whilst walking - NOT INCLUDED in Weight Total

Merrell Moad Ventillator Trekking Shoes
Merino Wool Shorts and Underwear
Merino wool Socks
Merion wool T shirt
Aussie Chiller Hat

 

[Dan the Man]

Hi Hi Dan

My Icebreaker underwear was brilliant and worth the extra weight.

Your Gregory pack is heavy, but with only 3 weeks to go .... stick with it

Tia Valeria's suggestion of Sea to Summit packs is spot on. Very very light but still useful
for shopping trips or taking the essentials if you chose to use Jacotrans.

I took one 0.75 litre bottle and was able to fill it throughout the day.

The sewing kit ? Strewth but that sounds heavy.

No need for a solar charger. You can plug into the mains anywhere.

iPad Mini ? What's that giving you that isn't already on your phone ? Why not use this trip to talk with
people or just gaze into space ? " What is this life if, full of care
We have no time to stand and stare"

My big breakthrough came when I took all the stuff I was unsure that I needed and placed it together
in a single bag and then weighed it. From memory, it came to over a kilo. I left it all behind.

The consistent message from experienced walkers on this forum has been that lighter is better. Plus, it's not
a wilderness walk. You can always buy on the way if you really need something

Have a great time

Buen Camino

Dear Introibo:

Oh I am a talker and will NOT use my phone for anything other than pictures. I am blogging my Camino. I have treid to blog on the phone.....I find it so difficult. The ipad mini is much easier for that task.

It is my dilema. I am and will continue to try to blog over the next 3 weeks with it. The typing is great but placing photos strategically on the blog posts is a challenge.

 

[C clearly]

If you have things down to a reasonable weight, taking the ipad mini might enhance your experience enough to make it worth carrying - especially if you don't take that heavy daypack, the solar charger and the 85-g sewing kit!

[By the way, placing photos strategically on the blog posts might be somewhat futile. I used to spend a lot of time doing that but then noticed that they end up being positioned differently when viewed on different devices anyway.]

 

[Dan the Man]

If you have things down to a reasonable weight, taking the ipad mini might enhance your experience enough to make it worth carrying - especially if you don't take that heavy daypack, the solar charger and the 85-g sewing kit!

[By the way, placing photos strategically on the blog posts might be somewhat futile. I used to spend a lot of time doing that but then noticed that they end up being positioned differently when viewed on different devices anyway.]

Hey C clearly.

I swapped day packs and got that Really Light Day pack Sea to Summit that was suggested. Sewing kit replaced too. I also found a great alternative to bar soap that a fellow recently returned pilgrim used... Soap leaves! They look like those slim listerine breath sheets that you peel off for breath freshening. Very very light!

You all have been so helpful!

Dan

 

[movinmaggie]

Hey C clearly.

I swapped day packs and got that Really Light Day pack Sea to Summit that was suggested. Sewing kit replaced too. I also found a great alternative to bar soap that a fellow recently returned pilgrim used... Soap leaves! They look like those slim listerine breath sheets that you peel off for breath freshening. Very very light!

You all have been so helpful!

Dan

Hi Dan, I discovered the soap leaves a few years ago, and have them in my purse, in my car and definitely in my backpack. They are so small and so light. Good on you. Buen Camino.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I have not had any luck with those soap leaves. I found you had to use many of them to get any kind of action from them... Perhpas worth it to try at home first.

 

[movinmaggie]

I have not had any luck with those soap leaves. I found you had to use many of them to get any kind of action from them... Perhpas worth it to try at home first.

Perhaps there are different brands? Mine are 'Sea to Summit' www.seatosummit.com.au. The come in a very small (recyleable) case and have 50 leaves in each. I've been using them for several years and they've worked great, but yes, good idea to try them first.

 

[dougfitz]

Thanks Zsassytravellers and Urban Trekker. My body weight is 220. I just want o go as light as possible. The Day pack will need to be changed

The other important metric is your height. If you are 2 m tall, 220 lb is a reasonable weight, at the upper end of the normal range. If, like me, you are too short for your weight, you might want to base you target pack weight on your ideal walking weight, or around the weight you would be if your BMI was closer to 25.

If you already have your bare pack weight down to 8.5 kg or thereabouts, you appear to be in a good position provided you are over 1.8 m (6 ft). Otherwise you might be exceeding the 10% guidelines for a summer camino based on a more realistic ideal walking weight.

Mind you, you might also decide that you have already done as much as you can beforehand, and do as many pilgrims clearly do. That is to trim your pack weight based on practical experience about what you need after the first few days walking.

 

[zzotte]

You have all been such a GREAT help from Day 1 when I joined this months ago. I am training and want to lighten my current load. I am torn as to what to ditch and what not to.

I welcome any comments as they are ALL helpful.


Equipment

1870g - Backpack Gregory Contour 50 - Water Proof Cover Included - This pack fit me perfectly
536 g - Gregory 12 L Day Pack - carry on for the plane rides and to use if touring
144g - 3 Various sized Dry Sacs
22g - Key ring LED light
121g - Swiss army knife
90g - Note pad (small)
59g - Electrical adapter (Canada to Europe)
174g - Solar Powered Battery Pack - Charges iPhone etc
144g - Silk liner
10g - Pen
174g - iPhone + waterproof case
45g - cord+ usb for charging iPhone and Ipad mini
500g - iPad Mini _______________________Up for Debate
20g - Blister plasters
2g - Safety pins
100g - First Aid kit - includes plasters etc
85g - Sewing Kit
25g - Ear plugs
26g - biners
31g - extra walking pole tips
80g - Hikers Wool - for anti blister on feet
270g - Brierly's Guide Book


Toiletries
275g - Quick dry Towel
62g - Toothbrush
80g - Toothpaste
100g - Deodorant (small)
115g - Sun cream
125g - All purpose soap
110g - Anti bac wipes
40g - Razor
85g - Tissue and Toilet roll
274g - extra glasses + sunglasses + cases
430g - ALL Medication - Ibuprofen, Advil, Prescritpions, + containers


Clothes
400g - Footwear - evening (Oofos Flip Flops- WAY lighter than my Tevas
100g - Merino Wool Socks x 2 50g each
300g - Cargo pants (zip off to shorts) x1
150g - Shorts - Merino Wool
125g - Tops - Merino Wool Short Sleeved 125g each
200g - Merino Wool Long Sleeved Shirt
330g - Waterproof Breatheable Jacket
125g - Merino Wool Underpants x 2 - wieghed all together
11g - Extra Shoe Laces


Other
350g - All Documents
1150g- 1litre Water bottle filled


Packed Weight - 9, 340g 9.3 Kg Is this TOO MUCH?


Worn whilst walking - NOT INCLUDED in Weight Total



Merrell Moad Ventillator Trekking Shoes
Merino Wool Shorts and Underwear
Merino wool Socks
Merion wool T shirt
Aussie Chiller Hat

Here is my list for el camino del Norte during April/may as I read yours I think you could shave a few pounds. And I'm caring a sleeping bag.


Backpack
Sleeping bag
Shoes
1 tight
1 shorts
4 socks
1 night pants
1 crock
2 underwear's
1 short sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
1 rain jacket
1 Beene
1 gloves
1 nano jacket
1 first aid kit ( tape, benzocaine, syringe, antiB, gauze pads, iodine, Bodyglide)
1 toiletry kit ( nail clippers, scissors, tooth brush, paste and flus soap)
1 towel
1 shorts
1 umbrella
1 USA cell phone
1 USA charger
1 USA cable
1 Spanish phone
1 Spanish charger
1 hat

Side bag
passport
2 credit cards
Cash

Train, planes tickets

I hope that's helps you,
Zzotte

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

I think you have got good suggestions. I have never felt the need for a knife on the camino. Or maybe I have but solved it anyway.

I'm a 170 cm 63 kg woman and I carry around that weight on my caminos but of course light is always better. I have wool socks and shirts as well but for the undies I prefer to have something that dries more easily. I can live with a damp tshirt but not damp undies. I used wool before but changes.

Buen Camino.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

That's a LOT of medication! Essentially the weight of a jar of jam (jelly) - unless you need prescription medication you might find it lighter to buy when you need it (I know this is counter to my advice to always carry Imodium!)

 

[Charlie Mason]

Nice list Dan. It's good that you are very thorough for the right gear, etc. My only suggestion would be to ditch a lot of your tech gear and pack more socks! The Camino is such a spiritual journey and should have all of your attention! Besides that, great list. I would also recommend doing a lot of walking in the boots you plan to wear and gear you plan to pack well beforehand. Buen Camino mate!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

@LisaWalker , what about sitching that heavy day bag for one made of parachute material? They come is all sorts of shapes and sizes, including duffle bag and back pack. The dry bags can aslo go since you'll have a poncho that will cover you as well as your backpack contents.

Solar battery can be left home as you will have your regular charger. Also, as you will have your smart phi e you din't need a notebook, just use Notes app.

How many safety pins can you bring for 2 grams? I would bring a dozen, two per larger item you are drying, on per sock.

Leave the antiwipes home, meds are super heavy. Perhaps you have a lot of prescriptions and them that is fine, but if you ate thinking of just in case, let me tell you that the number of faramcias per capita in Spain must be highwr than anywhere else in the world. One could start assuming Spaniards suffer of hypochondria leave the razor home, no one will ever look,at your legs.

Now, what are the odds you can return the Gregory backpack and get an Osprey Tempest 40l. For half the weight? Mine is 1kg.

Now, I like carrying a giude to make notes in it, but an option is to take pictures of each page with your smart phone.

Good luck!

 

[Dennis Tam]

Hi Dan, here is what I used as my day pack during my Camino. It is super light and can be folded into size of a fist. I use it to carry food back to the Albergue, carry my cloth/toiletries to the shower. In case I dislike the Albergue's pillow, sometime I stuff the bag with my clean set of cloth to make an instant pillow. Super handy with multiple usages. And you can pick up the bag for free during those charity runs/walks.

Don't bring a knife to avoid the hassle of airport security. You can get a plastic combo knife/spoon from MEC for eating yoghurt & cutting fruit/cheese/bread.

Overall, lighter the better.

Buen Camino!
.

 

[EL Guapo]

Good ideas from everyone. I find myself re-evaluating my gear on each Camino and finding out what works best and makes for a lighter and less complicated pack. I use a USB octopus cord for charging my cell ,camera and battery pack. It gets rid of the extra cords for me,and is less to keep up with. I no longer carry the IPad mini, don't need it. Three pair of socks in the pack and a small container of Vaseline keep my dogs happy. I change socks a t least twice a day , more if needed. I'm sure after the first week you will know what works for you. We have all been there, it is a constant learning experience and a whole lotta fun. Buen Camino