So the thought of carrying something 500 miles really makes you question what is important.  Over the last few months I have involved everyone around me in a series of debates about whether I needed everything from toenail clippers (no) to sleeping bags (yes).

I watched a Camino documentary last night which suggested the things you carry reflect the fears you carry – fear of being cold, fear of getting sick, fear of being dirty.  Which of course prompted me to empty my backpack again this morning for one long, cold review of what I really needed … and the realisation that my three top fears are sore feet, being cold and getting hungry.

For what it is worth to anyone either interested or going through the same dilemma, here is my packing list … all of which, including backpack, comes to the sum total of 9.2kgs – slightly over my 7kg target, but thems the breaks!  Be interesting to see what gets ditched along the way …

Essentials

• Passport
• Money, credit card, new green wallet (thanks Ian x)
• Ticket
• Phone
• Spanish USB power plug (cables for phone, Fitbit, kindle)
• Map book
• Sunglasses
• Superlight sleeping bag (700g)

Entertainment

• Kindle (currently loaded up with Don Quioxite and the Dalai Lama’s guide to happiness)
• Notebook/sketch pad, pen, pencil, erasor, sharpener
• Fitbit

Clothes

• Zip-off walking trousers x 2
• Tshirts x 3
• Base layers x 2
• Thermal tights
• Jacket
• Sports bra x 2
• Underpants x 2
• Socks x 3
• Neckerchief
• Sunhat (thanks dad)
• Rainjacket
• Poncho
• Walking boots
• Masseur sandals

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Mini toothpaste
• Moisturiser
• Mini shampoo and conditioner
• Pawpaw cream

First aid kit

• Tiger balm
• Antihistimines
• Ibuprofen gel
• Antiseptic wipes
• Plasters
• Arnica cream

Random useful things

• Walking poles
• Compass
• Plastic spork
• Head torch
• Earplugs
• Shells/stones for the cross
• Bag of cashews
• Naked bars x 2
• Sunscreen
• Insect spray
• Sarong/towel
• Travel laundry liquid