Packing for El Camino

Admittedly, I am not totally sure what I am doing (in the details sense, hopefully not in the broad sense). I have never trekked before, never even backpacked and camped overnight with the exception of Kalalau Beach with Sus (alas only car camping for me). The longest day hikes I have done have been a few 26 milers, every one underprepared and under-provisioned. The closest calls I have had all include hiking (one involves falling off a small cliff in Hawaii, another bringing only 64 ounces of water on a blistering 26 mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail outside of San Diego). Essentially, I am playing the El Camino packing list by ear, which many (myself included) would maybe find a bit crazy. 

Finally, for the first time today, a mere 24 hours before I am set to depart for Europe, I assembled all of my wayward gear into my backpack. All I can say is...it's heavy.

Everything set out, ready to be stuffed into my backpack. It will fit, it will fit...

Clothes:

1 Packa (rain jacket and pack cover in one)

1 fleece jacket (Arc'teryx)

1 pair of rain pants (Marmot)

2 long sleeve shirt (Smartwool and Columbia)

1 short sleeve shirt (Smartwool)

1 pair of shorts (Mountain Hardware)

2 running pants (lululemon)

1 lightweight dress (Patagonia - goodbye gift from Kate!)

1 blue bandana

1 pair of gloves (The North Face)

3 underwear (Exofficio)

2 sport bras

3 pairs of socks

1 pair pink compression socks (Zensa)

Pajamas

1 pair trail running shoes (Salomon)

1 pair water sandals (Keen)

Gear:

Backpack (Gregory Deva 60 L)

Trekking poles (Black Diamond - borrowing from padres)

Sleeping bag (REI Sleeping Bag/Liner - decided to ditch North Face bulky mummy bag for this)

Insect repellent sleeping bag liner (Sea to Summit)

Sleeping pad (Therma Rest)

1 blue tarp (instead of tent)

Small gear:

1 Roll of duct tape

Multipurpose tool

Knife

Earplugs

Collapsible cup

Spork

Trekking laundry wash

Journal

Sunglasses

El Camino guidebook

Camelback

Water bottle

In process...

Medical/Toiletries:

1 first aid kit (includes basics)

Blister pads

Defense plus pills 

Ibuprofen

Multivitamins

Cortisone, Allegra, Atarax (sensitive skin defense)

Cetaphil

Tiger Balm

Insect Repellent

Sunscreen

Toothpaste and toothbrush

Shampoo

Face wash

Deodorant

Half a role of toilet paper

Quick dry towel

Hand sanitizer

Electronics:

iPad with Lifeproof case

iPhone

Camera (Samsung w/ wifi)

Adaptor

Chargers

Totally unnecessary, but...:

Tongue scraper

PB2 Chocolate Peanut Butter packets

Jewelry (ring and bracelet)

Mascara

Finally, it's all in. As a frame of reference, Lily is a 50 pound English Bulldog. 

As a rule of thumb, you are supposed to only carry 10-15% of your body weight. Well, I can definitely say I am not within those parameters. This behemoth that I am supposedly carrying across Spain weighs just shy of 30 pounds...without water. Unfortunately, as much as I think I can pull off being an ultralight trekker, I am simply too attached to my creature comforts. I have heard tales of hikers abandoning gear along El Camino to lighten the load, which may be the fate of some of my "essential" belongings. I am desperately hoping my body just "gets used to it" and I can tough it out (Sus assures me this will happen). In any case, I am just going to give my pack a wry smile and transfer my mindset to total excitement. Kelsey and I just had our last brainstorming session, everything is as set as it can be. The adventure is about to begin!