This list of equipment is a guide and will need to be tailored to suit the exact terrain we will encounter. You will note that we have not included for a tent as it is likley that we will be staying at hostels and efuges which have been establised along the pilgrimage route.
Also, equipment can be shared, so we would say that three cookers between the ten of us is sufficient, so not everyone needs to have their own cooker. Boys will need to sort this out between them to ensure they have all the relevant items required. If you have any queries then please do ask.
1.
Walking shoes
Preferably the soft type (not mountain boots) that have been worn-in so blisters are not a problem on the expedition. Boots need a good few outings before they become soft and supple. You can wear strong trainers if you wish, but remember, there is a chance you could get wet so shoes designed for walking are always better.
2.
Back pack
60 or 65 litre back pack is ample and will be used to carry ALL your equipment. Make sure it fits you and is well padded. You could be carrying it for 8 hours a day.
3.
Water
You can get a 'platypus' type water holder that is a flat and can be placed in your back pack. It has a small tube from the pack that can be used to suck the water from the pack. As a guide you will need to be taking on board about 2 litres of water per day.
4.
Cagool / Waterproof
Not very fashionalble we know, but essential if you want to remain dry when walking. A top is essential. bottoms can be useful, however not so essential. Always pack your waterproof at the top of your back pack so it is easily accesible should it rain.
5.
Fleeces
Fleece is a great material as it is very warm. A thick fleece in cold weather can be brilliant to keep warm and a thinner fleece in moderate weather can be a great way for keeping warm but also allowing heat to be removed to prevent you overheating. A zip up type is great as it will allow you to undo the zip as you get hotter to release some body heat.
6.
Layers of clothes
Plenty of cotton layers is much better than one thick jumper, so plenty of t-shirts, long sleves tops, shorts / comfortable bottoms. Jeans are not recomended as they are very heavy and will rub if they get wet. A light pair of combats is a much better alternative. Make sure you have enough to last for the 5 days!!!!! Tracksuit bottoms are also good as they are lightweight and dry quite quickly.
7.
Footwear
After walking you will need alternative footwear for the evening. Gaters can be good to keep legs and shoes dry however, may not be necessary on this walk as the route is well defined and of a good quality.
8.
Socks
Plenty of changes of socks. You may get your feet wet so make sure you have enough! Plus, good insulated socks in walking boots provide comfort and less rubbing so less chance of blisters!
9.
Tent
NOTE: This item is not needed as we will be staying in 'refuges'. A lightweight, small tent. This can be one or two man and you can share with others. So, a tent each may not be essential if you can arrange to share. This also means that carrying the tent will be split between two people. Nothing higher than a two man is recomended as this will be too bulky and heavy to carry. Again, the smaller the more expensive so it is a judgment call as to the size you want.
10.
Roll mat
One per person. This will insulate you from the cold coming up from the ground overnight. Can be carried on the outside fo the back pack. We may well be sleeping on the floor.
11.
Sleeping bag
A good small lightweight sleeping bag is ideal. Should be one that does not take up the entire capacity of your backpack! The smaller the sleeping bag the more expensive it tends to be so its up to you how much room you want it to take up in your back pack. Since it is April we will be walking you will definately need a 2 season bag (Spring / summer) and even a three season could be more ideal. However, it is likley we will be indoors but we can not guranteee heating.
You can get a liner that you get into prior to you getting into the sleeping bag which can add a season which could be a less expensive way of increasing your sleeping bags warmth without actually buying a new one.
12.
Cutlery & plates etc
Knife, fork, spoon (desert and tea), bottle opener, can opener and cooking utensils such as spoons etc. Also, bring plates 2 no., bowel and cup. Plastic is ideal as it is light. Thermal cups can be good.
13.
Cooking equipment
Trangia is ideal as it is lightweight and compact. Large flat cookers are not ideal as they are bulky and heavy. Go for lightweight and compact as this will not have so much an impact on the capacity of your back pack. A gas cylinder with a cooking element on the top is also very good. We are a group of ten so we would recommend that 3 cookers between the ten of us is sufficient.
14.
Fuel
Gas for gas stoves and Methelayted Spirit for tranagia. Remember, take matches if you want to light your cooking fuel!
15.
Compass
The type with rotating dial is best as this will have a scale ruler along one of the long legnths to help with map scales.
16.
Map Case
So long as there are enough between the group that is sufficient. Check and see. However, a map case is of great use to keep yor map clean and dry.
17.
First Aid kit
A personal first aid kit is adequate. Each person needs their own personal kit, so they can be combined if there is an emergency, or used individually for minor problems such as blisters, cuts and grazes. Make sure you have a selection of plasters in the kit.
18.
Plastic Bags
Carrier bags are a great way to keep your clothes seperate from any wet items, or indeed, stop rain wetting your clothes through the back pack. So take a few bags to help you keep dry clothes away from wet.
19.
Hygeine
You need to stay clean! Bring small tube of toothpast, toothbruch, deoderant, a small towel you can dry through the course of a day on your back pack. a small bar of soap or a little bit of a bigger bar. Needle and thread could also be good to repair any damaged tents,back packs or clothes.
20.
Survival tin
Again not essential for this type of walk as we will be close to towns and minicipal conveiniances. However, can be good practice to tak ea survival tin which normally contain puryfying tablets, blade, flint for fire making, little wire saw etc.
21.
Torch
You will need a torch to see at night. It may be late when we arrive at a camp site so torch light will be essential if you want to see what you are doing. The miners type, worn on the head, may look silly, but a light and give good light.
22.
Food
Food will be bought along the route at local shops. You will need some money for this and we suggest for a very basic daily amount that €10 per day would be necessary. You may want to take some dried food packets, like dried pasta or rice in your back pack just in case we struggle to find a shop on an occasion. High energy food bars may also be really handy!
23.
Medication
All boys parents / guardians will complete a consent form. This will detail any medication that the boys will self medicate incuding the dosage and when it needs to be taken by the boy. If there are any special circumstances where additional managment of medication is required, then parents must advise the staff prior to departure.
Hayfever may not be an issue due to the time of year, however, boys who do suffer should bring some medicatiopn just in case this becomes an issue.
24
EH1C
This is the European Health Insurance Card that will allow you to receive medical attention in Ireland free of Charge or at a reduced cost. All boys should ensure they have a card. This can be obtained from the post office or you can apply online by using the following link >>>> Allow 7 days for the card to be posted to you. (This form used to be the E111).
25
Passport
Make sure you have a current passport and preferably one that does not expire within 6 months of you returning to the UK. You can not be on your parents passport so you must have a passport of your own.
We will need a copy of your passport prior to departure to enable us to send it to the airline prior to departure.
24.
Misc
Pen or pencil. Note book, small disposable camera.
