“Walking is praying with your feet,” said Augustine of Hippo, and he wasn’t entirely wrong. But even your feet—essential tools on dusty paths and endless roads—require proper fuel. That fuel, of course, is food. Among symbolic shells and weathered maps, a pilgrim’s backpack should always contain provisions that nourish the body –without burdening it with unnecessary weight. After all, every pilgrimage is a journey of reflection, but it’s far easier to reflect when your stomach isn’t growling.
Curious about what to pack? Let’s take inspiration from saints, medieval travelers, and modern-day adventurers. Lace up your boots and prepare your palate!
🍞 Bread: The pilgrim’s pillar
Francis of Assisi, a master of simplicity, might advise: “Carry only the essentials.” And what’s more essential than bread?
Bread has long been the quintessential food for travelers: compact, nutritious, and symbolic. A hearty loaf, like whole grain or seeded bread, lasts for days, provides sustained energy, and fits neatly in your pack. For a gourmet touch, consider rye bread, rich in fiber and nearly indestructible when stored well.
Pilgrim’s tip: Don’t discard stale bread—soak it in water, drizzle with olive oil, and pair with a tomato or cheese for a humble feast on the go.
🍏 Apples: The blessed fruit
Walking for hours under sun or rain, the humble apple can feel like a revelation. Teresa of Ávila once said, “God is among the pots and pans” –and perhaps also among apple orchards.
Apples are practical, sturdy, and refreshing—a bite of crisp sweetness that rejuvenates both spirit and stomach. Unlike bananas, which often end as a tropical disaster in your pack, apples hold their form through miles of jostling.
Pro tip: For an even lighter option, bring dehydrated apple slices. Compact and sweet, they deliver instant energy without the weight.
🧀 Aged cheese: Protein with personality
Pilgrimage may be somewhat sacrificial, but flavor doesn’t have to be one of them. A wedge of aged cheese pairs beautifully with bread, offering a protein boost and a comforting bite. Plus, it keeps well without refrigeration.
Moderation was key for Benedict of Nursia, known for his disciplined approach to life, and the same applies here. A small, flavorful piece—like aged pecorino, Parmesan shavings, or a sharp cheddar—is all you need to elevate a simple meal.
🍫 Dark chocolate: The pilgrim’s secret weapon
When exhaustion sets in and your legs feel like lead, it’s time to reach for your secret weapon: dark chocolate. Not the easily-melting milk variety, but a robust bar with at least 70% cacao. Packed with antioxidants and energy, it’s also a mood lifter when the trail gets tough.
As Hildegard of Bingen, a mystic and natural healer, believed: “There’s no better remedy than joy.” And few things bring as much joy as breaking off a square of chocolate after a grueling climb.
Practical tip: Pre-cut the bar into smaller pieces before setting off to save yourself the hassle of unwrapping mid-journey.
🥜 Nuts and dried fruit: Energy in handfuls
Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and raisins are tiny powerhouses of energy, protein, and healthy fats. Lightweight and shelf-stable, they’re ideal for quick boosts during long stretches of walking.
Ignatius of Loyola, famous for his resilience, might have surely appreciated a handful of nuts to maintain both strength and determination.
Creative idea: Add a pinch of sea salt to your mix to replenish minerals lost through sweat.
🍪 A “Guilty Pleasure” bonus
Every journey benefits from a little indulgence. Whether it’s a buttery biscuit, a candy, or a small portion of your favorite sweet treat, it’s worth packing something purely for pleasure.
As Philip Neri famously remarked, “A sad saint is a bad saint.” A touch of joy—like a crumbly cookie or a chocolate truffle—can keep spirits high when the road feels endless.
A Pilgrim’s balance: Simplicity, nutrition, and gratitude
A well-packed pilgrim’s bag is as much about practicality as it is about creating moments of contemplation and thoughtful reflection. Each bite can become a small ritual, a pause for gratitude toward the road traveled and the journey ahead.
Whether you’re heading to Santiago, Jerusalem, or a shrine close to home, let Catherine of Siena’s advice guide you: “Do what you have to do, and do it with all your heart.” That might sometimes mean savoring a humble piece of bread and cheese under a wide-open sky.
Buen camino—and buon appetito!
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