My packing list -- is it good? Would love feedback!

[My Ngoc To]

Hi everyone!

I am new to this forum and new to the Camino. I will be walking the Camino Frances from June 2 to July 14 and have finished packing my bag and everything. Since this will be my first time I would love to get feedback on my packing list from all you seasoned pilgrims.

Weight without water: 12 pounds
Weight with water: 15 pounds

I weigh about 122 pounds, so it is a bit above the 10% recommendation.

Here is my list:

- Osprey Sirrus 36 Pack (includes pack cover)
- REI travel sack sleeping bag
- Sea to summit insect shield sleeping bag liner
- 1L Nalgene
- Merrel moab ventilator hiking shoes
- packtowel (M)
- 3 stuff sacks (1 for clothes, 1 for toiletries, one for underwear and socks)
- pair light flip flops

Clothes:
- Helly Hansen raincoat
- Ultralight northface fleece
- 3 pairs smartwool medium cushion socks (I'm wearing one)
- 3 Pairs underwear (wearing one)
- 3 merino wool shirts (wearing one)
- 2 pairs shorts
- 1 pair convertible hiking pants
- 3 sock liners
- 2 sports bras
- 1 regular brassiere
- sunhat

Toiletries
- small deoderant
- packable toothbrush
- small toothpaste
- 1 bar soap
- chapstick
- contact lens case
- contact lenses
- contact lens solution
- small comb
- glasses (in case something happens to my contacts)

Other
- 10 Bandaids
- neosporin
- 3 oz 70 SPF suncreen
- 1 roll toilet paper
- 10 tampons
- 10 pantyliners
- small ibuprofen
- needle and thread
- small journal
- 2 pens
- iphone (which I will use as flashlight in the mornings too)
- iphone charger
- adaptor
- sunglasses
- toenail clippers

I'm thinking of perhaps dropping the toenail clippers (and just cutting my toenails really short before the trip since they grow slowly anyways), and also the sunglasses (I don't want to have racoon eyes and the hat should help anyways, and since we are walking west the sun is never in our eyes).

I also wonder if the sleeping bag liner is necessary since it will be super hot. Only use I see is helping ward bugs away. Especially bed bugs.... but shouldn't the sleeping bag do that already?

 

[Mark Lee]

Looks like a pretty good list to me. I wouldn't ditch the toenail clippers or the sunglasses. Both come in handy.
I wouldn't carry both the liner and the sleeping bag. I would say choose one or the other depending on your own hot or coldness factor.

 

[cher99840]

Looks like a good list. As Mark said, both clippers and sunglasses tend to come in handy. Personally I would ditch the sleeping bag and keep the liner. I hope a contact wearer gives you feedback on your contacts. I have never worn them but I have some friends and family that do and they don't like wearing them on sweaty hikes. Two bras were all that I needed. One small thing. I took two adaptors and was really glad because I foolishly left one behind at an Albergue. I was so glad that I had the back up. It breaks the rule of not taking "might needs", but keeping my iPhone charged was very important to me as it served as my book, journal, flashlight, translator, and a myriad of other things.

 

[Mark Lee]

I wear contacts and wore them on both my Caminos. Have never had an issue with them due to perspiration. In fact, I prefer them way more than glasses when I go running or do any kind of exercise. Glasses fog up or get sweat on them, not to mention contacts allow you way better peripheral viewing. I brought two small bottles (60 ml each) of contact lens solution with me on my Caminos as well as a small bottle of re-wetting drops.
I did bring my glasses for backup and to wear at night after I had removed my contacts.

 

[cher99840]

There you go. I stand corrected.

 

[My Ngoc To]

Thank you for the comments! I will keep the sunglasses and toenail clippers then and ditch the sleeping bag. That will save a little bit of weight and space too! The 2 bottles of contact solution is a smart idea. Ahhh I'm so excited!

 

[tomfriesen]

I would focus more on supplies for the prevention side of blisters than the treatment. By that I mean bring vaseline to put on your feet before walking (or lamb's wool or foot glide, etc.). Spain is a modern country and the pharmacies are well stocked. They have a great blister bandage called Compeed that should be applied to hot spots before they develop into full blown blisters. You will also find some first aid supplies in the first aid kits in the albergues.

 

[nidarosa]

Hi, bet you're getting excited now! Since there has been mention of nail clippers, I'll tell you what I tell everyone all the time: ditch the clippers and bring a small pair of nail scissors, as they can be used for so many other things as well! And I absolutely second the prevention of blisters, like using vaseline or similar on your feet. Try it out before you go though and remember, if you use vaseline you can't use compeed because it won't stick. Personally I don't like compeed so it's no problem. Enjoy!

 

[SYates]

Looks excellent to me! Here a few thoughts:

- 1L Nalgene - a lighter option might be a simple PET (soda) bottle bought on arrival.
- 2 pairs of everything (socks, under wear, shirts ect) should be enough, things dry quickly that time of the year.

Don't forget:

- a plastic shopping bag to transport wet clothes from shower/washing area to clothes lines
- a very light weight bag or mini day backpack to go food shopping, taking your valuables with you sightseeing ect.
- 2 pairs shorts - one is enough as you also have hiking pants with you
- 1 regular brassiere - leave it, two bras is enough
- needle and thread - I hope that is for sewing clothes, not blisters!
- 2 pens - one, they can be bought everywhere in Spain
- toenail clippers - replace with small nail scissors, as others have said, far more versatile!
- Take the sunglasses!

Hope that helps! Buen Camino! SY

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I would focus more on supplies for the prevention side of blisters than the treatment. By that I mean bring vaseline to put on your feet before walking (or lamb's wool or foot glide, etc.). Spain is a modern country and the pharmacies are well stocked. They have a great blister bandage called Compeed that should be applied to hot spots before they develop into full blown blisters. You will also find some first aid supplies in the first aid kits in the albergues.

Lamb's wool?
.

 

[GreatDane]

Lamb's wool?
.

If you tend to have known hot spots in your footwear, a small layer of lamb's wool (ask a spinner or other fiber artist or you can even get this at some craft stores in the needle felting department) placed between your hot spot and your sock will alleviate the friction. Your hot spot will move the lamb's wool around not your hotspot against the sock against the shoe. It also cushions a bit. Give it a try!!!

 

[tpmchugh]

Hi everyone!

I am new to this forum and new to the Camino. I will be walking the Camino Frances from June 2 to July 14 and have finished packing my bag and everything. Since this will be my first time I would love to get feedback on my packing list from all you seasoned pilgrims.

Weight without water: 12 pounds
Weight with water: 15 pounds

I weigh about 122 pounds, so it is a bit above the 10% recommendation.

Here is my list:

- Osprey Sirrus 36 Pack (includes pack cover)
- REI travel sack sleeping bag
- Sea to summit insect shield sleeping bag liner
- 1L Nalgene
- Merrel moab ventilator hiking shoes
- packtowel (M)
- 3 stuff sacks (1 for clothes, 1 for toiletries, one for underwear and socks)
- pair light flip flops

Clothes:
- Helly Hansen raincoat
- Ultralight northface fleece
- 3 pairs smartwool medium cushion socks (I'm wearing one)
- 3 Pairs underwear (wearing one)
- 3 merino wool shirts (wearing one)
- 2 pairs shorts
- 1 pair convertible hiking pants
- 3 sock liners
- 2 sports bras
- 1 regular brassiere
- sunhat

Toiletries
- small deoderant
- packable toothbrush
- small toothpaste
- 1 bar soap
- chapstick
- contact lens case
- contact lenses
- contact lens solution
- small comb
- glasses (in case something happens to my contacts)

Other
- 10 Bandaids
- neosporin
- 3 oz 70 SPF suncreen
- 1 roll toilet paper
- 10 tampons
- 10 pantyliners
- small ibuprofen
- needle and thread
- small journal
- 2 pens
- iphone (which I will use as flashlight in the mornings too)
- iphone charger
- adaptor
- sunglasses
- toenail clippers

I'm thinking of perhaps dropping the toenail clippers (and just cutting my toenails really short before the trip since they grow slowly anyways), and also the sunglasses (I don't want to have racoon eyes and the hat should help anyways, and since we are walking west the sun is never in our eyes).

I also wonder if the sleeping bag liner is necessary since it will be super hot. Only use I see is helping ward bugs away. Especially bed bugs.... but shouldn't the sleeping bag do that already?

I leave the contacts and just bring my glasses (which I lost in Santiago airport on way home). The hassle of having to put them in each morning in communal bathrooms was not worth it. However, in my case I really only need them for reading as my distance vision is fine. I study my guidebook at night so that I dont have to do any reading during the day. Other than that, I have nothing to add to all the excellent advice already given other than maybe a small swiss army type knife but make it small and maybe a plastic 'spork'

 

[tpmchugh]

I would focus more on supplies for the prevention side of blisters than the treatment. By that I mean bring vaseline to put on your feet before walking (or lamb's wool or foot glide, etc.). Spain is a modern country and the pharmacies are well stocked. They have a great blister bandage called Compeed that should be applied to hot spots before they develop into full blown blisters. You will also find some first aid supplies in the first aid kits in the albergues.

I would personally never use compeed again. I only needed to treat one small blister fortunately but the compeed came off and was a heck of a job getting it out of my sock. I prefer to use a foot balm as soon as I feel a hotspot. There is a very good balm sold along the way, cant remember the name but it has a picture of a pilgrim and the word 'peregrino' in the name. Costs about 12€ but is very good. Heavier than a tin of vaseline but gets lighter by the day . I did find it difficult to get vaseline in a number of places having lost my peregrino balm so was glad to replace it at the first opportunity

 

[CarlaH]

Thank you for the comments! I will keep the sunglasses and toenail clippers then and ditch the sleeping bag. That will save a little bit of weight and space too! The 2 bottles of contact solution is a smart idea. Ahhh I'm so excited!

Looking at your packing list and weight given with water... have you accounted the weight of your guidebook, if you are taking one, a small coin purse, money, passport, credit cards, pilgrim passport - I weighed absolutely everything and was shocked at the weight of these items ... and then the weight of some food ie. an apple, snack bar also adds weight.

The one item I took that had multiple uses was a navy blue sarong - doubled as a dress or skirt for after the walk, on rally hot days I put the sarong over my hat and shoulders to keep direct sun off my body, would dip it in water and place back on my head keeping me cool for ages, it made a fabulous privacy curtain on the side of my bunk bed in crowded dorms, used it as a sheet top or bottom, pillow when there wasn't one, picnic & sitting on cloth, scarf when it was cold etc we'll worth the 340grams.

A note on blister prevention ... a lot of people use a sock liner then outer sock.... I found it too hot, thick and uncomfortable to walk with...plus the liners added more weight to my pack, so used good merino wool sock and used anti friction balm. Some people prefer Vaseline but I find it too gooey.... In specialist runner, hiking stores you will find products like Body Glide Anti Chaffing creams or sticks, the sticks have a twist up format like a Chapstick and the product has a slight waxy feel, this is then applied all over your feet, your toes and between toes, it creates a barrier and prevents chaffing / friction so prevents blisters.... in Spain, every pharmacy sells the Compeed anti friction stick, a small green twist up tube... it worked well for me, not a single blister... Good luck with all the final planning

 

[Arn]

My...welcome to the Forum and the Class of 2015.
As you have readily observed...Forum members are well versed in what they have taken and what you should consider. The Camino has a solid infrastructure that can provide that "I need this..." item.
Remember, the night before you depart...unpack...then really remove that one last item that you "might" need. Repack!
Buen Camino,
Arn

 

[Thirstywork]

Earplugs?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

If you tend to have known hot spots in your footwear, a small layer of lamb's wool (ask a spinner or other fiber artist or you can even get this at some craft stores in the needle felting department) placed between your hot spot and your sock will alleviate the friction. Your hot spot will move the lamb's wool around not your hotspot against the sock against the shoe. It also cushions a bit. Give it a try!!!

Thank you for the explanation. If my youth, my parents MADE me attend ballet classes - as good a place to park a daughter while you finish work I suppose ;0) and we used either lamb's wool for our pointes or foamy liners. Your post makes me realise that if anyone is going to need protection for their feet it's ballerinas. Will go to the local ballet shop and get a little bag of wool - if I don't use it at least I will feel young, and thin!, again while walking in the shop ;0)

 

[Mark Lee]

Ditching that sleeping bag will reduce the weight about 2 pounds, leaving you with about a 10 pound pack minus water. Sounds like a go to me. No need to ditch or add anything else. Don't over think the whole thing (and believe me, a lot of people on here do ). You'll be fine and will have a wonderful experience.

 

[domigee]

. There is a very good balm sold along the way, cant remember the name but it has a picture of a pilgrim and the word 'peregrino' in the name. Costs about 12€ but is very good. Heavier than a tin of vaseline but gets lighter by the day . I did find it difficult to get vaseline in a number of places having lost my peregrino balm so was glad to replace it at the first opportunity

Ungüento del peregrino

 

[joe g texas aggies]

I am a rookie, too, but I have seen numerous posts on this forum recommending that one take a roll or a partial roll of duct tape.

 

[kellyz]

Are you including the shoes you're wearing in your bag weight?
I agree you can just go with the liner and no bag. Also, second (or third?) that you don't need a regular bra and two sports bras. If your hiking pants are zippered/convertable, that can be an unnecessary weight. Unless you really like them, maybe replace with leggings you can wear with shorts if it's chilly. And if you're really looking to cut weight, you can just bring a days worth of tampons and liners and buy them when and if you need them--or get the cup thing. I haven't used it myself, but heard good things from other peregrinas.
But really this looks good to me.
Buen Camino!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

My...welcome to the Forum and the Class of 2015.
As you have readily observed...Forum members are well versed in what they have taken and what you should consider. The Camino has a solid infrastructure that can provide that "I need this..." item.
Remember, the night before you depart...unpack...then really remove that one last item that you "might" need. Repack!
Buen Camino,
Arn

Yeah, no. Perhaps if you are lucky enough not to get any rain or cold, but then again, you may not be that lucky. So do not plan for super weather, but what you may actually get: bring your rain gear as well as some added layers for colder weather.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Looks excellent to me! Here a few thoughts:

- 1L Nalgene - a lighter option might be a simple PET (soda) bottle bought on arrival.
- SY

On my first Camino I banked on using local bottles. BIG mistake. I would carry one on each side of my body, but as I, managed to get water from one - good luck grabbing it and putting back in place! - the weight distribution on my body would change. After days and days of this my back became an issue, to the point that after 18 kms or so a day I could not put a foot in front of the other because of the pain.

Hence why I now carry a camelback.

 

[Justabob]

Hi everyone!

I am new to this forum and new to the Camino. I will be walking the Camino Frances from June 2 to July 14 and have finished packing my bag and everything. Since this will be my first time I would love to get feedback on my packing list from all you seasoned pilgrims.

Weight without water: 12 pounds
Weight with water: 15 pounds

I weigh about 122 pounds, so it is a bit above the 10% recommendation.

Here is my list:

- Osprey Sirrus 36 Pack (includes pack cover)
- REI travel sack sleeping bag
- Sea to summit insect shield sleeping bag liner
- 1L Nalgene
- Merrel moab ventilator hiking shoes
- packtowel (M)
- 3 stuff sacks (1 for clothes, 1 for toiletries, one for underwear and socks)
- pair light flip flops

Clothes:
- Helly Hansen raincoat
- Ultralight northface fleece
- 3 pairs smartwool medium cushion socks (I'm wearing one)
- 3 Pairs underwear (wearing one)
- 3 merino wool shirts (wearing one)
- 2 pairs shorts
- 1 pair convertible hiking pants
- 3 sock liners
- 2 sports bras
- 1 regular brassiere
- sunhat

Toiletries
- small deoderant
- packable toothbrush
- small toothpaste
- 1 bar soap
- chapstick
- contact lens case
- contact lenses
- contact lens solution
- small comb
- glasses (in case something happens to my contacts)

Other
- 10 Bandaids
- neosporin
- 3 oz 70 SPF suncreen
- 1 roll toilet paper
- 10 tampons
- 10 pantyliners
- small ibuprofen
- needle and thread
- small journal
- 2 pens
- iphone (which I will use as flashlight in the mornings too)
- iphone charger
- adaptor
- sunglasses
- toenail clippers

I'm thinking of perhaps dropping the toenail clippers (and just cutting my toenails really short before the trip since they grow slowly anyways), and also the sunglasses (I don't want to have racoon eyes and the hat should help anyways, and since we are walking west the sun is never in our eyes).

I also wonder if the sleeping bag liner is necessary since it will be super hot. Only use I see is helping ward bugs away. Especially bed bugs.... but shouldn't the sleeping bag do that already?

 

[Justabob]

Great pack and excellent feedback. For me the add of a small vaseline is going into my kit. Would be great if the rest of the world was so communicative and helpful!

 

[Lorna Buky-Webster]

This is really helpful - I am going in August/September and will use this forum to pack. One quick question - what about shampoo and conditioner? Is that a really naive thing to ask?!

 

[CarlaH]

This is really helpful - I am going in August/September and will use this forum to pack. One quick question - what about shampoo and conditioner? Is that a really naive thing to ask?!

hi Lorna - I had to take both as I have long hair that turns into a birds nest if not managed - 2 ladies that walked with me for a few days had really short hair and just used their body wash / soap for their hair, so it's up to you really

 

[domigee]

I take a bar of Lush shampoo to wash hair, body and clothes. They do one with conditioner in it but I haven't tried it. The first time, I took a bar of 'normal' soap but within a week I looked like a demented hedgehog lol
I'd suggest you try whatever you're taking before you leave .

 

[Anniesantiago]

My thoughts:

- Osprey Sirrus 36 Pack (includes pack cover) - This is a HUGE backpack in my opinion! A 26L is large enough.

- REI travel sack sleeping bag
- Sea to summit insect shield sleeping bag liner : Take one or the other - you don't need both

I carry an 8 oz bottle and fill it up all along the way with no problems.

Clothes:
- Helly Hansen raincoat
- Ultralight northface fleece
- 3 pairs smartwool medium cushion socks (I'm wearing one) - just take 2
- 3 Pairs underwear (wearing one) - just take 2
- 3 merino wool shirts (wearing one) - just take 2
- 2 pairs shorts - just take 1
- 1 pair convertible hiking pants
- 3 sock liners - just take 2

- 2 sports bras
- 1 regular brassiere
Just take 2 bras… choose

- 1 roll toilet paper - instead, buy a travel packet of kleenex tissue

- 10 tampons
- 10 pantyliners
Just take 2 and buy them on the trail

- 2 pens - just take 1

- toenail clippers - leave them home

 

[ladywalker#1]

Buen Camino pilgrim! I leave the States June 16. I will use your packing list as a guide for my trip. Thanks!

 

[Ian Afloat]

Hi,
I haven't used soap on my hair for 2 or 3 years now. Total waste of money, and it makes your hair go greasy and horrible more quickly. Just rinse it every other day and it stays great, even if you have to leave it longer!

 

[kellyz]

I'm trying to work out the soap/shampoo question now. I have long hair that tends toward dry and frizzy. The Dr. Bonner's bar is great for skin and clothes but I had to put my hair into a pony today to try to hide the fact that my it's sort of gummy. Do people find the Lush bar really works for hair? And is it any bar of Lush soap or is there a specific 3 in 1 type?
While we're on the subject, my mom would like to know why we don't just bring a baggie of laundry flakes/powder. Seems lightweight and a little goes a long way. Thoughts?

 

[domigee]

Hi again, I have been using the shampoo bar, not the soap. https://www.lush.co.uk/products/shampoo-bars
It worked for me and is very light but we're all different .
Of course you can bring laundry flakes or powder, you can even buy tubes of special cold wash detergent in Spain, anything you like really

 

[kellyz]

Hi again, I have been using the shampoo bar, not the soap. https://www.lush.co.uk/products/shampoo-bars
It worked for me and is very light but we're all different .
Of course you can bring laundry flakes or powder, you can even buy tubes of special cold wash detergent in Spain, anything you like really

Thanks! I've ordered the shampoo bar and a conditioner bar. If I like them, I'll bring half of each and then use something else for my clothes.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm trying to work out the soap/shampoo question now. I have long hair that tends toward dry and frizzy. The Dr. Bonner's bar is great for skin and clothes but I had to put my hair into a pony today to try to hide the fact that my it's sort of gummy. Do people find the Lush bar really works for hair? And is it any bar of Lush soap or is there a specific 3 in 1 type?
While we're on the subject, my mom would like to know why we don't just bring a baggie of laundry flakes/powder. Seems lightweight and a little goes a long way. Thoughts?

You don't need laundry powder.
Reasons:
Laundry service comes with detergent included
Cold water washing requires soap made for cold water washing in order to work well
If that bag of flakes opens or breaks, you'll be sooooooory! ::laughing::

 

[kellyz]

You don't need laundry powder.
Reasons:
Laundry service comes with detergent included
Cold water washing requires soap made for cold water washing in order to work well
If that bag of flakes opens or breaks, you'll be sooooooory! ::laughing::

Good point. But every time it rained, I could just agitate my bag and have clean clothes, and maybe those detergent flakes are a bedbug deterrent.

 

[domigee]

Tehehe. There's actually a bag that works like that, I saw it on a pilgrim's kit list, the Scrubba wash bag or something like that

 

[reg2450]

I can't stress the value of a sarong as pillowcase, skirt, bandanna, carry bag, scarf, ..... the best, best thing in my pack! Plus.... I became quite paranoid about what was going to happen to my feet reading the comments on blisters.....
I didn't train, I didn't improve my stamina... I was 50 and I walked a tad more than usual and I definitely broke-in my boots (as my daughter did too) over a mere 3 months. I sort of lived in them, but every time I looked at them I'd get excited! I got 2 pair of thick wool socks, and one thin pair of wool socks (about 70 - 80%), my boots were half a size too big, not that you would notice. I walked from 21st March to the 28th April. I never had a blister or a foot issue (sore shins from up and down hills though). Neither did my daughter. Those I saw who did were young and walking ridiculous distances in a day, or those with bad shoes. Good luck and Bien Camino... I loved this part of my life

 

[Justabob]

Tehehe. There's actually a bag that works like that, I saw it on a pilgrim's kit list, the Scrubba wash bag or something like that

The Scrubba bag is simple and really works...I've used it several times boondocking in my small travel trailer. Its essentially a dry bag with some bumps on the inside to agitate the contents. You'd have to turn it inside out (to dry) and hang it on the exterior of your pack. Don't think it makes sense for the Camino but, I'm going to experiment before I head to Madrid.

 

[Lorin]

Thanks for all the great information shared here. I, too, am planning for my first Camino and begin on June 2, 2015. Perhaps I will meet you there, My Ngoc.

 

[neverlost4good]

Earplugs?

Wow! Oh yeah.

 

[Ahhhs]

People often say that they bring a small bottle of shampoo or lotion etc. and then refill it along the way. Don't you have to buy a larger bottle to refill with? Then what do you do with that bottle? Or you bring just a few pills and replenish the supply as you go. Aren't you then carrying the refill bottle? Or do you buy very small travel sizes as you go? Small questions but size does matter.

 

[domigee]

Yes you buy a larger bottle to refill when you run out. By then you're likely to have made friends and you share what you don't need. Otherwise you just leave the rest in the albergue for the next pilgrims. That's what I did anyway on my first camino.

 

[Veronica Peace]

I take a bar of Lush shampoo to wash hair, body and clothes. They do one with conditioner in it but I haven't tried it. The first time, I took a bar of 'normal' soap but within a week I looked like a demented hedgehog lol
I'd suggest you try whatever you're taking before you leave .

@domigee LOL! sorry, but when I read . . . .'demented hedgehog', I couldn't help but laugh

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I take a bar of Lush shampoo to wash hair, body and clothes. They do one with conditioner in it but I haven't tried it. The first time, I took a bar of 'normal' soap but within a week I looked like a demented hedgehog lol
I'd suggest you try whatever you're taking before you leave .

Just went into a Lush store. 15$ (after tax) for a 55 gram bar of soap? It better last a long time! They also said there is no bar for body, hair and laundry, but one for hair/or was it body and laundry. Which one do you use?

 

[domigee]

Ouch! It's double the price than in the uk . It does last for many weeks but ... i wouldn't spend that much on a bar of soap
To answer your question: I used the shampoo for everything, hair body and laundry. But honestly, it isn't worth that amount of money.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

You might want to look into a Liggett's Shampoo Bar instead, Anemone. Not perfume-y like Lush, but it's all natural and about half the price. You can use it to wash everything. I'm not sure they're available in CA, but in the US they're about half the price of Lush.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Good old Savon de Marseille - 4$ for a bar.

 

[naplesdon]

Good old Savon de Marseille - 4$ for a bar.

Gosh doesn't this thread drive anyone nuts along with all the others threads that proffer what to pack. There should be one "to go to list for packng" that satisfies everyone curiosity.
BTW, don't shower because it the final cure for bedbug-itis!