Gosh, only about two hours to go!

thoughts on bringing a collared shirt

If it's light, as it should be, it's one small luxury to have it, and as long as you have otherwise packed efficiently, it's fine

towel

Man, I took the tiniest ass towels. I think I even brought a hand towel one time. Your packing doesn't need to be perfect. Get what you can, but definitely nothing obviously large and bulky.

anything random/small that you were particularly happy you brought?

• Permethrin-containing bug repellent. It is very effective against bed bugs.
• Clothes pegs/safety pins are great for hanging clothes. Similar bringing a bit of some kind of rope. Even an extra shoelace works.
• Ear plugs! People snore! You need these!
• Pillowcase: You can treat it with the permethrin and fill it with clothes to make a makeshift pillow

Hot random tips:

• Keep an eye out for secret toilets in the albergues. It's great when you find hidden bathrooms before everyone else. Eventually people catch on, so it's good to look for them once you arrive
• Remember supermarkets are closed on sundays!! That's a killer!
• If you don't have a hiking sticks, consider picking them up or fashioning your own ones en route!
• Bring extra little bags for random crap. Always handy. Even better if you can get something made of light fabric. Plastic is damn noisy in the morning when you try to pack your stuff
• Watch your valuables! Keep everything valuable on your person! Even the shower!
• Let feet breathe. Take your shoes off a few times each day during breaks. Oftentimes people's feet are enduring much more than they realise.
• Ankle or knee supports are really good. These are two joints that people very often have nagging problems with
• Early mornings may be a pain, but at least you avoid the sun and lower your risk of albergues being full! Consider it!

Other things...

I'm sure I have a million tips, but these are the ones I can remember off the top of my head!

You'll do great. Keep posting here if you have more questions!