​It's pilgrimage and not a vacation! We'll live simply, rely on those around us, and carry everything on our back.

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• Backpacking backpack 45-55 liters

  • ​The free personal item can only be 15in (40cm) long; for the rest, you must register/pay for a carry-on or check-in bag. 

  • You can leave certain bags/items at Emmaus at the beginning of the trip and pick them up on the last day.

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• Day backpack​​ 

  • Normal book bag. Not too small, since we'll be carrying songbooks, picnic items, etc. This will be your “personal item” for the flight, or you can borrow one here. 

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• Misc. Items

  • Compact, lightweight sleeping bag. Let us know if you have one. Most of you can borrow one.

  • Student ID card (discounts)

  • Pouch (around neck or money belt) for passport, cash, and ID​

    • something for easy access while backpacking

    • a small crossbody purse works great for women, or fanny pack

  • Small Bible 

  • Journal and/or pocket notepad

  • Pen, pencil

  • Optional lightweight personal book, preferably relating to the trip! We have books and articles you can borrow or buy! 

  • Phone: we'll detach from devices most of the time, but it's good to have for airport pick-up, maps, emergencies, info, and telling the time.

    • please download maps.me Israel maps, whatsapp before arrival​

    • Please put Fr. Anthony's cellphone/Whatsapp number into your contacts: +972509172374. To call locally, drop the 972 and add a zero at the beginning.

    • Also put Br. Anton's, which is used for our Holy Site, Emmaus Nicopolis: (972)52.356.20.71. Call him if you cannot get a hold of me and it is urgent.

  • Sunglasses (we have some to lend)

  • Hat - baseball cap or other for sun protection (we have some to lend)

  • Water bottle (disposable one if you want, or you can grab one here)

  • Pillow, preferably small!

  • At least $50 spending money (cash)

    • Can venmo Father while abroad for any $ needs

    • Credit/debit cards can be helpful but not necessary 

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• Toiletries

  • Towel, small for packing convenience, or you can borrow one of ours

  • Small travel-size toiletries

  • Small bottle of sun-screen or share ours

  • Small bug spray or share ours

  • A bit of toilet paper in a ziplock or plastic bag to keep with you for hikes and in case public toilets are out of paper

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• Shoes

  • We'll walk as much as 5 miles per day, including hilly cobblestone streets, rocky hiking trails, a possible ½ mile walk through knee-deep water, communal showers (if you’re afraid of fungus), and attending church & synagogue services

  • Yes, some pilgrims have made it with one trusty pair of Chacos, but we recommend:

    • Sandals like Chacos, Tevas, or Birkenstocks that you can walk in

    • Hiking shoes

    • Optional flip flops (for showers and beach)

 

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Clothing note: we'll be able to do laundry once

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• Women's clothing

  • Modest swimsuit, one piece or preferably tankini (for bathroom/changing convenience)

  • Underwear for 5 days

  • 3 pairs of socks depending on how much you think you'll wear shoes or sandals

  • 1 pair of lightweight pants

  • 1 lightweight head scarf (for sun & Greek Orthodox churches...you can also borrow/buy one here)

  • 1 jacket/sweater/sweatshirt layers (it won't rain)​

  • 1 shorts for sleeping, hiking, running, or beach (modest)

  • 2-3 skirts/dresses (at least to the knees) 

    • bike shorts work great for under skirts

  • 5 shirts total

    • T-shirts only if they are dressy/plain, dry-fits are great!​​

    • 2 nicer blouses - for Friday Shabbat, feast days/Sunday

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• Men's clothing

  • 1 pair of swim trunks

  • Underwear for 5 days

  • 3 pairs of socks depending on how much you think you'll wear shoes or sandals

  • 1-2 pair of lightweight nice pants

  • 1 jacket/sweater/sweatshirt layers, rain is possible

  • Shorts

    • 1 ​nice pair for hiking

    • 1 sport pair for sleeping--we’ll be camping and bunking guys in relative proximity to girls. Please sleep in more than boxers!

  • 5 shirts

    • T-shirts only if they are nice/plain and don't have large print. 

    • 3-4 lightweight nice shirts (polos, button ups)​​

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• Bring if you have them​

  • Head lamp/small flashlight

  • Hammock

  • Plug converter: you can borrow one here, but you might want it for airports. European ones work in Israel 

  • Power bank

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• NOT to bring

  • ​Large bottles of shampoo, lotion, etc.

  • Laptop 

  • Camera (please volunteer to bring a camera if you have a good one and some experience) - A few of us will take photos for everyone.

  • Hair Dryer/appliances

  • Low-cut collars, tank-tops

  • Lots of make-up

  • Shekels – you can use/exchange $ here for convenience, better rates