Footpath through the Gers, Via Podiensis, France, 2009.

A Longwalking Packing List

My 2011 Pro Forma 30-Day List – Gear, Clothing, Supplies

Creating a gear and clothing list is one of the principal ways of planning a long-distance, and crucial if you want to start off with everything essential, no extra payload, and with the minimum possible weight for your needs.

This is a detailed list of everything – all clothing, gear, equipment, and supplies – that I’m planning to use for a walk across France in 2011. Although it continues to evolve, this is the current, latest, up-to-date list. It’s grouped by what I will have, which is not necessarily how I will carry it. It includes clothing to be worn.

This is an updated list of what I used during a 12-week walk across France, the Pyrenées, and Spain, from late April to early July, 2009. For my experience and purposes, this is adequate to walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, for example. (No camping gear was used, or is included.)

The list is divided into various functional groups, called “kits”, or “packages”, which define the scope and purpose of each item. At this point, it specifies the items I anticipate needing and using over a 30-day period. I will receive a re-supply box once a month.

My other lists are variations of this on . For example, some of the clothing is worn and some of it carried. Some gear is carried in pockets. All of this will determine the actual backpack carry weight. Some of the items are already on hand; those that need to be purchased will form the “Shopping or “Get List”.

You may prefer breaking things down differently. For example, is a rain jacket clothing, part of the weather kit, or shelter? Are socks clothing, or footwear? Make your lists however they make sense to you. Be as detailed as you can be. By continually reviewing your own list, you can find ways to shorten it, lighten it, and find new solutions for your own spectacular, wonderful and safe longwalk.

Specifications:

Objectives:
Cultural Backpacking: France, Spain; 15 April to 15 July, 2011. Non-Alpine; All-weather; No overnight camping; No outdoor cooking;

Routes:
GR 70 – Robert Louis Stevenson Trail, France;
GR 653 – Chemin de St-Jacques-Compostelle – Voie d’Arles; Arles to Col du Somport, France;
GR 653 – Camino de Santiago de Compostela – Camino Aragonés; Col du Somport to Puente la Reina, Spain.

The List

• CLOTHING – Total Weight = 1,530 grams, (54 ounces, 3.4 pounds)
  • Hat : : REI – Vented Explorer – size L, khaki ~ 199 grams (7 oz.)
    In the past, I’ve generally worn a Tilley Airflo. I still like it for most weather, but its brim is too flimsy in any significant wind. The REI model has a similar mesh band and is made of heavier weight cloth. The brim stays stiff in a breeze. This is not a waterproof hat (neither is the Tilley,) but I’ve spent long, successive days walking through rain, and my head never gets uncomfortably wet. It weighs over twice as much as a Tilley, but I’ve found it just works better for me. It’s cheaper, too!
  • Short sleeve T-Shirt 1 : : GOLITE Dri-Move Silk, Large ~ 58 grams (2 oz.) This is one of my favorite garments of all time, but unfortunately, GoLite discontinued it in 2010. After an hour of searching the back pages of Google, I found what may have been the last one ever to be sold. This not the same as the replacement Dri-Move Lite BL-1. Write to GoLite and tell them to bring back the silk!
  • Short sleeve T-Shirt 2 : : GOLITE Dri-Move Silk, Large ~ 58 grams (2 oz.) Ditto, only this is a spare left over from last time
  • Long sleeve Crew Shirt 1 : : GOLITE Dri-Move Silk, Large ~ 80 grams (2.8 oz.)
  • Long sleeve Crew Shirt 2 : : PATAGONIA Merino-1, Large ~ 106 grams (4 oz.)
  • Long sleeve Shirt : : COLUMBIA, Bug Shield, size Large ~ 189 grams (6.7 oz.)
    This is the simplest button-up white “dress shirt” I’ve found. It has just one pocket, unlike most travel shirts, which seem to have them sprouting all over the place. Oddly, the pocket has a velcro flap covering a zipper, which is hugely redundant, and annoying. Being a big fan of eliminating annoyance (and weight,) I cut the zipper out, along with a few other “extras”, like buttoned tabs for keeping sleeves rolled up, a problem I’ve never had. It’s made of true outdoor, SPF 40 fabric, impregnated with insect repellent. I like having a “nice” shirt for more appropriate attire when visiting private homes, as well as some museums and restaurants. Yet, it also serves as a daily walking shirt, allowing me to drop one longsleeve T-shirt from my wardrobe.
  • Vest : : MAGELLAN’S Travel Vest, Large ~ 223 grams, (8 oz.)
  • Wind Shirt : : PATAGONIA Houdini, size XL ~ 87 grams, (3 oz.)
  • Rain Jacket : : MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Stimulus, size XL ~ 199 grams, (7 oz.)
  • Underwear : : PATAGONIA Active Sport Briefs, Large ~ 47 grams, (2 oz.)
  • Pants 1 : : BPL Thorofare, Large ~ 116 grams, (4.1 oz.)
    The same thing happened here as with the GoLite Dri-Move Silk shirts. BackpackingLight has stopped production of these exceptionally light, remarkably rugged, and comfortable pants. Fortunately, I have one reserve pair left.
  • Pants 2 : : PATAGONIA Sol Patrol, XL ~ 228 grams, (8 oz.)
  • Rain Pants : : GOLITE Reed, size XL ~ 168 grams, (6 oz.)
• FOOTWEAR – 1116 grams (40 ounces, 2.5 pounds)
  • Shoes : : NEW BALANCE 1520 (pair), size 12, 4E ~ 874 grams, (31 oz.)
    I prefer a waterproof walking shoe. These use Gore-Tex. I tested some others over the past year, but overall, these had the best comfort and Vibram traction. One of the few shoes with extra wide sizes.
  • Shoelaces : : NEW BALANCE Bubble Laces, (pair) ~ 10 grams, (0.4 oz.)
    The chain of knobby “bubbles” really helps keep the knot locked in place.
  • Insoles : : ARCHCRAFTERS Custom, full-length (pair) ~ 128 grams, (4.5 oz.)
  • Slippers : : PATAGONIA Advocate (pair), Large ~ 261 grams, (9.2 oz.)
    Die-hard ultralighters may sneer at carrying “evening shoes”, but I’ve walked thousands of miles both with and without them. Having a different, looser pair of slip-ons has really helped keep my feet happy. These are extremely lightweight, but don’t have much support, so I slip my insoles into them. I wouldn’t want to roam an entire city in them, but for a little exploration, or dinner in a restaurant, they’re more than sufficient.
  • Socks 1 : : NIKE Anklet, Quarter ~ 32 grams, (1.1 oz.)
  • Socks 2 : : THE NORTH FACE Multisport, Quarter ~ 45 grams, (1.6 oz.)
  • Socks 3 : : THE NORTH FACE Multisport, Quarter ~ 45 grams, (1.6 oz.)
  • Socks 4 : : INJINJI Tetrasox Outdoor, Quarter ~ 51 grams, (1.8 oz.)
  • Socks 5 : : WIGWAM cushion multisport, Quarter ~ 51 grams, (1.8 oz.)
• BACKPACK, SHELTER & SUPPORT PACKAGE – 697 grams (24.6 oz.)
  • Backpack : : ZPACK Custom Blast 2000 ~ 272 grams, (9.6 oz.)
    Joe Valesko of ZPACKS stitched up a semi-custom version of his Cuben fiber Blast 2000. Among the features of this one-off pack is an attached
    self-stowing rain cover, a pack lid, plus an additional outer pocket. All are included in the weight shown here.
  • Trekking Poles : : REI Peak UL Carbon Fiber (pair) ~ 361 grams, (12.8 oz.)
    I used these collapsible trekking poles on both my 2007 and 2009 walks. There are some slightly lighter trekking poles available, but I like the fact that these collapse to a shorter length than the others.
  • Trekking Pole tips : : REI Peak UL (pair) ~ 24 grams, (0.8 oz.)
    Tips are much more secure on hard rock, roads, sidewalks, and cobblestone streets, where the carbide steel tips can slip. They’re much quieter, too. The metal tips eventually punch through, so you may need an extra pair.
  • Water bottle : : PLATYPUS 3-liter ~ 47 grams, (1.7 oz.)
    I carry this in a sleeve inside the backpack. I don’t use a hydration hose. This is the reservoir for longer trail sections where water is scarce, or for when the weather is very hot.
  • Sleeping bag : : SEA TO SUMMIT silk sheet, large ~ 158 grams, (5.6 oz.)
    Nice to have for some hotels and necessary in many hostels.
  • Sleeping bag stuff sack : : GENERIC ~ 4 grams, (0.1 oz.)
    I scavenged this from an old mosquito net.
• BLISTER KIT – 144 grams, (5.1 oz.)
  • Adhesive tape : : LEUKOTAPE ~ 26 grams, (0.9 oz.)
    Length wrapped around plastic card (cut from an old ATM card.)
  • Adhesive tape : : 3M – Durapore ~ 13 grams, (0.5 oz.)
    Length wrapped around plastic card (cut from an old ATM card.)
  • Blister patch (1 sheet) : : Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus ~ 7 grams, (0.2 oz.)
  • Alcohol towlettes (6) : : Generic ~ 6 grams, (0.2 oz.)
  • Benzoin tincture : : Generic ~ 6 grams, (0.2 oz.)
    This classic over-the-counter liquid makes the skin tacky and keeps tape adhesive securely attached for several days, even after taking a shower. [Note: I first read about Benzoin on Backpackinglight.com.]
  • Benzoin tincture bottle : : Generic ~ 2 grams, (0.1 oz.)
    I use a tiny, scavenged eye drop bottle. A little bit of Benzoin goes a long way.
  • Talcum powder : : Gold Bond Extra Strength ~ 65 grams, (2.3 oz.)
    Helps keeps feet and shoes happy and dry. I carry this in my toiletries pouch, since I only use it once in the morning.
  • Talcum powder bottle : : Gold Bond “travel size” ~ 13 grams, (0.5 oz.).
    One of these bottles can hold almost twice as much as what comes in it. Fill it up to minimize container weight.
  • Blister kit pouch : : 3M – Loksak 5″ x 4″ ~ 6 grams, (0.2 oz.)
    You could keep all of this in a larger First Aid kit, but I find it so handy for immediate use, that it’s worth the weight.
• FIRST AID KIT – 135 grams, (4.7 oz.)
  • ACE bandage : : 2″ generic ~ 23 grams, (0.8 oz.).
    I wrapped this around a small plastic card to make it stow flatter.
  • Adhesive bandages (6 ): : NEXCARE waterproof, mixed sizes ~ 10 grams, (0.4 oz.).
  • Adhesive bandages (5) : : BAND-AID Tough-Strips, waterproof, 1″ x 3.25″ ~ 3 grams, (0.1 oz.).
  • Cotton swabs (15) in mini zip-lock : : Q-Tips ~ 7 grams, (0.2 oz.).
  • Antibiotic skin cream (6) : : Generic, Bacitracin/Neosporin/Polymicin, single-use pack ~ 8 grams, (0.3 oz.).
  • Antipruritic skin cream (2) : : Generic, Hydrocortizone 1%, single-use pack ~ 4 grams, (0.1 oz.).
  • Antifungal skin cream (2) : : TINACTIN, Buteafine HCl 1% ~ 4 grams, (0.1 oz.)
    Repackaged in a small container (below).
  • Anti-chafe ointment : : BODY GLIDE ~ 10 grams, (0.4 oz.).
    Repackaged in a small container (below).
  • Sunblock lip balm : : Generic, SPF-30 ~ 8 grams, (0.3 oz.).
    Repackaged in a small container (below).
  • Sunblock cream : : NEUTROGENA Ultra Sheer SPF-70, 1 oz. tube ~ 37 grams, (1.3 oz.)
  • Cream and ointment containers (3) : : GENERIC 1/4 oz. hinged ~ 12 grams, (0.4 oz.)
  • First Aid kit pouch : : LOKSAK, 7: x 6″ ~ 9 grams, (0.3 oz.)
• MEDICAL KIT – 79 grams, (2.8 oz.)
  • Antihistamine (10) : : BENADRYL 25mg ~ 3 grams, (0.1 oz.).
  • Antihistamine (5) : : SUDAFED 30mg ~ 3 grams, (0.1 oz.).
  • Antacid (10) : : TUMS ~ 27 grams, (1.0 oz.).
  • Pain reliever (20) : : BAYER Aspirin 325mg ~ 9 grams, (0.3 oz.).
  • Pain reliever (30) : : ALEVE 220mg ~ 10 grams, (0.4 oz.).
  • Stimulant (30) : : Caffeine 200mg ~ 18 grams, (0.6 oz.).
  • Medications pouch : : LOKSAK, 7: x 6″ ~ 9 grams, (0.3 oz.)
• TOILETRIES KIT – 135 grams, (4.8 oz.)
  • Anti-perspirant : : RIGHT GUARD – Professional ~ 15 grams, (0.5 oz.).
    This extra-strength version means you don’t need as much. Repackaged in a small container (below).
  • Anti-perspirant vial : : GENERIC 1/4 oz. hinged ~ 4 grams, (0.1 oz.).
  • Hair brush : : GENERIC flat pocket brush ~ 5 grams, (0.2 oz.).
    Short hair helps, too!
  • Shaving – Razor handle : : GILLETTE Venus Malibu “disposable” ~ 3 grams, (0.1 oz.). Even though these are sold as wasteful disposables, you can easily use them with regular Venus blades. The disposable version is much lighter than the standard handle, even more so after cutting off most of the handle.
  • Shaving – Razor blade bracket : : GILLETTE Venus Malibu ~ 1 grams, (0.1 oz.)
    Pry off the brackets from the blades and just take one.
  • Shaving – Razor blade (2) : : GILLETTE Venus Malibu ~ 6 grams, (0.2 oz.)
    Brackets removed as noted above.
  • Toilet paper : : CHARMIN Ultra (10 sheets in a small ziplock) ~ 6 grams, (0.2 oz.)
    Just in case…
  • Toothbrush : : GENERIC ~ 6 grams, (0.2 oz.)
    This one came from a hotel amenities pack. Some guys like to chop off half the handle, or drill holes, or just use a finger. That may be cool for a few days in the woods, but for 3 months on the trail, I prefer the real thing. This one has a nice short handle.
  • Tooth powder : : ECO-DENT (in a small scavenged tube) ~ 16 grams, (0.6 oz.)
    Tooth powder is much lighter than toothpaste.
  • Dental floss : : GLIDE (in small ziplock) ~ 2 grams, (0.1 oz.)
    Pop the reel out of the big plastic box. And remember – floss makes great thread for repairs.
  • Towel : : LIGHTLOAD 12″ x 24″ ~ 15 grams, (0.5 oz.)
  • Toiletries pouch : : GOSSAMER GEAR belt pocket ~ 15 grams, (0.5 oz.)
• TOOL KIT – 96 grams, (3.4 oz.)
  • Flashlight : : PHOTON Freedom (with 2 CR-2016 batteries ~ 7 grams, (0.2 oz.).
  • Whistle : : FOX 40, pealess mini ~ 5 grams, (0.2 oz.).
  • Compass : : RECTA/SILVA Clipper ~ 5 grams, (0.2 oz.).
    Tiny, reliable, and it conveniently clips onto my vest. It’s all I’ve ever needed.
  • Knife : : OPINEL #6 folding pocket knife ~ 28 grams, (1.0 oz.).
  • Razor blade : : GENERIC single-edge ~ 4 grams, (0.1 oz.).
  • Nail clipper : : GENERIC ~ 12 grams, (0.4 oz.).
  • Needle : : GENERIC ~ 1 gram, (0.1 oz.).
  • Paper clip (2) : : GENERIC binder clip, medium ~ 17 grams, (0.6 oz.).
    I use one to keep my topoguide marked for easy use, the other.
  • Scissors : : VICTORINOX ~ 7 grams, (0.2 oz.).
    From a Swiss Army SwissCard.
  • Tweezers: : VICTORINOX ~ 1 gram, (0.1 oz.).
    From a Swiss Army knife.
  • Safety pin (2) : : GENERIC ~ 5 grams, (0.2 oz.).
  • Spork : : BAMBU “disposable” veneerware ~ 3 grams, (0.1 oz.).
    I’ve found a spork useful a number of times. This is the lightest one available. If you dry it right away, it will last for several uses.
  • Lighter : : BIC mini butane ~ 11 grams, (0.4 oz.).
  • Duct tape : : GENERIC 2″ wide ~ 12 grams, (0.4 oz.).
    I wrap some around each hiking pole.
  • Instant glue : : KRAZY GLUE cyanoacrylate, single-use tube ~ 2 grams, (0.1 oz.).
    Like duct tape, sooner or later this will come in handy. I’ve needed some on every walk.
  • Pen : : PARKER Jotter ~ 12 grams, (0.4 oz.).
    I never go anywhere without a Jotter. The best (yet inexpensive) pen I’ve ever found.
  • Rubber stamp : : Bigfoot ~ 7 grams, (0.3 oz.).
    Just for fun. Everywhere you go you get your “credencial” stamped. This way I can return the favor. Scavenged from a broken Bigfoot action figure.
  • Tool pouch : : BLUE-Q coin purse ~ 5 grams, (0.2 oz.).
    Lightweight and rugged, and with cute graphics, too.
• DOCUMENTS and PAPERS KIT – 586 grams, (20.7 oz.)
  • Passport : : 22 grams, (0.8 oz.).
  • ID, Insurance, Bank cards (7) : : 35 grams, (12.4 oz.).
  • Notebook (2) : : MOLESKINE 64 page ~ 75 grams, (2.7 oz.).
  • Wallet : : SIMBLISSITY Litefold TL2 ~ 9 grams, (0.3 oz.).
  • Documents pouch : : LOKSAK 4.5″ x 7″ ~ 8 grams, (0.3 oz.).
  • Trail guide : : FFRP TOPOGUIDE ref. 700 ~ 206 grams, (7.3 oz.). This is the heaviest of the 3 I’ll be using. Fortunately, it can get lighter each day, as you tear out the pages.
  • Trail guide : : MIAM MIAM DODO ~ 231 grams, (8.2 oz.). When available for your trail, these have great information for all resources along the route.
• ELECTRONICS KIT
• OPTICS PACKAGE
• FLIGHT KIT

:: More Kits Coming Soon ::




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