Packing for The Camino: 20 must haves

With my Camino 50 days away I have finalized my "packing list" necessities for Camino survival. 1. Good hiking backpack fitted by a professional. This the most expensive idem on the list, expect to spend $160-200 on this necessity. 2. Good hiking shoes that are waterproof ($100-$200) 3. Hiking sandals with closed toe for blocking sand and rocks. A life saver for sore blistered feet while hiking. ($100-$150) 4. Hiking socks made of synthetic material that keeps feet dry, I chose wool. ($10-$20 each) 5. Sleeping liner. I chose a bedbug sleeping liner over a sleeping bag. This was a personal choice based on the time of year. ($30) 6. Flip Flops for the shower and changing into after hiking. ($5-$10) 7. Wilderness wash. This 3ml bottle of concentrated wash can be used for everything from body to clothes or dishes. Bottle is airline approved. ($8.75) 8. Solid Shampoo bar. I chose a sulfate free ideal for died hair. ($10) 9. Organic Bed bug spray. because its organic pillows and blankets as well as the bed can be sprayed before use. ($6.99) 10. Silk pillow case. I read somewhere that bed bugs don't like silk. Stuff pillow with soft clothes from your pack to make a pillow. ($10) 11. Ear plugs for droning out noisy sleepers in the hostels. ($5) 12. Small flash light for finding the bathroom in the dark hostel. ($2-$5) 13. Head lamp for early morning and night walking. ($20-$30) 14. Quick dry microfiber towel. After showering the material will dry quickly and can be placed back in your pack. I had a hard time finding one big enough, so I actually wound up with a yoga towel. ($20-$30) 15. Poncho big enough to cover your pack. My pack came with a built in rain cover so a regular poncho will do.large ponchos are considerably more expensive($10-$50) 16. Hat for blocking sun ($10) 17. Sunglasses. obviously price will vary based on personal preference. (I paid $15) 18. Sunblock. I have sensitive skin so I purchased a silver nitrate sunblock. ($10) 19. European adaptor for electronics. ($10) 20. 3 dryfit gym outfits. Dry fit will keep you comfortable while hiking and will dry quickly to be placed back in the pack after washing. I know nothing about distance hiking but I know what's comfortable for me while at the gym or running. A personal preference based on past experiences.

Preparing for The Camino

Without knowing it I have been preparing spirituality, mentally and physically for the Camino for years. Since that first trip overseas alone. For two and a half years, I have been on this spiritual journey. Discovering my authentic self, and spirituality by leaving my comfort zone. Exploring new land and culture while also finding myself. These experiences are what have lead my heart to The Camino. Adventures of the past few years have taught me so much, while also accidently leaving me dateless and celibate. Not intentionally Just ran out of time in the day for dating. Having my head and heart clear of boy drama, has added in my self discovery and spirituality. Which can only be an asset on the Camino. As for physical preparation, I feel I am in good enough shape for the walk. I work 13hr shifts on my feet as a nurse, have ran and walked half marathons and play competitive sports. However I never did any of these things with a 20 pound pack on my back. Therefore I joined the local Crossfit gym a few months before to work on core and upper body strength. The strength and stamina gained at Crossfit can only help on the Camino. I never expected to love Crossfit, but that's a whole other blog post. As for mental preparation I have been reading everything Camino Including guide books, blogs and step by step accounts by authors whom have done the walk. Less than ideal lodging on past trips overseas has added in the transition to staying in pilgrim's hostels. Over packing on previous trips has prepared me mentally for living out of a backpack with only bare necessities. I am better versed on what I truly need. Unlike others on the Comino, this journey isn't a starting point to clarity it serves as a ending point to years of soul searching. I may never be done searching but when I reach Santiago I will be that much closer.