What to pack for the Arbaeen walk

Start with your feet

Footwear is the single most important thing you pack. Bring comfortable, well-worn walking shoes — never a brand-new pair. Break them in on long walks in the weeks before you travel, with the socks you will actually wear. Blisters are the most common reason people struggle on the route.

The essentials

• Worn-in walking shoes (plus lightweight sandals for rest stops)
• A small day bag or backpack — resist the urge to bring more
• A few pairs of good walking socks
• Refillable water bottle
• Power bank and charging cable
• A basic first-aid kit (see below)

Health and first aid

• Any regular medication — enough for the whole trip, in its original packaging
• Blister plasters, antiseptic, painkillers
• Anti-inflammatory gel or spray for tired muscles
• Rehydration sachets for the heat
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat or scarf for shade
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser

Clothing

• Light, modest, breathable clothing suited to the season
• One warm layer — nights and early mornings can be cool
• A change or two of clothes; you can wash along the way
• A lightweight scarf or shemagh (shade, dust, prayer)

Documents and money

• Passport, visa, and travel documents
• Paper photocopies of your ID and key numbers, kept separately from your phone
• An emergency contact card on you at all times
• Some local cash in small notes

What you can usually leave at home

Because the mawakib provide so much, you rarely need to carry a tent, large amounts of food, heavy water supplies, or bulky bedding. When in doubt, leave it out — you can nearly always find it on the road, and a lighter bag will carry you further.

Before you go

Packing is the easy part — preparing the body and the heart matters more. Read the first-time guide, understand the distance and how many days the walk takes, and plan your journey in good time.