What To Take?

It's always tough to pack for a trip, especially a long one overseas.  You want to be sure that you have the right clothes, shoes and gear that you might need for your visit.  However, you don't want to take too much stuff that you have to lug around or pay excess baggage fees.

This problem is even more complicated for a trip like the Camino de Santiago where you have to carry all of your things every day for hundreds of miles.  Every additional piece of clothing or guide book or gear means additional ounces or pounds that you have on your back.

Everyone's tendency is to take too much stuff.  Experienced pilgrims suggest no more than 10 kilos -- about 22 pounds.  It doesn't sound like much, except around 18 miles into the day's hike.

We've been trying to figure out the essentials that we need to take, yet not be too extreme.  Here's my kit so far:

It includes:

• 45-liter backpack
• hydration bladder
• sleeping bag
• pillow (I'm wimpy)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• running shoes
• three pairs of socks
• three pair of underwear
• three shirts
• one running singlet
• one fleece
• one pair of shorts
• one pair of convertible shorts/pants
• one pair of running shorts
• rain jacket
• rain pants
• hat
• bandana
• rain cover for backpack
• towel
• toiletry kit
• first aid kit
• guide book
• passport and Camino credencial
• journal
• iPhone

Believe it or not all of this stuff weighs only 23 pounds and it all fits in my backpack!  Here's proof:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eI_r6owOdc

I'm sure that there are things we missed.  More likely, we are carrying too much stuff that we will give away or send back home during our journey.  Fortunately, we can always purchase what we need along the way.  So it's better to pack light rather than carry superflous stuff.