The Packing List

Yesterday we packed the backpacks (3 lbs) and threw into a box items to be shipped ahead as parts of various care packages. We took large containers of, for example, campsuds -our all purpose concentrated cleaner for body,hair, and clothes, and divided it down into smaller containers that should last 10 days. Will in a later post give a list of the care package compositions and where they will be mailed for collection along the trail. Below is my packing list. David and I have split the toiletries and the emergency/useful items and both weighed in at 16 pounds. When we add water (2 lbs and food 1lbs) and a few of the other items not quite in the bag yet (glasses etc) we will definitely add another pound. So it looks like a 20 lb pack!

I am carrying a couple of sentimental items that are not included in the weight - the index prayer cards from the children's first communion, my mother's Memorial card, and a Superman medal, "Go Forward" from the Christopher Reeves Foundation for our dear friend Athena.

CAMINO PACKING LIST
Full pack plus water and food should not exceed 10% of your body weight. – max 20 lbs

Everything is stored in plastic bags, essential as it can rain a lot.

CLOTHING & /EQUIPMENT
2 pair pants – 2 pr zip off shorts (1 pr used as sleeping gear)
2 long sleeve T-shirt
1 short sleeve T-shirt
3 pair thick socks
4 pair sock liners or thin socks
3 panties/underpants
2 bras
1 fleece jacket
Bandana- for various uses
Bandana – cooling gel
Rain jacket - gortex
Backpack rain cover
Sandals
Sleep sheet
Collapsible titanium walking poles
Hiking boots (gel inserts/orthotics)
Extra pair shoe laces
Sun hat - Tilley
Travel towel- medium sized
Water bottle
Heart monitor

ELECTRONICS
Camera charger
Blackberry charger
Flash drive USB (for putting camera pictures on)
Camera to computer cord
Vonage flashdrive for calling USA
Ipod charger
Electrical plug adapter

TOILETRIES
Foot care
Needle & cotton thread for blisters
Corn Huskers for feet
Foot Powder
New Skin liquid bandage
Moleskin
Band-Aids
Nail clipper

Daily care
Hair Brush
Deodorant
Emery board
Moisturizer
Nailbrush – for washing clothes and cleaning boots
Campsuds – for shampoo/ soap and laundry detergent
Sunscreen (SPF 30)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Prescription medications/vitamins
Ear plugs
Advil PM
Sweetner

Useful or emergency care
Diaper pins for clothes line on back pack
Flashlight (LED-type)
Ziploc-type bags, various sizes
Antibiotic/Z pack
Insect repellent
Antibiotic cream
Compass
Plastic case on lanyard for putting map in
Guidebooks and notes
Knife with sheath for cutting bread, cheese, fruits
Small light weight flexible cutting “board”
Metal “ball” for mixing up protein drink in water container
Swiss army knife
Plastic spoons
Gum
Hand Sanitizer/ moisture towelettes

WAIST BELT PACK, WORN IN FRONT W/ VALUABLES: NEVER LEAVE IT!
Blackberry
Passport
Driver’s license (you never know!)
Air and train tickets, hotel confirmations
Pilgrim passport (Your most valuable possession!)
Pen/pencil
Small diary
ATM/Debit card for cash
Credit card
Sunglasses/reading glasses
Camera
Ipod
Cash
Lip balm/gloss
Wear your boots on the plane. If baggage is lost, you can buy everything else in Europe, but the boots should be broken in to your feet. Don’t lose them!

To travel overseas, put backpack and send ahead clothes in duffel bag/suitcase. Before hitting the trail, go to the post office and buy a box there to hold the duffel and send-ahead clothes. Mail to yourself “lista de correos” in Santiago. Mail other smaller care packages to other correos along the trail

GORP – sent ahead to a couple of post office
Protein Powder – sent ahead