Updated packing list 2023

A camiga asked me if I had a packing list to share, and I kind of do, though they are getting a bit outdated. I realise that I mostly post un-packing lists these days, because I think it is more interesting to see, after the fact, what actually worked and not. This informs my next packing, and I end up making little tweaks and changes all the time. My Goldilocks list is a good starting point, but I thought I would make a more detailed and updated list anyway. A few things:

* Ignore the brand names – some of my stuff is on the expensive side, what can I say, I have been lucky in the sales … I have added links mainly so you can have a look at the features for comparison. Find stuff that suits you and your plans, preferences and budget.

* I walk in running tights and skirts, but the rest is pretty universal. If you prefer walking in trousers, shorts, zip-offs or leggings, do that. Bring the combo that you know is comfortable and will cover walking and evening wear, and resist the temptation to take spares. I might swap the dress for another skirt and add a merino T-shirt next time, for even more versatility.

* When I say shampoo, body lotion etc, a little goes a long way – don’t pack the large bottle for a short walk, pour what you need into smaller bottles, tubs, tins; and bring the half-finished tube of toothpaste instead of the brand new full one. I prefer solid products; less water is less weight. Lighten your load where you can.

* I guess this list is geared towards longer walks of two weeks or more. If you are walking for a week, you can easily make do with even less! If it’s a few more weeks though I will take my earphones, cup and clothes line etc, as I will be needing them at one point. Same for some of the first aid and footcare. It makes very little difference in weight over time.

Stuff in italics are sometimes in, sometimes out, depending on season and route.

Carrying:

Gregory Juno 30 pack with trampoline back for ventilation, perfect size
Pack cover, if not using a poncho
Arcteryx Mantis 1 waist pack (with crossbody strap from a different bag) – I wear my sidebag under the pack at all times and take it into the shower with me. It is the perfect size for my stuff without allowing too much extra to creep in
In the sidebag: Passport, tickets, insurance docs, credencial in plastic cover; mobile, small RFID purse, guidebook, notebook, pen, Carmex lip balm, salt shaker
Apps on the mobile: Google Translate, AlertCops, What3Words, Wise Pilgrim, WhatsApp, plus relevant airlines, ALSA bus – and my own photo as a lock screen so if I lose it, anyone who finds it can see that it is indeed mine!

Footwear:

Hoka Speedgoat trail runners with thick cushioning and durable Vibram sole, not waterproof because waterproof shoes can take a long time to dry
Crocs classic sandals (Birkenstock EVA Madrid are also good, lighter and thinner)

Clothes under:

Merino underwear x3 – merino is breathable, doesn’t itch or stink, and dries quickly
(Icebreaker) Sportsbras x2, or a sportsbra for walking and normal for evening
Merino mix socks x3
Wool socks for cold nights

Clothes top:

Merino or tech tank top for sleeping and layering
Lightweight merino T-shirt for walking
Merino long sleeve top for walking
Fleece jacket for walking or evening jacket
Merino or lightweight easy-wash, quick-dry dress
SPF shirt worn as lightweight jacket on hot days
Colourful scarf for ‘dressing up’, warmth, emergency towel, bunk curtain etc

Clothes bottoms:

Purple Rain adventure skirt with pockets and yoga waist band
Decathlon short x2 and long x1 running tights (or the other way around), preferably without a waistband pocket – it will grate under the pack (I cut them out before I go)
Dirty Girl gaiters to keep sand and debris out of my shoes

Weatherwear:

Sun hat of some form
Rab Kinetic lightweight rain jacket
Altus zipped poncho or even lighter Sea to Summit one, instant cover for pack and me
Down or synthetic padded jacket – if it is likely to get wet, choose synthetic
Rain trousers if I am likely to get a lot of wind and rain
Euroschirm parasol umbrella for personalised shade in hothot weather
Thin merino gloves and beanie hat if in the cool season

Sleeping:

Sea to Summit down sleeping bag, alternatively a silk sleeping bag liner
Earplugs!

Toiletries:

Decathlon foldable bag for hand luggage – this one is pretty perfect, and cheap, and available in Spain. I also use it as my ‘arrival bag’ – toiletries in the zip pocket, clean clothes and towel inside, clothesline and clips in the inside pocket – so I can grab it and go straight to the shower on arrival, hang it in the shower with my sidebag inside and emerge showered, brushed and dressed!
Toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, small bottle of shampoo or Ethique shampoo bar in soap drybag, used for hair and body; Ethique solid conditioner or Body Shop hair oil, Nuud deo cream, small razor, hair bands
Travalo refillable small perfume spray, mascara, lippy
Towel, technical or hammam type cotton
Face cream, body lotion, sun cream
Ladies, bring a few of your preferred period products, your cycle can change on the trail and you might not find what you need when you need it
A piece of laundry soap (or use your shampoo), stretch clothes line and mini bulldog clips – I even take a small laundry net for organisation and shared washing machine loads

Kitchenware:

Spork/kiwi spoon for yogurt, avocado, kiwi obvs, etc
Mini salt shakers x2 (regular and spicy salt), one in sidebag
Lightweight cup of some form for chilled gazpacho, water and/or vino
A few tea bags, instant soup sachets, chilli sauce, peanut butter, etc as required
Small sealing clip, rubber bands, small scrub sponge

Pilgrim care:

Small first aid bag with painkillers, antihistamines, Imodium instant tablets, a tube of Betadine, small rolls of gauze, woven tape, paper tape, and some Cosmopor-E plasters
Footcare: Gehwol cream against blisters – or Vaseline, or similar – Compeed, nail clippers, nail scissors (yes, both, as the scissors can be used for many other things)
Voltaren pain relief cream – avoid ibuprofen tabs, they can damage the stomach lining! Rub the cream where needed
Any medicines you need; prescriptions if you need to top up along the way
Spare insoles – if your shoes get wet, you have dry soles for going out again
Knee supports
Small spray bottle – fill and spritz water on neck, face etc on hot days

Electronics:

European USB plug, fast charging if in albergues
Mobile and charger
Fitbit and charger, it’s my watch and also my buzzing alarm in the morning
Power bank, safer to charge in communal areas than leaving your mobile unattended
Plug-in earphones – they never run out of battery

Bits and bobs:

Pacerpoles, Dual lock, plus spare rubber tips – I couldn’t do a long walk without them!
Water container – usually a Brita filter bottle, and/or a small water bag for my skirt pocket, topped up with 1 or 1.5L bottles for hot days and reusing them
Looware – some toilet paper in a ziplock bag. Leave no trace – wipes are forever!
Different colour drybags for underwear, sleeping bag, evening clothes, and assorted small stuff, or separating wet clothes from dry – but please not rustling plastic bags!
Buffs and bandanas are multitaskers: hair band, head/neck scarf, eye mask, wash cloth, food wrap, bandage, pee rag …
Hero clip for hanging the arrival bag off shower stall doors, pack off bunks, shoes on pack, poncho to dry etc
Lightweight hi-viz/reflective slap straps for roadside or dark morning walks
Sport beans or other high-energy snacks for that extra boost
Shell for my pack