Backpack

The preparation of the backpack is crucial for the whole journey as its weight will determine whether the walk is easier or harder. It should never exceed 10% of the weight of the pilgrim carrying it and in no case should it weigh more than 10 Kgs. As there is a large variety of backpack sizes, the ideal is a backpack between 30 to 40 Lts.

Besides clothes, the backpack must always have some food in it, since you never know when you will find shops available. For hygiene, you should bring liquid soap, soap for washing clothes, a comb or brush for your hair, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper and sun block inside a proper container.

Insert in another container, place a small first aid kit, band-aids of various sizes, Betadine, moisturising cream, nail clippers, and other first aid supplies. A waterproof cover for your backpack is indispensable, at any time of the year. Include a towel for your bath and pegs for hanging your clothes to dry after washing. Include a pillow and a sleeping bag, as you don't know in what conditions you will have to sleep.

The inside of the backpack should be organised placing heavier items on top, to release the weight close to the back, but if the stages are on steeper terrain (in mountainous terrain) this should be inverted, with heavier items close to the body, to keep the centre of gravity. The backpack should have the possibility of being tied to the waist, to reduce strain on the shoulders. If you take a mobile phone, don't forget your charger. As a last suggestion, take earplugs, as noise depends on the place and on the sensitivity of the pilgrim.