Two days and counting! Backpack is almost sorted, most items on the packing list are ticked off. Rather than show you the standard series of photos of folded clothes that will accompany me on my camino, I thought I would provide a 3D-ish version.
Many items on my packing list remain the same as last year, but I have been busy with my sewing machine again. Home made items from last year include walking shorts, skirt and top, visor and pack cover This year I have made a pair of walking/relaxing trousers, and a new pair of gaiters.
So, whilst I was home alone one morning I had a dressing up session. These clothes are totally interchangeable between walking and resting. Last year, in quite cool weather I walked every day in either shorts or skirt, sometimes with leggings under the skirt. The leggings were also worn in the evenings and if very cold for sleeping. I had a shemagh amongst my scarf collection, but it was not a useful shape, they seem to only be made square. So I cut it in half and sewed the two ends together so that I have a wrap for warmth or shade and also a sarong (I am definitely past the point of being comfortable popping to the bathroom in my sleep wear of vest & pants)
So, I have showerproof shorts with perfectly placed pockets – just the right size for my phone, merino wool sleeveless T-shirt, merino wool leggings, homemade showerproof trousers again with perfect pockets, short sleeve merino T-shirt, rain jacket and crocs sandals for relaxing and wriggling my toes.
Here we have home made skirt (with, you’ve guessed it – perfect pockets) & top, long sleeve top, fleece and down jacket. I also have a vest top for evening/sleep wear.
This year I am trying toe socks, which many pilgrims swear by. Rest assured, I am sparing you the photos of the under layers, but I can share that I have dumped the big woolly slow-drying knickers for ultra lightweight Exofficio briefs.
The new Asolo Thyrus boots seem to be comfy enough and have caused no problems over 100 or so km. But I am rather disappointed with the upgraded Osprey backpack – it’s the same model as my old one, Exos 38 litre and has much improved waist and shoulder straps, but despite it supposedly being 4 litres larger than its predecessor, it seems to have less capacity, it is missing a very useful external zipped pocket and the lid pockets have smaller zip openings than previously which means that I can’t fit in the items that usually reside there. So overall, more comfortable but less convenient.
I will be carrying a sun/rain hiking umbrella for the first time, silver coated to give SPF 50 protection. I’ve always thought they look rather silly in the sunshine, but I hate wearing a hat to protect my scalp and ears from the sun, and it must be time that I place common sense above vanity – there’s not much use for vanity on the camino.
I’m carrying around an extra kilo of weight due my diet (plant based – no animal products) which isn’t great, but it will reduce during the walk as I consume my supplies. I’m thinking chickpeas will feature large on this camino – I’m certainly not expecting any gourmet meals, but I’m hopeful that I can stick with my diet and keep up energy levels. And I can always fall back on Oreos, an accidentally vegan product that is widely available in Spain.
A large group of us are meeting in Almería on Friday evening and we will be joined by a couple of members from the Mozárabe Association of Amigos who will provide credenciales for those who need them, and our first stamp. And then we will be off. Some are planning to walk a double stage the first day so we will spread out along the route and be more manageable for the albergue facilities along the way.
Just keep your fingers crossed for us that this awful weather which has emptied untold litres of water upon us seemingly for weeks, will finally be at an end and the only use for my new umbrella will be to protect me from the sun.
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
Good luck Maggie and all the other pelegrinos/as. I am very envious of your walk and your wet weather as we are in drought here. I know it is not ideal for walking though and can get a tad soul destroying. I will follow your progress with interest, especially your diet/eating tips. Take care and have fun, Mel
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I think the rain will stop by the time we start walking. Rain is ok-ish – its the mud it leaves behind that is the killer!
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What is the red jacket for? Why boots?
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Hi Sheila. The jacket is very lightweight down. I will use it in the evenings and as a blanket if necessary. I don’t like down for walking. Boots because I always have. I did consider shoes this year, but then found these boots and was happy with them. Maybe next year it will be shoes.
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Hi Maggie,
So sorry we didn’t meet up while I was in Málaga. Had a fabulous 3 month adventure! I’ll be following your Camino and sending you many wonderful thoughts. I am a vegetarian, not quite vegan as well; found it a bit challenging en España. Good for you to make the switch…
Buena suerte en tu viaje. Anticipo sus postings…
Cathy
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Yes, I read your blog post about your trip. It sounded amazing.
I’m certainly expecting to be challenged by my eating choice, but life was never meant to be easy!
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Good luck Maggie. You and the whole gang.
I’m sure you’ll all give and take and learn a lot from each other. The weather surely has to break soon
Annie
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It must Annie, but isn’t showing any signs of doing so yet!
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The best of good luck Maggie and I hope you are right about the weather improving soon. Looking forward to your postings very much. Buen Camino xx
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Thanks Mary, well as we both know it hasn’t improved today! Surely the clouds must be empty soon.
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I am really looking forward to seeing the details of your wardrobe! As much for the clever pocket placement and fabric choices, as for the fashion aspect! I need inspiration for a new gaiter design.
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The gaiters are great in theory, practice remains to be seen!
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You are so talented you will be the best dressed traveller. Buen Camino! xx
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Muchas gracias amiga xx
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Buen camino!
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Have a good walk with ample time for clarifying thoughts and pleasant interactions with your companions. Buen camino!
Henk
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Thanks Henk. I hope for some interaction from you also!
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Looks like a pack born from experience. The toe socks will be very interesting. I can see why they might be a good thing to ward off inter toe sores, and I’m looking forward to a demo of the brolly! I’m not sure how your 38 litre Osprey fits everything! I’ve only got a bit of room left in my 48 litre one and it has been slimmed down to the minimum. I hope to get top tips from you on the eating front as cheese and all meat are off the menu this trip. Are you taking a tuperware box for salads?
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Hola Amigo. Have used the toe socks a few times with no issues, but am taking a couple of other pairs just in case. The brolly might get sent home if I find I’m not making sufficient use of it. It’s quite heavy at over 300 grams. Yes, I have containers for carrying food and a microwave cooking pot for rice and quinoa. Most places seem to have microwaves even if there isn’t any other kitchen equipment. Hopefully catch up with you sooner or later.
Buen camino
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Hi Maggie – you’ll be the most stylish person on the Camino – I love, LOVE, L O V E the colourful skirt, top and dress! Another combo for your dress … long-sleeved black top under it so the dress is worn pinafore-style.
Camino chic to the max with all your choices – the way you’ve put all this together is fantastic.
Camino hugs from Oz –
Jenny xoxo
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Ah, maybe if I was only observed as in the photos from neck down. Without my hair straighteners, the neck up view will be rather less stylish! I did actually try the long sleeve top as you suggest. My dressing up session reminded me of those paper figures we used to cut out of kids’ magazines and dress them up in different paper outfits. So low tech, but I bet my granddaughter would happily put down the iPad to play paper dress-up!
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Sooo jealous! I will do this one day, hopefully soon x. Loving your blog and very impressed with your packing tips. Look forward to hearing more from your trip. Enjoy!
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Thanks Dora. I have a lot of packing experience after five caminos, but I still carry more weight than ideal.
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I am full of admiration for you Maggie and so glad that we met again – properly this time! Good luck and have a wonderfully enjoyable time. xx
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Yes, it was great to meet up. Thanks for your good wishes.
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Buen Camino, Maggie! I shall be following your progress (as always) x
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Thanks Sue, lovely to hear from you x
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Brilliant, I wish you all well, here in Yorkshire, we too, are waterlogged. I always choose to walk in Autumn, am half through the Northern coastal route, generally am fortunate with the weather and lovely autumnal colours, but I do love your pictures of Spring. The camino ‘calling’ is an intriguing thing. Best wishes Cecilia Kennedy
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Hi Cecilia, the only trouble with walking in spring is that I will my garden at its best, but the prize is all the wonderful wild flowers along the way. Buen camino for the continuation of the Norte.
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Buen Camino! I’m inspired! Your packing is brilliant and versatile for any trek.
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Hi Maggie
If you can change my name on my previous post please. Looking at your new Exos Osprey pack and the changes they have made. It is amazing how a company can have a perfectly good and popular product and then make changes which spoil the overall use. I will be interested in how the toe socks perform as I have started to get severe blistering between my toes these days with my ancient feet.
Go well
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Hi Stewpot, actually having now fully packed everything fits in easily, the volume is certainly sufficient, just not so convenient. I will keep you updated about the toe socks.
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Good luck Maggie. I tried to manage with training shoes I’ve used before and sealskin socks. This weather has taken them past their limit though and I slosh around most days after 2 hours. Nearly bought boots in Ourense but they’re too heavy and we’re nearly done. I too have that backpack and am a little uncomfortable and miss little zipped pockets. Good luck with the diet. In Galacia the Xunta albergue kitchen are poor and we have to eat tortilla.grrr. Buen Camino
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Hi Maggie! I am sooo sorry that I could not be there with you ladies… i wish you all a great adventure and cannot wait to follow you daily with my coffee! Buen Camino!
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Another exciting adventure to follow. Have a great time and using you dry skys
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hi Maggie
was wondering whether you used a commercial pattern for your shorts, skirt and trousers.
Looking forward to following you again this year
Ally
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