​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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• Large Backpacking backpack 45-55 liters (examples in background)*

  • ​Best if small enough to fit in the carry-on compartment, especially if it has a frame: 22 x 18 x 10in. If you check it or a suitcase, 5% chance it arrives a couple days late and will be delivered to us.

  • Great if you have extra space (for group items and souvenirs)

  • If you bring a suitcase/luggage - you can transfer your stuff from/to your suitcases to the backpack at Emmaus at the beginning and end, but be prepared to carry it around town on airport days!

  • *can rent one from us for $12 for the trip and leave your suitcase at Emmaus if reserved ahead of time

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• Day backpack​​ (example in below background)​

  • This will be your “personal item” for the flight. 

  • Make sure it can fit in your large backpack for when we are carrying everything and hiking long ditsances.

  • If you check your big bag, pack in here 2 nights of clothing and small toiletries (no liquids over 3.4oz).

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• Misc. Items

  • Compact, lightweight sleeping bag (for summer trips, warm-weather bag; even just a liner is sufficient). It is possible to rent one from us for $7 if you reserve this ahead of time.

  • 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 - RSV Catholic compact edition is a good size

  • Journal and/or pocket notepad

  • Pen, pencil

  • Lightweight personal book, preferably relating to the trip! Books/articles will also be available to borrow. *not necessary for short term trips especially to conserve weight and space

  • 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 Sr. Magdalit's cellphone/Whatsapp number into your contacts: +(1)720.301.3712. 

    • 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. To call locally, drop the 972 and add a zero at the beginning.

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat - baseball cap or other for sun protection

  • Water bottle (camelbacks are great too for the long hikes)

  • At least $50 spending money (cash)

    • Can venmo while abroad for any $ needs

    • Credit cards are helpful in a medical emergency 

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• Toiletries

  • Towel, small for camping/packing convenience

  • 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 5-8 miles per day, including hilly cobblestone streets, rocky hiking trails, a 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 or Tevas that you can walk in and can get wet

    • Hiking shoes (not boots or tennis shoes, not white or loud colors)

      • for around Emmaus and visiting churches, something that has good support for rocky trails, something to run in (the running trails in Ayalon park get a little rocky, too)

 

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