Lots of folks are asking about what I am bringing on my trip.... (you may be sorry you asked!)

So, I'm the kind of gal that brings 2 large suitcases for a weekend getaway. Not much thought, just bring everything I might ever need, and usually end up using less than 1/4 of what I bring. Packing for a long hike (and carrying my own stuff) is a new concept.

So, a few months ago I basically converted our guest room into what I call "packing central", and began putting all the stuff I thought I would need (and all my cool new stuff from REI - love that place!!) into the room.  I started with a LOT of stuff, listing everything and it's weight.  Trying to get everything I am carrying down to my target max of 10 kilos (22 lbs) has been a challenge.  Especially given my pack weighs 3.5 lbs, and my water container 4 lbs, leaving less than 15 lbs for EVERYTHING else. Yikes.
 
I spend a lot of time in "packing central" making decisions.  This shirt or that shirt - since shirt A is .2 oz less than shirt B, we have a winner, no matter how ugly shirt A may be - weight is all that matters now. (I have even taken my scale shopping - seriously - see the photo of me weighing pants at the target). In addition to weight, I look at each item and determine:
- is it important enough to me to carry on my back for over 200 miles
- do I think I can get it / replace it on my journey
- am I packing my fears*
 
Every day, I go in and try to remove at least one more item, or find a lighter replacement for something I need.  Most times, it only weighs .5 oz, sometimes less, but it adds up. I know it sounds crazy, but I've used an exacto knife to cut pages out of my guidebook that I won't need (table of contents, history, appendices, etc), and even cut tags out of my clothing.

3 days to go, and I'm ALMOST there... a few more deletions, and I should be good to go!

For those that are interested, here are some photos of "what's in my pack" (and one of the filled pack on my back). I hope to keep note of what I use (and what I don't) to see if I got it right!

        
             

That's it!

Buen Camino!

* I saw a story online that a woman wrote about her Camino experience. On day 2, she found herself sitting on the side of the path next to her backpack - she just couldn't go any further. She was completely exhausted and sobbing, when a man (another pilgrim) stopped to ask if she needed help. She said she was quitting, as she wasn't stong enough to continue. He was an experienced trekker, and asked if she would mind if he looked in her pack (it was very large).  As he took items out of her pack, she described most items with, "well, I'll need that if xxx occurs...." Once everything was out on the ground, he looked at it and said, "looks to me like you've packed your fears". He was right - she was packing for every bad eventuality that might occur, and with that, a LOT of extra weight. They worked together to remove many of these items. Once she tried the pack on again, it was light enough for her to continue her journey. Ever since I read that, I try to keep it in mind. My goal is now 10 kilos, and trying hard not to pack my fears.