I haven’t finalized my packing list for the Kumano Kodo yet, but thinking back to when I walked the Camino Ingles route of the Camino de Santiago, I remembered a simple rule: Lay out all the clothes you want to bring. Remove half of the clothes. Remove half again and you have the right amount.
Here is what ChatGPT said:
The Camino Ingles is a pilgrimage route in northwest Spain that begins in Ferrol or A Coruña and ends in Santiago de Compostela. When packing for the Camino Ingles, it’s important to keep in mind that you will be walking for several days, so you will want to pack light and only bring the essentials. Here are some tips for packing for the Camino Ingles:
- Bring a small, lightweight backpack or a daypack to carry your belongings. A backpack with a capacity of around 30 liters should be sufficient.
- Pack clothing that is lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable. You will want to bring a few changes of clothes, including shorts or pants, shirts or tops, and a rain jacket or poncho.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. You will be walking long distances, so it’s important to have shoes that provide good support and cushioning.
- Bring a small first aid kit, including items such as band-aids, blister pads, painkillers, and any prescription medications you may need.
- Pack a small toiletry bag with essentials such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and a towel.
- Don’t forget to bring any necessary documents, such as your passport or identification, as well as a map or guidebook of the Camino Ingles.
- Consider bringing a small flashlight or headlamp in case you need to walk in the dark, and a small phone charger or power bank to keep your phone charged.
By following these tips and packing light, you will be well-prepared for your journey on the Camino Ingles.
When specifically pressed, I asked about the clothing:
When packing clothing for the Camino Ingles, it’s important to choose lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable items that will be comfortable to wear while walking long distances. Here are some specific clothing items to consider packing:
- Shorts or pants: Bring a few pairs of lightweight, breathable shorts or pants that you can wear while walking. Avoid jeans or other heavy fabrics, as they will be too hot and take too long to dry.
- Shirts or tops: Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking tops that will help keep you cool and dry. A short-sleeve shirt or tank top is a good option for warmer weather, while a long-sleeve shirt or lightweight sweater can be useful for cooler evenings.
- Socks: Pack a few pairs of moisture-wicking socks that will help keep your feet dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton socks, as they tend to hold onto moisture and can cause blisters.
- Underwear: Bring a few pairs of lightweight, moisture-wicking underwear to help keep you comfortable and dry.
- Rain jacket or poncho: The Camino Ingles can be wet and rainy at times, so it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry.
- Hat or visor: A hat or visor can help protect your face and head from the sun, and can also be useful for keeping rain off your face.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun and can also be useful for blocking the glare off wet surfaces.
By packing clothing that is lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable, you will be well-prepared for your journey on the Camino Ingles.
Pretty good!
Phrase of the day:
If you are planning to go hiking in Japan, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some basic Japanese phrases that may be helpful while you are out on the trails. Here are a few important phrases to consider:
- “Sumimasen” (すみません) – This is a polite way to say “excuse me” or “sorry.” It can be used to get someone’s attention or to apologize for something.
- “Moushiwake gozaimasen” (申し訳ございません) – This phrase means “I’m sorry” and is used to apologize for something.
- “Tsumaranai” (つまらない) – This means “boring” or “uninteresting.” You can use this phrase if you are looking for a more challenging hike.
- “Omoshiroi” (面白い) – This means “interesting” or “fun.” You can use this phrase to describe a hike that you enjoyed.
- “Chiisai” (小さい) – This means “small.” You can use this to describe a small trail or a small mountain.
- “Ookii” (大きい) – This means “big.” You can use this to describe a large mountain or a long trail.
- “Ikimasu” (行きます) – This means “I’m going.” You can use this phrase to let someone know that you are going on a hike.
- “Kaerimasu” (帰ります) – This means “I’m returning.” You can use this phrase to let someone know that you are returning from a hike.
By learning these phrases, you will be better able to communicate while hiking in Japan. It’s also a good idea to bring a translation app or dictionary with you in case you need to translate other words or phrases.