My pack list

[RDLtrekker]

Finally pulled the pin and purchased my plane ticket this week - IT'S OFFICIAL (wanted to purchase ticket sooner than later so I could use my points instead of cash )!!! So this Canuck (I'm from Ontario, Canada) will be travelling from October 2 to November 2 to walk the Camino Frances from SJPdP to Santiago to Finisterre (managed to finagle 4 weeks off work in a row... Thanks to my great co-workers who have agreed to take on a few of my work tasks while I'm gone - those guys are the best!!).

Now, I don't have enough time to actually walk the entire way (I need 4 days just to get to start and back home) but really wanted to cross the Pyrenees. So, I've decided to start in SJPdP, walk to Roncesvalles, then bus/train (I have to find out which - this is upcoming task) to Burgos and continue walking from there. I know I will be skipping some lovely areas but my main reason is that I did not want to walk too long before skipping as it would be difficult to leave my "Camino Family". I figured I will meet some great people during the one day walk to Roncesvalles but it will be easier to leave them behind after only one day than after several days

I'm soooooo excited - my packing list is done (currently at 6.5 kg but looking for some lighter options to bring down to 6kg - not bad considering I need to pack some cold weather stuff), I'm taking Spanish lessons (I really like Rosetta's Stone) and training/losing weight (by the time I'm done, I will have lost more than my pack weight ).

Buen Camino!!!

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

6.5 kg is great!! Does that include your water weight as well?

 

[RDLtrekker]

6.5 kg is great!! Does that include your water weight as well?

No, it doesn't include water weight or snacks/food. I also have my items that I would consider luxuries but I feel they will enhance my journey. Things like an inflatable ergonomic pillow - yes, I know the albergues provides them but I'm a side sleeper and I find that most pillows out there are too thin to support my neck. This means I would most likely have a soar neck for a month... Necessity? no. Enhanced enjoyment? yes!!!! I will be soar enough in other places

Here's my list if you are interested. You will notice some items have estimated weights and some say "consider" - There are a lot of "consider" items, which I will probably not bring in the end... The list does not include cloths I will be wearing: merino wool t-shirt, undies, socks, liner socks, pants, Tilley Hat, Keen lightweight boots. I will also be slicing and dicing any tags or extra cording, etc. off my cloths/items. So far, I have removed tags from my Specter cubes and removed any straps I know I won't need on my pack (I won't be carrying ice pick/axes, so I don't need those loops/straps). Without any amount of effort yet, I have removed 12 grams in tags/cording!!! That equals the weight of my ear plugs!!! food for thought, 'cause every gram counts!!

Description

Grams
bandaids mixed sizes/alcohol swabs 5
OC in packaging 11
Anti-histamine with decongestant 7
KT tape (x4 in mini ziplock) 32
advil/immodium/night advil 30
Voltarin cream 35
sun screen 35
MEC Nok foot cream x2 150
soap (shampoo/laundry) (estimated based on soap used now) 75
tube stopper ("0" if I purchase Scrubba laundry tub) 0
tissues/TP 20
toothbrush/paste 22
REI Sea to Summit Pocket Towel S 32 x 16 in 50
baby safety pins (estimated) 8
Norwex facecloth 15
Deo cream (estimated) 50
nail clipper 21
Chapstick 8
consider taking Tiger Balm 62
Sunglass clip-ons 10
Women's Barely Everyday Bra 40
REI EcoMade CoolMax Liner Socks 69
MEC Merino wool t-shirt 119
Paradox merino wool long sleeve with thumbs 149
MEC orange Permaloft warm "puff" jacket 244
merino wool socks x2 (consider only taking x1) 124
MEC Women's Barely Bikini 24
Sarong (estimated) 100
LL Bean Black pants 314
MEC T2 Long Johns (Women's) 115
Extra prescription glasses 27
Crocks 198
Bandana red cotton 21
Gloves (mini stretch) 30
GoLite Beanie hat 40
Ferrino Poncho 470
consider EI Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters 140
Moleskine black journal 117
SD cards x2 4
passport, cards, cash, insurance card 49
Pen 6
maps/ pages from guidebooks (estimated) 10
photos of family on iPhone 0
Pilgrim credential (estimated) 30
Lumix Panasonic with extra battery/charger 275
iPhone with charger and cord 250
MEC Petzl e+LITE Headlamp 26
plug adaptor (consider getting EU Bat charger/USB plug) 11
sewing kit/duck tape/zipties 26
mini carabeaner 4
ear plugs 12
spork 9
my Swiss Army knife 61
1 large ziplock bag 13
REI Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket 522
Sea-to-Summit (if only use half sown to blanket) 100
REI Exped Air Pillow UL 57
shopping/evening bag 43
water bottle 50
MEC Black Diamond Ultra Distance Carbon Z Poles 300
GoLiteJam 35L Pack (Unisex) 770
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set 64
Whisle on pack 0
PacSafe waist bag 325
GPS for Geocaching (download app and caches) 0
consider calf compression sleeves (estimated) 70
consider MEC DeFeet ArmSkins Wool Cycling Arm Warmers 70
MEC Scrubba laundry tub 160
consider Wind breaker jacket 164
cloths pins (estimated) 45
Eye drops 21
Hydro-cortisone cream 20
consider piece of tyvek or bubble env to sit on (estimated) 25

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

No, it doesn't include water weight or snacks/food. I also have my items that I would consider luxuries but I feel they will enhance my journey. Things like an inflatable ergonomic pillow - yes, I know the albergues provides them but I'm a side sleeper and I find that most pillows out there are too thin to support my neck. This means I would most likely have a soar neck for a month... Necessity? no. Enhanced enjoyment? yes!!!! I will be soar enough in other places

Here's my list if you are interested. You will notice some items have estimated weights and some say "consider" - There are a lot of "consider" items, which I will probably not bring in the end... The list does not include cloths I will be wearing: merino wool t-shirt, undies, socks, liner socks, pants, Tilley Hat, Keen lightweight boots. I will also be slicing and dicing any tags or extra cording, etc. off my cloths/items. So far, I have removed tags from my Specter cubes and removed any straps I know I won't need on my pack (I won't be carrying ice pick/axes, so I don't need those loops/straps). Without any amount of effort yet, I have removed 12 grams in tags/cording!!! That equals the weight of my ear plugs!!! food for thought, 'cause every gram counts!!

Description

Grams
bandaids mixed sizes/alcohol swabs 5
OC in packaging 11
Anti-histamine with decongestant 7
KT tape (x4 in mini ziplock) 32
advil/immodium/night advil 30
Voltarin cream 35
sun screen 35
MEC Nok foot cream x2 150
soap (shampoo/laundry) (estimated based on soap used now) 75
tube stopper ("0" if I purchase Scrubba laundry tub) 0
tissues/TP 20
toothbrush/paste 22
REI Sea to Summit Pocket Towel S 32 x 16 in 50
baby safety pins (estimated) 8
Norwex facecloth 15
Deo cream (estimated) 50
nail clipper 21
Chapstick 8
consider taking Tiger Balm 62
Sunglass clip-ons 10
Women's Barely Everyday Bra 40
REI EcoMade CoolMax Liner Socks 69
MEC Merino wool t-shirt 119
Paradox merino wool long sleeve with thumbs 149
MEC orange Permaloft warm "puff" jacket 244
merino wool socks x2 (consider only taking x1) 124
MEC Women's Barely Bikini 24
Sarong (estimated) 100
LL Bean Black pants 314
MEC T2 Long Johns (Women's) 115
Extra prescription glasses 27
Crocks 198
Bandana red cotton 21
Gloves (mini stretch) 30
GoLite Beanie hat 40
Ferrino Poncho 470
consider EI Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters 140
Moleskine black journal 117
SD cards x2 4
passport, cards, cash, insurance card 49
Pen 6
maps/ pages from guidebooks (estimated) 10
photos of family on iPhone 0
Pilgrim credential (estimated) 30
Lumix Panasonic with extra battery/charger 275
iPhone with charger and cord 250
MEC Petzl e+LITE Headlamp 26
plug adaptor (consider getting EU Bat charger/USB plug) 11
sewing kit/duck tape/zipties 26
mini carabeaner 4
ear plugs 12
spork 9
my Swiss Army knife 61
1 large ziplock bag 13
REI Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket 522
Sea-to-Summit (if only use half sown to blanket) 100
REI Exped Air Pillow UL 57
shopping/evening bag 43
water bottle 50
MEC Black Diamond Ultra Distance Carbon Z Poles 300
GoLiteJam 35L Pack (Unisex) 770
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set 64
Whisle on pack 0
PacSafe waist bag 325
GPS for Geocaching (download app and caches) 0
consider calf compression sleeves (estimated) 70
consider MEC DeFeet ArmSkins Wool Cycling Arm Warmers 70
MEC Scrubba laundry tub 160
consider Wind breaker jacket 164
cloths pins (estimated) 45
Eye drops 21
Hydro-cortisone cream 20
consider piece of tyvek or bubble env to sit on (estimated) 25

Quite an extensive list!! Seems to be well thought out as well..... I think you are spot on with what you are taking with maybe a few things that you can combine such as the nail clipper VS they are already on your Swiss knife? Your GPS is listed a 0 weight. I would like to take mine as well for Geocaching but my Garmin is heavy (not sure the weight) and will not make that decision until I get a final weight load for my pack. Thanks for sharing and YES, I am interested!! Ed

 

[SYates]

There quite a few things that I would leave at home, here my thoughts:

tube stopper ("0" if I purchase Scrubba laundry tub) 0 - tube stopper is ok, but don't buy a laundry tub, no shortage of washing / laundry basins in the albergues.

MEC Women's Barely Bikini 24 - not sure why you want to take a bikini?

MEC Petzl e+LITE Headlamp 26 - I never take one and have never missed it

REI Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket 522 - Why??? At that time of the year there is no shortage of beds and its anyway too called to sleep outside

Sea-to-Summit (if only use half sown to blanket) 100 -???

REI Exped Air Pillow UL 57 - Instead fill the packing bag of your sleeping bag with some clothes and use as a pillow

PacSafe waist bag 325 - Seems very heavy for a waist bag!

I don't see a sleeping bag in your list that is something I would consider essential at that time of the year. Buen Camino! SY

 

[AshaDasi]

Yes, your list is very practical, but some items are not necessary. I agree with SYates above, plus I'd also leave the tyvek behind. By the time you've added the sleeping bag, you might want to reconsider some of the other items too e.g. shopping bag. Buen camino!

 

[Magwood]

@RDLtrekker I took a pair of sleeves cut from a fleece on my camino in 2013, which I tucked inside my t-shirt sleeves to keep them in place. I didn't know at the time there were such things as 'arm warmers'. My arms (and ears) seem to act as thermostats and my comfort levels can change dramatically just by covering or uncovering my arms.

I see that you are 'considering MEC DeFeet ArmSkins Wool Cycling Arm Warmers'. I think I will order a pair of these for my next camino on the Portuguese route in April this year and retire my faithful fleece sleeves in favour of something 'purpose made'.

Buen camino

 

[Deleted member 3000]

To keep your pack weight down, carefully consider each item. Do you have to have it, or is it simply handy. Donation boxes are full of the nice to have things!!

 

[IngridF]

no need for cloth pins, you already have the baby diaper pins
Voltaren is cheaper in Spain
I see you have fair skin (?), and might need that sunscreen, however, in October the days are getting shorter, and the sun will not be a problem.

Personally, and truly that is my very personal opinion, I would skip the Meseta instead.

RDL, I live by Toronto and you have lots of time between now and October. PM me and if we are anywhere close, I would be happy to meet and chat. 2ladies@rogers.com is my email.

Also, did you know that the Spring meeting for the Canadian Company of Pilgrims in Toronto, is on Saturday March 1, 2014 (9:00) St. Matthews United Church 729 St Clair Ave West, 2 Sessions, the morning session is for Newbies and registration is necessary. If you need more information, let me know.

You are going to have a wonderful time. Buen Camino Ingrid

 

[RDLtrekker]

Thanks all for your replies! I really appreciate the opinion of those who have walked the Camino as you have great advice and insight. I will reply to some of your comments to see if my reasoning is... well... reasonable. It might also help clarify some of the items I'm considering too

@SYates: I really appreciate your review. I can clarify some things...

tube stopper ("0" if I purchase Scrubba laundry tub) 0 - the Scrubba is a waterproof bag with a flexible washboard inside. I'm not concerned with the shortage of sinks to do my laundry. This product's reviews are awesome and claim you can clean your cloths as well as in a washing machine in as little a 1 minute of scrubbing (you can do one whole change of cloths in one bag too). This is certainly a luxury item but since I will be doing laundry every day... It's really still on the "consider" list

MEC Women's Barely Bikini 24 - LOL! This is what the underwear is called... it's not a bikini but rather bikini style undies made of merino wool

MEC Petzl e+LITE Headlamp 26 - When did you do your Camino? Just because I will be doing in October with much shorter days, I thought I would bring one... I'd rather have it than wished I did for safety reasons. It also has a red light feature, so if I need to find my way to the bathroom I can use without waking the rest of the room... should there be other pilgrims around It is the smallest, lightest light I could find (it's lighter than a mini LED flashlight) and certainly is not what I bring when I go snowshoeing in the dark evenings here. At 26 grams, do you think I should bring for an October Camino?

REI Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket 522 - This is instead of a sleeping bag. Again, because of the time of year, some albergues will not have heat and I would rather have my own blanket that I know is clean. If I need to wash in hot water because of bed bugs (I hope not...), this blanket can take the heat/washing better than a down filled sleeping bag

Sea-to-Summit (if only use half sown to blanket) 100 because I'm taking a blanket and not a sleeping bag, I want to also bring a silk liner. However, to save weight, I'm thinking of "creating" a hostel type sleeping bag where the one layer is the blanket and the other layer is the silk (therefore only need half the silk liner). If it's cold, blanket side up - it it's hot, silk side up... MEC does have a ready made hostel sleeping bag with warm one side and cotton on the other, but is weighs over 950 grams.

REI Exped Air Pillow UL 57 - I'm a side sleeper and when I don't sleep with an ergonomic pillow, my neck often gets really soar for several days. This Exped pillow is a blow-up version of an ergonomic pillow that I have tested out with no soar neck. In my book, this is worth the weight for a better night sleep and to ensure a soar free neck the next day.

PacSafe waist bag 325 - I agree with you on this one and I'm still debating. The great feature about this bag is it can be locked to some thing (like the bed) to keep my valuables safe (the bag part is lined with mesh wire and the waist belt has a wire running through it too - you wrap the waist belt around something then lock the zippers and both ends of the waist belt together). I like to fall asleep to music, specially when my husband is snoring and I thought I would do the same on the Camino - So I can press play, then "lock" my iPhone to the bed making sure it's still there the next day. Any thoughts?
@Cheynee: I agree, still considering both Tyvek and shopping bag, and will most like leave behind. I just hate shopping and using plastic bags... but weight is weight, your right! Also see above regarding blanket vs. sleeping bag...

@Magwood: I'm with you... My arms are great temp regulators too! Love your ingenuity re: fleece sleeves - certainly a great option for those on a restricted budgets. I use my arm warmers all the time when I'm running. Cold when I start but soon too hot for sleeves - I just pop them off and store in my fuel belt. I have a feeling it will be the same on the Camino

@falcon269: good advice... My final step in packing will be to layout all my items and then pick them up one at a time and ask that question. I have to keep repeating to myself "less is more and the Camino will provide"

@IngridF: good point on the cloths pins, thanks! will remove from list and thanks for the tip on the Voltaren (I love that stuff) - I'll only bring 2-3 applications worth and purchase more as needed. I put a moisturizing sunscreen on my face/neck every day because of my fair skin, so that is what I will bring, the daily moisturizer kind (small bottle and refill when needed). I hear you re: Meseta... but I'm attracted to the potential of the meditative state it could create/bring - the same reason why I enjoy running - it gets you in that "zone". Thanks for the update on the CCoP Toronto meeting - We are also planning one in Ottawa for March. How do I know? I'm one of the board members of the CCoP If I manage to be in Toronto for work between now and my Camino, I'll drop you an email to see if we can hook-up for coffee and a chat!

I really appreciate your comments and would welcome any further input that you may have on the above.

Buen Camino!!

 

[t2andreo]

You can get a bus from Roncesvalles to Pamplona. From there, you can get a bus to either Burgos or Leon. The local bus from Roncesvalles to Pamplona may be run by another company. Check at any of the hostals or the BIG albergue. They will certainly know the schedule. I think, if I recall correctly, there may be a single bus at 09:20 each morning from Roncesvalles to Pamplona.

However, once you are at Pamplona, ALSA will likely be the coach of choice across most of northern Spain. Consult the ALSA bus schedules at:

https://www.alsa.es/en This is the English version of the web site.​

That said, if your goal is to save time, it might be better to cut 3-5 days off walking the Meseta - the bit between Burgos and Leon. The Meseta is flat, windy and largely featureless. It is very beautiful in its own way. But you need to be comfortable with walking across a largely table-flat, brown landscape - at that time of year, the harvests will likely be in and the stubble will be left.

However, DO research the Meseta and what people say and write about it here, and elsewhere before you make that decision.

You will find this a positive, life-altering experience. Enjoy the journey...

I hope this helps.

 

[RDLtrekker]

@HalfDomeOrBust: Thanks for your reply. I would agree with you on combining stuff as much as possible - good point! I plan on purchasing knife after my flight as I do not want to check my bag. The trekking poles may be a question mark for carry on, so I will be going to the airport with them days before my flight to see if they have to be checked (some airlines allow, some don't). If they don't allow in carry on, I will check my poles in a plastic poster tube and carry on my bag. A knife is too easy to find anywhere to worry about it and it if I can find one with a nail clipper (would also like it to have scissors and wine bottle opener), then I will ditch the one I brought. I will be using the Geocaching App on my iPhone, so I won't be bringing my Garmin Map62 (part of my really wants to), and just stick to easy difficulty caches with good hints

 

[RDLtrekker]

You can get a bus from Roncesvalles to Pamplona. From there, you can get a bus to either Burgos or Leon. The local bus from Roncesvalles to Pamplona may be run by another company. Check at any of the hostals or the BIG albergue. They will certainly know the schedule. I think, if I recall correctly, there may be a single bus at 09:20 each morning from Roncesvalles to Pamplona.

However, once you are at Pamplona, ALSA will likely be the coach of choice across most of northern Spain. Consult the ALSA bus schedules at:

https://www.alsa.es/en This is the English version of the web site.​

That said, if your goal is to save time, it might be better to cut 3-5 days of walking the Meseta - the bit between Burgos and Leon. The Meseta is flat, windy and largely featureless. It is very beautiful in its own way. But you need to be comfortable with walking across a largely table-flat, brown landscape - at that time of year, the harvests will likely be in and the stubble will be left.

However, DO research the Meseta and what people say and write about it here, and elsewhere before you make that decision.

You will find this a positive, life-altering experience. Enjoy the journey...

I hope this helps.

Awesome info... thanks!!!

 

[cher99840]

One thing I did not take that I wish I had was a headlamp. I had a flashlight app on my iPhone that I thought would be enough as I didn't intend to leave before daylight. That worked well in mid September when I could leave at 7:15 and even later in the month at 7:30. By mid October I was faced with aligning my departure with someone with a head lamp, leaving in the dark risking missed arrows &/or falling, or waiting until 8:30 to start.

Burn camino
Cherie

 

[Espero]

Nice list. You might consider leaving the extra prescription glasses and just take your prescription. You can store a picture of the prescription on your iPhone. If you're really worried about loosing or breaking your glasses you could also carry contacts as a back up. What are you using for a water bottle? My 1 liter plastic (empty 1 liter soda bottle) with a home made cap keeper, weighs 27 grams. Buen Camino.

 

[Anniesantiago]

These are the things I would leave at home:

Grams
bandaids mixed sizes/alcohol swabs 5 - albergues have first aid kits
OC in packaging 11 - What is this?
Anti-histamine with decongestant 7 - Do you have allergies?
KT tape (x4 in mini ziplock) 32 - Why?
Voltarin cream 35 - if you need it buy it there
MEC Nok foot cream x2 150 - for walking? If not, leave it home.
tube stopper ("0" if I purchase Scrubba laundry tub) 0 - you don't need this
Deo cream (estimated) 50 - what is this?
nail clipper 21 - unnecessary
Chapstick 8 - do your lips get chapped easily? Could you use petroleum jelly for both?
consider taking Tiger Balm 62 - they have tiny tins there in the Chinese shops for 1 euro
consider EI Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters 140 - you won't use them
SD cards x2 4 (what are these?)
iPhone with charger and cord 250 - every other pilgrim will have a phone
MEC Petzl e+LITE Headlamp 26 - why? Will you walk in the dark? Why?
sewing kit/duck tape/zipties 26 - unnecessary
mini carabeaner 4 - ?? Why?
spork 9 - get a plastic fork along the way
my Swiss Army knife 61 - too heavy and unnecessary
REI Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket 522 - not sure what this is
Sea-to-Summit (if only use half sown to blanket) 100 - not sure what this is
REI Exped Air Pillow UL 57 - every albergue has pillows
shopping/evening bag 43 - unnecessary
Whisle on pack 0 - why?
GPS for Geocaching (download app and caches) 0 - why?
consider calf compression sleeves (estimated) 70 - why?
consider MEC DeFeet ArmSkins Wool Cycling Arm Warmers 70 - why?
MEC Scrubba laundry tub 160 - why? Every albergue has a place to wash clothes

Eye drops 21 - why? buy them there if you need them
Hydro-cortisone cream 20 - why?
consider piece of tyvek or bubble env to sit on (estimated) 25

- why?

All of these things are either unnecessary (in my opinion) or are things you can easily buy there if you need them. I'm not sure what the therma rest blanket and/or sea to summit thing is. Are those both sleeping bags? If yes, leave one home.

 

[Tia Valeria]

I saw that the thermarest is a blanket, if you want to keep the weight down then making a 'half blanket/half silk sheet could be a good idea. However it it turns really cold you could double the blanket over yourself while using the liner, so cutting either might not be so good.
In practise on the Camino we 'under-armed and collared' our shirts some days, giving them a good wash others when sure they would dry. Wash and wear principle, so the wash system is probably a few grams you could lose. A rubber universal plug/stopper or a piece of rubber to make a sink stopper might be useful instead; weight minimal.
I carry my spare glasses, an old pair, as I cannot see well enough to manage if I do break them. (Unless one is used to contacts then IMO that isn't an option NicoZ and personally I went back to glasses years ago). Same with nasal spray - I take mine, even though I have found I don't really need it in Spain. A copy of the prescription, or the paper out of the box would be useful in case you do need more. Our very basic first aid kit includes a few sachets of rehydration salts.
The list looks good, just leave out anything you feel is a 'might need' if you want to get the weight down, but my pack is about 6.5kg including water and I can manage that happily.
One full set of clothes in the pack, one full set worn, plus wide brim hat and waterproofs. Extra set of underwear and liner socks, longjohns x2 (70gms each) and long sleeved vests (2x70gms) to double as pyjamas or cold evening wear etc, so very similar to your list. Mini torch for bathroom at night not a headlight for me, lives in my glasses case with my ear plugs and face mask during the day
Hope this helps your packing decisions. I am still making mine for this year before I post a list.
Buen Camino

 

[Susannafromsweden]

Ok, my turn.
This is what I would leave at home/try to find lighter alternative to, if it was my pack list.

MEC Nok foot cream x2 150
tube stopper ("0" if I purchase Scrubba laundry tub) 0
Norwex facecloth 15
nail clipper 21
Sunglass clip-ons 10
Sarong (estimated) 100
Extra prescription glasses 27
Crocks 198
Bandana red cotton 21
Ferrino Poncho 470
consider EI Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters 140
Moleskine black journal 117
Lumix Panasonic with extra battery/charger 275
mini carabeaner 4
spork 9
1 large ziplock bag 13
shopping/evening bag 43
water bottle 50
consider calf compression sleeves (estimated) 70
MEC Scrubba laundry tub 160
consider piece of tyvek or bubble env to sit on (estimated) 25

 

[Tia Valeria]

This is my 2014 list, so far, packed and weighed as for a hot day.

Rucksack 1.067kgs
Poncho 340gms
Waterproof trousers 320gms
Shirts 170g x2; 340gms
Blouse (1) 125gms
l/s vests (2) 140gms
Walking trousers 400gms
Bra 0.025gms
Pants (Briefs) 35g x2; 25g x2 120gms
Liner socks x4 100gms
Walking socks 70g x1; 45g x2 160gms
Longjohns/pyjamas 70gx2 140gms
Dress/nightdress 180gms
Scarf 45gms
Gloves 10gms
Vest x2 70gms
Purple fleece 300gms
Fleece windproof jacket 400gms
Towel 100gms
W.bag/shampoo/soap/soap leaves/pegs/line 300gms
Spare Glasses + case/torch/eye-mask/earplugs 150gms
Daysac 68gms

Safety vest/water bottles/sun cream, nasal spray, 'extras' -not weighed individually yet.
Total weight with some water was just over 6kg on a practise walk. With full water this could go up to 6.5kg, which is more than I would want to carry far.

I also have my camera in its own little case, wallet, and security pouch and would be wearing trousers, shirt etc which obviously are not in the pack.
Our mini medical kit/toothbrushes etc weighs 300gm and wasn't included here because I am not carrying it, nor the sleeping bag. However I have posted the list to give you some idea of what can be put in or left out.

This year I will have to resist putting 'extras' in my trouser pockets as my knees and hips are now 2 years older than when we walked the Primitivo, so it is basically what I can carry on my back which is around the 6kg 250gms to be truly comfortable.

 

[Peronel]

PacSafe waist bag 325 - I agree with you on this one and I'm still debating. The great feature about this bag is it can be locked to some thing (like the bed) to keep my valuables safe (the bag part is lined with mesh wire and the waist belt has a wire running through it too - you wrap the waist belt around something then lock the zippers and both ends of the waist belt together). I like to fall asleep to music, specially when my husband is snoring and I thought I would do the same on the Camino
Buen Camino!!

Honestly, your head is likely to be two or three foot at most away from someone else. Someone who may not want to listen to your music as they're drifting off. And, yes, even with the best of headphones (which you won't be carrying - too heavy) there's enough sound leakage to be heard throughout a quiet dorm.

I shoved my valuables in the bottom of me sleeping bag. Others slept wearing a thin waistbelt. This strikes me as a lot of weight to carry unneccessarily.

I'm a runner, and I love armwarmers. You may want to consider a pair of gloves. I threw mine into the bag last minute, on impulse, and was surprised how much I wore them.

 

[RDLtrekker]

Nice list. You might consider leaving the extra prescription glasses and just take your prescription. You can store a picture of the prescription on your iPhone. If you're really worried about loosing or breaking your glasses you could also carry contacts as a back up. What are you using for a water bottle? My 1 liter plastic (empty 1 liter soda bottle) with a home made cap keeper, weighs 27 grams. Buen Camino.

I'm totally blind without my glasses and would not be able to manage without them for even 5 minutes, much less the time it would take to have a new pair made. I really like your idea of carrying contact lenses instead - great tip! I like the idea of using a soda bottle - thanks for sharing!

 

[SYates]

Sorry for the late reply! Here some further thoughts and answers to your questions:

The Scrubba Thingie ;-) - Ok, sounds a bit like good advertisement to me ;-) If a washing machine needs at least 25min to get clothes clean, one minute in this thing, even with the best scrubbbing in the world, sounds a bit optimistic, but I might be wrong ;-) Here is how I wash my things in the refugios. I take all that needs washing with me under the shower so it gets already pre-soaked with warm soapy water (attention, most laundry sinks have only cold water!) that saves time and water. Then I wring it a bit, put it in a simple plastic bag and finish it off at the laundry sink. Works for me.

Headlamp - I walked the Camino several times, including October / November. Yes, you have shorter days, but you also have no need to get up at some ungodly hour to join the 'bed race'. For real emergencies you can use the torch on your mobile. But then I have very good night vision, if that is not your case, you might feel safer with a lamp ...

PacSafe waist bag - Sounds like an advertisement screaming 'Attention! I contain something valuable!' ;-) The best and only 100% safe protection I know of is to take your valuables always with you, including to the toilet!

I like to fall asleep to music, ... Any thoughts? - Yes, but not very polite ones ;-) If you would be my bed neighbor in a refuge I would try to be polite and explain to you that sound carries widely in a big dorm ...

General - Like others have set, multi-use and the question 'what could really happen if I don't take xyz' are the main key to a light backpack!

Hope that helps and Buen Camino! SY

 

[AlwynWellington]

Hi and my list is in the PDF attached.

This is for an older person walking solo. So everything has to be in my pack. My current intention is to start at Le Puy. And to take it slowly: my planning is around a ten week pilgrimage/adventure, hence the additional hose (socks).

It has been developed as a result of two years day training walks (20 to 30 km) around my region and youthful experiences of weekend tramping (hiking) in the higher hills in my region and with a focus on lighter items available locally.

The absolute luxury is the USB powered hard drive: it has movies and music and would act as a back up for photos and stuff.

Be pleased to have your observations.

Alan

 

[SYates]

Hi Alan,
In which time of the year do you plan to walk? Not sure if I overlooked something and you have mentioned it somewhere ... Assuming that you are walking in the main season, some when around May to September, here my thoughts:

As you will most likely stay in gites/hostels etc you will have each evening the possibility to wash and dry clothes, so I would reduce them a bit with that in mind. For example you plan to take 4 Merino Tops (short) plus 2 long ones plus 1 cotton shirt. I personally would reduce that to 2 short and one long top, or if you are walking in the cooler season, 2 short and 2 long ones, but not more. Similar for hoses / trousers.

Also your toiletry/med box seems a bit heavy with 600g, can't say more as you don't really specific what is in it. Don't forget to take a copy of your prescriptions (if applicable) with you that also states the generic name of the ingredients in case you run out of important stuff.

Sleeping bag is also a bit on the heavy side, again depends on the time of the year you want to walk and how tall you are. For example mine weights only 550g, but is only one season.

Things like replacement laces and similar can be also bought on the way.

Hope that helps and Buen Camino! SY

 

[CISSA69]

D

No, it doesn't include water weight or snacks/food. I also have my items that I would consider luxuries but I feel they will enhance my journey. Things like an inflatable ergonomic pillow - yes, I know the albergues provides them but I'm a side sleeper and I find that most pillows out there are too thin to support my neck. This means I would most likely have a soar neck for a month... Necessity? no. Enhanced enjoyment? yes!!!! I will be soar enough in other places

Here's my list if you are interested. You will notice some items have estimated weights and some say "consider" - There are a lot of "consider" items, which I will probably not bring in the end... The list does not include cloths I will be wearing: merino wool t-shirt, undies, socks, liner socks, pants, Tilley Hat, Keen lightweight boots. I will also be slicing and dicing any tags or extra cording, etc. off my cloths/items. So far, I have removed tags from my Specter cubes and removed any straps I know I won't need on my pack (I won't be carrying ice pick/axes, so I don't need those loops/straps). Without any amount of effort yet, I have removed 12 grams in tags/cording!!! That equals the weight of my ear plugs!!! food for thought, 'cause every gram counts!!

Description

Grams
bandaids mixed sizes/alcohol swabs 5
OC in packaging 11
Anti-histamine with decongestant 7
KT tape (x4 in mini ziplock) 32
advil/immodium/night advil 30
Voltarin cream 35
sun screen 35
MEC Nok foot cream x2 150
soap (shampoo/laundry) (estimated based on soap used now) 75
tube stopper ("0" if I purchase Scrubba laundry tub) 0
tissues/TP 20
toothbrush/paste 22
REI Sea to Summit Pocket Towel S 32 x 16 in 50
baby safety pins (estimated) 8
Norwex facecloth 15
Deo cream (estimated) 50
nail clipper 21
Chapstick 8
consider taking Tiger Balm 62
Sunglass clip-ons 10
Women's Barely Everyday Bra 40
REI EcoMade CoolMax Liner Socks 69
MEC Merino wool t-shirt 119
Paradox merino wool long sleeve with thumbs 149
MEC orange Permaloft warm "puff" jacket 244
merino wool socks x2 (consider only taking x1) 124
MEC Women's Barely Bikini 24
Sarong (estimated) 100
LL Bean Black pants 314
MEC T2 Long Johns (Women's) 115
Extra prescription glasses 27
Crocks 198
Bandana red cotton 21
Gloves (mini stretch) 30
GoLite Beanie hat 40
Ferrino Poncho 470
consider EI Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters 140
Moleskine black journal 117
SD cards x2 4
passport, cards, cash, insurance card 49
Pen 6
maps/ pages from guidebooks (estimated) 10
photos of family on iPhone 0
Pilgrim credential (estimated) 30
Lumix Panasonic with extra battery/charger 275
iPhone with charger and cord 250
MEC Petzl e+LITE Headlamp 26
plug adaptor (consider getting EU Bat charger/USB plug) 11
sewing kit/duck tape/zipties 26
mini carabeaner 4
ear plugs 12
spork 9
my Swiss Army knife 61
1 large ziplock bag 13
REI Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket 522
Sea-to-Summit (if only use half sown to blanket) 100
REI Exped Air Pillow UL 57
shopping/evening bag 43
water bottle 50
MEC Black Diamond Ultra Distance Carbon Z Poles 300
GoLiteJam 35L Pack (Unisex) 770
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set 64
Whisle on pack 0
PacSafe waist bag 325
GPS for Geocaching (download app and caches) 0
consider calf compression sleeves (estimated) 70
consider MEC DeFeet ArmSkins Wool Cycling Arm Warmers 70
MEC Scrubba laundry tub 160
consider Wind breaker jacket 164
cloths pins (estimated) 45
Eye drops 21
Hydro-cortisone cream 20
consider piece of tyvek or bubble env to sit on (estimated) 25

dont need the thermo rest
dont need pillow
need a sleeping bag Unless blanket is better
could be cold at might
compression socks are a God send so bring

other things to consider

Tennis ball for foot massage
Shower hat for washing feet during the day
Electrolite tablets such as Nuun tablets
Zinc tape for blisters
Baseball hat, keeps the dun out of your eyes and great under your hood Iin the rain
small yack tracks
lunch box for picnic good and excess pilgrim food