Packing the Small Stuff

There is so much to pack.  Clearly the packing is the most important part of your planning. 

There is a rule of thumb that I have used for most of my trips...IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT NEED IT don't take it.  Why?  because if you need it, and the possibility that you will is likely remote, you can get it there.  This way you eliminate the weight until you have to carry it.

Firstly, I am talking about first aid stuff.  Blister care, pain relievers, extra sun screen and extra lotions can be purchased there.  Pharmacies are very common along The Way.  Of course you will need to carry all the medications you need as they are hard to come by without a prescription from a local doctor.

Pharmacists in Spain and Portugal are licensed to prescribe soft medications to heal skin and viruses and to help with minor health issues but of course you will need your doctor prescribed medications.

The "might need" first aid items are not heavy, but they may not be essential either.  This has to be your choice, of course, but if you are healthy most of the time, likely you will be healthy there too.  Tired muscles are part of the walk for sure.  You can take a pain reliever pill if you want or need to and you can take them with you obviously, but you will get past the soreness in a few days as your body adapts.  A strained muscle may be painful enough to make you want relief.  You can get pain relievers there if you need them.  Many people use products such as Gatoraide while exercising to perk up the electrolytes in the body.  These electrolyte drinks also cut down on muscle soreness. 

Energy bars that you buy at MEC or REI, for instance, can be purchased in shops along The Way too.  Carrying several in your pack will weigh you down.

Look for travel size toothpaste rather than taking a large tube for the whole trip.  You can get more travel sized tubes on your travels.  Liquid body soap is nice, but it is way heavier than bar soap.  If you take bar soap make sure you take a baggie to carry it in.

Last year when I walked the Camino Portuguese, my dear friend Anne got stung by a bee or wasp.  She experienced the usual searing pain those darned bugs can give.  She had a little swelling and dealt with it like a trooper.  My nephew was with us when she got stung and I freaked!  He is deathly allergic to stings.  At that time I had no idea where his epipen was or how to use it if he needed it..

Lesson learned!

If you travel with an epipen make sure someone or everyone in your group knows where it is and how to use it.  Put it into an easy to reach pocket rather than in your first aide kit in your pack.  Ask those you travel with if THEY have an epipen and what do they need it for.  Find out where it is and learn how to use it.  You never know when you might have to help them out.

Other small things that you do not want to over-do when packing is socks and underwear.  I suggest two or three pair of socks and the same for briefs.  Washing facilities are available in every place you stop, especially for these items.  If they wear out, you can always pick up some.

Make up ---really!!!

Hair dryer --- really!!!

Reading material --- well, not too many books.

Washing/laundry soap is almost always available at hostels, usually in vending machines.  Buying soap as you go is a lot more practical than trying to carry a bag of soap powder.

If you use liquid hand gel regularly, try out packaged towelettes for a while before you go.  Carrying them reduces weight and no chance of spill.

In Europe, micro fiber towels are pretty common now.  North America just started getting them a few years ago.  Older first time North American pilgrims like I was may not be aware of these amazing light weight, effective and easy to dry towels.  Take one of those instead of the usually bulky towel.

All of these items are items we are accustomed to having on hand at home "just in case we need them".  When you think about it, how often do you use them?  Have a little faith in your body health.  Don't sweat the small stuff.