Reflecting on our recent Camino Frances walk of over 800 kilometers (500 miles), there isn’t one thing in my 12-pound backpack that I didn’t regret packing. Nothing was left behind that I missed enough to wish I’d carried it. Mitch and I walked through rain, sleet, snow, wind, desert heat, spring sunshine, historic cities, and cooling cathedrals. The temperatures ranged from 0 degrees Celsius to plus 25 C. I learned a few tricks over the year, and on frequent trips to Thailand, but the Camino brought next-level packing efficiency. I hope these tips give you the confidence to lighten your load:
1. Aim for two; every item in the bag ideally has at least two purposes. i.e.; the ultralight umbrella kept me dry in light rain, and cool under intense sun. A sarong served as a towel, picnic blanket, yoga mat, and privacy screen in a dormitory bunk bed. If you like to wear shorts or a shorter skirt, pull a sarong out of your day bag for a modesty wrap when visiting cathedrals or temples.
2. Merino is magic For socks, underwear, and t-shirts or base layers, there’s nothing like Merino wool for stink-free coziness, body temperature regulation, and quick drying time. Consider various fabric weights for the climate;125 g/m2 for a light warm weather tee, and 150 g/m2 for a more sturdy and versatile everyday tee. Layer them up when it gets chilly. You can wear merino wool for multiple days before they need a wash.
3. One to wash, one to wear Plan on two sets of everyday clothing and perhaps a special piece when you want to step it up a notch. Including my travel clothes for the flights, a couple of days in Paris, and a train journey to the starting point of our 33-day walk, we had two sets of clothes to walk in and a set to lounge/sleep in. It was all we needed. Consider Three tops: two short-sleeve (one doubles as sleepwear), and one long-sleeve. Three bottoms: 2 long, 1 short, or zip-off trousers. I like one pair of zip-off trekking pants, one pair of leggings, and a light skirt for maximum versatility.
4. And a wee bit more If you followed suggestion #3 and you have room in your bag, add a few “luxury items”; an extra pair of underwear, socks, a light dress or a dressier shirt. But don’t fill that bag just because you have space.
5. Buff it up! When my neck is cold, I’m cold. A scarf or ‘Buff’ neck tube is not only cozy, but it doubles as sun protection when pulled up over your nose and cheeks, and can be used as a hair band/wrap and an eye mask.
6. Cycling sleeves; no cycling required. Cycling sleeves or UV arm protection sleeves come in handy for sun protection or added warmth. Wear them with a short-sleeved tee for a chilly morning, and whisk them off for when things heat up. Or maybe when your jacket comes off, the sleeves go on for sun protection. Look for breathable fabric, like…wait for it…merino.
7. Solidify and sail through security From chewable toothpaste tablets and shampoo bars to laundry strips from Tru-Earth, lighten your load and fly through airport security with fewer liquids. I use Rocky Mountain Soap Co’s juicy orange bar as a face wash. Just slice the bar of soap thinly and tuck a few in a zip lock bag. Bonus tip: Contact lens cases are ideal storage solutions to sleekly slide into a bag or pocket. I keep a set on me with tinted sunscreen in one compartment, and regular sunscreen in the other. If you don't wear contacts ask someone who does. It will keep theirs out of the landfill, save you buying a set and your friend will appreciate the newly found purpose in the cases.
8. Zip it up A snack-size zip-lock bag or two will stow a soggy soap bar or a handful of snacks; a sandwich-size for electronics and one for your passport. Large freezer bags keep clothes sorted and easily identifiable while weighing less than travel-specific cloth organizers. On the way home use those bags to seal that cheese from France, or quinoa from Peru.
9. Shoes - just do it. It’s not easy, but just do it; stick to one, versatile and comfortable pair of shoes and one pair of sandals. On the Camino, I had a pair of trekking shoes, and almost weightless, slide-in sandal-style Crocs to go out for dinner, wear in shared showers, and to use as slippers in hotel rooms.
10. Hats - your head is closest to heaven To top it off, consider the climate and whether you will need sun protection, warmth, or both. For the sun, look for a wide brim, possibly with detachable flaps to protect the ears and neck. For warmth, a lightweight ‘toque’ as we say in Canada, or a beanie will do the trick and will take little space in your bag. On the airplane, snuggle into your beanie and roll down the brim for soothing darkness. Just as 'less is more' in purposeful, functional, therapeutic movements, so it is with packing! That’s a foundation for your formulations. Please share your tips with me.
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