40 Days Out: Pack List

I’ve done a comprehensive pack list each trip.  This one varies from the others because I know what the August weather in Spain was like from last trek and have made some adjustments to what I’m taking, based on my prior experience.

Also, while my pack for Camino 2.0 was 10 pounds lighter than the first hike – I want the contents of this trek have to be slimmed down even further. Simplify, simplify.  

I’ve highlighted in red the items that are new this trip and also items that are similar but for which I switched the brands.

• Ultra-light Osprey Exos backpack.  The one I got six years ago appears to have been discontinued – but this one is pretty close:https://amzn.to/3XCkV0L
• Lightweight Cotopaxi Luzon nylon day pack to use as a carry-on and for days the backpack is sent ahead by courier.  This is a new item for me this trip.  In the past I tried to make do with an ultralight market bag jury-rigged into a backpack by putting my arms through the carrying straps.  However, this made my shoulders a bit sore and heavy items (like water bottles) would swing from side to side – fighting against my forward motion.  This daypack is super lightweight and is constructed with proper arm straps and a waist belt.  Seems to be super comfortable.  https://amzn.to/3RniOdd
• Black Diamond trek poles I replaced my original trek poles with collapsible poles, distributed by REI.  I checked the specs and these seemed to perfectly fit the criteria I was looking for. Lightweight, collapsible to a short length, adjustable, sturdy.  I noticed they said “men’s”.  So I called customer service at REI to find out what makes them gender-specific walking sticks.  The agent looked through all the information and she determined the manufacturer had decided that men prefer the graphite / silver color.  We had a good laugh about that.  I’m calling ‘bunk’.  They don’t offer a Barbie pink version, even if I’d wanted one.  So, I went ahead and ordered them. Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles – Pair – Men’s | REI Co-op I also got the rubber tips (sold separately) to put onto the ends, so they don’t click along the pavement when we’re in the city.
• Cocoon merino wool summer sleeping bag liner with stuff sack.  I had previously used a Northface summer-weight bag but, on several occasions last time I walked in August – even that was too heavy. Alburgues typically don’t have AC and, in August, even the evenings can be warm.  I did some research on an alternative and decided that merino wool would be the best option for me.  Merino wool is not itchy and it wicks moisture away, keeping one warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot out.  I purchased mine from REI – but this comparable version I found on Amazon.  Also, my sleeping bag had been over 3 pounds on the scale.  This liner is about a pound, all-in.  That difference, on the trail, is huge. And, it collapses to less than half the size.  https://amzn.to/3ySBQ4y
• Comfortable cotton pillow case – no pillow though… I just fill it with misc. folded clean clothes.

Clothes:

• Hoka One One Speedgoat Trail Shoes I’d used hiking boots in the past and found them to be great for traction and fairly waterproof – but extremely heavy.  Trying these for the first time.  Mine are a different color than the ones in the photo – but same style.  I’ll let you know how they are.https://amzn.to/4elQt0w
• Oofos Sandals.  Sandals of some description are advisable even in the most basic pack lists.  After my feet have been stuffed into hot shoes all day – it’s important to let them breathe (both my feet and my shoes).  Sandals are ideal spare shoes for hiking / staying in hostels because I’ll be using public showers.  It’s highly advisable to wear footwear in the shower for sanitary reasons! Cheap flip flops can also work – but I’ve known basic flip flops to blow out easily when the bathroom floor is wet and they get suction-stuck to the tiles.  Some folks prefer Keen or Chaco sandals, also very good options.  But, I heard about the Oofos brand recovery sandals on my first Camino and they’ll now always be in my pack. Lightweight, utilitarian, but SUPER comfortable. Just what sore soles need after a long day. https://amzn.to/3VsbpKW
• 3 pr. wool socks.  In the past I’ve gone with Eddie Bauer wool socks and they worked great. However, someone in the powers that be at E.B. decided to replace the mostly-wool content with over 60% polyester content and still call them ‘wool blend’.  Last hike I took one pair of Darn Tough merino wool socks and loved the lightweight, breathable wool.  While there’s still nylon in this version, it’s in the right spots to provide durability. And the quality of the merino is obvious.  I got a couple more pairs upon my return. https://amzn.to/4ckaByl
• Super lightweight LLBean windbreaker with hood. In the rain I prefer a jacket to a rain poncho.  Just easier to keep in place if it’s windy out and can be worn as a light layer (even if it’s not raining). Personal preference.  I am using one in a high-visibility color this year.  I was wearing a long black winter coat when I got hit by the car at dusk. Visibility is a definite consideration. Women’s Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket | Rain Jackets & Shells at L.L.Bean (llbean.com)
• Columbia fleece jacket.  Used most days – for early morning and evenings.  Easily washable.  Keeps out the chill.  https://amzn.to/3z10U9I  
• 2 Macabi hiking skirts.  One knee-length in black / one long-length (convertible) in purple.  I’ve worn these each Camino and love them.  They’re not going to win me any fashion award – but they’re so comfortable and practical.  They keep my legs warm in the cool breezes and shaded in the hot sun.  The longer version can be clipped up to form billowy shorts.  And, unlike skorts (skirts with shorts stitched into them) or convertible trousers (long trousers with the zip-off legs that turn into shorts) a skirt offers me the versatility and discretion of allowing me to pee somewhat modestly behind the bushes off the trail without having to risk exposing my hind quarters to friends or strangers.  They’re made from easily washable, quick-dry material.  http://www.macabiskirt.com
• 3 quick-dry shirts (2 sleeveless, one with short sleeves).  I have no links for this item.  I found my shirts at thrift shops and I don’t think the brand matters as much as the clothing companies would like us to think it does.  They’re all extremely comfortable and made from fabric which dries very quickly.  While it’s not a fashion show, I’m choosing to use solid-color tops which are interchangeable with each other and all coordinate with my skirts. I’m avoiding wild patterns – bold stripes, crazy flowers, etc.  When using the same few tops for five weeks straight, I think I’d quickly get tired of something too bold.  And, any photos taken with new friends will quickly feel redundant and ‘samey’ if loud clothes are the focal point.  I’m not bringing a long-sleeved top.  My shawl or windbreaker can cover my arms to guard them from the sun on the Meseta (desert) – and, if it’s chilly I’ll just wear my fleece jacket or windbreaker.  I had a long-sleeved top on my first Camino (which took place during a June) and it was very rarely worn.
• 1 pr lightweight black hiking shorts.  As an alternative to use for walking around town in the early evenings while my laundry is being done. And also to have something to sleep in.
• 2 Buffs.  Can be used as a face mask, scarf, hair headband, even a swimming cap (a common courtesy in Spain), etc.  I’m bringing a spare to use when the other is in the laundry. Or, if I meet a pilgrim who doesn’t have one – I’ll have a spare to gift. https://amzn.to/4chuzJX
• Various lightweight undergarments. Won’t get too specific, but www.ExOfficio.com makes some really good quick-dry travel options.
• Swimsuit.  Essential.  I always pack a swimsuit. Even if I only have the option for a pool once on the trip – that chance is worth the space to carry a suit in the bottom of the pack the whole journey. There’s a beautiful river at the base of the mountain in the town of Molinaseca which, weather-permitting, after that long day of hiking down-hill from the mountain, is a welcome relief.
• Sarong. Can be used as makeshift skirt, towel, light blanket, scarf, & a shawl.  Shawls are handy for church visits but also for when hiking across the Meseta.  Great to keep the sun off but also allow a breeze.  https://amzn.to/3VlnTny
• Foldable Tilley sun hat. Mine is white with black trim and I can’t find the exact style on their site. This link is the closest I could locate.  LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat – Tilley USA

 Inspiration and communication:

• Pilgrim’s Passport – can be purchased there – but I know I won’t want to wait around on the first day (a Sunday) for the Pilgrim’s office to open, so I ordered mine in the States.  Home – American Pilgrims on the Camino  I provided them my registration information and a nominal donation to help with postage.  It arrived within a few weeks.
• Small item to leave at the Cruz de Ferro.  Typically it’s a stone,
• Guidebook  A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago (Camino Francés): St. Jean Pied de Port • Santiago de Compostela Paperback – November 7, 2023  Last trip I tried to use my book from three years prior and it cost me dearly in stress.  While the path and distances were the same, alburges close and new ones open – especially during a global pandemic!  From now on, I’m investing in an updated book each trip. https://amzn.to/4bZm72v
• CORRECTION: I’m swapping out that book for the Village to Village Guide of the Camino de Santiago by Anna Dintaman and David Landis! I realised the first book I got wants me to drag my feet and take 33 days to get to Santiago. The Village to Village book does it in 31 and also adds on the route to Muxia.
• Tech: iPhone, charger cable, and international adapter https://amzn.to/4bZqhay
• Hearing aids & charger.  Hearing aids are a new addition to my life since my last Camino.  When my kids were both telling me to get my hearing tested – it was time.  I’ve opted for the battery-free style so that I never have to deal with the squealing sound dying batteries make.  However, it means I need to haul a small charger with me for daily use. Small price to pay – and I’m grateful for better hearing.  Also, the version I have is blue-tooth-connected, so I can discreetly listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts directly from my phone.  It’s actually fabulous.

• Passport, insurance card, a few euros, bank card, & proof of immunization.  I’m also carrying a paper copy of my passport and itinerary in a plastic bag in the bottom of my pack…just in case.
• Printed copies of my charity:water flyer / extra QR codes to distribute along the way.

Toiletries:

Most of these items could probably be picked up at any local drug store.  But, I’ve added links to the items I recall actually ordering online. 

• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush & toothpaste tablets Toothpaste Tablets – Mount Royal Soap Co. (mountroyalsoaps.com)
• Foldable brush
• Shampoo & conditioner bars Shampoo Bars – Mount Royal Soap Co. (mountroyalsoaps.com)
• Travel-sized container of powder
• Nail clippers
• Band-aids & Compeed (for blisters) https://amzn.to/4c0CJqq
• Ibuprofen
• Capsaicin (topical crème for pain)
• Lip balm https://amzn.to/3KHU37O
• Deodorant
• Aquaphor (small tube)
• Peppermint foot cream https://amzn.to/3VIFOWF
• Aloe vera lotion
• Small loo roll, waste bags, wet wipes, & hand sanitizer
• Electrolytes https://amzn.to/3VretXs

Sundry:

• Sunglasses Since getting the afore-mentioned hearing aids – I’ve had to give away all my former sunglasses and find only styles with no ‘hook’ near the ear, as those too often dislodged my hearing aids when I was removing the glasses.  The hook portion is called a temple tip and I’ve been looking for versions that have a straight, rather than drastically curved tip.  This classic style from Ray-Ban works really well: https://amzn.to/3Xlnfc4  I found mine new on Ebay for less than half the Ray-Ban shop price.
• Ear plugs (for dealing with snoring fellow-pilgrims)
• Duct tape (for feet, misc. repairs, etc.)  A new roll was too heavy to carry in my pack, so I found a roll that was partially used.
• Universal tub stopper – for use in wash tubs for laundry when the stopper has gone missing.  And, on rare occasions, for actually using in tubs for a bath.  In hotels where a bath is an option – quite often there isn’t a stopper for the tub.  I’ve used a washcloth as a stopper, in a pinch, but it’s so much nicer to actually have a plug.https://amzn.to/3Rr4EHW
• A few laundry soap sheets https://amzn.to/4eoKBE0  Very important – I’m making sure they’re double-wrapped in plastic or I could have a serious mess in my pack if I get caught in the rain.
• Diaper pins – to hold clothes on the line or pack, if they still need to dry during the day.  Also, if I do need to use the sarong as a skirt – it would be good to have sturdy pins for extra security.
• Pepper spray
• 2 Water bottles.  One with a push-button top and a straw to carry and use (easy access) https://amzn.to/45nmsJA and the second, a larger size, with a secure lid to haul as a ‘reserve’ in my pack https://amzn.to/3z3fVIb 
• Water purification tablets (if water source is questionable)
• Small quick-dry towel
• Small pack torch – to use on the trail in the early mornings.  On prior hikes I found out that if I put a packet of electrolytes in my water bottle first thing in the morning and then clipped this light to the bottle handle – it would act like a lantern.  The electrolytes glow and it’s enough light to find my way in the dark before dawn. https://amzn.to/4epVPYW
• Timex watch with Indiglo face … believe it or not, that’s all the light I need to find things in the dark in a dorm setting – no flashlights needed while others are trying to sleep.  https://amzn.to/3yY8ZvH

More later…