Recommended Items to Bring
Here you will find a humble list of items that will make your walk a little bit easier and potentially more enjoyable.
Ready to Go on Your Life-Changing Walk?
Keep in mind this list is compiled from multiple sources, with varying experiences and needs. Not all of this will be useful for you. Look at your own needs, and be prepared because it is a difficult journey – don’t just wing it.
Pack in such a way that everything you need is always with you or on you because it’s common that people get separated
List of Recommended Items
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Shoes
Some say yes to sneakers with memory-foam sole, others only recommend sandals. Sandals in particular if your feet are prone to swelling- the shoes need to have room or need to be open
Personal Bag
Common that people get separated from their group, in this situation money and passport are key that are stowed away separately from your backpack/stroller.
Water Bottle
Some recommend bringing own bottle, filter optional since water is bottled. Bringing own travel mug with lid is recommended for tea, can also be used for water
Food
Our bodies don’t have the type of immunity locals have. Eat bread that is baked on the way but none of the other food. Packaged cheese and yogurt is sold on the walk too. Bring high protein snacks: almond butter packets, Protein Bars, Beef Jerky
Cloths
Bring an extra set of cloths to simply have as a backup for your primary set as there may be some instances that you will need to use them accordingly.
In lieu of showering
Because it may be difficult to share a shower with all other pilgrims whilst on the road, you may want to consider sweat refreshers, for a quick clean and rapid recovery for your skin.
Hand Sanitizer
Water and soap may not always be accesible to you on this trip; however you will want to stop and eat food. A hand sanitizer may assist in keeping you clean while you eat.
Hand Soap
Soap is scarce, so bring along a travel sized antibactierial soap packet.
Wet ones Wipes
Bring along some wipes to clean on places that you may sleep or anything else that you may come across.
Hygiene
Don’t forget the regulars (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste)
Backpack vs Stroller
Strollers with big wheels recommended to carry for families or groups of people – pay attention to the max weight the stroller can carry. Pet strollers good to carry for one or two people. Backpack must have a waist strap. Goes a long way in helping distribute weight to your core not just your back
Pet-strollers have zips – recommended for security. Some regretted not bringing a stroller and so they ended up buying in Iraq; however the ones purchased in Iraqi fell apart.
Journal/Pen
The trip goes by so fast that sometime you will forget all the literal intricacies. If you can bring along a journal and a pen it will assist you in remember all the miracles happening around you.
Travel Pillow
If you have the capcity for it and can carry onto it you will benfit from bringing one along not only on flights, but when you are in the mawkibs. With all the pilgrims it may be hard to find one when sleep time hits.
Travel Blankets
If you have the capcity for it and can carry onto it you will benfit from bringing one along especially when you are in the mawkibs. With all the pilgrims it may be hard to find one when sleep time hits.
Night can be cold – keep in mind.
Don’t Bring an Extra Chador
There are washing areas that you can wash your chador overnight
Chador Namaz
A chador namaz may come in handy for making wudhu, prayer and for sleeping as well and it would act as a sheet between you and provided blankets.
Socks
Socks are more important than shoes
Compression socks to help with swelling and recovery. Recommend open toe variety for easy wudhu access. This doesn’t take away need of hiking socks if you do the open toe variety – because area of toes is exposed you will get blisters in this section!
You need hiking socks that have two layers, they prevent the friction with skin which is what causes blisters. Some people wear women’s thin opaque socks underneath regular thick wool socks. This prevents friction with skin; A MUST!
Cold/Flu Medicine
Bring whatever you usually take at home as there are many people from different walks of life and medicine could help if you are to fall ill.
Diarrhea Medication
Our bodies are normally used to breaking down and fighting off different types of food and bacteria. It is wise to bring some in case you eat something that will upset your stomach.
Electrolytes
If you are dehydrated just regular water won’t absorb well so take electrolyte powders and tablets to help water absorb.
Blister Ointment
Used for your feet in case you need it or your socks are thin. This will help you heal your blisters faster with minial impact on your overall walk.
Electrolytes
If you are dehydrated just regular water won’t absorb well so take electrolyte powders and tablets to help water absorb.
Tylenol/Ibuprofen
Accidents are bound to happen it is good to have some medication handy in order to ease any ailments and continue on your path.