Packing and tips from Susan

I learned a few things and probably didn't pay attention to some things that I heard before I left.

First because I have backpacked I didn't think weight was an issue. I was very wrong there. Yes, I can manage quite a bit, but yes it makes it much harder. I learned that above a certain weight that I may never get in shape so after 10 days I got rid of some weight. That made it much more manageable for me. I could lift my pack as well then. It was the best thing that I did. It was nice to work with the pack not against it. My pack, rather Jenny's is robust and state of the art to say the least. It is pretty waterproof, has compartments, fit amazing, has lots of adjustments, etc for comfort. Others swore by their little packs and consequently smaller straps and waistbands, etc. But I am willing to carry that weight for comfort. Also in the rain I used a raincover while others had rain coming leaking in on the side of their back where the packcover doesn't protect. That pack was a wonderful friend, I like the adjustments. I saw some people with crap packs and I helped a couple of people try to adjust their packs. Not everybody gets good advice like we do on how to fit a pack.

I chose to wear hiking boots and carried walking shoes. Others were happy in walking shoes but for me boots were the only way to go. I found them helpful in the rain, on the sometimes uneven, muddy, rocky or wet terrain. I also like the ankle support. I wore my shoes for about one day on the trip. To think that I toyed with leaving my boots at home...

When you arrive at some of the albergues (most) you are not allowed to wear your outdoor footwear in so my crocs clipped to the outside were great. Everyone else had to go inside and find their sandals. My crocs worked in the showers, around town and they allowed me to wear socks on my feet that were often chilly.

I had 3 pairs of smart wool type socks. One to wash, one to dry and one nearly dry. 4 might not have been a bad idea.

Rainwear - pants, jacket, my sunhat that also keeps my glasses clear when raining.

Noone else had a toque but I used mine like a chimney - off and on depending upon the temperature and I wore more than anyone else in the evenings - I get chilly after exercise.

2 Bras - cool max and 2 pairs of underwear - one to wash and one to wear.

A shirt to wear hiking and wash daily and stuff to wear in the evening. I had a down vest and a light jacket plus the gortex. I usually started off with about 4 layers in the evening and as I ate and warmed up, the layers came off. I was always colder than anyone else. It was warm hiking in the rain or the wind though.

The antimicrobial quick dry towel is invaluable. Dries fast, dry you, then roll your washed clothes in it.

A needle to puncture blisters that will probably arise the first few weeks. So many people had all sorts of fancy stuff for blisters but for me popping was best.

A lightweight sleeping bag (mine was too heavy and too bulky). Blankets are available at the refugios if your sleeping bag isn't warm enough.

I carried a lightweight cotton bag with a handle on the plane. I was going to ditch it. However, I was always ready for the shower as I kept clean underwear and shirt and shower stuff in it. So on go the crocs and out comes the bag and I am ready to shower. None of this looking through my pack. Also there is usually something to hang the bag on, so I could stuff my glasses and clothes that I had on into the bag if necessary.

I had various mesh bags. Bigger black for clothes, small purple with adapters and battery charger, small blue mesh with plastic spoon and knife, black mesh with socks and underwear. So I never lost anything and I never had to rummage through the pack. Everything had a spot and most things had a mesh sack or an outer pocket.

Though I enjoyed carrying one liter of water in my camelback, it might have been easier to have a 500 or 750 ml bottle at your waist for easy access and to drink from the various fountains that we passed. Occasionally the liter would have been better or maybe if the days were hotter that would have been necessary. Not sure.

Walking sticks.

The MINIMUM