Plans and packing weights

We are making plans for walking in Spain again later this year, on the Camino del Norte. A shorter time than on the Camino Primitivo last year. We plan to walk from Santander as far as Llanes before turning inland to walk through the mountains on the trail to Covadonga. There is a GR route marked which can take up to 4 days at our speed, with some recommended places to break the walk.

As we will be staying in some pre-booked hotels, as part of our ferry package, our packing is a little different to other years. We have some lighter items (already) and will also carry a tidy shirt each and for Valerie a pair of very lightweight 'tidy' shoes. These roll up or fold flat and will look smarter than the Crocs which are for sightseeing. Our windproof fleeces are new (Rohan) and have already proved themselves this winter. They weigh the same or a little less than our previous outer fleeces and have the advantage of a lining which when they are reversed traps extra warmth in the fleecey side. They also pack down smaller.

Our packing weights, as usual, are for hot weather walking - i.e. we are carrying the fleeces etc in our packs. In our experience walking in the mountains it can be quite cool early and late in the day, even in summer. Actual final packing decisions will be made just before we go. At the moment we are glad of a good log fire and are glad not to be on the Camino where many places have minus temperatures and deep snow.

Valerie's packing 2013

Rucksack (Berghaus Freeflow Ladies 25+5) - 1.067kgs
Poncho - 0.340gms
Waterproof trousers - 0.200gms
Shirts 170g x2 - 340gms
Terry's shirt - 0.125gms
s/s T-shirt - 0.115gms
l/s T-shirt - 0.150gms
Walking trousers - 0.400gms
Underwear - 0.145gms
Liner socks x4 - 0.100gms
Walking socks 70g x1; 45g x2-0.160gms
Longjohns/pyjamas 70gx2 - 0.140gms
Black roll-up footwear, for evening - hotels - 0.050gms
Dress/nightdress - 0.180gms
Scarf - 0.045gms
Gloves - 0.010gms
Vest - 0.035gms
Purple fleece - 0.300gms
Red windproof fleece - 0.400gms
Towel - 0.120gms
Wash-bag/shampoo/soap/soap leaves/pegs/line - 0.300gms
Glasses case/torch/eye-mask/earplugs - 0.100gms
Daysac for sightseeing - 0.068gms
Safety vest/water bottles/sun cream etc - not weighed
Total weight without water - 5.150kgs
Wearing:-vest; walking shirt; briefs; walking trousers; full set of socks; hat; walking boots


Terry's packing 2013

Rucksack (Berghaus Freeflow 40+10) - 1.670kgs
Sleeping bags x2 - 1.700kgs
Poncho - 0.340gms
Waterproof trousers - 0.350gms
Walking shirt - 0.240gms
s/s T-shirt - 0.150gms
Walking trousers - 0.400gms
Underwear 75g x2 - 0.150gms
Liner socks x2 - 0.050gms
Socks 45g x2; 80g x1 - 0.170gms
Crocs 110g x2 - 0.220gms
Sporks/telcharger - 0.100gms
First Aid/medical - 0.300gms
Blue windproof fleece - 0.400gms
Grey fleece - 0.300gms
Longjohns - 0.120gms
Towels 280g x1 180g x1 - 0.460gms
Daysac - 0.068gms
Camera - 0.250gms
Phone/safety jacket/soap/torch/waterbottles - not weighed
Total weight without water - 8.000kgs
Wearing:- s/s T-shirt; walking shirt; pants; walking trousers; full set of socks; hat; walking boots

A variety of issues have kept us from walking lately. Now we need to get back into practise with near full weight and then full weight packs. We just need some better weather............