Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List

henrythedog · Mar 28, 2020

MichelleElynHogan said:
Hi Trecile,

If I may offer an alternative, outside of these items mentioned;

Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

I am looking to add two more items;

1 - Free Spirit 30 L pocketable pack from Gobi Gear. It is kind of like a Hoboroll with shoulder and waist straps.
1 - Debit / Credit Card. (One that gives me 5% back on all purchases.

Buy what you need, when you need it. The pack is to carry toiletries along the way, maybe a sweater.

Some may say, "Well what about rain gear? What about a sleeping bag?" For me, when it rains, I can turn a garbage bag into a rain jacket. As the pack is small, it fits in there with me.

When going, "Minimalist," it can take your mindset into a whole new world of letting go of what we are expected to to and therefore what we think we need, to an area rarely explored.

It has taken me about 5 years to evolve to this point. Will it cost more? Maybe a bit. I know my shoulders and feet will appreciate the weight difference.

A card that gives 5% back in all purchases? Seriously? Which one?

camino.ninja · Apr 1, 2020

trecile said:
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes

2 bottoms
2 tops
2 pair socks
2 pair underwear
2 bras (women)
1 warm layer - fleece, etc
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals

Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

Hi,

You can do with just 1 bottom.
You can do without towel. Just air dry.
You can do without soap. Use washing machine or just rinse in water.
You can do with 1 pair of socks (just for heat) if you are wearing sandals.

Best,
Andy

trecile · Apr 1, 2020

camino.ninja said:
Hi,

You can do with just 1 bottom.
You can do without towel. Just air dry.
You can do without soap. Use washing machine or just rinse in water.
You can do with 1 pair of socks (just for heat) if you are wearing sandals.

Best,
Andy

Where are you when you are air drying?

camino.ninja · Apr 2, 2020

trecile said:
Where are you when you are air drying?

Put your clothes back on, and you will be dry in a few minutes.

LesR · Apr 2, 2020

"Absolute bare minimum"????

Does this set the bar verrry low for going Commando?

Shalaw · May 21, 2020

I would take some flip flops or crocks to wear in the shower or to walk around town, to let your dogs air out. I would also take sunglasses and a buff (or a muslin sarong that can double as a towel and a scarf). I would also bring a charging cable for my phone. But that's about it!

steve 217 · May 21, 2020

Compeed and a sense of humour

henrythedog · May 23, 2020

Anniesantiago said:
But what do you wear when you wash your clothes ???
Or do you?

Chanel number 5? (Credit: Norma Jean Baker)

David from Montana · May 23, 2020

trecile said:
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes

2 bottoms
2 tops
2 pair socks
2 pair underwear
2 bras (women)
1 warm layer - fleece, etc
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals

Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

I have hiked 1000 miles on two Caminos, and made a short youtube video on how to pack light:
Here it is:

Here is my packing list attached enjoy!

David from Montana · May 23, 2020

trecile said:
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes

2 bottoms
2 tops
2 pair socks
2 pair underwear
2 bras (women)
1 warm layer - fleece, etc
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals

Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

Here is my Camino packing video.....

I split it into two sections, and here is the second one:

Anniesantiago · May 23, 2020

henrythedog said:
Chanel number 5?

Honestly, I"d rather smell sweat.

LesR · May 24, 2020

Anniesantiago said:
But what do you wear when you wash your clothes ???
Or do you?

I think the thread title provides an important clue...

kaixo · May 26, 2020

@trecile I really like your Absolute Bare Minimum packing list to get things started. I would have to add (for me in the outdoors all day), I absolutely must have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

camino.ninja · May 26, 2020

trecile said:
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes

2 bottoms
2 tops
2 pair socks
2 pair underwear
2 bras (women)
1 warm layer - fleece, etc
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals

Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

I would bring a backpack too. Just a small one ...

Barbara · May 26, 2020

Donkey.
Saddlebags
Pack saddle
Portable electric fence and/or rope and stake
Bucket
Lead rope and head collar
Brush
Fly spray
Hoof pick
Lots of money
Credit cards
Passport
Anything else you think you need
Please do not exceed max all up weight of donkey.

Coverbid · Sep 21, 2021

trecile said:
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes

2 bottoms
2 tops
2 pair socks
2 pair underwear
2 bras (women)
1 warm layer - fleece, etc
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals

Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

compeed's

Camino Chrissy · Sep 21, 2021

In Spring I needed two warm layers, so added a puff jacket in addition to my fleece which I needed on many early mornings, then peeled it off later on.
Sunscreen
Hat for face protection
Waist or crossover bag to hold those important essentials.
And....

EDIT...Ooops, I hadn't noticed others had already added in some of these items.
Ooops, I now even see this thread has over 100 replies!
Ummm, how about adding some multi-purpose chewing gum.

WalkingJane · Sep 21, 2021

Roland49 said:
That is, in fact, very minimalistic.
I would add a hat, sunglasses and a buff.

Yes, and I needed gloves. Did find a pair at a wee off-trail shop that was a pleasant encounter with a kind shopkeeper who rarely sees pilgrims.

WalkingJane · Sep 21, 2021

trecile said:
Where are you when you are air drying?

WalkingJane · Sep 21, 2021

brian560 · Sep 22, 2021

Corkscrew and collapsible silicone cup (Quelle horer?)

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Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List

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