What's in Your Rucksack? or The never ending list of stuff to take.

About 15 years ago, I found this lovely lightweight 3-day type backpack at Sam’s Club. It had lots of padding, a waist belt, a chest belt, and lots of pockets.  It was so cool.  I had to have it.  I have never used this pack.  I have saved it, knowing one day, it would carry my most modest bare necessities on a journey of a lifetime.  Now is the time.  I ordered a special badge from the Camino Forum, to identify me as a Camino Forum Pilgrim.  My mom will sew it on the pack this week.  (Thanks Mom!)  I will line the rucksack with a tough green garbage bag.  Additionally, I will contain all my items in baggies.  This will assist me in organizing my items, as well as protect them from the elements, should the rain/moisture seep into the rucksack. So below is a list of my stuff.  I have to eliminate half of it.  Oh Vey!

1.     “A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino” by John Bierley

2.     Camino passport

3.     American Passport

4.     Debit card/AE

5.     Shoes…still working on this, can’t find what I want yet!!!!

6.     Sarape

7.     Hat

8.     Headlamp

9.     Sunscreen

10. 2 pair undies 

11. 1 pair light cotton pants that button up to pedal pushers

12. 2 pair crop pants

13. 2 light breathable t-shirts

14. 1 long sleeve shirt

15. 1 lightweight rain/wind jacket

16. 2 bras

17. 1 pair silk long underwear (top and bottom)

18. 3 pair sock liners

19. 3 pair Thurlo hiking socks

20. 1 pair CROCS (yes they are ugly but very light and practical for after hiking and sub as shower shoes as well)

21. 1 rain poncho

22. 1 silk sleep sack

23. 1 pair knit gloves (I can toss these after the Pyrenees)

24. 1 “Lightload” beach towel 36 X 60 less than .5 oz

25. 1 deoderant

26. 1 toothbrush

27. 1 toothpaste

28. 1 floss

29. 1 JR Liggett Shampoo Bar (it is solid and is multi purpose, shampoo, body and clothes wash) Very cool!

30. 1 small travel box of Q-tips

31. 1 comb

32. 1 digital camera

33. 1 charger for camera

36. 1 European plug adapter

37. 1 Swiss Army knife with corkscrew ( for the vino tinto oh yeah!)

38. 1 small roll of duck tape

39. 1 emergency blanket

40. 1 box of Band Aids

41. 1 needle/thread sewing kit

42. 1 tube Neosporin

43. I bottle of Ibuprofen

44. 50 packs of EmergenC

45. 200 pairs of disposable Earplugs

46. Baggy full of Safety pins

47. Gel tube toes for blisters

48. Whistle

49. Bandana

50. Plastic zip lock baggies, all sizes to pack all items

51. Plastic grocery bag (other pilgrims say these are handy)

52. Large garbage bag to line ricksack

53. Cigars – a tin (ya just never know)

54. Lighter

55. HP Netbook with charger (4 lbs! ouch)

To be continued….