December 2018

[Elizabeth Chois]

Pretty please, I'd love feedback on my packing list for December. I plan to walk 9 days at the end of the month solo - Ponferrada to Santiago. It will be my first Camino, so I'd love your opinions on my list. Thanks in advance!

long john top, underarmor shirt, t-shirt
2 pairs leggings, ski pants, shorts
underwear (4 pair), 2 sports bras, socks (3 pair)
32 degree fleece, waterproof jacket, poncho
hiking boots, flip flops
gloves, headband, face mask, hat, buff
glasses, sunglasses

sarong, pack towel
sleeping bag
earplugs
handwarmers
headlamp, bike light (back)
charger, adaptor, phone
chapstick, gum
journal, pen
water bottle

shampoo, conditioner
toothbrush, toothpaste
lotion
deodorant
brush
sunscreen
Purell
Advil
bandaids
compeed
Neosporin

utility knife
water tablets
needle and thread
clothesline
safety pins

 

[David]

Sounds pretty thought out but I go for "wear one pack one" and don't see the need to pack any more - so, four pairs of pants? Three pairs of socks? and so on.

Waterproof coat and a poncho? Why both?

Being male I don't care about hair and am happy to wash it in soap or kitchen washing up liquid - but - isn't there a combined shampoo and conditioner? (note: I don't really know about that sort of thing).

What is a hand warmer? What is a face mask?? .... where corkscrew?

 

[Elizabeth Chois]

Sounds pretty thought out but I go for "wear one pack one" and don't see the need to pack any more - so, four pairs of pants? Three pairs of socks? and so on.

Waterproof coat and a poncho? Why both?

Being male I don't care about hair and am happy to wash it in soap or kitchen washing up liquid - but - isn't there a combined shampoo and conditioner? (note: I don't really know about that sort of thing).

What is a hand warmer? What is a face mask?? .... where corkscrew?

Hi!
The 2 of everything was including what I'm wearing. One pair of leggings are for under the pants walking, and the other for evenings. The 3 instead of 2 pairs of socks is because of a post I read about changing socks in the middle of the day on winter walks, but I could certainly forgo the third pair, sure.
The coat is really just a shell, a great layer over the fleece. The poncho covers both me and the backpack with the visor for rain.
I actually hesitated to include conditioner in the first place. I definitely use it normally, but even typing it up wondered if I should just leave it. Consider it gone.
Face mask is something I wear when skiing. It covers the nose and mouth, but has a few holes so the moisture doesn't build up uncomfortably. That goes, for sure. When it's windy at all, it will be great.
Hand warmers... I have terrible circulation. They are little pouches you break and put in your gloves for extra warmth. I've wondered about bringing these, too...since while walking even my bad circulation may not be an issue. I will play with this as it gets colder at home and decide before I go.
The corkscrew, have no fear, is on the utility knife.

 

[Patzerdog]

Anyone have an opinion about whether to take a sleeping bag or quilt for October/mid-November? I figure a bag means a 45-50 l. backpack; no bag, under 40. I'd rather go lighter, but don't want to hit an albergue that's really cold.

 

[Waka]

Anyone have an opinion about whether to take a sleeping bag or quilt for October/mid-November? I figure a bag means a 45-50 l. backpack; no bag, under 40. I'd rather go lighter, but don't want to hit an albergue that's really cold.

I managed with a sleeping bag in a 35lt backpack, plenty of room.

 

[Patzerdog]

I managed with a sleeping bag in a 35lt backpack, plenty of room.

What kind of bag did you use?

 

[Waka]

What kind of bag did you use?

I used a Lowe Alpine 35lt.

 

[Patzerdog]

I used a Lowe Alpine 35lt.

I have an Osprey Manta 38; what kind of sleeping bag, I should have said.

 

[Waka]

I have an Osprey Manta 38; what kind of sleeping bag, I should have said.

I have an Altus, packs down really small in the stuff sack.