Debbye Jean
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 1, 2017
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Ok, I have taken the bare minimum that I think I can live with for 6 weeks and my pack is too heavy. I don't even want to admit to how heavy it is. I really, really don't want to travel across the world and not have everything I need. I have taken out things that I don't think are important but really don't think I have that much stuff. It sure adds up, doesn't it! You will know me when you see me from my monster pack!!!!! I know I'm going to regret it but I just can't seem to get it lighter. My damn cosmetic 3 liter bag weighs 3 pounds itself. If I could just reduce it by 5 lbs, I would be happy....I know I'm going to get a ration, but I probably need it.
Ok, I have taken the bare minimum that I think I can live with for 6 weeks and my pack is too heavy.
Ok, I have taken the bare minimum that I think I can live with for 6 weeks and my pack is too heavy. I don't even want to admit to how heavy it is. I really, really don't want to travel across the world and not have everything I need. I have taken out things that I don't think are important but really don't think I have that much stuff. It sure adds up, doesn't it! You will know me when you see me from my monster pack!!!!! I know I'm going to regret it but I just can't seem to get it lighter. My damn cosmetic 3 liter bag weighs 3 pounds itself. If I could just reduce it by 5 lbs, I would be happy....I know I'm going to get a ration, but I probably need it.
Wayyyyyyy back in the day when I hiked the AT with the class of '93 I didn't have internet, hardly any resources and knew not what I was getting into. I think I took at least 2 prs. of Levis, a very heavy Slumberjack synthetic sleeping bag, a Coleman gas stove, you name it. I left with my Jansport external frame pack with all kinds of optional gear tied on. My pack had to weigh at least 65 lbs. I hiked the approach trail to Springer Mtn. Met a local gal there who was only weekend hiking and agreed to ship a bunch of my gear home, that started my weight reduction process. In no time my pack was down to a handable 20+ lbs and I was a happy camper.Ok, I have taken the bare minimum that I think I can live with for 6 weeks and my pack is too heavy. I don't even want to admit to how heavy it is. I really, really don't want to travel across the world and not have everything I need. I have taken out things that I don't think are important but really don't think I have that much stuff. It sure adds up, doesn't it! You will know me when you see me from my monster pack!!!!! I know I'm going to regret it but I just can't seem to get it lighter. My damn cosmetic 3 liter bag weighs 3 pounds itself. If I could just reduce it by 5 lbs, I would be happy....I know I'm going to get a ration, but I probably need it.
Love it, LOL!!!A cosmetic what?
A bar of soap with a soap container, travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush brushBefore we can help, we will need to know what exactly is in your cosmetic bag that makes it so heavy. 3 lbs. does seem excessive.
My problem with buying along the way is I don't really have extra money to be buying things I already have.I am about to do my third Camino and my pack weight will be 5kg (about 11 lbs). I carry wash kit, spare clothes (extra underclothes of course), water proofs, sleeping bag liner , 6 inch tablet plus charger, very small first aid kit, bivi bag in case of emergency, towel with swimming costume and some evening light weight shoes. It is a ll packed in small light weight bag. I wash clothes regularly as most Albergues or towns have washing machines. Everything else that I needed I simply bought on the way.
I am trying. It is hard for me. I feel ready to cry right now but im hoping to do the right thing.Oh Debbye.
Nothing is worth the misery of trying to trudge along with a bag too heavy. And you will save yourself more money by not taking stuff than wasting the money on it and possibly paying to ship it home.
I started with what I thought were the bare necessities and found myself sitting in Pamplona cutting tags off of underwear and going to two pairs of underwear instead of three.
Swap your bar of soap and container with all purpose camp soap (soap, detergent, shampoo). You don't need shampoo and conditioner. My toiletry bag including some first aid stuff weights 12 oz.
You don't need 'different' outfits. Indeed, I'm sure you don't need much of what is in that bag.
I encourage you to take the advice on here as we want to save you the misery of the consequence. Of course, you will otherwise figure it out on the road. I
So, were you exaggerating when you said it weighs 3 pounds? Or are you taking full sized shampoo and conditioner bottles? Have you tried using a shampoo bar that you can also use on your body and laundry? You can also leave the facial wipes behind.A bar of soap with a soap container, travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush brush
Just an FYI, my cosmetic bag is only filled with toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, small packet of facial wipes, small comb,and a couple other travel sized stuff. Not makeup. Typically I wear very little to no makeup in my home life. I will take what u all have told me and rethink my pack.
No I wasn't exaggerating, and everything is travel size. I will whittle it down.So, were you exaggerating when you said it weighs 3 pounds? Or are you taking full sized shampoo and conditioner bottles? Have you tried using a shampoo bar that you can also use on your body and laundry? You can also leave the facial wipes behind.
I gave some thought to what I actually bought on the way during three Caminos - pair of flip flops, toothpaste, bar of soap, boot laces, sun block, medicine for diabetes(which I forgot),some socks, underpants and a couple of T shirts ( I am ignoring food and drink). I usually throw away my daily walking clothes after a long hike as they aren't in the best of condition. The only quality stuff I take is the bivi bag my water proofs and walking trousers. I have met so many people on the Camino walks with injuries directly attributable to the loads they were carrying. I would seriously give some thought to your bag weight or use one of the many bag transfer services if its heavy. Enjoy your CaminoMy problem with buying along the way is I don't really have extra money to be buying things I already have.
Oh Debbye.
Nothing is worth the misery of trying to trudge along with a bag too heavy. And you will save yourself more money by not taking stuff than wasting the money on it and possibly paying to ship it home.
I started with what I thought were the bare necessities and found myself sitting in Pamplona cutting tags off of underwear and going to two pairs of underwear instead of three.
Swap your bar of soap and container with all purpose camp soap (soap, detergent, shampoo). You don't need shampoo and conditioner. My toiletry bag including some first aid stuff weights 12 oz.
You don't need 'different' outfits. Indeed, I'm sure you don't need much of what is in that bag.
I encourage you to take the advice on here as we want to save you the misery of the consequence. Of course, you will otherwise figure it out on the road which is all part of the fun.
So I do have a windbreaker, a fleece and a Merino wool sweater for cooler weather. Will I not b needing all three to walk starting may 3.Don't get too stressed out over what you are taking. It is definitely not worth crying over. If you take too much, you will probably get rid of some of it - if you take too little, there are stores in Spain. I took a travel size bottle of shampoo, that I used as soap, shampoo and to wash my clothes in. I chose to take the shampoo I use, because I know I'm not allergic to it. When the travel size bottle was used up I was able to buy another travel size bottle of the same shampoo in Spain. It was really inexpensive. Sometimes the albergues sell items, and stores in the smaller towns catered to pilgrims.
Take a long deep breath, Debbye Jean. And maybe a few more.I am trying. It is hard for me. I feel ready to cry right now but im hoping to do the right thing.
It's amazing how tied we are to stuff!Currently on our 4'th camino and still too heavy packs. Wondering how many caminoes You need to learn.
Though, You never know the weather. They say it's raining all the time in April in Portugal. This year not a single drop so far ( 11days).
Hang in there. I have been right where you are thinking if I have it I should take it. You will find you really don't need it.I am trying. It is hard for me. I feel ready to cry right now but im hoping to do the right thing.
I am trying. It is hard for me. I feel ready to cry right now but im hoping to do the right thing.
I am trying. It is hard for me. I feel ready to cry right now but im hoping to do the right thing.
That's really a lovely way to think about it.Take a long deep breath, Debbye Jean. And maybe a few more.
Really, trust us. You'll be fine without all that stuff!
Ditch the makeup and see how you go--the freedom of not needing to add anything to your face in the morning besides a smile is delicious. Besides, no-one on the Camino cares how your face looks--on the road, what shines out from your heart matters a whole lot more.
Yup. Lesson number 1.It's amazing how tied we are to stuff!
ummm, no....So I do have a windbreaker, a fleece and a Merino wool sweater for cooler weather. Will I not b needing all three to walk starting may 3.
Debbye has already said that she is not carrying makeup. I think the confusion stems from her calling what is actually a toiletry bag a "cosmetic" bag, which is how many women refer to it.Take a long deep breath, Debbye Jean. And maybe a few more.
Really, trust us. You'll be fine without all that stuff!
Ditch the makeup and see how you go--the freedom of not needing to add anything to your face in the morning besides a smile is delicious. Besides, no-one on the Camino cares how your face looks--on the road, what shines out from your heart matters a whole lot more.
It's amazing how tied we are to stuff!
So I do have a windbreaker, a fleece and a Merino wool sweater for cooler weather. Will I not b needing all three to walk starting may 3.
You said you had all sorts of travel size things: dump them. If you couldn't say what they were, you don't need them.No I wasn't exaggerating, and everything is travel size. I will whittle it down.
What exxactly is in your cosmetic/toiletry bag? Mine only weighs about 300gr with half a bar of soap in it. No make up even though I wear makeup everyday at home. I'm getting a tan before I leave and after that no make up is needed. Please post your list so the experts can help you.My problem with buying along the way is I don't really have extra money to be buying things I already have.
Haha that's funny. Even I wouldn't think of taking a hairdryer.Simple rule: If you KNOW you will use it, pack it. If you THINK you will use it/come in handy, ditch it.
Ditch toiletry bag: Soap, tooth paste, brush, comb is enough. No conditioner etc.
If you find that you ditched something you need after all, buy it in Spain. They have shops there.
You can find ditched hair dryers all along the Camino, f.ex.
Ditch toiletry bag: Soap, tooth paste, brush, comb is enough. No conditioner etc.
Women....
Sounds like a wise guy. Give my regards to a brother in arms.... now you sound like my husband
Sounds like a wise guy. Give my regards to a brother in arms.
Seen them in concert..Love that song...
Ok, I have taken the bare minimum that I think I can live with for 6 weeks and my pack is too heavy. I don't even want to admit to how heavy it is. I really, really don't want to travel across the world and not have everything I need. I have taken out things that I don't think are important but really don't think I have that much stuff. It sure adds up, doesn't it! You will know me when you see me from my monster pack!!!!! I know I'm going to regret it but I just can't seem to get it lighter. My damn cosmetic 3 liter bag weighs 3 pounds itself. If I could just reduce it by 5 lbs, I would be happy....I know I'm going to get a ration, but I probably need it.
The best socks I have ever bought was in Castrojeriz. Brand name is Lorpen. It is a tiny shop near the plaza in town. Run by a very old man I hope will live much longer. I do not find similar quality in Norway. Advice: Take essentials and stock up what you really need en route. Cheaper than throwing away unneccesary, second-grade stuff brought from home....And you can buy more socks if needed, in the probably 3-5 outdoor/hiking stores scattered along the way.
My husband agreesSounds like a wise guy. Give my regards to a brother in arms.
That can't weigh 3 lbs? Can it? Maybe it's the facial wipes. I opted out of bringing any of those because they feel so heavy. I agree with what someone else said that a ziplock bag (what I'm using) will reduce quite a few grams.A bar of soap with a soap container, travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush brush
Just an FYI, my cosmetic bag is only filled with toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, small packet of facial wipes, small comb,and a couple other travel sized stuff. Not makeup. Typically I wear very little to no makeup in my home life. I will take what u all have told me and rethink my pack.
Well, being an old man, I can relate to the use of conditioner, makeup, cosmetics and lots of other female stuff in the morning. I have seen some scary female examples in my lifetime by not using them...He just doesn't understand the importance of conditioner for some ladies with special hair needs
I have a photo I took from a top bunk of a bald French guy sitting on the lower bunk, using a hairdryer to dry each page of his guidebook. It had not rained. Somebody else suggested that maybe he thought bedbugs were hiding in his book. Mind you, a bald guy packed a hairdryer.Haha that's funny. Even I wouldn't think of taking a hairdryer.
Forget the shampoo and conditioner, just use a bar of soap. That way you're not carting around all that water. Also, get a small tube of toothpaste. You can always buy more. These things should save you a lot of weight.A bar of soap with a soap container, travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush brush
Just an FYI, my cosmetic bag is only filled with toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, small packet of facial wipes, small comb,and a couple other travel sized stuff. Not makeup. Typically I wear very little to no makeup in my home life. I will take what u all have told me and rethink my pack.
Forget about the six weeks. You basically just need to carry the same things that you need for a weekend. Things that you use up, such as toothpaste and soap can be replaced.
Wayyyyyyy back in the day when I hiked the AT with the class of '93 I didn't have internet, hardly any resources and knew not what I was getting into. I think I took at least 2 prs. of Levis, a very heavy Slumberjack synthetic sleeping bag, a Coleman gas stove, you name it. I left with my Jansport external frame pack with all kinds of optional gear tied on. My pack had to weigh at least 65 lbs.
I went through my pack today and lightened it.Well, being an old man, I can relate to the use of conditioner, makeup, cosmetics and lots of other female stuff in the morning. I have seen some scary female examples in my lifetime by not using them...
But back on track: What is the OP really bringing on that is weighing so much? And is it really needed? What is the real need?
Well, being an old man, I can relate to the use of conditioner, makeup, cosmetics and lots of other female stuff in the morning. I have seen some scary female examples in my lifetime by not using them...
But back on track: What is the OP really bringing on that is weighing so much? And is it really needed? What is the real need?
Hello Everyone and Thanks for the Great Advice,
I couldn't wait to get home from work today and whittle down my pack. It was actually 24-25 pounds to start with. Today, I went through it for the first time and removed about 7-8 pounds of stuff, including taking stuff out of the toiletry bag. When I went hiking today, it weighed 17 pounds, which is about 10% of my body weight. I am 5'8" and the pack felt like nothing on my back. I will continue to revise it until the day I leave, April 27th. I am going to Paris first for a couple of days then starting my walk on May 3rd. I thank you all for your thoughtful replies and hope everyone who responded doesn't mind that I didn't answer everyone directly. There were so many responses it would have taken me all day. At any rate, I am grateful for the advice.
Forget about the six weeks. You basically just need to carry the same things that you need for a weekend. Things that you use up, such as toothpaste and soap can be replaced.
Packing your bag is all part of the Camino, like a lot of replies you've had, it shows you just what is essential in your life! and believe me it isn't a lot! Treat it as a look at yourself and an excercise in self cleansing, a stripping off all that's not required in your life! Be harsh and get yourself back to basics buen caminoI am trying. It is hard for me. I feel ready to cry right now but im hoping to do the right thing.
Hello Everyone and Thanks for the Great Advice,
I couldn't wait to get home from work today and whittle down my pack. It was actually 24-25 pounds to start with. Today, I went through it for the first time and removed about 7-8 pounds of stuff, including taking stuff out of the toiletry bag. When I went hiking today, it weighed 17 pounds, which is about 10% of my body weight. I am 5'8" and the pack felt like nothing on my back. I will continue to revise it until the day I leave, April 27th. I am going to Paris first for a couple of days then starting my walk on May 3rd. I thank you all for your thoughtful replies and hope everyone who responded doesn't mind that I didn't answer everyone directly. There were so many responses it would have taken me all day. At any rate, I am grateful for the advice.
I also have struggled to get my pack down to a sustainable weight and it is a tough personal compromise. I like to look nice so I have a couple of compromises packed - I found a lovely little sport dress (4oz) and some croc mary janes (6oz, which are my shower and evening shoes) as well as a pashima scarf. All of my clothing except my socks and panties I have found in charity shops this last few months - cheap, appropriate and without history; easy come easy go. I am packing high quality sunscreen and my good moisturizer but shipping Ivar my lipstick, as well as a complete outfit. Do not give up - you can do this.Ok, I have taken the bare minimum that I think I can live with for 6 weeks and my pack is too heavy. I don't even want to admit to how heavy it is. I really, really don't want to travel across the world and not have everything I need. I have taken out things that I don't think are important but really don't think I have that much stuff. It sure adds up, doesn't it! You will know me when you see me from my monster pack!!!!! I know I'm going to regret it but I just can't seem to get it lighter. My damn cosmetic 3 liter bag weighs 3 pounds itself. If I could just reduce it by 5 lbs, I would be happy....I know I'm going to get a ration, but I probably need it.
That's great. Your body will thank you.Hello Everyone and Thanks for the Great Advice,
I couldn't wait to get home from work today and whittle down my pack. It was actually 24-25 pounds to start with. Today, I went through it for the first time and removed about 7-8 pounds of stuff, including taking stuff out of the toiletry bag. When I went hiking today, it weighed 17 pounds, which is about 10% of my body weight. I am 5'8" and the pack felt like nothing on my back. I will continue to revise it until the day I leave, April 27th. I am going to Paris first for a couple of days then starting my walk on May 3rd. I thank you all for your thoughtful replies and hope everyone who responded doesn't mind that I didn't answer everyone directly. There were so many responses it would have taken me all day. At any rate, I am grateful for the advice.
A bar of soap with a soap container, travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush brush
Just an FYI, my cosmetic bag is only filled with toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, small packet of facial wipes, small comb,and a couple other travel sized stuff. Not makeup. Typically I wear very little to no makeup in my home life. I will take what u all have told me and rethink my pack.
that's your first lesson learned, we dont have to be tied to stuff! It's only big business that tells us we need things! buen caminoIt's amazing how tied we are to stuff!
shipping Ivar my lipstick
I think that you mean a Caja Verde.
View attachment 33064
Maybe it's the facial wipes. I opted out of bringing any of those because they feel so heavy.
Sounds like a wise guy. Give my regards to a brother in arms.
No I wasn't exaggerating, and everything is travel size. I will whittle it down.
I am trying. It is hard for me. I feel ready to cry right now but im hoping to do the right thing.
Hi. If you join CAMIGAS ~ A Buddy System for Women on the Camino on facebook - the women there have posted great advice and examples of what they are taking according to which Camino, and for how long their travels will be. It may be helpful to you! Buen Camino.Ok, I have taken the bare minimum that I think I can live with for 6 weeks and my pack is too heavy. I don't even want to admit to how heavy it is. I really, really don't want to travel across the world and not have everything I need. I have taken out things that I don't think are important but really don't think I have that much stuff. It sure adds up, doesn't it! You will know me when you see me from my monster pack!!!!! I know I'm going to regret it but I just can't seem to get it lighter. My damn cosmetic 3 liter bag weighs 3 pounds itself. If I could just reduce it by 5 lbs, I would be happy....I know I'm going to get a ration, but I probably need it.
I think you are right. I am struggling with a lot of loss, like I think many people are. On my training walks I have touched the surface of these multiple losses and started to cry. Then I choke it back down and contain myself and walk on. It's quite interesting to me and I just wonder where im going to be on the trail when I finally come face to face with it all.Debbye Jean,
Sounds like your Camino has already begun.
-- Glenn
That's easy to say when you are a man and you have not much hair! We girlies with long hair would end up with a frizzed and dried mat of hair on our heads if we did that. Me? I am taking shampoo and conditioner, small tubes thoForget the shampoo and conditioner, just use a bar of soap. That way you're not carting around all that water. Also, get a small tube of toothpaste. You can always buy more. These things should save you a lot of weight.
No that's not true. I replied to the the posts telling everyone I already lessened my load by 7 pounds. I will continue to whittle it down. I very much am listening to everyone's adviceSeen them in concert..
Let's get back on track: I think the OP will carry her needed luggage no matter what we say. This is normal for first-time pilgrims, it's understandable, and it's good learning on the way. Just make sure you don't bring too expensive items to throw away.
All this said tongue in cheek, but with a level of experience added.
I take anti-perspirant deodorant. It doubles as anti-chaffing cream - exactly the same active ingredient (aluminium chlorohydrate).
Small tubes are good. You can always buy more along the way.That's easy to say when you are a man and you have not much hair! We girlies with long hair would end up with a frizzed and dried mat of hair on our heads if we did that. Me? I am taking shampoo and conditioner, small tubes tho
... and I just wonder where im going to be on the trail when I finally come face to face with it all.
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