As with tradition, I’m in including a post with my packing list. Most of my list isn’t changing this time around. The shoes and some of my clothes are new, but I’m going with what’s worked for me on my past Camino walks. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it right? I will say that with this being my fourth Camino, I feel much less stressed about making sure I don’t forget anything important. As long as I have my money, passport and broken in shoes, I can get anything else I might need along the way.

I’ve included the photo above because it’s from a famous location on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I visited the bridge this past weekend while out geocaching with friends. I had been excited to see it all that day because through hikes are of interest to me. I’m not sure I’d ever walk the PCT, but I’ve certainly watched documentaries and films that feature it. Visiting the bridge this weekend reminded me that I needed to rewatch Wild (based on the book by Cheryl Strayed). The bridge plays a role in a scene in the movie. A few years back I actually had the awesome opportunity to meet Cheryl Strayed and was able to tell her that her story has helped to inspire me on my own journeys. So naturally, watching this movie while I put together my Camino items this evening felt like a good idea.

So now for the list. Some items may still go and there may still be some last minute additions or clothing changes, but this is the bulk of what I’ll be carrying all 200 or so miles in Spain.

• REI 40 liter backpack
• REI backpack rain cover
• Brooks Cascadia trail runner shoes – goretex
• Havaiana Flip flops
• Black Diamond trekking poles
• Camelbak water bottle
• Platypus foldable water bottle
• Costco down throw blanket
• Lightweight blow up pillow (splurge item)
• REI rain jacket
• Lightweight hoody jacket
• Fleece hoody jacket*
• 2 pairs of yoga pants
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• 1 skirt
• 3 pairs of Smartwool or Darn Tough hiking socks
• 2 quick dry shirts 
• 1 quick dry long sleeve shirt
• 1 tank top
• Ball cap
• Lightweight poncho
• Gloves
• 3-4 pairs of undies
• Backpacking quick dry towel
• Toiletries including mini shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
• Fingernail clippers
• Fingernail polish (splurge item)
• Minimal first aid kit including band-aids, moleskin and compeed
• Advil, Advil PM, Vitamins
• Mini toilet paper roll
• Two needles with thread
• One safety pin
• Extra chapstick
• Mini sunscreen/face lotion
• IPhone
• Fitbit
• Battery pack charger for iPhone
• Charging cables for iPhone, Fitbit and battery charger
• 2 International plug-ins
• USB charger plug with two USB ports (charge two things at once)
• Camino Primitivo guidebook
• Camino Credencial
• Small carabiners to hang things from backpack
• Mini roll of duct tape
• Clothes line and pins for drying clothes
• 1-2 Reusable shopping bags (for storing clothes)
• 2 organization compartments to separate belongings in pack
• Kavu fanny pack
• Small wallet for credit cards/ID
• Passport
• Buff scarf
• Sounders FC Scarf (splurge item)
• Snacks and energy chews to get me started
• Scallop shell

* may remove item

When I look at the list it seems like way too much stuff, but again, it’s a list similar to what’s worked for me in the past. And at least it’s a tad bit lighter than the pack Reese Witherspoon’s character in Wild started out with on the PCT. 😃

Next Thursday I leave Seattle for my journey. I will be detouring to Los Angeles for a few days before flying off to Madrid. I’ve probably trained less for this Camino than any of my previous walks, but I know I can do it. As my dad said for my first one, just put one foot in front of the other.