What's in my backpack

When preparing for the Camino, after the questions of what shoes and backpack to buy, what goes in the backpack is the next most important thing.

I actually think this would come before the other two, but I would definitely put it before choosing a backpack. Why? Because you will only know exactly how big a backpack you need once you have what you are going to bring with you.

This causes a lot of anxiety the first time.

What if I pack too much and it will be difficult to carry?

What if something is left out and I need it?

Well, you are not alone with this problem, it took me a long time to decide what to put in the backpack the first time.

Clothes

Just like shoes and clothes, choose something that makes you feel comfortable.

• The most popular are so-called technical clothing, e.g. running clothes, which are made of synthetic material, wick away moisture and dry quickly. This is important if you sweat and don't want to walk in wet clothes, and also if you wash them in the evening, they will be dry by morning.

• The second most popular material is merino wool. This is especially true for socks, as it also wicks moisture away from the skin and is naturally antibacterial, so it won't stink even if you sweat in it. I see a lot of people choosing this for their underwear, and it even comes in thicker and thinner versions for the t-shirts. Although it's helpful that you won't be the smelliest, you still need to wash it. Keep in mind, it's more delicate than synthetic materials and it also takes a lot longer to dry, especially the thicker pieces (I had socks that took 2 days).

• Cotton clothes. Most people don't recommend this, but I wouldn't rule it out. Why? Because, for example, my skin hates synthetic materials, and I sometimes get rashes in the heat from it, and it's also much more comfortable for sleeping. Of course, it dries slower, but if it's thin, it won't be a problem.

Once you have chosen the material you want, the only question left is the quantity. The minimalist approach is to have two changes, one for walking, wash it in the evening and put on the one you will be wearing the next day. This way you save a lot of space and weight. But what if it doesn't dry because it's cold/raining, etc.?

What you bring also depends on which route you choose and what season it is. In summer we have an easier time, short sleeves and a sweater, if you are going to the mountains, then a light jacket. One short and one long pair of pants, or one with a removable leg part. I would definitely pack three pairs of underwear, less washing, you will always have dry, and if necessary you can change socks on the go.

In addition to these, a hat, a light scarf, these protect against the sun and the cold. If you are walking in the summer and are prone to sunburn, I recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants in light colors.

In addition to shoes, you should take slippers or hiking sandals, you cannot go into the accommodation with shoes so as not to bring dirt in, and you will also need them for bathing (thinking you do not want to be the proud owner of athlete's foot). They can also come in handy if you have to cross wet places, such as a flooded stream, and you do not want to get your shoes wet or risk stepping on something barefoot. And of course, it is more comfortable to walk around the city in this in the evenings than to stuff your feet back into your shoes.

Poncho or raincoat / umbrella.

Sleeping bag

If you are not going to sleep in hotels, but are signing up for shared dorm experiences, you will need it, because many places will not let you in without it, and not every place has blankets. In warm weather, a sleeping bag liner may be enough, it is thin material and significantly smaller. Keep in mind that many places do not have heating.

Toiletries

Obviously, this depends on everyone's personal preference. A bar of soap is useful for bathing and washing, a foldable toothbrush and of course mini packs of everything. Some people bring the entire home facial care kit because they don't want to give it up, while others just bring the basics.

Another important thing is small scissors, it's important to cut your toenails regularly, you don't want them to get crushed by your shoes (plus it will come in handy for cutting bandages and opening bags). Disinfectant wipes: not essential, but can come in handy, for example, to wipe a wound in case of a fall or if you don't have the opportunity to wash your hands. Collect them in a bag on the go and throw them in the trash, not in the bushes.

Electronics

I would definitely recommend bringing a power bank, you never know when your phone, watch, etc. will run out of power. In addition, a charger, if you are coming from outside the EU a converter for the socket, and if you plan to leave early, a headlamp with a red light function.

Medications

Plaster, plaster, plaster. Of course, you can buy it on the go, you'll see there's a pharmacy on every corner. I also recommend painkillers, because something will definitely hurt. Vaseline, it helps prevent blisters. In addition, if you're an EU citizen, be sure to get a free healthcare card from your local government.

Other items

• of course documents, money, bank card

• a smaller foldable backpack: you can pack your clothes and valuables in this, if you go to take a shower, it's useful for shopping, or you can store your valuables in this so that you always have them with you wherever you go. If you need to transport your backpack for some reason (you're tired, injured), it can come in handy during the day.

• biodegradable bags (available at pet stores) to store your trash while you're out and about. Please don't leave anything behind on the way. They're also good for packing sandwiches so you don't spill anything in your backpack.

• Garbage bag: keep your things dry when it rains heavily. There are special containers for this, but they are usually heavy and take up space, while a garbage bag is almost weightless and can be folded very small. Put your things in it and put it all in your backpack.

• needle and thread

• pegs (not always available on site), string - if you don't have anywhere to hang your drying clothers, you can tie it to both ends of the bed, and your clothesline is ready.

• A whistle that you attach to your bag makes it easier to signal in an emergency and to be found more easily, and it was also useful for me against dogs

• plastic cutlery if you're not going to eat out all the time, and I also carry a 1-liter plastic container that I use to store the other half of my dinner for lunch the next day. When it's empty, you can put your toiletries in it, so it doesn't take up extra space.

• pen, and if you want, a diary

• credential

• extra insoles, if your shoes get wet in the rain and the inside doesn't dry by morning, you can replace them with dry ones.

Of course, you could add and subtract from these, I recommend packing what you would bring, putting it in a bag, weighing it, and adding the weight of the backpack (about one kilo) and the amount of water you are carrying so you can see the final weight. If it feels like too much, then take a close look (even several times) at what is not absolutely necessary. The basic rule is that the maximum weight should be 10% of your body weight, but this will rarely happen, and believe me, your legs will be grateful for the lower load.

Hope these stories get you in the mood for your next adventure, and you found some useful information.  If you still need more details or build up confidence and courage for the start of your journey, don't hesitate to contact me or email me, I'm happy to help.

You can also find me on social media with more useful advice and travel pictures at @wander.with.dora name. Contact me for a free call on wanderwithdora@gmail.com 

Safe travels everyone.