Registration Deadline & Deposit - March 15
"Packing for the Camino can be a soul-searching affair, as you ascertain precisely what you do and do not need on the journey of life. You may be surprised with how little you truly need, and how little you miss the extra possessions you leave behind. Many feel deep freedom by carrying only the necessities on their backs. A light load makes for a happy pilgrim, and weight should be a primary concern in packing. A popular guideline is to pack no more than 10% of your body weight. While you may be tempted to pack many extras “just in case,” your back, shoulders, and legs will thank you to pare down to the minimum. Weighing items on a kitchen scale can help select the lightest options. Shops are readily available in Spain and most anything lacking can be purchased along the way. In winter, warm and waterproof gear should be carefully considered for safety, increasing the overall weight. A properly fitting, comfortable backpack and footwear are your two most important investments.
Click this link for a detailed Packing List
Read Ultralight Camino Packing List for more info
Keep it simple stupid (KISS) - you should only have 2 days of clean clothes. You will wash your cloth along the way and dry it at night.
Bandana - These are great for washing and drying your face while on the road. There are many uses for this handy item. You can find them at any WalMart.
Beanie (lite) - For the cold evenings and early mornings. Good to keep your head warm.
Hat - hiking hats are best. They cover your neck and face.
A Lite jacket or Down jacket - a decent down jacket will be light and give you good warmth. It is also compact and can be put away.
Long sleeve shirt
Hiking pants (Quick-dry) - Convertible would be best.
Long sleeve undershirt (quick-dry) - Quick dry clothes are easy to wash, dry fast, and keep you warm. You can buy a top and a bottom, depending on your needs.
Underwear (Quick dry) - These are easy to wash and quick to dry.
Short sleeve shirt (quick-dry)
Windbreaker/Waterproof jacket(light) - a shell jacket works or a good windbreaker works as well. Make sure it's light.
Wool socks - thick comfortable socks are recommended for a long walks.
Cross trainers or light trail shoes - make sure to break in your shoes before the trip. It's important to take care of your feet since we will be doing a lot of walking. A pair of cross-training shoes will be your best friend. Hiking boots may not be ideal since we'll be walking on the road more often.
Headlamp/Flashlight - For early mornings and possible late-night walking.
Rain poncho - There will be rain so it's important to keep dry.
Sleeping bag - Make sure it's something light and compact. We won't need it every night but it's good to have in case we don't find lodging.
Sleeping mat - for WYD participants. Make sure it is inflatable, light and compact.
Sun Block
Toiletries - toothbrush/paste, razor, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, contact solutions, soap, toilet paper, sanitizers, nail clipper
Travel towel - these towels are fast drying, compact, and light.
Water bottle / Hydration bag Hydration packs make it easy to access water and stay hydrated while walking with your pack.
Ziplock bags - a few in each size to help organize things or keep things dry.
Earplugs - A good night's rest is essential for happy trails
Small Rope (12 ft) - To dry your laundry each night
Small Binder clips - To dry your laundry each night
Spork & Cup/bowl
Swimsuit - optional if you plan to swim at the beach
First Aid - Pain killer, diarrhea, allergy, band-aids, tapes, moleskin, alcohol wipes, heat rub (Only one person needs to bring)
Detergent
Hiking poles - You can get one or two depending on your preference. They are great for long hikes and walks.
Pack cover - If your pack doesn't already have one, this will keep your back dry and keep your clothes from getting wet.
Pocket knife - Only pack if you are checking in your bag. (Make sure you check-in at the airport)
sandals/flip flop - At the end of the day, it will be nice to take off your shoes and air out your feet. Also great to use in the shared showers. You can find them for a good price at Target or Walmart.
Sleeping matt - Inflatable mats are the most compact, but you can go with a foam matt which is cheaper.
Camera - Small and lite
e-Reader / Books
Journal/Pens
Phone + charger
Power Converter
Travel wallet
Definitely think twice before you decide to bring one of these items. Is it essential? Will I need it every day? Can I buy it along the way if I need it?
Electronics gadgets - so many to list here, but they are heavy and take up space in your bag
Tablets
Battery packs
Hairdryer, curling iron
Extra shoes or clothes - you should only bring two days of clean clothes.
Laptops
SLR Camera/Tri-pod
Drones
Binoculars
Books - consider getting an ebook reader
Makeup - maybe one item, but lotion and sunblock is enough weight.
Metal water bottles - they are too heavy and oversized. Bring a plastic bottle or get a hydration bag.
Evening wear - although we plan to spend some time in the city, you do not want to lug cloth around for just one night out.
What else. . .