I have finally succumbed to temptation

[Al the optimist]

After a few caminos I thought I had the packing cracked. However while walking in beautiful sunshine the other day (yes even in England it happens) I started thinking how nice it was not to have a pack on my back. I then started to think how I could manage without one. Eventually I realised it was not practical. I was going into Birmingham for a reunion with some old workmates the next day (yesterday), near to where there is a Cotswold Outdoor store. So I bought a lightweight day pack. Packed and ready to go I find myself with only 3.3K! So it looks like I'm going light this time.

 

[OzAnnie]

After a few caminos I thought I had the packing cracked. However while walking in beautiful sunshine the other day (yes even in England it happens) I started thinking how nice it was not to have a pack on my back. I then started to think how I could manage without one. Eventually I realised it was not practical. I was going into Birmingham for a reunion with some old workmates the next day (yesterday), near to where there is a Cotswold Outdoor store. So I bought a lightweight day pack. Packed and ready to go I find myself with only 3.3K! So it looks like I'm going light this time.

Al,
Are u saying this will do you on your next Camino also?
Enjoy the sunshine, gee it's cold in Sydney lately!
Annie

 

[Al the optimist]

The bag in the picture is fully packed ready for my next Camino. It contains all I need for a Camino of any duration. Though I must say I don't do winter walking. It contains a change of clothes, sandals, soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, bag liner, towel and toiletries, first aid, spare phone batteries and charger.

 

[Kanga]

Al, I'm impressed. But why no mention of the deodorant, lipstick and hair gel?

 

[indyinmaine]

The boots still look too heavy!

 

[xin loi]

Easier to toss your pack in a taxi. Can not understand why anyone is concerned with weight when a large per centage of walkers don't carry anything and use taxis to carry packs. As the Wise young woman told me on the Camino, " You don't get an extra Compostella for your pack". I enjoyed carrying a 12 kilo pack--feels weird to not carry it anymore and I have been off the Camino for 4 weeks now.

 

[Monk Moses]

The bag in the picture is fully packed ready for my next Camino. It contains all I need for a Camino of any duration. Though I must say I don't do winter walking. It contains a change of clothes, sandals, soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, bag liner, towel and toiletries, first aid, spare phone batteries and charger.

Wow Al! 3.3 Kg. I'm impressed. Trying to get down to 6 is tough enough.

 

[zolarose]

I've decided to train with 9kilos for my final 4 weeks before leaving. With water, it should be right. Since I'm traveling late summer into fall, I need a fleece. Since I'm traveling alone, I have my Spanish phone as well as my iPhone. It sure adds up. But 9 including water isn't bad.

 

[wayfarer]

3.3 kilos..... wow. Now employing the 10% rule that makes you only 33 kilos. Just a mere slip of a thing.

 

[Al the optimist]

3.3 kilos..... wow. Now employing the 10% rule that makes you only 33 kilos. Just a mere slip of a thing.

I wish! It works out at 3.5% because I am not exactly a slim thing.

 

[Al the optimist]

Al, I'm impressed. But why no mention of the deodorant, lipstick and hair gel?

LOL

 

[Monk Moses]

I wish! It works out at 3.5% because I am not exactly a slim thing.

Ok Al......any chance of you posting your packing list?

 

[nidarosa]

Now there's a challenge ... Well done! In fact you could just as well have got a Macabi skirt and put everything in the pockets

 

[Al the optimist]

Ok Al......any chance of you posting your packing list?

Like I said above - a change of clothes, sandals, soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, bag liner, towel and toiletries, first aid, spare phone batteries and charger.

 

[Monk Moses]

Thanks Al! Must have missed that the first time!

 

[ggoldenrod]

I am impressed! I will be walking the Francais in a few weeks, and I am trying to keep pack weight down. Clearly, an experienced walker like yourself has no need for a guidebook. Would a guidebook be essential for a first timer?

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Al - top pic : all you need now is your Forum badge!
Cheers!

 

[cher99840]

The bag in the picture is fully packed ready for my next Camino. It contains all I need for a Camino of any duration. Though I must say I don't do winter walking. It contains a change of clothes, sandals, soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, bag liner, towel and toiletries, first aid, spare phone batteries and charger.

Very impressive!! And thought provoking. Obviously my packing skills need improvement.

 

[Diogo92]

After a few caminos I thought I had the packing cracked. However while walking in beautiful sunshine the other day (yes even in England it happens) I started thinking how nice it was not to have a pack on my back. I then started to think how I could manage without one. Eventually I realised it was not practical. I was going into Birmingham for a reunion with some old workmates the next day (yesterday), near to where there is a Cotswold Outdoor store. So I bought a lightweight day pack. Packed and ready to go I find myself with only 3.3K! So it looks like I'm going light this time.

If I just had the opportunity to walk a summer Camiño, I would end up also with my 20L backpack.

 

[OzAnnie]

. only 3.3K!

Al, what type of pack is it? What is the weight of the pack only?

 

[Kiwi-d]

I'm another who would like to know whether a guidebook is really needed for a first timer, or would a phone app be sufficient? The Brierley book is so heavy, and frankly I'd rather have the deodorant or lipstick!

 

[wayfarer]

The way is well marked and you can bring all info on albergues on your phone, they are available here on the forum and updated regularly. Somone suggested taking photos of your guide book with your phone and using that. I tried it with a few pages and it works fine.

 

[Former member 22438]

I'm another who would like to know whether a guidebook is really needed for a first timer, or would a phone app be sufficient? The Brierley book is so heavy, and frankly I'd rather have the deodorant or lipstick!

There are two Brierley books. One with additional information and one with only the maps. The second one logically is lighter. I preferred the book with additional info better than a phone app.
As long as the route is very well waymarked just follow the arrows as we did on the camiño Ingles this year but on the 5 weeks walking from Lisbon to Santiago last year the Brierley book was very welcome because of the maps, side information, for recognizing places,buildings,churches and phonenumbers of hostals and so on.

 

[Kanga]

I'm another who would like to know whether a guidebook is really needed for a first timer, or would a phone app be sufficient? The Brierley book is so heavy, and frankly I'd rather have the deodorant or lipstick!

As I'm a repeater I don't need anything but out f interest (and nostalgia) I downloaded the WisePilgrim app and can't imagine you would need anything else. It looks a very comprehensive practical guide.
For deeper understanding of what you are seeing along the way, download the Kindle version of "The Pilgrim Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural Handbook" by Gitlitz and Davidson. It in no way provides practical information but a wealth of art, architecture, history, flora, fauna, stories, myths and legends.

 

[obinjatoo]

I no longer care about pack weight. Of course I'm also not packing for an expedition. I leave in 2 weeks and I'm not particularly interested in relying on infrastructure anymore. I want the freedom to sleep literally wherever and not be miserable. The only difference between what I'm taking on this walk as opposed to my last walk is an uber lightweight shelter. It's an additional 15 oz. But that's just me...

 

[ggoldenrod]

Done, and done. Thanks Kanga. Thanks Wayfarer.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Hi Al - top pic : all you need now is your Forum badge! Cheers!

Crumbs! The Forum badge sure will increase that 3.3 kgms!
Now I may be wrong, but I seem to remember Al once saying his pack used to contain FOUR sets of underwear. He must have had the operation ....
Mind you, by the time Al includes a dozen packs of his favourite Cadbury's chocolate biscuits, the weight will be up to 7 kgms again!

 

[Harington]

Easier to toss your pack in a taxi. Can not understand why anyone is concerned with weight when a large per centage of walkers don't carry anything and use taxis to carry packs. As the Wise young woman told me on the Camino, " You don't get an extra Compostella for your pack". I enjoyed carrying a 12 kilo pack--feels weird to not carry it anymore and I have been off the Camino for 4 weeks now.

Absolutely, absolutely. Everyone either scolded or laughed at me for carrying so much. I always said it was my sins, and that when I finally took the pack off my back in Santiago each time there was a tremendous shedding of guilt and consequent lightness of spirit. I'm too catholic for my own good sometimes.

 

[Dutch]

3,3kg? WAUW! Amazing.

Your gonna look like a touregrino the whole way but i bet lots of people you pass by will be a bit jealous of the weight haha

 

[Dutch]

I'm another who would like to know whether a guidebook is really needed for a first timer, or would a phone app be sufficient? The Brierley book is so heavy, and frankly I'd rather have the deodorant or lipstick!

I prefer a book more then an app or pdf guide on my phone. I love my iphone, but....using it outside, in the sun i always find it hard to see what i am looking at.

How about the brierley guide with just the maps? I have the thicker one, but if i was to buy a new one, it would be the maps only guide. And that one still has albergue info ect in it as well.

 

[Al the optimist]

Jenny - I'm fed up of transferring them and my others every time I downsize
Yes I was going to pack 3 pairs and find a washer every few days but the minimalis bug bit me this week Stephen.
I don't carry guide books, I have scanned them into my phone, but you don't really need one as has already been explained.
The bag is a sea to summit day pack that folds into itself so small it fits in the palm of my hand!

 

[JennyH94]

Jenny - I'm fed up of transferring them and my others every time I downsize
Yes I was going to pack 3 pairs and find a washer every few days but the minimalis bug bit me this week Stephen.
I don't carry guide books, I have scanned them into my phone, but you don't really need one as has already been explained.
The bag is a sea to summit day pack that folds into itself so small it fits in the palm of my hand!

Hi Al -
Your pack looks fabulous and now that you've told us that it folds down to almost nothing, I think sea to summit might see a spike in sales from Forum members! One question though - will there be room for the vegemite?
Cheers!
Jenny

 

[petitewalker]

As I'm a repeater I don't need anything but out f interest (and nostalgia) I downloaded the WisePilgrim app and can't imagine you would need anything else. It looks a very comprehensive practical guide.
For deeper understanding of what you are seeing along the way, download the Kindle version of "The Pilgrim Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural Handbook" by Gitlitz and Davidson. It in no way provides practical information but a wealth of art, architecture, history, flora, fauna, stories, myths and legends.

I downloaded the Wise Pilgrim on my android and everytime I try to look at a map, it crashes I am not a happy camper!!!!!!!

 

[Kanga]

I downloaded the Wise Pilgrim on my android and everytime I try to look at a map, it crashes I am not a happy camper!!!!!!!

Oh dear. Technology that promises and raises our expectations and does not deliver? Sorry, no answers here. I haven't used it in situ and my phone is the other fruit.

 

[Jabaldo]

After a few caminos I thought I had the packing cracked. However while walking in beautiful sunshine the other day (yes even in England it happens) I started thinking how nice it was not to have a pack on my back. I then started to think how I could manage without one. Eventually I realised it was not practical. I was going into Birmingham for a reunion with some old workmates the next day (yesterday), near to where there is a Cotswold Outdoor store. So I bought a lightweight day pack. Packed and ready to go I find myself with only 3.3K! So it looks like I'm going light this time.

I do agree with you a backpack on my person makes me feel like I have a purpose. I always travel with one small but yet with one and I walk around town also with one. One never knows when a backpack comes in handy. I also have a theory as to why you English explored the world. Someday I will explain it to you when we meet along the way.

 

[Al the optimist]

Hi Al -
Your pack looks fabulous and now that you've told us that it folds down to almost nothing, I think sea to summit might see a spike in sales from Forum members! One question though - will there be room for the vegemite?
Cheers!
Jenny

As they say - you either love it or hate it and personally I'm one of the later.

 

[fernandezr]

Absolutely, absolutely. Everyone either scolded or laughed at me for carrying so much. I always said it was my sins, and that when I finally took the pack off my back in Santiago each time there was a tremendous shedding of guilt and consequent lightness of spirit. I'm too catholic for my own good sometimes.

I am often bothered by lower back problems but found that, as I walked the Camino, the backpack seemed to help my lower back problem....maybe it kept me more erect or simply the spirit of the Camino made everything better. Quien sabe?

 

[lizaresandrea]

I'm another who would like to know whether a guidebook is really needed for a first timer, or would a phone app be sufficient? The Brierley book is so heavy, and frankly I'd rather have the deodorant or lipstick!

I scanned my Brierley guide and had the soft copy in my smartphone.

 

[Al the optimist]

Al, what type of pack is it? What is the weight of the pack only?

When I answered your question as to what pack was it I did so while walking the other day. So I could only say SeaToSummit. Just to complete the info now I have it to hand (literally). It is their UltraSil DayPack. It weighs 68 grams (2.4 oz) and holds 20 Litres.

 

[OzAnnie]

When I answered your question as to what pack was it I did so while walking the other day. So I could only say SeaToSummit. Just to complete the info now I have it to hand (literally). It is their UltraSil DayPack. It weighs 68 grams (2.4 oz) and holds 20 Litres.

I'm sure you'll be a happy little vegemite ! Just winging your way to Santiago with a load that's light and a smile that's bright.
Buen Camino Al.

 

[txpeah]

The way is well marked and you can bring all info on albergues on your phone, they are available here on the forum and updated regularly. Somone suggested taking photos of your guide book with your phone and using that. I tried it with a few pages and it works fine.

Also try a Rick Steves trick and cut up the guide book to the most necessary parts while traveling, maps, etc. They even sell inexpensive light weight plastic covers to reconstruct your book with the necessities only. http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=126&id=528

 

[OTH86]

When I answered your question as to what pack was it I did so while walking the other day. So I could only say SeaToSummit. Just to complete the info now I have it to hand (literally). It is their UltraSil DayPack. It weighs 68 grams (2.4 oz) and holds 20 Litres.

Oh my goodness, I've had this same pack for about 5 months - using it as my everyday carryall. Why have I been looking at an ultralight at 650 gm when I already have the ultralightest there is??? Thanks Al!!
Terry

 

[Kiwi-family]

No one will be envious of that light pack - everyone will assume Al sent his wheelie suitcase with a baggage transfer service!!

 

[David]

Like I said above - a change of clothes, sandals, soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, bag liner, towel and toiletries, first aid, spare phone batteries and charger.

Come on Al - a real list - what does "a change of clothes mean"? ... I am inspired!

 

[Al the optimist]

No one will be envious of that light pack - everyone will assume Al sent his wheelie suitcase with a baggage transfer service!!

LOL. They can think what they want. I don't care what people think about it. They can think me a Touringo, an idle so and so, or whatever. I've evolved and pray they do the same. Seriously though I am quite excited at the prospect of going lighter.
David, a change of clothes means a pair of zip offs, t-shirt, inner and outer socks and boxers weighing one kilo in total.

 

[David]

Ah - literally a change of clothes - just the one set - proper travelling!! (I agree completely!) - but, no fleece for possible cold on the hills? No sleeping bag or sheet liner?

 

[Al the optimist]

David I refer you to what I said earlier in the thread. "The bag in the picture is fully packed ready for my next Camino. It contains all I need for a Camino of any duration. Though I must say I don't do winter walking. It contains a change of clothes, sandals, soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, bag liner, towel and toiletries, first aid, spare phone batteries and charger." The soft shell coat keeps some chill out and I can always put the waterproof one over it (if I want to sweat).

 

[David]

I like your list Al, I like it very much indeed. Don't forget the sewing kit and tiny tube of superglue!

 

[Al the optimist]

I like your list Al, I like it very much indeed. Don't forget the sewing kit and tiny tube of superglue!

I forgot to mention "other stuff" which includes some gaffer tape etc.

 

[JennyH94]

I'm sure you'll be a happy little vegemite ! Just winging your way to Santiago with a load that's light and a smile that's bright.
Buen Camino Al.

Hey Annie - do you reckon we could convert Al re the vegemite? As we both well know, if you eat enough of it the mozzies won't attack you ... I wonder if it would work on the Camino as a good bed bug 'preventative'! So many people hate it, maybe the bed bugs would too!
See you at the Rissole on Saturday!

 

[pilgrim b]

What about a hat to protect you from the sun Al and how far are you walking?I'm also worried about where you are going to keep your water does it have side pockets.
On a serious note I think you have sorted the lightweight walking gear well, and those boots what make are they?

 

[OzAnnie]

Hey Annie - do you reckon we could convert Al re the vegemite? As we both well know, if you eat enough of it the mozzies won't attack you ... I wonder if it would work on the Camino as a good bed bug 'preventative'! So many people hate it, maybe the bed bugs would too!
See you at the Rissole on Saturday!

Should be good meeting Saturday. So many of the 'mob' have been away , so there will be many tales to be told. The hospitalero times, caminos, Kat!, SDC, Ivar, holidays and vegemite !

Al's packing light would be a good topic for discussion too.

Annie

 

[Al the optimist]

What about a hat to protect you from the sun Al and how far are you walking?I'm also worried about where you are going to keep your water does it have side pockets.
On a serious note I think you have sorted the lightweight walking gear well, and those boots what make are they?

Hat, buff and very light gloves included in "other stuff". I have been hanging a water bottle on a carabiner from the grab handle. Boots are Meindl but cannot remember model name. However after some test walks I am not sure this is the way to go as it is tight packing, not quite practical enough and leaves some things to be desired. So the actual pack to use is a work in progress. I am happy with the pre-pack weight, so now I have a little weight available for comfort/practicality issues.

 

[Lynda t]

I've bought a Forclaz 20 which I have loaded. It weighs 430g empty and 3.5k with my kit. Only water, snacks phone and passport to go in and there is room. I didn't take any books 4 years ago. Tourist info gave out places of interest along the way. I just followed the arrows.. I did down load the terrain map from this forum. Cut into daily sizes, laminated each one and discarded as I walked through that area. Don't cut the A4 paper up but laminate and you have a picnic plate or something dry to sit on! On my first camino I travelled with a Forclaz 45. It's now too heavy for my hip. Getting a new one on Saturday. Hip that is. Enjoy your casinos. I am envious.

 

[Kanga]

Enjoy your casinos. I am envious.

And good luck on the Roulette table! (Don't you love predictive text?).

Lynda, sincerely thinking of you and hoping the hip operation went well and you make a good recovery.

 

[Al the optimist]

Pilgrim B. Now looking as if I have given into the comfort/convenience and sacrificed some grams on their behalf. So using a cheap old Kangool 25L that I have used knocking about town for years. I have better straps, side pockets and spider-web, all making life so much better. No waist belt unfortunately but hey altogether skin out at 5.3K? (5.5% Body weight)

 

[David]

You can cut a webbing utility belt in half and sew it on to make a waist/hip belt!

like this one - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADJUSTABL...4?pt=Men_s_Accessories_UK&hash=item19d1581100

and then you could slide pouches onto it too - like this one - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WEB-TEX-L...Hunting_ShootingSports_ET&hash=item33899bed96

 

[Al the optimist]

Thanks for the idea David. Why didn't I think of that? Actually have some webbing belts already. So I think I will get two loops sew on bottom of bag and thread through.

 

[Camino Ellie]

Now there's a challenge ... Well done! In fact you could just as well have got a Macabi skirt and put everything in the pockets

Mmmm Macabi skirt! Way to go!

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Nidarosa and Camino Ellie -

I just couldn't resist posting this - the mens' Macabi skirt!

There was SO MUCH FUN on the subject of mens' hiking skirts and other apparel choices on the Forum last year, that I just had to revisit this hilarious topic here!



How It Works
A Macabi MUG is more than a kilt or a manskirt. It is the first Men's Unbifurcated Garment built specifically for adventure travel. Smart, rugged, comfortable and versatile, a Macabi MUG will free your mind, body and spirit. Liberate yourself in an open world, unfettered by outdated societal norms, unrestrained by leg-specific garments.




1: Unleashed. Unconquered.

Never again will you ask who wears the pants. It's day eight of your 200-mile trek through the Sierra Madre, and you're the only one in the group who's not suffering from crotch rot. Welcome to the liberated, ventilated world of the Macabi.
2: Bifurcate on the Fly. (um, We mean "fast." Ouch!)

At times you may feel the desire to rein in your free-flowing freedom. Say, dinner time in Dubrovnik after a day of kayaking on the Adriatic Sea. No need to trouser up. Just snap the Pant Clipâ„¢, and your Macabi becomes a stylish, vaguely eastern-looking pant-like garment.
3: Go Where No Pants Have Gone Before.

Casting on the Rio Negro? Skip the waders! Just engage the Wading Snapsâ„¢ and walk right in. The water's fine, and so is your Macabi. Not only does the Macabi convert into wading shorts. It's also constructed from quick-drying, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant Supplexâ„¢ fabric. So you'll be dry by the time you get back to camp.
4: Oversized Storage: Don't Leave it Home.

Finally, pockets big enough to carry your gear. Or an extra pound of trail mix. Or your camera. Or your dad's 50-pound key ring. They're like internal cargo pockets: big enough to be useful, yet out of the way in the Macabi's loose skirting. Plus, there's a zippered security pocket for your valuables.

Read the story behind the Macabi for Men. See what your fellow Macabites are saying. Ready to debifurcate your wardrobe? Get your MUG today.

'Wonder what the weight is though?! Will it be light enough to pass Al's weight test?!

Cheers!

 

[KiwiNomad06]

LOL. They can think what they want. I don't care what people think about it. They can think me a Touringo, an idle so and so, or whatever. I've evolved and pray they do the same. Seriously though I am quite excited at the prospect of going lighter.

I am going to go the whole have-pack-carried hog next time. Have ten days, going via walking tour company in Italy, self-guided, to walk on a bit of the St Francis trail near Assisi. My pack will have room for extra souvenirs I might buy along the way and I won't even have to carry them. I might even buy a bigger pack Margaret

 

[gerardcarey]

Hi Nidarosa and Camino Ellie -
I just couldn't resist posting this - the mens' Macabi skirt!

Male skirt wearers.
Pleased be advised that if I ever come across you dressed in a skirt, and looking as stupid as the person in the above photos, I feel I will be unable to refrain from giving you a sound slapping.
This of course excludes any scots, who are sadly a lost cause.

Regds
Gerard

 

[bystander]

This of course excludes any scots, who are sadly a lost cause.

Watch it, digger.
I'm a clan descendant of the Black Douglas who died fighting the Moors at Teba in 1330!

 

[David]

Travelling light? From the 1950's Peace Pilgrim walked over 25,000 miles throughout the USA - she had no money, no income - She vowed to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." - people gave her food and small amounts of cash and occasionally invited her to stay, otherwise she just slept where she was when night came.

She wrote “Do you know there is a power greater than ourselves which manifests itself within us as well as everywhere else in the universe? This I call God. Do you know what it is to know God, to have God's constant guidance, a constant awareness of God's presence? To know God is to reflect love toward all people and all creations.To know God is to feel peace within—a calmness, a serenity, an unshakeableness which enables you to face any situation. To know God is to be so filled with joy that it bubbles over and goes forth to bless the world.”

She only ever wore what you see in the photo - the smock had a number of pockets in it to carry what she needed. No pack, no sleeping bag, no spares of anything - worth a thought ....

 

[gerardcarey]

Watch it, digger.
I'm a clan descendant of the Black Douglas who died fighting the Moors at Teba in 1330!

Don't call me digger cobber.
I'm a Kiwi (I just live in Brissy).
I figure a one man haka would scare you off.

 

[bystander]

Don't call me digger cobber.
I'm a Kiwi (I just live in Brissy).
I figure a one man haka would scare you off.

You win!

 

[Monk Moses]

Male skirt wearers.
Pleased be advised that if I ever come across you dressed in a skirt, and looking as stupid as the person in the above photos, I feel I will be unable to refrain from giving you a sound slapping.
This of course excludes any scots, who are sadly a lost cause.

Regds
Gerard

Does that go for us monks as well Gerard?

 

[JennyH94]

Male skirt wearers.
Pleased be advised that if I ever come across you dressed in a skirt, and looking as stupid as the person in the above photos, I feel I will be unable to refrain from giving you a sound slapping.
This of course excludes any scots, who are sadly a lost cause.

Regds
Gerard

Now Gerard! I thought you'd be the first one to order a MUG! In your humid Brissy climate surely they'd be a summer essential, but I don't know if you'd be allowed on the plane out of the country wearing one!
Cheers!

 

[Al the optimist]

You can cut a webbing utility belt in half and sew it on to make a waist/hip belt!

Gave in to temptation at the local GoOutdoors store and rather than messing about to reach a less than ideal and unsightly compromise I have bought a Berghaus Remote 25L. It fits inside even RyanDares cabin sizes and everything goes inside for the flight. I always hang my sandals outside when walking, leaving some internal food room. Maximum total weight carrying everything except the one set of clothes (shirt, zip-off trousers, boxers, socks) 5K. What is included? Two 500ml aluminium water bottles (kept in side pockets), change of clothes, sandals, soft shell coat, waterproof coat, hat, buff, light gloves, bag liner, towel and toiletries (dental floss doubles as a repair aid), first aid (including plasters and compeed), maintenance stuff (needles, thread, gaffer tape, scissors, tweezers, nail cutters, nail file), spare phone batteries and chargers (I have two cheap battery chargers and batteries so I can charge without worrying about my phone or about doing it every night). Yes I know it is more than the 3.3k, but at 5% of my body weight it really is nothing for me and the added comfort/convenience/practicality is worth it I think.

 

[cinimod]

I believe the Brierly guide is now available as the eCamino app... This is supposed to have offline maps and POIs and all the guide has, and is updated...

Also has a diary, blogging tool, and a check in tool to use with eCamino.com

 

[David]

Neat, Al - 25l pack is cool - and total is pretty light indeed! - but - hang on! I can see why you left the Fez out - it would get crushed - but what about the silk dressing gown and Moroccan tooled leather slippers - let alone the smoking jacket for evenings!

 

[Al the optimist]

Sending those ahead each day with by car with Jeaves mate. As you say I don't want them getting crushed/creased. Also he has my Dinner Jacket in case I get invited to a do.