4.2K

[Al the optimist]

As many of you know I have something of an obsession about reducing the weight I carry. (On my back not me personally - that is a totally different and apparently less easily resolved issue ). I was tempted recently to try going really light but I did not have enough confidence to do so. However one day during my recent Camino I sent my bag ahead and did a trial. It worked well! So this is it for my next time - pictures attached.


Contents?
Dry bag containing silk liner, glass case
Dry bag containing towel, [toothbrush/paste, razor (and cut stick ), all-in-one shampoo/soap/washing liquid, nappy pins (for washing) in ziplock], [first aid bits in another ziplock], [spare sealable plastic food bags and tissues (forest toilet? Fortunately this has only happened to me once.) in another ziplock]
Dry bag containing a pair of zip offs, two pairs of socks, two pairs of boxers, two t-shirts
Soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, light gloves Yes I know two spare sets of clothes is a luxury but I will carry the extra 250g for the convenience of not washing every day!
Dry bag containing two chargers and two spare batteries for my phone. Yes another none essential, but my phone is my camera, my guide, my e-reader as ell as my contact with my family and those I meet on the way. I use a separate charger so I always have my phone with me.
As you can see my sandals hang outside. They are heavy, but I love them too much to use flip flops.
So there it is. I have been home 3 days and already packing and weighing again! Surely there is no hope for me! I definitely need to found Caminolics!

 

[CaptBuddy]

LOL.
Al, you are amazing.

 

[jpflavin1]

This is an example of OCD.

Isn't it funny how we can apply it to some aspect of our lives and not others.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Al the optimist]

OCD if you like Joe but in truth my body is starting to protest at my Caminoing so I am trying to find ways of conning it that I actually am looking after it.

 

[Arn]

I definitely need to found Caminolics!

Al, a perfect idea! Why not begin a thread under the new
"Social Groups" forum. We could all be "Friends of AL"

 

[Al the optimist]

Haha Arn. OK, not the first time it's been suggested. I give in! I have created one. Let's hope it provides a bit of fun. I guess you are have no choice but to be the moderator pal! HaHa more work for you.

 

[Lisa Todd]

Haha Arn. OK, not the first time it's been suggested. I give in! I have created one. Let's hope it provides a bit of fun. I guess you are have no choice but to be the moderator pal! HaHa more work for you.

Hi Al
where are your walking poles and water? I too am obsessed with minimising weight due to two bulging discs in back. Can easily carry 5 kg with no problem but concerned about the weight of water. Any advice? Cheers Lisa

 

[Al the optimist]

I carry the water in two half litre bottles on my belt so the weight is on my hips. The poles are strange as it might seem in my hands. Bear in mind this bag weight includes my hat, gloves and my coats which I may well be wearing!

 

[Lisa Todd]

I carry the water in two half litre bottles on my belt so the weight is on my hips. The poles are strange as it might seem in my hands!

Good idea for the water in waist belt. I found on recent 5 day trek on Great Wall and surrounding jungle that I often would have one pole in my backpack and the other in my hand .

 

[Dennis D]

Hello Al,
I now how you feel. I joined up and started the 12 step program with Caminolics and then gave it up.
Welcome home! Buen Camino

 

[Brissy]

As many of you know I have something of an obsession about reducing the weight I carry. (On my back not me personally - that is a totally different and apparently less easily resolved issue ). I was tempted recently to try going really light but I did not have enough confidence to do so. However one day during my recent Camino I sent my bag ahead and did a trial. It worked well! So this is it for my next time - pictures attached.
View attachment 13838

View attachment 13840 Contents?
Dry bag containing silk liner, glass case
Dry bag containing towel, [toothbrush/paste, razor (and cut stick ), all-in-one shampoo/soap/washing liquid, nappy pins (for washing) in ziplock], [first aid bits in another ziplock], [spare sealable plastic food bags and tissues (forest toilet? Fortunately this has only happened to me once.) in another ziplock]
Dry bag containing a pair of zip offs, two pairs of socks, two pairs of boxers, two t-shirts
Soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, light gloves Yes I know two spare sets of clothes is a luxury but I will carry the extra 250g for the convenience of not washing every day!
Dry bag containing two chargers and two spare batteries for my phone. Yes another none essential, but my phone is my camera, my guide, my e-reader as ell as my contact with my family and those I meet on the way. I use a separate charger so I always have my phone with me.
As you can see my sandals hang outside. They are heavy, but I love them too much to use flip flops.
So there it is. I have been home 3 days and already packing and weighing again! Surely there is no hope for me! I definitely need to found Caminolics!

Looks great! How much does it weigh?

 

[Al the optimist]

Looks great! How much does it weigh?

Maybe the thread title is a clue?

 

[Brissy]

Maybe the thread title is a clue?

Oh....OK, got it! Thanks. Very light,

 

[Allister]

Back home today after doing the Camino frances over 29 days...I was carrying 6kg on my Camino.

 

[Al the optimist]

Hope you enjoyed it Allister. 6K is a very sensible weight.

 

[Allister]

Brilliant experience thanks Al

 

[Lynda t]

Can I be the first member of the caminolics. I pack and repack my ruck sack regularly too. Got mine down to 3.5kg. Need to add water and food though.
Just waiting for the new hip to settle.