Packing list in winter

[Mbadro]

Hey everyone, flying out tomorrow and wanted help on packing list to minimize weight I will have to carry everyday. Also, I have been trying to keep in mind the winter and necessary modifications.

Would love to hear your thoughts

Packing
-------------
- backpack (40L)
- sleeping bag (1kg)

Essentials
- Phone
- Kindle (NO CASE)
- chargers
- adapter
- earphones
- Wallet
- passport (+ money belt)
- notebook and pens
- guidebook
- watch
- masks
- glasses (no box)
- sunglasses
- water bottle - Nalgene (1L)
- reusable bag (nylon)

Toilet
- Deo
- moisturizer
- face cleanser
- Floss
- tooth Paste
- tooth brush
- tongue scraper
- retainers
- Soap (+ container)
- Razor (disposable)
- First Aid (reduced)
- Meds
- small comb
- nail clipper
- nail file
- small hand towel
- hand sanitizer
- tissues
- wet wipes
- chapstick
- ear plugs
- eye mask

Clothes
- underwear x4
- underarmor (base layer)
- shirts (warmth polyester long sleeves) x3
- pants x2
- fleece jacket (north face)
- rain poncho
- rain pants
- Beanie (winter hat)
- Buff
- Gloves
- microfiber towel
- socks x4
- trail runners shoes
- waterproof shoe covers
- flipflops (for shower)
- walking sticks

Unfortunately my pack is 9-10kgs, which is less than ideal but I can't find anymore weight to cut without sacrificing comfort.

 

[mspath]

Mbadro,
You list looks good but I would not set off tomorrow on the CF walking in trail runners but in boots. It is still winter and there very probably will be snow in the mountains. You can buy boots in Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Please do post as you move along.
As an old winter walker I wish you a safe journey and Buen camino.

 

[trecile]

The only things that I can see to eliminate are one pair of underwear and one pair of socks. I'm sure that someone else will come along with more suggestions. But you don't really have time to be reconsidering!

 

[Former member 99942]

You could ditch the Nalgene bottle and use a light weight plastic one. Take one less pair of socks and underwear.

Consider taking less hygiene products. Face moisturizer etc..
Cut your wet wipes, hand sanitizer and other products in half. Meaning don’t take a full load. You can get that stuff on the trail.

Get rid of hand towel or cut in half if using for washing.

All just recommendations to lighten your load. If you can carry it or it makes you feel comfortable then go for it. Good luck to you. Hope you have a great time and stay warm!

 

[trecile]

Buen viaje y buen camino!

 

[henrythedog]

I assume that list includes the clothes you are wearing? Most pack weights you will see quoted on here do not include that or your poles. Other than some minor duplication the list looks fine to me.

 

[simongx]

I would also suggest to cut the socks/underwear and shirts by one. The rest is really good, but I do not know how you arrive at 9-10 kg, because my packing list was very similar and it weighed 7.5 kg (without water). If the total weight indeed includes the clothes you will be wearing, then you really have nothing to worry about.

One item I was happy to have with me and do not see on your list is a pair of light sweatpants for evenings inside and for sleeping in cold rooms. I used a very old pair of loose polyester running pants.

 

[Kimtom]

Mbadro,
You list looks good but I would not set off tomorrow on the CF walking in trail runners but in boots. It is still winter and there very probably will be snow in the mountains. You can buy boots in Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Please do post as you move along.
As an old winter walker I wish you a safe journey and Buen camino.

I walk this time of year in waterproof trail runners and lightweight gaiters that I make by cutting up old rain pants.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Looks a good list to me. And you should expect to carry a bit more weight on a winter camino anyway.
On the CF you should find sufficient facilities regularly for washing clothes so I'd concur with others about socks and undies. A lot depends on the kinds of places you intend to stay: private albergues/accommodation will generally be warmer and be easier to get washing done (and dry by the next morning!). Municipal albergues less so. Some can be very cold.
As you are taking a poncho not a rain jacket (which is my preference too), you need to think about wind chill. On dry days with a cold wind your fleece will leak body heat and it will sap your energy. In the coldest months I'd swap the fleece for a superlight puffa. Instead, you might just add a very thin wind layer jacket. You could pick one of these up in a sports or runner's shop in Pamplona or Logrono if needed.
I think the footwear with those waterproof coverings looks fine - especially if that is what you are used to. CF is mostly well made paths anyway.
Looks like you are missing a headtorch? I'd definitely take one at this time of year as it's highly likely you'll make some starts in the dark and as you have poles your hands will be full, so a phone won't work so well.
I'd also take a universal sink plug (less than 10g) if you are planning to stay in municipals.
Nice one, and Buen Camino!

 

[roving_rufus]

I've done a few sections in winter and my pack is always heavier than spring/autumn. But there could be a few reductions eg socks, hand towel, maybe in toiletries as already mentioned (though moisturiser in winter wind/cold is a good idea). But some sort of torch would be useful, and make sure you have something bright/reflective for early starts or inclemental weather. But in general it looks like my winter camino pack.

 

[J Willhaus]

Not sure I would take the Kindle. You can download the Kindle app to your phone. Also the guidebook is nice, but optional in my opinion. Again there are kindle books on your phone and phone apps. You can now email documents to your Kindle app instead or carrying along. 3 shirts plus a base layer seems a little much. You can go with 2 shirts, base layer, underwear x3, socks x3. I did not see your credential listed?

 

[HappyValerie]

Hi Mbadro
I am someone who enjoys the challenge of getting things lighter & more compact. ( Who else takes their little kitchen scales with them when they go shopping for undies!!)
For my deodorant, I found a little plastic container, about the size camera films came in. I removed the roll-on ball & poured deodorant into the little container so left the heavier, bulkier original behind. Just dipped a fingertip into deodorant & wiped it under each arm. Worked just fine. I also took half "chux" cloth to act as a wash cloth, & to remove excess water before buffing myself dry with lightweight towel. Have fun. Buen Camino!

 

[camino.ninja]

Hey everyone, flying out tomorrow and wanted help on packing list to minimize weight I will have to carry everyday. Also, I have been trying to keep in mind the winter and necessary modifications.

Would love to hear your thoughts

Packing
-------------
- backpack (40L)
- sleeping bag (1kg)

Essentials
- Phone
- Kindle (NO CASE)
- chargers
- adapter
- earphones
- Wallet
- passport (+ money belt)
- notebook and pens
- guidebook
- watch
- masks
- glasses (no box)
- sunglasses
- water bottle - Nalgene (1L)
- reusable bag (nylon)

Toilet
- Deo
- moisturizer
- face cleanser
- Floss
- tooth Paste
- tooth brush
- tongue scraper
- retainers
- Soap (+ container)
- Razor (disposable)
- First Aid (reduced)
- Meds
- small comb
- nail clipper
- nail file
- small hand towel
- hand sanitizer
- tissues
- wet wipes
- chapstick
- ear plugs
- eye mask

Clothes
- underwear x4
- underarmor (base layer)
- shirts (warmth polyester long sleeves) x3
- pants x2
- fleece jacket (north face)
- rain poncho
- rain pants
- Beanie (winter hat)
- Buff
- Gloves
- microfiber towel
- socks x4
- trail runners shoes
- waterproof shoe covers
- flipflops (for shower)
- walking sticks

Unfortunately my pack is 9-10kgs, which is less than ideal but I can't find anymore weight to cut without sacrificing comfort.

Hi @Mbadro,

Well, it is a little late to reconsider packing. I guess you are leaving today.

You want to sacrifice comfort. Because carrying more than necessary is uncomfortable.

A 300-gram sleeping bag should be enough.
You can do with a 24L backpack in winter as you are wearing most of your clothes and save 500-1000 grams on the backpack probably

Kindle seems like something you might not use at all. Most people don't have time to read.

Deo, moisturizer, shaver, and face cleanser is something you could reconsider.

Underwear x2 should be enough
Shirts x1 should be enough unless you plan to wear them all at the same time for insulation
Pants x1 for walking and something very light to use while washing the pair for walking (I use my rain pants while washing my pants)
Socks x2 should be enough


Best
Andy

 

[mattythedog]

Hi @Mbadro,

Well, it is a little late to reconsider packing. I guess you are leaving today.

You want to sacrifice comfort. Because carrying more than necessary is uncomfortable.

A 300-gram sleeping bag should be enough.
You can do with a 24L backpack in winter as you are wearing most of your clothes and save 500-1000 grams on the backpack probably

Kindle seems like something you might not use at all. Most people don't have time to read.

Deo, moisturizer, shaver, and face cleanser is something you could reconsider.

Underwear x2 should be enough
Shirts x1 should be enough unless you plan to wear them all at the same time for insulation
Pants x1 for walking and something very light to use while washing the pair for walking (I use my rain pants while washing my pants)
Socks x2 should be enough


Best
Andy

Andy has best advice on clothes; you have way too much. Leave kindle, one charger, watch and guidebook. Take one small note pad and one pen. Everything can be done on cell phone. If you have moneybelt, no need for a wallet. This time of year, I would add a space blanket for emergencies.

 

[TrvlDad1]

Earphones? Large, earbuds or wired. The weight of these is in descending order and earphones with charger (my Bose require a separate charger) is heavy, earbuds require a charger case, so I take old fashion wired earbuds.