Packing for the Trek

Ready to Pack for the Camino, 28 August 2011

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In a week that included a substantial (5.8 Richter) earthquake, with two aftershocks strong enough to be felt, and a hurricane. it is amazing that anything has been accomplished here in ole virginny. In fact I have booked the final details for leaving home on 6 September and starting the Camino on 8 September. Included among my last minute tasks now is putting together things I need to pack. In 2001 I published a packing list on GoCamino, but I have been unable to find a clean copy of that document, so I went to the internet and found several lists that, if not derivative of mine, parallel it closely. A packing list that is for me a little too inclusive is available at On the Camino, a website new to me but one that appears to be at least marginally interesting (do not have time to investigate it now, shall leave that task until after I return). Another is available at the website of Paul Nelson a composer who walked the Camino several years ago. The venerable CSJ website also has a packing list.

Having walked twice in the autumn, my significant addition to these lists for my autumn walk is a pair of light gloves. Leaving the albergue at 6:30-7:00 am means an hour or more of walking before light and in the early morning when it can be quite cool. Layering is also a good idea – a t-shirt, shirt, polar fleece, and a light jacket worked for me and I plan to use that same system this go. Other good packing tips are provided on the three links suggested above, not least a list of things best left at home (hair dryers, jeans, etc.). My goal, perhaps achievable is <12 kilos!