So, here's what's in my pack

The Way

Welcome back. Sorry for delay in getting to this entry.  To my great surprise more than a few friends have said they're looking forward to finding out what's in my pack and, by the way, when am I going to get around to it??  Well, I have two things to say to you - 1) I really appreciate your interest - though I suspect you're just being kind - in which case I appreciate it even more; and 2) careful what you wish for, because this could definitely be a case of 'more than you ever needed to know'.  But, for better or worse, here it is.

You'll see I've included more links you may find useful. My friend Roland (plug for Harvest the Net) suggested that with the amount of 'product placement' on this blog (I'm sure he meant that in a good way), I should have thought to fund my trip entirely through sponsorship!  What a great idea - why didn't I think of that sooner? Though I imagine my 'sponsors' may have imposed some KPIs which would require a readership greater than my family and friends.

You'll see from my clothing list that I've opted for merino wool for shirts, thermals and sock liners. It's lightweight, breathes well, drys quickly and, apparently, the shirts can be worn for 2-3 weeks before they are totally 'anti social' if you know what I mean. I'll let you know how that goes!  Items marked with an * are those I'll be wearing, at least on day one, so they're not counted in the 10kg. 

WALKING GEAR

1 x Columbia lightweight hiker pants (zip off to convert to shorts) *
1 x Kuhl hiking skirt
2 x Icebreaker 150 merino T-shirts - * one shirt
1 x Icebreaker 200 merino zip neck long sleeve top - for colder weather, if needed
1 x Icebreaker 200 merino thermal pants - as above
2 x Brandella Superlite merino thermals (1 x black sleeveless, 1 x black long sleeve)
4 x pairs knickers - * one pair, naturally
3 x bras - * as above
4 x pairs merino sock liners - * one pair
3 x pairs walking socks - * one pair
1 x Columbia Titanium waterproof jacket
1 x pair waterproof pants (worth getting a decent pair that 'breathes' and essential (in my view) they have zipper legs so you can get them on and off without having to take off your boots/shoes.
1 x spare shoes (haven't decided yet on Brooks trek runners or Keens - but will definitely take an extra pair)
2 x buffs (great multi-purpose item - sweat band, neck protection from sun or cold, beanie, balaclava and more) Visit http://www.mybuff.com.au/  If you're a fan of Survivor, you'll be familiar with buffs.
1 x lightweight hat
1 x hydration bladder - mine is 2 litre Camelbak
2 x Explorer SA walking poles  - *
1 x Deuter rain cover for pack

SLEEPING GEAR
1 x Roman +10 Palm sleeping bag (only 500 grams) - I don't fancy relying on bed linen in the refugios / albergues

1 x Active pants (can double as walking pants)

1 x Snowgum merino T shirt (can double as walking shirt)
Ear plugs (for a good night's sleep in albergues / refugios with dormitory style sleeping quarters)

FOOT CARE GEAR

This is important.  If you injure your feet (blisters, pressure points), you can be out of action for days - or longer.  I've tried out quite a few products. But what works for me, may not work for you.  So, if you're planning a long walk - try a few things to see what works for you. You can buy these products from most pharmacies - except Hikers Wool which you buy online from NZ. 

Compeed patches  (medium and small)

Scholl Blister Stop Prevention Kit

Hikers Wool

Aqua protect bandaids

Paw-Paw cream

OTHER STUFF

Red Cross Hikers First Aid Kit (thanks to my Mum, Helen, for this great birthday gift from a few years ago)

Tiger Balm

Voltarin and Panadol

Toiletries (these can weigh a lot, so check out Sea to Summit Pocket products - I've tried the shampoo with conditioner  - works just fine)

Sunscreen - my recommendation is Hamilton skin products - roll on 30+ sunscreen very lightweight

Pegless clothes line and washing liquid (see Sea to Summit above)

Travel cutlery set

Plastic cup
Chargers and Adaptor

Phone 

Camera (or if you're happy with picture quality on your phone, just use that), and
... my iPad + Camera Connect to load pictures directly from my camera.

It seems like a lot but if you choose your gear carefully you can take all this in a lightweight pack and you'll still be carrying under 10kg. So, unless I've forgotten something - which is entirely likely - that's it for the gear.  Til next time ... J.

Lunchtime on The Camino