​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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