Packing list and more

[WanderingNotLost]

Hello fellow Pilgrims,
I've been lurking for a little while, gathering information, as I began planning my first Camino mid-May through late June 2012. A big thank you to everyone who is a part of this forum. So much of the information shared by so many experienced Pilgrims has been invaluable.
I'm still 3 months out from my 3/16/12 flight from the U.S. to Madrid. From there it will be a bus or train ride to Pamplona, bus to Roncesvalles, and finally bus or taxi to my starting point in SJPP. From there I will begin my Pilgrimage to Santiago and hopefully beyond to Finisterre. The excitement and anticipation is beyond belief.

As there seem to be many questions and even more answers regarding travel planning and packing, I thought I'd share my thoughts.

As far as travel planning, I'm going to experience everything in a relaxed manner. Other than the air travel, I have no set reservations. I figure part of the adventure is letting it come to me and figuring it out as it happens. I've factored 37 days on the Camino with a day or two at either end for ground transfers. I'll be channelling my inner Forrest Gump and resting when I'm tired, eating when I'm hungry, and drinking when I'm thirsty.

As far as packing, my gear last weighed in at less than 17lbs, including water and a days food (lunch & snacks). This equates to me carrying approx. 10% of my body weight. Easily manageable and everything fits into my 2700 cubic inch pack with room to spare. The goal was to be able to fit in airplane carry-on and I believe I’ve accomplished this goal. My gear list breaks down as follows:

Gear:
•Brierley Guidebook
•Osprey Talon 44 Pack (44 liters / 2700 Cubic In. capacity & only 2lbs 10oz)
•Backpack rain cover
•2 liter platypus with drinking tube
•Sea-to-Summit Reactor Extreme Thermolite Mummy Liner (no sleeping bag. Can sleep in clothes if cold)
•Inflatable Pillow (a person shouldn't sacrifice all creature comforts)
•Quick-dry Towel
•Head lamp w/ 2 sets of extra AAA batteries
•Small Plastic bowl, cup, & spork
•Clothes line & clothes pins
•2 small rolls of “On the Go” biodegradable Bathroom Tissue
•Backpack trowel (so I can bury it if I have to “go”, “on the go”
•4 fl oz Camp Soap
•Travel Size Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, Q-tips, & antacid
•Travel size sun block
•Travel size bug spray
•Small roll of Ducktape
•Eye glass repair kit
•Small sewing kit
•Pillow repair kit
•Small cheap digital Camera that uses disposable batteries
•GSM Cell phone w/ Telestial SIM card and international charger (for emergency only)
•Small Journal & pens
•Water-proof wallet
•Around the neck safety pouch for $$, bank cards, and important docs
•Copy of all important travel docs in zip-loc bag to be secured inside zipped pocket of backpack
•Heavy-duty plastic sheeting cut large enough to be used as ground cover, bedbug barrier, and outdoor shelter from the elements if necessary. This is rolled and attached to outside bottom of pack
•Will acquire utility knife in SJPP

Clothes / Wearing
•pair of quick-dry convertible pants
•pair silk underwear
•quick dry long sleeve shirt
•quick dry T-shirt
•pair smart wool socks
•pair Vasque Hiking Boots (well used)
•Columbia Omni-shade wide brimmed hat
•Eye glasses w/ transition lenses

Spare Clothes:
(1) Rain Gear (hooded jacket & pants)
(1) pair of quick-dry convertible pants
(1) pair silk underwear
(1)quick dry long sleeve shirt
(1)quick dry T-shirt
(1)pair smart wool socks
(1)long sleeve under-armor shirt
(1)fleece jacket
(1)knit hat
(1)pair of light gloves
(1) pair of Crocs

First Aid Kit (1 person / 2 day)
•Assorted Size Band Aids
•Assorted Size Gauze Pads
•Small Roll of Gauze Bandage
•Mole Skin
•New Skin / liquid bandage
•Ace Bandage w/clips
•Athletic Tape
•Alcohol Cleansing Pads
•Antiseptic Wipes
•Antibiotic Ointment
•Benzointincture Swabstick
•After Bite
•Ibuprofen / Aspirin
•Diphen / Antihistamine
•Clothes Pins
•Tweezers

As for why I'm so driven to have this experience, I'm still figuring that out. Is it because I'm about to turn 50? Has it something to do with the challenge? Is it because I want to un-hook from technology for a while? Is it because I enjoy experiencing the awe inspiring beauty of our natural world? Is it spiritual? Is it to see new places and meet new people? I believe it is for all these reasons, and probably a few more the Camino will open my eyes too.

 

[SabsP]

Hi Dozer and welcome here! This forum is a great place to find good information. I love your list, seems well thought of.
Enjoy your preparations and till later!
S.

 

[fraluchi]

As for why I'm so driven to have this experience, I'm still figuring that out. Is it because I'm about to turn 50? Has it something to do with the challenge?.

Hi Dozer,
One never knows what to find as experiences on "the Way". A sure thing is, that when you arrive in Santiago, you are a different person from the one who started in SJPP. It's a unique experience!
Your detailed packing list is impressive: you have gone into all details. Note however, that as you pass through many towns and villages, you can purchase several of the small items which you plan to carry but may rarely need. You will also often find that albergues have a stock of such items which pilgrims left behind (either to loose weight or plainly forgot).
We may cross paths! I'll be on the path between mid May and end of June.
Enjoy your "pilgrimage" and stay well.