​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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• Suitcase or Large Backpacking backpack 45-55 liters 

  • ​Best if small enough to fit in the carry-on compartment. Backpack frames are often too long, and many overseas flights now charge for checked bags. If you check a bag, 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)

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• Day backpack​​ ​

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

  • Needs to be sturdy and decent-sized. 

  • 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). 

  • Sleeping pad (possible to sell us your pad or even sleeping bag at the end of the trip, so you can have more room for souvenirs!)

  • 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! Books/articles will also be available to borrow.

  • 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​

    • 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 $100 spending money in cash (dollars are fine)

  • ​Credit card in case of 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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