Gear Up!

While today is the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, I really have little to add over what I wrote last year. Instead, I’d like to ruminate a bit about next year.

Yesterday at Mass, I heard the word “pilgrim” an awful lot, including twice the phrase “pilgrim Church on earth” (cf. Third Eucharistic Prayer). Among other things, it got me thinking about my preparations for pilgrimage.

Recently, my excess brainpower (such as it is) has been taken up with preparations for Francine’s surprise party. Now that it’s behind us, I can begin concentrating on next year.

With the vast experience and generosity of the folks on the Camino Boards, I’ve started assembling the various things I’ll need. As it turns out, the basics are pretty obvious: shoes, pack, sleeping bag, clothes.

One of the forum members has a very good introductory gear list here. There are many other suggestions, of course, but this seems a good starting point.

After reading the recommendations and trying on several packs (with weights!) at REI, I believe I’ll be getting the Osprey Kestrel 48. At 3 pounds, it’s heavier than some of the other packs I looked at, but I like the heft of it, and the sleeping bag pocket at the bottom and the attached rain cover sold it.

As for shoes. Well. I had some lovely Merrils that Francine I an purchased some months ago, but after several five-mile hikes they got more and more uncomfortable. I plan on exchanging them for some Keens in the next couple of weeks.

Trekking clothes are being slowly acquired at Goodwill and assorted sales, though I’ve yet to find a decent pair of hiking pants.

Slowly, slowly. My plan is to purchase one major piece each month. Given the cost of hiking pants, they might qualify as “major” unless I can find some on the bargain racks.

And a hat. I definitely need a new hat.