"On a long journey even a straw weighs heavy." -Spanish Proverb
The easy answer to the questions "What to pack?" is "What do you want to carry for two weeks?".
The one thing we learned from the 2016 trip is that this is not the Appalachian Trail. There are stores in Spain and I assume there are stores in Portugal. If we get cold we can buy a sweater.
In 2016 Laurel and I were carrying about 14 pounds each in 30 liter packs. For this trip the goal is to go lighter. We arrived in Santiago in September 2016 carrying 10 pounds each so why start with more? This is basically what would fit in a small carry-on bag.
We know that the weather is cooler in the spring so going lighter will be a challenge. The only items we left at home and had to buy in 2016 were stocking hats and gloves for 40 degree mornings. This time we are packing those and will need them.
We packed two outfits each and and wore one on the plane for a total of three outfits. Laurel will still bring three pairs of footwear, but will switch causal shoes for a second pair for hiking. My casual shoes are staying home and I will only bring a pair of hiking shoes and lightweight sandals for evening. Footwear one of the heaver items so it pays to cut corners.
- Smaller first aid kit including basic meds and blister care. This time only 24 hours worth of supplies as we pass pharmacies every day,
- Leaving the coffee cup and spork (never used them)
- Technology stuff - battery pack, memory cards (We never needed extra battery or memory cards. We made two phone calls and there were lots of outlets and WIFI at every town)
- We will bring the same basic toilet kit except get rid of stupid bar soap to use liquid and more sunscreen. Also, remembering there are stores, bring smaller bottles and buy what we need there.
Laurel has the purple bag and mine is the blue bag. Ready to go!
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| Packs from 2016 just before we left. |
