The Packing Ordeal!

I had no idea that packing for the Camino was SUCH a big deal. I mean, I have packed, unpacked and repacked this backpack a million times and I’m still second-guessing myself.

So, here’s the rub – it is ALL about the weight! (Ugh, isn’t that always the case. :) ) Seriously, the goal is to get your backpack to weigh no more than 10% of your body weight in order to lessen the load you will be carrying for 500 miles and save your back, feet, shoulders and legs undo stress.

Nice idea, but I think I’ve already experienced more stress trying to eliminate stress! All that, and my backpack is still 3 pounds heavier than my goal weight. (Story of my life.)

I just don’t know what else to leave home. I already ditched the sleeping bag in exchange for a silk sak and a prayer for warm weather. I’m leaving the rain pants at home and figure a little torrential downpour (as has been reported to be a probability near Galicia) won’t melt me. I’ve only packed one change of clothes and will wear the other. I returned a little Swiss Army knife, a toiletry bag and a European converter because I thought they added too much weight and figured I could just borrow a knife/tweezers, use ziploc bags and a USB plug. Granted, I have kept one luxury item – a camping pillow but, hey, it only weighs 5 ounces and I don’t want to put my head on an albergue/hostel pillow.

The Facebook page, “American Pilgrims on the Camino,” has the sweetest people on the planet and they have offered generous advice on packing. And, they all say – pack light and you can always dump what you don’t need or buy what you do need along The Way. So, I’m going to trust them and head out with the extra weight on my back. Who knows, maybe after walking 500 miles, I’ll lose the three pounds off my backside in another way. :)

So, here’s my Camino packing list. (Peregrinos actually care about this kind of thing. Otherwise, feel free to scroll to the end. :))

Toiletries:

contacts
toothbrush
tooth tabs
shampoo tabs
conditioner
body soap tabs
laundry soap tabs
hair ties
deodorant
vaseline
towel
comb
compeed
mouth guard
sunscreen
chapstick
ziplock bags
Technology:

iPhone
iPhone stand
iPhone charger
keyboard
keyboard charger
wireless headphones
headphone charger
multi usb port plug
Business:

Passport
copy of passport
emergency contact info
global entry card
business cards
Pilgrim credentials
reading glasses
insurance cards
confirmed travel info
currency
credit cards

Clothes:

2 short-sleeve shirts
2 long-sleeve shirts
2 pants
sundress
sandals
hiking shoes
2 undies
3 pair socks
2 bras
gloves
rain jacket
coat
sunglasses
shower shoes
hat
Sleeping:

compressible pillow
silk sak
ear plugs
eye mask
money belt

Gear:

trekking poles
safety pins
clothes pins
water bottle
day pack
headlamp
fanny pack
water bottle holder

On second thought, that shell decoration must weight at least 2 ounces – I should leave that at home. Problem solved.