May Camino Packing List

What I'm taking (fyi, this is what’s being recommended by various pilgrims for a May Camino) remember, its my first one too, there will be mistakes:

Passport and medication/glasses…..do not forget these……..In a zip lock back to keep dry.

E1 11 card, you are all entitled to them, apply for it now if you don’t have it, you will be seen for free in any EU hospital.

Backpack …duuuuuuah

BLISTER KIT, COMPEED, in a place where they are easily accessible on route.

Backpack rain cover or if you have a poncho you can cover both you and the backpack

Poncho/Rain Gear, lads, May is the rainy season so be prepared for unexpected showers, they are apparently fast and furious and come and go in a whirlwind.

Walking sticks, people are torn on this one, but think of saving your knees and the wild dogs are put off by them, yes I did say wild dogs. There is confusion about checking your bags but apparently if they are a walking aid they are allowed and its skiing poles that aren’t allowed.  This I may be able to find out from someone at the DAA.

Research argues both a sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner I’m only bringing the liner, something I might regret but sure it’s a pilgrimage and I am supposed to be suffering. If I am cold, I will just sleep in my clothes.

Ear plugs, lads, snoring is going to occur, we are not the only family on the Camino, we will be sharing with other knackered folk so be prepared.

Inflatable pillow – very light and haven’t heard great reviews about the albergue-provided pillows (I’d say they are never washed and they are probably mankatron) I am bringing bed bug spray just in case too.

Clothing - I’m going with the rule of three 1. Wash 2. Dry 3. Wear

Technical T-Shirts/Vest (Most recommend at least one long sleve) X3

Fleece – apparently if you start out in the morning it can be chilly and it gets warm by midday so be prepared.

2 X Hiking cut off pants, the reason being, it can be chilly in morning and if you want to explore some of the churches it can be respectful to throw on the bottom part of the pant..not sure about this but I have read it a couple of times, each to their own.

Shorts, for an evening relax.

Three pairs of jocks/nicks/bra, again one for washing one for wearing and one for drying.

Three socks, trekking ones, you don’t want blisters or chaffing, make sure you’ve worn them before you wear them on the Camino.

Flip Flops or Sandals, apparently the best thing of an evening is to take off your boots and let some air at your feet for the evening. Some people swear by taking your boots off every time you rest but I recon your feet will swell once you take them off and might be awful putting them back on to trek again, but again, each to their own.

Sun hat/Cap – to protect your ears neck and face from that pesky sun burn. I shall be bringing my gayfinder hat, just in case you were wondering.

Toiletry bag/Mesh bag (for drying quickly) or zip lock bag for:

Toothbrush/Paste, I am sure people can share the paste between them, I will have some with me. And if your being really clever then you can cut your toothbrush in half.

I am bringing a travel bottle of shampoo/conditioner…I like a good shower and it can double as shower cream if you are frugal with it.

A disposable razor…this is for the boys and the girls if they aren’t getting waxed before they fly.

Sun screen – NB NB NB

Sunglasses, with UV protection.

Deodorant, again, share the weight as you probably won’t use a whole bottle…unless your bringing roll on, don’t share that, that would be gross.

A water bladder/or other 2L water storage.  Lads, hydration is key.

I’d say a camera but all our phones have one, I will be bringing the go pro and doing the usual video so you can have a copy of that to cherish those miserable moments.

A power bank and cable for charging.

Nappy pins X 5, believe it or believe it not, apparently nappy pins are brilliant for laundry, hanging off your bag to dry, drying on a rack.  I will be bringing these, they also double for a blister burster.

Quick dry towel. They are light and shit. No, they don’t dry like a real towel but you will be glad of the extra lightness that they bring.

Pen and paper, people are mixed on this one, I keep a visual journal everywhere I go so I would be lost if I didn’t bring one, but again it’s a luxury item for me.

Toilet paper, now Lora has done a bit of research on this one and I don’t know how I feel about it but you can think about it.  Instead bring a bandana in a zip lock, if you need to clean yourself you can and then wash it and lock it in the zip lock.  It might be a less bulky alternative and apparently it’s a done thing and ecofriendly aaaannnnddd it means you will never run out.

Debit/Credit card..you don’t know when you will be stranded or stuck.

Apparently pilgrims carry a family photo as other pilgrims like to share. I like this and I know I will be carrying a photo of my family with me, if nothing else they will make me feel better if I have had a tough day.

NON ESSENTIALS (If you want)

A head torch, I am torn on this one and I will have to see how heavy my pack is before I waste space on this.  I get that the albergue turn off their lights but again, our phones have one to get to the toilet if you’re stuck.

Guidebook – I will probably bring one.

Spork - a half spoon fork knife kind of thing, made of plastic.

I'll be bringing nearly all my stuff in zip lock bags, they are handy and keep everything dry.