Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

[atlanticheart]

Hi all,

I'm planning on walking the camino in April/May next year (starting around April 15th). At the moment I'm trying to compile a packlist, and I've weighed a bunch of things and gotten close to 7kg in weight (incl water). It's a little too heavy, as 10% of my bodyweight would be closer to 5,5kg. So, if you have any thoughts on what I should bring that I haven't, what I won't need...etc. Please let me know.
Weight is in (grams).

Backpack (1050)
Raincover (100)
Sleepingbag (400)
1 T-shirt (180)
1 pair of zip-offs (314)
Underwear (90)
2 pairs of thick socks (80)
2 pairs of thin socks (40)
1 very light rainset (500)
1 fleece (400)
1 pair of sandals + flipflops for the shower (450)
1 quick-drying towel (100)
1 litre water (1000)
some food, snacks (300)
toothbrush, toothpaste (40)
schampoo bar (60)
basic medical kit (120) incl. plaster, compeed, sportstape, bandage and various pills I take, like multivitamins, Fortodol (which is an anti-inflamatory made from turmeric), aspirin, travel sickness pills (for train/bus rides to and from the camino)
muscle rub (40)
sun block (75)
safety pins (-)
small flashlight (80)
charger for mobile (160)
bellypouch (300)
purse, passport, tickets (180)
swiss army knife (50)
camera (140)
charger for camera (125)
mobile (80)
notebook+pen (240)
pilgrim guidebook (152)

In addition to this, i'll be wearing an extra set of clothes, hiking boots and a hat.

In backpack, I'll be carrying 5,7 kg
and in the bellypouch 1,2 kg
So, all in all that's 6,9 kg...
The clothes I wear come up to 1,6 kg



Hilda

[WolverineDG]

How many pairs of underwear are you taking? I did okay with 2 (one in the pack & one on me) for 3 weeks. (undies & sportsbras) Same for socks--2 pr each heavy socks & liner socks (one pr each in pack & one pr on me) Yes, it´s a pain to do laundry every day, but that´s part of the fun.

I´d ditch the nightshirt. Either replace it with a shirt you can wear during the day or take it out of the pack. Many pilgrims sleep in the clothes they wear the next day.

I´d toss the muscle rub too, since you can always pick that up along the way if needed. You didn´t itemize your first aid kit, so I can´t tell if I would ditch anything you´ve got in there. How big is that shampoo bottle? You can easily get by with hotel or sample size bottles, especially if you cut your hair short.

Buen Camino!
Kelly

[spursfan]

I'd replace sleeping bag with silk sleeping bag liner (140g) - nearly all albergues have some blankets -and ditch the fleece (though poss bring HH thermals and silk balaclava and light gloves)

Little need to carry so much food - liquid plus 100g of chocolate will do most of the time

Sandals on heavy side - Muji do some very light travelling sandals, if not much outdoor walking in evening)

Without sleeping bag and fleece should go for smaller pack (be brave and look at 30L) - maybe explore ultra-light as well

Belly pouch is kinda good idea except weighs 400g to carry 1300g - but belly pouches using light material are very hard to find

And finally I'd ditch the walking poles

[KiwiNomad06]

Hi Hilda! ( A family name from Jersey in the Channel Islands, and my mother's second name!)
I am also planning to walk April/May but I am starting in Le Puy, so we won't meet up!

Looking at your packing list, I was just wondering what you will wear if the whole change you are wearing gets wet? I ask this from the experience of getting all my clothes wet in France at that time of year! I am not sure from your list whether you have sufficient warm clothing to change into at the end of a very wet day.

All the best with your prep!
Margaret

[atlanticheart]

How many pairs of underwear are you taking? I did okay with 2 (one in the pack & one on me) for 3 weeks. (undies & sportsbras) Same for socks--2 pr each heavy socks & liner socks (one pr each in pack & one pr on me) Yes, it´s a pain to do laundry every day, but that´s part of the fun.

I´d ditch the nightshirt. Either replace it with a shirt you can wear during the day or take it out of the pack. Many pilgrims sleep in the clothes they wear the next day.

I´d toss the muscle rub too, since you can always pick that up along the way if needed. You didn´t itemize your first aid kit, so I can´t tell if I would ditch anything you´ve got in there. How big is that shampoo bottle? You can easily get by with hotel or sample size bottles, especially if you cut your hair short.

Just two pairs of underwear. Figured it'd be enough.
I was going to go for a nightshirt that I can wear during the day too. And I've been thinking about getting zip-off pants; shorts and pants in one would seem like a good idea I think.

First aid kit would be, lots and lots of compeed, some pain-killers, tea tree oil (for bug bites). Don't know if I'd need to bring antihistamines (which some people have recommended) as I'm not really allergic to anything. Some multivitamin pills, maybe magnesium/calcium too. Possibly also some bandage, in case I twist my ankle or something.

The shampoo bottle's not that big. I've been thinking of changing it for a bar of soap instead, as someone on here said it worked well for both hair and body and doing your laundry with.

I'd replace sleeping bag with silk sleeping bag liner (140g) - nearly all albergues have some blankets -and ditch the fleece (though poss bring HH thermals and silk balaclava and light gloves)
Little need to carry so much food - liquid plus 100g of chocolate will do most of the time
Sandals on heavy side - Muji do some very light travelling sandals, if not much outdoor walking in evening)
Without sleeping bag and fleece should go for smaller pack (be brave and look at 30L) - maybe explore ultra-light as well
Belly pouch is kinda good idea except weighs 400g to carry 1300g - but belly pouches using light material are very hard to find
And finally I'd ditch the walking poles

Not sure I want to ditch the sleeping bag though, as I'm afraid I might be cold otherwise. Same goes for the fleece. I don't really carry any other warmer pieces of clothing with me, and it might be rather cold in the morning when you first start, and up in the mountains.
Yes, I'm going to look for lighter sandals I think. And it is really very hard to find a good belly pouch that is light weight.
I'd rather bring the walking poles, and If I find I don't need them, I'll send them home, or to Santiago.

Looking at your packing list, I was just wondering what you will wear if the whole change you are wearing gets wet? I ask this from the experience of getting all my clothes wet in France at that time of year! I am not sure from your list whether you have sufficient warm clothing to change into at the end of a very wet day.

Well, I am wearing one change of clothes and having a spare in my backpack. And I also have the fleece. And am thinking of taking two pairs of zip-off pants, to have both shorts and long pants in one. The rain factor is also the reason I chose a rain set, with pants instead of just a poncho.

Thank you all for your wonderful tips.
Hilda

[KiwiNomad06]

Well, I am wearing one change of clothes and having a spare in my backpack. And I also have the fleece. And am thinking of taking two pairs of zip-off pants, to have both shorts and long pants in one. The rain factor is also the reason I chose a rain set, with pants instead of just a poncho.

Thank you all for your wonderful tips.
Hilda

Hilda,
At present on your packing list I only see the t-shirt and shorts as extra clothing, (assuming you might need to wear your fleece in cold, wet weather under your rain set). If it is cold and wet , as it may well be in April and May, to me this doesn't look quite enough to change into at the end of a day's walking when you need to warm up again.
Margaret

[fiddletree]

i say ditch the nightshirt, but keep the fleece. I didn't bring a fleece and very much regretted it.

don't bring lots of compeed, as you can buy it absolutely everywhere

bringing pants that zip off are great, Ioved mine.

The only addition I would make is to bring 3 pairs of socks. I found that sometimes it takes 2 days for socks to dry if you get in late, get rained on, or if it is rainy/humid out, and you want to make sure that you always have clean, dry socks to wear.

Keep the walking poles!!!!! They will really really save your joints. They also help with walking in the mud, and it WILL be muddy that time of year. I walked in April/may of this past year and I found it very useful.

I also brought a silk sleeping bag liner instead of a sleeping bad and it was perfectly fine.

your list seems pretty good, though.

[atlanticheart]

At present on your packing list I only see the t-shirt and shorts as extra clothing, (assuming you might need to wear your fleece in cold, wet weather under your rain set). If it is cold and wet , as it may well be in April and May, to me this doesn't look quite enough to change into at the end of a day's walking when you need to warm up again.

I'm actually thinking of taking 2 pairs of zipoff pants, instead of the shorts. And might also consider long-sleeved shirts (both for cold and to protect against sun), instead of the t-shirts.

i say ditch the nightshirt, but keep the fleece. I didn't bring a fleece and very much regretted it.
don't bring lots of compeed, as you can buy it absolutely everywhere
bringing pants that zip off are great, Ioved mine.
The only addition I would make is to bring 3 pairs of socks. I found that sometimes it takes 2 days for socks to dry if you get in late, get rained on, or if it is rainy/humid out, and you want to make sure that you always have clean, dry socks to wear.
Keep the walking poles!!!!! They will really really save your joints. They also help with walking in the mud, and it WILL be muddy that time of year. I walked in April/may of this past year and I found it very useful.
I also brought a silk sleeping bag liner instead of a sleeping bad and it was perfectly fine.
your list seems pretty good, though.

Yes, I think a fleece will be invaluable, since I don't have any other warmer clothes and it might get cold.
I'm definitely thinking of the zip off pants, they seem like a smart idea. And I'll take your advice and bring 3 pairs of socks, as it'll be absolutely essential for me to wear dry socks.

Yes, I'm definitely keeping the walking poles. It feels as if they'd be good to have when on small paths where it's muddy, or just generally when going up or down-hill.

Thanks for the advice.
Hilda

[John Hussey]

Hi all,

I'm planning on walking the camino in April/May next year (starting around April 15th). At the moment I'm trying to compile a packlist, and I've weighed a bunch of things and gotten close to 7kg in weight (incl water). It's a little too heavy, as 10% of my bodyweight would be closer to 5,5kg. So, if you have any thoughts on what I should bring that I haven't, what I won't need...etc. Please let me know.
Weight is in (grams).

In addition to this, i'll be wearing an extra set of clothes, hiking boots.

In backpack, I'll be carrying 6kg
and in the bellypouch 1,28kg
So, all in all that's 7,3 kg...


Hilda

I believe the guideline for the optimum upper boundary of one's weight threshold is not at a 10% limit but rather at a 20% one, and, it is only a guide as well. Were it only at 10% nobody would be able to do longer, unsupported hikes where one needed to carry multiple days of food, pot to cook it, stove, tent, extra water, etc., items that are not needed at all upon the Camino.

As far as your list, I think it is a great one and I doubt i would change much at all-if any. The muscle rub may (or may not) be needed and so I might not carry it. A female would be more inclined to carry a nightshirt, perhaps, when a longer Tee shirt would suffice, as well as serve double duty for wearing during the day. But those are only two arbitrary suggestions. I think you did a great job. Your pack is small and light and your gear is small and light! Buen Camino!

[atlanticheart]

I believe the guideline for the optimum upper boundary of one's weight threshold is not at a 10% limit but rather at a 20% one, and, it is only a guide as well. Were it only at 10% nobody would be able to do longer, unsupported hikes where one needed to carry multiple days of food, pot to cook it, stove, tent, extra water, etc., items that are not needed at all upon the Camino.

As far as your list, I think it is a great one and I doubt i would change much at all-if any. The muscle rub may (or may not) be needed and so I might not carry it. A female would be more inclined to carry a nightshirt, perhaps, when a longer Tee shirt would suffice, as well as serve double duty for wearing during the day. But those are only two arbitrary suggestions. I think you did a great job. Your pack is small and light and your gear is small and light! Buen Camino!

Well, I think it'll put a lot less strain on your knees, back, feet, if you only carry 10%. And since everyone else in my family has knee-problems, I'd rather be a little careful.

Thanks for the input. =)
Hilda

[John Hussey]

A load of just 10% of your body weight is quite admirable. I googled it and found that most backpacking sources do recommended a maximum not to exceed of 20% of one's body weight and even one at 25%, so your 10% is enviable. Of course that is everything on you, from your naked skin out, including the poles in your hands, and not just the loaded backpack alone.

[atlanticheart]

A load of just 10% of your body weight is quite admirable. I googled it and found that most backpacking sources do recommended a maximum not to exceed of 20% of one's body weight and even one at 25%, so your 10% is enviable. Of course that is everything on you, from your naked skin out, including the poles in your hands, and not just the loaded backpack alone.

In that case I think I'll be okay. My total load, everything included, comes to 8-8,5 kg. And 20% of my bodyweight would be 11kg.


Hilda

[WolverineDG]

Keep the fleece. Keep the walking sticks (this is a matter of personal choice, but I found them invaluable). As for Compeed, take some with you, then stop at pharmacies & buy replacements as needed. Best bet on that though, is to look at the various ways to prevent getting blisters in the first place, so look into that. Keep the sleeping bag too, since some places don't provide blankets & a sleep sack would not be warm enough.

Buen Camino!
Kelly

[atlanticheart]

Keep the fleece. Keep the walking sticks (this is a matter of personal choice, but I found them invaluable). As for Compeed, take some with you, then stop at pharmacies & buy replacements as needed. Best bet on that though, is to look at the various ways to prevent getting blisters in the first place, so look into that. Keep the sleeping bag too, since some places don't provide blankets & a sleep sack would not be warm enough.

Thanks for the advice Kelly. I will keep the walking sticks. If I find them unnecessary, as some seem to do, I can just post them to myself and pick them up in Santiago. Although, I think I will find them useful.

I am doing just that. Trying to find every possible way of preventing blisters, particularly as I'm very prone to getting them in the first place. I'm quite happy though, cause I think I found a pair of good boots. Just hope they won't give me any troubles. =)

Buen camino.
Hilda

[Martin0642]

Personally i think your list looks fine!! I'd agree you dotn need lots of compeed to start - tbh i'd say the needle and thread option is better but make sure you have antiseptic spray as well. Compeed is a great preventative but once you have a large blister it's a waste of time.

The "you can buy it as you go along" approach is good for some things but you still have to carry it and sometimes - especially with first aid supplies - you may not have the option of buying it when you need it as some places are quite remote (or you arrive when they're shut!)

Your opack list is absolutely fine...dont panic about it - thats a small weight to carry even for you - Buen camino

[atlanticheart]

The "you can buy it as you go along" approach is good for some things but you still have to carry it and sometimes - especially with first aid supplies - you may not have the option of buying it when you need it as some places are quite remote (or you arrive when they're shut!)

You know, I just thought about this the other day. Everyone advises you to buy as you go along, but if you think you're going to need it, why not just buy it at home and bring it from the start. You dont have to bring enormous quantities of it, but, you might as well bring it, instead of having to go look for it when you really need it.

Your opack list is absolutely fine...dont panic about it - thats a small weight to carry even for you - Buen camino

Thanks. I probably will panic anyway, lol. But, for me, I guess that's part of the camino experience. =)

Hilda

[Martin0642]

I would advise just a little caution on the "if you think you're going to need it" thing but yes - I took a lot of stuff from the off that perhaps we didnt "need" for quite a while. For instance a very well stocked first aid kit - a big pile of instant white coffee sachets .....the first aid kit got restocked twice on the trip and the coffee sachets were invaluable for us and new found friends on several occasions. I also had about 1kg of mixed dried fruit and nuts - took us most of the trip to go through them but they were a lifesaver when we needed them. And of course...consumables get consumed so your pack gets lighter.

If it all gets too much you can always give stuff away/send it on - do try and cut your list down to the essentials but I think in your case you have. Dont worry about the details anymore......they will take care of themselves now if you've been this well organised...just...walk. ;o)

[rnamshl]

I did the walk this past May/June and it was very wet. One thing I wished over and over that I had brought was a cover for my Pack. A bar owner in Roncesvalles was kind enough to help me with a 10 gallon trash bag that I carried with me for the month but it stretched out and got holes in it. The covers are very light weight and take up very little space....definitely worth it. On a completely different note I would recommend hitting the sample section of your drugstore or an out door store. I had single size laundry soaps that were invaluable and very popular on the Camino. As for soaps, shampoos, etc... bring your own. Everyone said you can get stuff in Spain to me as well and they were correct except the problem I ran into is they have nothing in small sizes over there. I ran out of contact solution and ended up buying a such a huge bottle of it that I had to dump half out. If you can bring a gel soap/shampoo combo that would be ideal and just re-fill it. Often people will leave behind larger bottles of stuff or share with you if you all need to re-stock at the same time. And my last input based on your list... BRING THE POLES. I had no idea how valuable mine would be in the rain and mud or up hills.

Buen Camino
Renee

[atlanticheart]

Renee,
Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely bring a cover for my pack.
Never heard of laundry soaps before, but I'll have to look into it. At the moment I've been thinking of bringing a shampoo bar, from Lush, and use as shampoo, soap and to wash my clothes in.

Thanks,
Hilda

[atlanticheart]

Hi again,

I'm looking at backpacks at the moment, but can't really decide what size to buy. I've been looking at the Osprey Talon 33l, and the Osprey Aura 35l. At the moment I'm leaning more towards the Talon, as it is a little lighter. I'm just concerned I may not be able to fit everything into it. We don't have any good outdoor stores near here, so I can't go and get one fitted. I need to buy it online.

So, if anyone could help me with this I'd be very grateful.

Hilda

[William Marques]

. We don't have any good outdoor stores near here, so I can't go and get one fitted. I need to buy it online.

This may not be helpful but I really would not recommend buying your backpack online. You may be lucky but you may have 30+ days of unnecessary pain. You really should get to somewhere with a selection of packs and find someone who knows about them there to advise you.

Buen Camino
William

[atlanticheart]

Thanks William.
I tried a sports shop here, but they weren't very helpful. Didn't know much about it, and basically just patted the backpack and said "This is a good backpack". The nearest outdoor store is 2hours away. I'll go to another sports shop and see if they are more helpful...


Hilda

[rnamshl]

Hi Hilda, I had used the Osprey Aura 50 which was great! No regrets. The only thing is that while they are adjustable they come in different sizes for your height, length of torso, etc. I had started with one size and had to try on a couple before we got the right fit. Even with the right fit we had to throw a 10 pound bean bag in there and adjust the straps just to make sure. That's what a good outdoor store will do for you. I used REI. Not sure you have them over there. If you have no choice but to order on line then I would do so now so you have time to return it and get a different size.

[Br. David]

7kgs including the pack?
Excellent ... though it will feel twice as heavy of course by the third day, refuges are littered with items discarded.

Assume your camera has a specialist fitted battery? Otherwise you could leave the charger and just buy alkalines on the way. And hope there's a corkscrew on that pocket knife.

Charger for mobile? Depends on use. If you take the phone as a tool, you can tell people only to text you and only switch it on for 5 minutes in the evening - and don't phone anyone. This way you will be in contact and have one for emergencies but it won't take over your life and you won't need to charge it up, so you won't need a charger. It is so rare to be alone and silent now - when those conditions arise people tend to reach for diversions (such as phones and recorded music) and then never find out what happens if they stay alone and silent for a while ....

I must admit, Personally I stay away from the chocolate option because of the severe blood-sugar drop twenty minutes afterwards, though I know loads swear by it. I always carry bread, sausage and cheese.

I would add a napkin - very handy.

The heavier cold weather stuff can be left until closer to. Last year I was down that way in April (in a camper!) and from Logrono east it was all heavy snow and blizzards and a man got lost and died on the Napoleon Pass. Two years before I was pilgriming in March (from Moissac) and it was mainly a delight - well, ok, I nearly got it wrong with the windchill up on the Napoleon in March, snow still up there in places and some parts of the track blocked. Left it too long to put on extra clothing and when I stopped in a windbreak to do it couldn't get my hands to move to open my pack .. bit worrying for a bit.

and I wouldn't do without the poles (at least one anyway). Twist your ankle and you can't move without a pole ... and dogs can attack ... verr handy.

You have your fab light backpack - but agree with the 'try before you buy' comment. - try first, and don't be embarrassed. Take a pack of laundry with you to the shop and load up the pack so you can see what its like with weight in it. Take your time and, again, don't be embarrassed - it's a shop. Once you get down to two or three packs ask the assistant to leave you alone and just really take your time.
Mind you, does mean you may make your choice and then buy it from Ebay.

[atlanticheart]

David,

The 7kg, which are now down to 6,5kg thanks to chosing a lighter backpack are including a waistbag, where I'll carry money, passport, tickets, camera etc. Just some small stuff (but the weight adds up).
I've bought a pack now, a blue Osprey Talon 44lit, and it weighs just over 1kg. I was also considering a Haglöfs 40lit, but I think the deciding factor was the weight and the Haglöfs weighed .65kg more than the Osprey. I'm glad the pack fit well as I bought it online (the osprey one that is, the Haglöfs I bought in a store in town).

Yes, it does have one of those lithium batteries, but I got an extra one as a package deal, so I won't have to charge it as often. Unfortunately, no. No corkscrew on it. I'll have to rely on other people for opening wine bottles.

Well, my parents want to be able to contact me, so I think I will have to bring a charger. Plus, it's an old phone so the batteries wont last as long. I won't have it on all day though, just in the afternoons.

I certainly hope I'll be spared the snow. We don't even have snow up here in April, so I hope it'll have gone in Spain once I get there. I do not like snow. I'm thrilled we've barely got any snow so far this winter. Lots and lots of rain though.

I think I am going to bring the poles. Have a feeling I'll be glad I did when I walk up and down mountains.

Hilda