Here it is: the official packing post; mostly to help myself get organized before launching off tomorrow.

• 28 L backpack – a bit smaller than the recommended 30-35 L size, but it’s got great exterior pockets and is a handsome burnt orange- my favorite color
• 2.5 L hydropack
• 2 short and 2 long smart socks – may be more than I need. Some recommend gloves for early morning chill which socks can sub for so figured I’d try that
• Google Pixel 7 phone – a veritable brick of a phone. By far the largest and heaviest phone I’ve owned, but since it’ll be functioning as my computer, reading/writing device, camera, GPS, and flashlight, I figured the extra weight and screen real estate were justified.
• Rain jacket – many use a poncho but figured the extra layer would come in handy
• Flannel shirt – not a usually a recommended trekking item, but this shirt has been with me through thick & thin, and I know will act as emotional body armor as well as an extra warm layer
• Noise cancelling head phones – my #1 fear for this trip is snoring which apparently is a fact of life in the albergues (pilgrim hostels).
• Trash bag – for lining the inside of my pack as an alternative to a pack rain cover
• Gator pin – as a reminder of strength & ferocitude
• Longer hiking shorts – quick drying and with good pockets
• Hiking pants
• Comfy lightweight sweatpants
• Sleeveless shirt
• Lightweight long sleeve shirt
• Shorter hiking shorts – can also function as swimmies, may be excessive
• Trail running shoes – Altra lone peak 6, very light weight with great traction
• Sandals – plastic Birkenstocks, a little bulky but very lightweight and ultra comfy
• Dry bag – for electronics/documents
• Packing bag – for pack organization and to use as a shopping bag, since most markets in Spain don’t offer plastic bags
• Sleeping bag liner – other bedding is provided at the hostels
• Toiletries
• Hat
• Beanie warm hat
• Sunnies

I am not bringing:

• Hiking poles – I’m still on the fence about these. I know my hips/knees will appreciate have them for ascents and descents, but the majority of the Camino is flat level ground which they might be dead weight for. I don’t want to risk not being able to bring them on the plane as carry-on so I might pick up a cheap pair when I get to the starting point.
• Rain paints – I may regret this, but my understanding is rain combined with cold shouldn’t be too much of a concern in September.
• Eye glasses, and a spare pair of eye glasses – this is my first big trip with my fresh new peepers since I got Lasik a month ago and I am SO EXCITED to not have to worry about breaking or losing glasses, or keeping them from sliding down my sweaty nose while hiking.

I’m trying hard to err on the side of bringing less rather than more since anything I might need can be picked up in towns along the way.