@RJM
I am sorry, I did not mean to imply that I am looking for 'expensive' stuff; simply pointed out that whatever the cost for me to get outfitted will be (IMHO, like it or not) comes out from 'family budget' (although obviously that would apply to pretty much everyone!)
I have 2 pairs of Darn Toughs, 4 pairs of Ultimates - all 6 Merino Wool Mid-weight and another 4 of Timberlands (probably can use as the 2nd sock\liner)
I might consider some boxer-type underwear
Should take stock of what I have T-shirts wise - I am quite positive that all are cotton, so will need some more
My fave hiking pants with zip-offs are getting totally and completely beat as I first took them to Machu Picchu in 2011 and have been using them heavily since then; so might have to get another pair or more likely 2
Not sure about 'rain gear' - some people talk about ponchos (which I have couple of rather flimsy & cheap probably not the 'best') but then comments about the wind getting under... so some consideration to a jacket of a sort. I figure - no 'rain' pants - just do with hike pants above
Backpacks - both of mine are 'day packs'. I have an Outdoor Products Mist 13L with 2L Camel if I chose to use it (thinking about that as well... may consider not to deal with Camels regardless of which bag I come to Camino with and do bottles) . Done wonderfully on day-hikes for just couple of hours; sort of 'as intended'.
From all the reviews I saw in it - it is not waterproof (a substantial concern for me..should it be?
) and at 13L - seems a bit small to go on a month-long hike - some folks here may think otherwise.... I simply do not know
My other pack... heck I don't even know WHO makes them, what the brand is and how big/small it is L-wise
I bought it eons ago when I was a Youth Group leader at my then-church and we were all getting into this hiking\camping mind set. I think the price was right and I really didnt think too much of any future pros and cons
it has a main compartment roughly 15x7x7 (inches) and 3 more smaller 'pockets all around it.
there is no back support and there straps are not padded - there are also no compression, hip or chest straps. there are no zippers - only clasps and draw-string.
The 'coolest' feature (that most likely appealed to me when i bought it) is that it converts into a stool; so one can nicely take a seat (or even use it for a little table of a sort)
see below
View attachment 52853
View attachment 52854
thats the one that went to MP with me but I had full Sherpa support and short of 2-3 t-shirts, 2 bottles of eater and a light summer jacket - nothing else was in it (well.. perhaps couple of snacks). So...'day pack'..
thus i am thinking new bag. At least waterproof, better padding, maybe side pockets on hip straps... not sure? - 30L? - BTW I am 5'9" currently hovering about 200 lbs but working towards dropping some of this weight (ultimate goal would be 170, but I will take even 180)
Ospreys?