What are you taking with you?

A few people have asked about our gear and what we’re bringing on our Camino.  Before we get into specifics we would like to thank Rob and Amy as well as my coworkers at Macy’s Backstage for their generous and thoughtful gifts which included REI gift cards as well as other practical items. It was great fun to shop for exactly what we need and REI is the perfect store for trekking gear!  Thank you!!

According to those who have completed treks like the Camino, we should limit what we’re carrying to about 10% of our weight.  All in, including full water bottles we are way over.  My backpack, with water, will be about 18.0 pounds and Tom’s is over 21.5 pounds so we’re still reviewing it to see what, if anything, we can reduce.

Here’s a general list of what we’re each taking with us:

Backpacks
Hiking boots
Trek poles
Sleeping bags
Ponchos
Fleece (double as a pillow)
Rain jackets
2 pair of convertible pants
3 lightweight shirts
3 pairs inner and outer socks
3 underwear
Flip flops
Sun hats
Buffs
sporks
Micro towels
Head lamps
Toiletries – soap, shampoo, toilet paper, tooth brushes & paste, deodorant, shavers, etc.
Medical kit – medical tape, Aquaphor, anti-itch and antibiotic creams, prescriptions, sunscreen, bug spray, band aids, etc.
Electronics – 1 shared phone, 1 shared tablet, chargers, GoPro and selfie stick
Misc. plastic bags to protect the electronics
Guide book
2 water bottles each
Passports, cash, credit cards.

We know that it’s the electronics that are pushing us over our weight limit but this is a once in a lifetime trip for us and we want to be able to share the experience with family and friends.