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Packing List

What to carry in your backpack for a lightweight and comfortable pilgrimage.

Know what your pack weighs

Weigh the empty backpack, then record the weight of its contents. Your total departure load includes the bag, water, food and everything else you will carry. Compare weights only when they include the same items; a figure that excludes water is not the load you will walk with.

Choose what to carry for your route, season, refill opportunities and the bedding your accommodation confirms it provides. Try the proposed load on a representative walk and adjust the pack and contents to your needs. A body-weight percentage or another walker's pack weight cannot establish what works for you. Keep needed water and equipment until you have checked a dependable alternative.

The Essentials

Backpack

  • Size: Choose enough capacity for the contents and supplies your planned stages require.
  • Fit: Adjust the pack with that load inside. Check comfort and freedom of movement during your trial walk.

Footwear

Check the surfaces, slopes and expected conditions of your chosen stages before selecting footwear.

  • Choice: Compare shoes and boots for those conditions and your own fit needs. No style or brand suits everyone.
  • Fit and condition: Check the actual pair, including any wear, with your intended socks and any insoles you normally use. Try the combination rather than choosing socks by material alone.
  • Trial: Use relevant experience with the pair, then allow time for any further walking trials with your planned load. Build up gradually; an uncomfortable fit is not something to solve by reaching a fixed distance.

Clothing

  • Rain Gear: A lightweight poncho or rain jacket + rain pants. Rain will happen.
  • Layers: Fleece or puffy jacket for chilly evenings (even in summer).
  • Convertible Pants: Versatile for changing temperatures.

Pilgrim Specifics

  • Credential: Keep it accessible and dry (ziploc bag).
  • Earplugs: Essential for hostel dorms.
  • Microfiber Towel: Quick drying and light.
  • Power Bank: Vital for phone charging.
tip

Poles: Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on steep descents.

What Not to Bring

  • Jeans: Heavy and slow to dry.
  • Heavy Books: Use Kindle or phone apps.
  • Laptop: Unless you are a digital nomad, leave the work behind.