Packed Light Enough?

[Al the optimist]

Off for the Ingles in 36 hours and given in to temptation and packed my bag. 2.6k including wet gear. Photo here next to hat for a perspective.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Niiiiiice!

 

[NualaOC]

Very impressive! Buen Camino Allan.

 

[tomnorth]

Wow! Care to share a packing list?

 

[melanie47]

yes please share packing list..

 

[Waka]

Al

I'd really be interested to know what you have in your pack that makes it so light.

 

[Kanga]

Enjoy yourself Al. May the road be beautiful, the people kind, and the sun warm. Or at least the rain gear adequate!

 

[Bobcat77]

AHHH ALLLL
C'mon. What's in there? 2.6kg sounds like a misprint. Raingear would weigh half that. And the bag the rest.
Prithee please. R

 

[mspath]

Al,
Whatever you have in that bag
may you have clear skies, fine trails, and marvelous vistas as well as the strength necessary to endure and enjoy it all.

May you also share precious serendipity with those you meet along your way.

Carpe diem and, as always, Ultreia!

Margarer Meredith

 

[spursfan]

No, I'm sure it's not a misprint - I walked the Norte in May and Sept with a 14L bag that itself weighs about 350g - typical packed weight of 2kg plus water - admittedly no spare shoes, a silk liner not a sleeping bag, 1 pair of shorts, 2 pairs of underpants, 2 shirts, 4 pair of socks, rain top (110g - Goretex pac-lite would be 250g) - 2 guidebooks (CSJ and Cicerone), hat, some toiletries - no phone, no camera - as you will see there's lots of trail running gear that is very light - including merino wool that doesn't need to be washed - just add lots of liquid, chocolate and start walking - treat it as a series of day-walks; you can buy lots of things along the way, if needed, rather than carrying things for 800km just in case

 

[Al the optimist]

Nothing special by way of packing.
Trousers, 2 T-shirts, 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of boxers (why do we say a pair when there is never a single boxer clothes wise?) - all in a dry bag. Another dry bag for dirty/wet clothes.
Obviously I also have the shorts, T-shirt, boxers and socks I walk in.
Lightweight raincoat, hat, buff and a bin bag to go over my shorts if needed.
Toiletries, medical stuff, spare phone batteries and charger lead (I have a charger that will charge my batteries outside the phone so I have it with me always). - No criticism please, I need the phone to keep an eye on my Mom.
1 litre aluminium water bottle.
Lightweight Sea to Summit bag (350g)
What's missing? Well this time I am not staying in albergues so no silk liner and no sandals. Add water of course. I won't be carrying food as I can last quite well between rehydration buildings.
I am looking forward to the experience. My first time below 4 kilos. A big change from the 10 kilos plus water and food on my first Ingles! Maybe those hills might not be so bad!

 

[Bobcat77]

Brilliant. Please excuse my scepticism as I 'train' with 6kgs on my back for first Camino. May the road rise to meet you and may the sun be always on your back!
God speed and Buen Camino.

 

[Mike Savage]

Buen Camino Al! The bum bag looked more comfortable to me though.

 

[Al the optimist]

Just wasn't quite big enough unfortunately. Still, who knows I may yet try it another time.

 

[Robert Corcoran]

Hey Al, you are an inspiration to me, packing for my first camino on 9/9. Buen Camino! Bob

 

[Arminius]

Hi Al,
Perhaps a hint here ...
How to make a t-shirt tote bag in 10 minutes.

 

[Arminius]

View attachment 20698

Hi Al,
Perhaps a hint here ...
How to make a t-shirt tote bag in 10 minutes.

I have forgotten; Al "A Buen Camino"

 

[SeaHorse]

merino wool that doesn't need to be washed

Oh My God! Hope never to meet you in the same albergue. Been there seen that, always there is somebody who sincerely believes this BS. And then people say they don't like the ones who spray perfumes, lavanda, etc. Thats self defence.

 

[gerardcarey]

Buen Camino Al
I used a Sea To Summit ultra-sil as a daypack on the Frances. Sometimes that meant carrying the daily requirements of 4 people, rain gear, food, water etc. Comfortable and no problem for this sturdy, simple little bag.
This video demonstrates a simple modification to make it more comfortable, the con being a commensurate increase in it's volume when empty.
I never found I needed the extra padding but with more than a couple of kilos it might be a good idea.

I hope the Madrid taxi driver who scarpered with mine is enjoying it as much as I did.
Regds
Gerard

 

[trevorcc]

Have a good and safe trip may you be greeted with plenty of smiles.

 

[gerardcarey]

Oh My God! Hope never to meet you in the same albergue. Been there seen that, always there is somebody who sincerely believes this BS. And then people say they don't like the ones who spray perfumes, lavanda, etc. Thats self defence.

Spurs fans are like that.
Whereas us Chelsea boys are just a delight to be with!
Jose insists on it.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Just wasn't quite big enough unfortunately. Still, who knows I may yet try it another time.

I also was curious about what happened to the bum bag. Buen Camino Al!

 

[Theatregal]

View attachment 20698

Hi Al,
Perhaps a hint here ...
How to make a t-shirt tote bag in 10 minutes.

Cool idea!

 

[Theatregal]

Off for the Ingles in 36 hours and given in to temptation and packed my bag. 2.6k including wet gear. Photo here next to hat for a perspective.

Buen Camino!

 

[spursfan]

Just to show what a relatively small world it is, I met Al at Stansted on the Ryanair flight to Santiago on Wednesday and we obviously had similar sized bags - just back from finishing off my Camino Norte and got to see the Botafumerio in action at both Friday evening's (was known about in advance, I think) and this afternoon's (probably paid for my Italian pelegrinos) pilgrim masses

 

[Al the optimist]

spursfan! You never said you were a spurs fan mate. A gunner myself. Seriously though it was nice to meet you.
Thanks for the video Gerard. I had already decided to add foam to my straps, though with only 2.6k it was pretty much OK . However I found myself smoothing the straps out from time to time. Nice to see it works so I am going ahead with it.

 

[gerardcarey]

I see they also make the 20 litre
ULTRA-SIL® DRY DAY PACK
It's different in that it's a dry bag.
It's also got a string mesh stuff area on the back and is somewhat heavier at 90gms.
A little larger when packed in it's stuff sack too but still very small.
http://www.seatosummit.com.au/products/outdoor/ultrasil-dry-day-pack/

Regds
Gerard