Packing and preparation

You will find everyone has their own ways to pack and prepare and it is useful to look at the myriad of online guides.

Our packing lists are based loosely on these numerous websites and forums. Buy the best you can afford. Better equipment requires superior fabric and workmanship and is reflected in the cost. There are many choices to make. More waterproofing may mean less breathability. More labour saving and entertainment equipment means more to carry. There will be sacrifices to make. I’ve just decided to leave my Kindle Fire 8 and case behind and just use my phone because thats half a kilo less I have to carry for 800km! There are money savings to be made but don’t make them on footwear, raingear and rucksack!

Everything we are wearing and taking is below. For those planning a hike the complete list and brands are below with our reasons if necessary.

Some things we can share ie first aid kit, charger and small accessories but most things are needed by both of us. Washing powder is provided by hostels to use the washing machine but we have a mini bar soap to hand wash small or can shower with the clothes in the shower base.

Sleeping will usually be in an albergue ( hostel in spanish) due to cost and the most interesting people are always found in hostels. Wild camping is mostly illegal in Spain and its not practical to carry camping equipment. Depending on what we pay we may or may not have heating so must be prepared to keep warm this winter.

All clothes should be quick to dry and sweat repelling so synthetics are better . We could be walking for hours in the rain and cold or we could walk in 12c sunshine. We must be prepared for all events!

My list

Sleep

Mummy Sleeping bag (Helio hydrophobic duck down £130, 1 silk bag liner £40, 1 pair of trainer socks, 1 Nike dry fit top, 1 pair of Crocs ( hostels, showers)

Outfit x 2 ( 1 to walk and 1 to change)

2 tee shirts ( Under Armour and Skin 360), 2 thin merino wool jumpers, 1 thin fleece jacket, 1 pink arm/ leg warmers, 2 hiking trousers ( 1 with zips at knee), Merryl hiking boots (£100), 2 thermal merino leggings , chiffon wide scarf ( also to make sarong)

Rain

1 walking coat ( Mountain Warehouse Extreme 5000g/m2, 1pair of rain trousers 5000g/ m2 (Gelert) 1 poncho with rucksack space ( Lowland) 7000g/m2 (£38)

Accessories

Rucksack (Osprey 36l Stratos plus raincover. I liked the side opening and ventilated back system) pair of gaiters, ski gloves, silk glove liners, 1 hat with peak, 1 multi use snood, 1 pair Trekrite carbon walking poles, pair sunglasses, microfibre towel And facecloth , underwear including 4 pairs merino socks. (Wear 2 at a time), 2 pairs of tights ( extreme cold extra layer), Lush dry shampoo, 1 plastic soup mug with lid, 1 x hair turban and shower cap ( wet hair and cold hostels…) , earplugs, eye cover, door hook (very useful for shower and keeping clothes off floor) mini uv torch ( dirt and bed bugs detector), mini padlock ( lockers in hostels) Nivea cream ( windburn) , Vaseline ( stop friction on feet and helps prevent blisters) , John Brierly guide book, needle and cotton, spork ( combined fork and spoon) , pressure socks , waist belt, phone, 4 x usb charger and lead, basic toiletries including mini toiletries, safety pins ( hang and fix clothes) , washing line, curry powder, 1 giant emergency bag (also put rucksack in when in hostels to prevent bugs and dirt entering bag), mini lightweight rucksack ( evening use, carry on chest for water/ food/ phone etc), reading glasses, pen and note pad, Ziploc bags, mini hand wash and shower soap bar . Net clothes bag .

Phil’s list

Sleep

Sleeping bag (as above), Gelert bag liner

Outfits

1 cycling jumper, 1 fleece jacket, 2 hiking trousers with zips at knees (Diem) , 2 thin merino leggings, 2 thin long sleeve merino shirts, hiking boots (Karrimor WTX) , light scarf, thin shirt (evening and rest)

Rain

1 pair rain trousers (Peter Storm) , 1 Rain jacket ( Karrimor WTX extreme), 1 military surplus poncho

Accessories

60l rucksack ( Karrimor Leopard) plus raincover , Pair of gaiters, thin gloves, ski mittens, beanie, running headband (protect ears from cold) , snood, , wind face mask , 70l dry sack ( protects clothes in rucksack, Gelert soft fibre towel, 1 pair carbon walking poles (Karrimor) , mini 10l rucksack, pair sliders for hotel and shower (Adidas), underwear including 5 pairs of socks ( as above), sun and reading glasses, first aid kit, basic toiletries, compass, ear plugs and eye cover, pocket knife, over the door hook, phone and earphones, book, pen and note pad, washing line, whistle, spork, Ziploc bags, small stone ( to a spiritually significant place at Cruz de Ferro )

See http://www.caminoadventures.com/blog/cruz-de-ferro/

Preparation and intentions

Walking with our full rucksack and testing equipment en route helped us realise what we did or did not need . We often did a 20km walk on the weekend and exercised in general, including yoga, stretching and squats. We have also read camino journals, guide books and participated in internet forums daily for months to learn and keep the motivation going .

Using mobile entertainment

We do not intend to shut ourselves off from the world and just listen to our music, audiobooks and podcasts as we cover the miles. Our aim is to absorb Spainish nature and culture, enjoy quality time together, meet others, learn, write, observe and do walking meditation. We have our electronic entertainment for part of the walk perhaps on a difficult or dull stretch (some walking is done on the sides of roads) and for down time in the evenings . However a lot of discussion and preparation went into the compilation of motivating soundtracks and inspiring listening !

Mental preparation

We feel that we are mentally prepared due to our love of walking , emotional and spiritual wellbeing, love of nature, community spirit, patience, having adult children and ability to take time out of work to complete the entire journey. We want to be free spirits and by not knowing where we will stay each adds to our adventure. ( we have a list of hostels which are open to choose from but may do detours….who knows?)