help with packing list

[KJG]

I'm leaving on Monday for my first camino (July and August), very excited!

Here's my clothing packing list:
1pr new balance loose quick-dry lightweight pants for walking
1pr light cotton pants for evenings or could probaby walk in them.
1pr quickdrying sports shorts for sleeping and/or walking
1 super lightweight cotton dress
1 cotton t-shirt (i know i know. i'll survive, it's summer. can't afford anymore expensive gear, so I'm going with what i have and hike in here in Vancouver)
1 thin cotton tank for sleeping or maybe walking (again, i know cotton is looked down on but i'm sure it'll be fine, it's summer!)
1 linen long sleeve for sun protection
3 pairs underwear
2 pairs of smartwool socks
2 bras
sunhat
sunglasses
rain poncho
teva sandals
new balance trail runners.
silk liner
light towel
patagonia nano puff jacket
bandana
1L water bottle

I'm also bringing a small camera with film, and a kindle, neither of which is negotiable.

all the other stuff is standard fare, minimal toiletries and first aid type stuff, headlamp, tiny muji notebook and pen, earplugs, cellphone, a super tiny bag for evenings, perhaps a fanny pack for passport etc...

So my questions are:
a) should i buy another pair of smartwool socks with my last remaining pennies? I've really blown my budget already buying backpack and shoes and all the other little things but i also want to make sure i'm comfortable!

b) should i get rid of a pair of pants and/or dress? I really just want to have at least one nice thing to wear that feels good for evenings and for traveling a bit after, and I figured the cotton pants could double for walking too if need be.

c) anything else i should ditch?

Any advice from those who've done the trip would be great, thank you!

 

[Anamya]

Hi KJG!

Looks like a good list. i would certainly add anote pair of socks - if you are on a budget, just take a comfortable pair that you already have, no need to buy new ones. Three pairs give you some tranquility if it rains for a few days in a row and do not weigh much.

The second pair of pants can be a good idea too, for the reasons you said. But are they really light? There are lighter and more quick-drying options than cotton. You will be washing clothes in a dailly manner, and they will be really heavy when wet! Wouldn´t you have leggings or something like that? Same about the dress, although that one may not require much washing.

So, yeah, i'm just a bit concerned about the cotton items, but in terms of the selected items, they seems good. If that's what you have budget for, go for it

 

[november_moon]

An extra pair of socks is never a bad idea - you may want to change your socks mid-day to help prevent blisters in the heat. Feet are your most important asset, so make sure to provide for them first.

I would leave the cotton evening pants behind and bring a 2nd pair of hiking pants - it's a good idea to have 2 walking outfits - wear one, wash one - so bring a 2nd t-shirt too. Most people wear their next day's clothes in the evening - put them on after you've showered, wear them for a few hours, then put them on again in the morning. I'd probably leave the dress behind too unless it is something you'd walk in. Yes, wearing the same 2 sets of clothes every day does get tiresome, but it's better than carrying extra weight. If you want something nicer to wear while traveling around after you have finished the Camino, consider packing a small bag and shipping it to Santiago with after-Camino clothes.

Keep your toiletries and first aid kit minimal.

 

[domigee]

Hi KJG! Your list looks fine to me. I go by weight... How much does it all weigh?

 

[domigee]

I'm leaving on Monday for my first camino (July and August), very excited!

c) anything else i should ditch?
!

In my view, definitely the ipad...but you did say it was non-negotiable

 

[KJG]

In my view, definitely the ipad...but you did say it was non-negotiable

No iPad, just an old kindle! It weighs next to nothing without the case

 

[LGLG]

No iPad, just an old kindle! It weighs next to nothing without the case

I understand, because I'm sorely tempted also to take my mini ipad to keep records on, but I don't agree with the statement: it ways next to nothing! I've thrown out several next-to-nothing weights out of my backpack on my first camino (even if they were only 5 or 10 g!) Kindle on your phone perhaps?

 

[KJG]

I understand, because I'm sorely tempted also to take my mini ipad to keep records on, but I don't agree with the statement: it ways next to nothing! I've thrown out several next-to-nothing weights out of my backpack on my first camino (even if they were only 5 or 10 g!) Kindle on your phone perhaps?

haha fair enough! i honestly just can't stand the thought of reading on my phone! I'd rather get rid of clothing than the kindle.

 

[domigee]

haha fair enough! i honestly just can't stand the thought of reading on my phone! I'd rather get rid of clothing than the kindle.

Fair enough

 

[Nate Bissonette]

If your feet sweat, you'll want to change sox during the day to avoid blisters. Now you're wearing your only pair of dry sox and they'll be sweaty by evening. So wash them? But what if it's rainy or humid and no dryer available - will both pair line-dry overnight or will you wear wet sox tomorrow? Third pair, definitely.

 

[ezbeer]

camera with film????

 

[Hallonis]

Your list seems reasonable, but as already mentioned your decision should be based on the total weight. It doesn't matter if all your items are individually super light, together they will weigh several kilos.

I just finished my first Camino on 13th of June. After an initial pack that turned out shockingly too heavy even though I thought that I was being minimalistic, I put every little item on the scale to help me decide what was worth carrying and what was not.

In the end it's your Camino, you will be carrying the weight and living the everyday Camino life with only what you have in your backpack. Maybe that dress will be a reward for you after a long day of walking and sweating in cotton shirts So who am I to say what you need or don't need.

But, since you asked:
I would recommend an extra pair of socks. Don't think in terms of special evening wear. Wash your cotton clothes only when there's a dryer available or several hours of hot sun if drying outdoors, cotton dries slowly. In case your pack is too heavy skip the cotton pants. You can manage without a headlamp unless you're planning to walk before sunrise, I prepared my pack the evening before, your phone can also provide little bit of light. If you do use the headlamp indoors please be ware not direct the light into the faces of sleeping pilgrims - that was maybe the rudest thing I've experienced.

Buen Camino!

 

[tomnorth]

I’d bring another t-shirt. When washing clothes you need something else to change into. Cotton takes a lot longer to dry, so you might need to hang your t-shirt off your pack to continue drying the next day. Oh, that reminds me, safety pins for hanging clothes is another handy thing to bring.

Another pair of socks would be nice. I started with three and lost a pair along the way. I did okay with just the two remaining, but if I’d started with two and lost a pair I would have been in tough shape.

 

[williamlittig]

camera with film????

You phone should weigh less and with a fresh card hold 1000s of pictures.

 

[ksam]

I understand about expensive gear, but try checking...say Target or Kohls or even Walmart for some quick drying T shirts. I've gotten them on sale for under 10 bucks on occasion and the fact that they dry quickly is priceless. Just a thought! Or heck, even go check out your local Goodwill store or thrift shop!! Buen Camino!!

 

[november_moon]

Regarding the Kindle: I took my Kindle on 2 Caminos. I love to read and I don't care for reading on my phone. However, part way through my 2nd Camino, I lost my Kindle - left it behind somewhere - so I was stuck with reading on my phone. It was actually fine. I got used to it pretty quickly. I decided that should I ever walk the Camino again (who am I kidding? of course I will walk again!) I will not take the Kindle and I will make do with the phone - over hundreds of miles, small things that don't weigh much do add up and not having them is noticable. Anyway, that's my story about the Kindle and how my opinion of whether or not to take it evolved over time.

 

[november_moon]

I understand about expensive gear, but try checking...say Target or Kohls or even Walmart for some quick drying T shirts

I recently bought a couple of quick-dry Everlast tees at Sears for super cheap - our Sears is closing and I happened to be at the mall near the Sears, so I took a stroll through to see what kind of deals they had. I bought them for workouts and hikes and so far, they are great. I'd absolutely take them on the Camino.

I usually buy work out clothes at Target - Champion is a great brand - nice quality, good prices. And I wear some of my work out clothes hiking, so they'd work on the Camino too.

I've also found good stuff at nice prices at Bass Pro shops. I never would have thought, but they actually have a good selection of women's hiking clothes, and the prices are much more friendly than like at REI.

 

[Jury taylor]

Hi KJK,
Socks are important but so too is the weight. 2 pairs should be adequate. Genre rally wool and silk work best. They weight less and dry quickly. Cotton does not. It's not a fashion parade, but if you Bri g a dress think about chafing.
I write this from Mansilla de las mullas, 18 k out of Leon. Before I left I agonozed about what to pack etc. but whatever you don't have you can buy in many, but not all, of the places you pass through, or others will provide it for you. However most people leave things in the alburgues as they go. It all works out.
Within a few days the pack becomes a part of you, and quite insignificant. I had a rest today and forgot to take it off!
Don't worry, your only tinkering, unless it's critical, just relax, begin your walk and enjoy the experience

 

[Sixwheeler]

All of the above. You'll be fine. I am, however, intrigued by the camera with film thing. Where in earth do you buy film and get it processed? I ALWAYS take a camera but went digital years ago. I really thought using film was a specialised and minority pastime but perhaps that's you. Anyway.
Ultreïa .

 

[darealdeal77]

I'm leaving on Monday for my first camino (July and August), very excited!

Here's my clothing packing list:
1pr new balance loose quick-dry lightweight pants for walking
1pr light cotton pants for evenings or could probaby walk in them.
1pr quickdrying sports shorts for sleeping and/or walking
1 super lightweight cotton dress
1 cotton t-shirt (i know i know. i'll survive, it's summer. can't afford anymore expensive gear, so I'm going with what i have and hike in here in Vancouver)
1 thin cotton tank for sleeping or maybe walking (again, i know cotton is looked down on but i'm sure it'll be fine, it's summer!)
1 linen long sleeve for sun protection
3 pairs underwear
2 pairs of smartwool socks
2 bras
sunhat
sunglasses
rain poncho
teva sandals
new balance trail runners.
silk liner
light towel
patagonia nano puff jacket
bandana
1L water bottle

I'm also bringing a small camera with film, and a kindle, neither of which is negotiable.

all the other stuff is standard fare, minimal toiletries and first aid type stuff, headlamp, tiny muji notebook and pen, earplugs, cellphone, a super tiny bag for evenings, perhaps a fanny pack for passport etc...

So my questions are:
a) should i buy another pair of smartwool socks with my last remaining pennies? I've really blown my budget already buying backpack and shoes and all the other little things but i also want to make sure i'm comfortable!

b) should i get rid of a pair of pants and/or dress? I really just want to have at least one nice thing to wear that feels good for evenings and for traveling a bit after, and I figured the cotton pants could double for walking too if need be.

c) anything else i should ditch?

Any advice from those who've done the trip would be great, thank you!

I'm leaving on Monday for my first camino (July and August), very excited!

Here's my clothing packing list:
1pr new balance loose quick-dry lightweight pants for walking
1pr light cotton pants for evenings or could probaby walk in them.
1pr quickdrying sports shorts for sleeping and/or walking
1 super lightweight cotton dress
1 cotton t-shirt (i know i know. i'll survive, it's summer. can't afford anymore expensive gear, so I'm going with what i have and hike in here in Vancouver)
1 thin cotton tank for sleeping or maybe walking (again, i know cotton is looked down on but i'm sure it'll be fine, it's summer!)
1 linen long sleeve for sun protection
3 pairs underwear
2 pairs of smartwool socks
2 bras
sunhat
sunglasses
rain poncho
teva sandals
new balance trail runners.
silk liner
light towel
patagonia nano puff jacket
bandana
1L water bottle

I'm also bringing a small camera with film, and a kindle, neither of which is negotiable.

all the other stuff is standard fare, minimal toiletries and first aid type stuff, headlamp, tiny muji notebook and pen, earplugs, cellphone, a super tiny bag for evenings, perhaps a fanny pack for passport etc...

So my questions are:
a) should i buy another pair of smartwool socks with my last remaining pennies? I've really blown my budget already buying backpack and shoes and all the other little things but i also want to make sure i'm comfortable!

b) should i get rid of a pair of pants and/or dress? I really just want to have at least one nice thing to wear that feels good for evenings and for traveling a bit after, and I figured the cotton pants could double for walking too if need be.

c) anything else i should ditch?

Any advice from those who've done the trip would be great, thank you!

Hi;
We went at the end of August, so mornings were cold. I think you pretty much covered it! I did not take that much clothes, just one pair of pants, a pair of shorts, Long sleeve shirt that I can use as barrier or going out. I would get another pair of socks! Did you said you had rain gear? I don’t remember, but that is essential, for rain and cold. I can tell you that we over prepared and when we reached Pamplona send back home about 15 pounds of clothes and stuff! Toiletries are found in Spain, Ibuprofen (800) is super cheap and over the counter. Foot care is the most important item, they also have all types of products you can get. Buen Camino

 

[Dempster52]

Have you tried Mountain Warehouse for affordable, quick dry shirts? There's one at Metrotown and at Tsawassen Mills. I was able to buy quick dry material tops for around $12 each. Avoiding cotton will do a lot not only in the comfort department (nothing like wearing a wet shirt for 8hrs on a trail), but it'll make laundry easier since they can dry in a couple of hrs, maybe even less. Might be worth looking into.

 

[sammyje73]

I think your list sounds fine. Just remember there are places to post stuff home if you decide you don’t want to carry them and places to buy things if you decide you need something more. You really don’t need to worry too much. Buen Camino!

 

[kdespot]

Good job packing, KJG. Yes, another pair of socks. Yes to the dress. If it's one you can walk in, even better! Day stuff and evening stuff is all the same. I'm a reader, too. Could you take a lightweight book and tear out the pages as you go, then replace it? León has a lovely English language bookstore. And while everyone says that you can buy anything along the Camino, I argue that it's not always as easy as it sounds. But you CAN leave anything behind. How much you can carry also depends upon how fit you are. If you're in good shape, you can carry more. I know... a no-brainer.