Preparing our backpack is one of the most important things when we want to do the St. James Way. The fact of having to carry that weight for numerous days, make us more practical and takes us to choose which things we want to put into the backpack and which will be left at home.
First of all, it is recommended to have a backpack with waist belt. And it is also convenient to have one with adjustable shoulder straps and quick access departments for water, for example. Our backpack has to be comfortable and light. And we never should forget to carry a raincoat for it too.
Once we have the backpack, is time to put things in it.
The most important thing is the sleeping bag. You should always carry one with you, except in the case of staying overnight in a hotel, and it has to be light. It is also recommended to use one made of fibre, able to insulate temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees.
And what else:
- Water bottle.
- Two or three underwear clothes and a pair of lightweight trousers and sweatshirts. It is also important to have a raincoat adapted to each season.
- Three or four pairs of socks.
- Sandals to walk at the end of each journey.
- A cap or a hat to protect our forehead and our neck of the sun.
- A microfiber towel. These kind of towels are quick drying and light.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap for our body and to wash our clothes.
- A small first-aid-kit.
- Sunscreen.
- Creams to prevent chafing and blister formation.
- NID, health card, credit card and the pilgrim credential.
- Our clothes also have to be adjusted to the season we want to do the Way, using wool caps and gloves in the coldest months.
Once we have the backpack filled with all these things, you should try and test it the days before leaving. If we notice that we have too much weight, we should shorten the list of priorities and take out some things. At this point, we have to remember that we are not going to cross the desert, and there are possibilities along the way to buy things we should need in different shops and pharmacies.
So… it’s time to travel!