Camino Packing: It’s all about gear choices

Packing for a Camino involves making wise gear choices that fit your comfort needs, necessary essentials, & travel budget. Recommended total weight for backpacks is no more than 10% of your body weight or 15 pounds (or less), including the pack (but not water).

Backpack weight isn’t such a concern if you plan on sending the pack ahead via transport service to each day’s lodging. However, traveling light is always good — there still may be instances where you’ll have to carry your pack, including through airports or during train travel.

Below is a sample packing list — when making yours, check gear lists from several sources — everyone’s will be slightly different — decide what’s best for you. Remember “every ounce counts”!

Walkers’ gear lists will include things that are ‘essential’ to take, such as footwear, toiletries, and any medical prescriptions. Lists can also include ‘luxury items,’ which aren’t necessary, but some people want to bring them anyway, such as tablets, sketch pads, & special mementos. Luxury items can be different for every person, though — one walker’s luxury item may be another walker’s essential, and vice versa.

Gear shown includes a throw cover (in blue stuff sack), silk liner (in light green stuff sack), flip flops, money belt, sunglasses, adapters, sandals, sketchbook/journal & pens, bag of toiletries, ‘starter’ first aid kit, & camp towel.

Basic gear list & tips:

Backpack — Consider an “ultralight” pack if it fits comfortably. Remember when choosing a pack that the majority of weight should rest on the hips, not the shoulders. See more pack info in “More gear tips” below.
Sleeping bag/liner — Most pilgrims bring a bag/liner for albergues (only pillows may be provided). In warmer months consider just bringing a liner/lightweight sleep sack & throw cover.
Camp pillow — If you don’t want to use albergue pillows (with disposable paper/cloth covers provided) then consider bringing a lightweight camp size pillow that compresses down (down-filled are good).
Sleeping pad (if needed for extra support)
Boots/walking shoes — It’s recommended to buy one shoe size larger (feet heat up & expand while walking). Heavier trekking boots typically aren’t needed — most people wear lighter weight hiking boots or a good walking/trail shoe, especially if walking in warmer months.
Hiking clothes — Consider clothes that are lightweight, wick away moisture, dry easily, & have sun protection — also try to choose fabrics other than cotton, which dries slowly & is generally heavier.
Undergarments & socks — There’s a variety of hiking socks to choose from that wick away moisture & can help to prevent blisters; find what works best for your feet.
Sandals — Outdoor walking type brands are good, such as Teva, etc. Sandals give your feet a break from boots at the end of the day or can be used for sightseeing; some people prefer walking on the trail in them.
Flip flops — For the shower; choose lightweight & the non-skid kind, such as Crocs.
Hat & sunglasses — Consider a hat style that also covers the neck for extra sun protection.
Money belt (or neck pouch) — Used to keep passport, major money, driver’s license, credit cards, copies of documents, etc. A money belt or neck pouch should always be worn on the body underneath clothes (out of sight) rather than stored in the backpack to avoid losing it or having it stolen.
Toiletries — Sun lotion, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.; bring a small ‘emergency’ TP roll (take out cardboard to lighten).
Laundry soap — See “Nitty Gritty” tips below for recommendations.
First Aid — Consider bringing a lightweight ‘starter kit’ & buy things as needed at farmacias.
Hand sanitizer/wipes — Handy for the trail & public restrooms, which may not have soap available.
Face masks — If needed/recommended for airplanes, trains, etc.
Earplugs — Especially needed if staying at albergues – snoring can be loud!
Camp towel — Try using a smaller size since it absorbs more water than larger cotton towels.
Small illuminator/flashlight (or headlamp if planning on walking in the dark)
Guidebook(s) — Also apps
Walking sticks — Sticks take pressure off legs/feet and help to maintain balance. Highly recommended but not everyone likes using them, so try out first.
Rain gear — Choices include ponchos/rain shells (jackets)/rain pants — everyone has different preferences on what’s best to bring. A rain cover for your backpack will be needed if it’s not included on the pack or if you don’t have a poncho that covers the pack. You also might consider bringing “gaitors” for your legs if walking in rainy seasons & don’t have rain pants.
Phone/tablet
Adaptor plugs/charger cords/portable chargers (for phones) — Consider bringing a couple adaptors — they’re easy to lose or leave behind in plugs. A converter will be needed if voltage on devices/electrical appliances is not compatible with 220V (voltage used in Spain).
Water bottles — Everyone has a preference — decide what you’re most comfortable with using & carrying weight-wise. Keep in mind stainless steel bottles are heavier. Some walkers prefer plastic, such as BPA-free Nalgene, while others like camelbak bladders for an easy way to drink while walking. Some walkers choose bottled water instead of filling up at public fuentes. See Camino Resources, Part 2 for more info. regarding water sources on the trail.
Misc. essential & luxury items — Medications (bring in prescription bottles), vitamins, extra pair of eyeglasses, extra shoelaces, elastic wraps, bandana, needle & thread, journal, safety pins, rubber bands, sketchbook, pens/pencils/watercolors, mementos, camera (rare to see these days), etc.
Pilgrim Pouch — Perfect for carrying essentials while walking or sightseeing!

Gear for medieval pilgrims included a walking stick, gourd, & a pouch. Modern walkers use walking sticks and “Pilgrim Pouches,” but water bottles have replaced gourds!

My Camino clothes (around 6 pds. total):

3 Short sleeve shirts
2 Long sleeve blouses (worn over short sleeve shirts when walking)
2 Pairs of pants (one is a Capri style)
1 Fleece quarter zip top
4 Pairs of liner socks (wearing just liners is what’s most comfortable for my feet)
Undergarments
1 Sleep shorts
2 Hats (one has a neck guard & is used for hiking; the other is a bucket-style worn while sightseeing)
Rain gear (PFC-free rain shell & poncho)

** All walking clothes (including hats) have sun protection UPF 50+/SPF 100.

Clothes may vary depending on what season walking; in colder months the total weight will likely increase.

More gear tips:

Shop ‘at home’ — Before buying any gear, first take a look at what you already have at home. There may be things in your closet that will work well and help save expenses.
Stores in Spain — Keep in mind if you need to get or replace any gear while on the Road there are often outdoor gear stores in larger towns. Sporting goods stores in Spain include Decathlon and Barrabes Ski & Mountain. Even villages may have shops that include walking sticks, etc. In St. Jean, the gear store La Boutique du Pelerin is by the Pilgrim’s Office — very convenient for last minute purchases or ‘gear emergencies.’
Footwear — Make sure your boots/walking shoes are comfortable before leaving rather than risk having problems with them on the trail. Wear one size larger to give room for feet to expand (feet heat up while walking). Also, when choosing shoes, consider whether you want ankle support with a “mid” to higher boot style. There are plenty of lighter weight options with this feature.
Socks — To decide on socks, experiment to find out what’s most comfortable — everyone has different preferences. Socks can contribute to blisters, so it’s important to test them out before leaving. Just wearing liner socks might do — wear cushion insoles for extra padding if needed. Some walkers opt to use a liner + heavier sock over liner while others wear socks with individual ‘toe sleeves.’
Fitting a backpack — If you’re getting a new pack make sure it fits correctly according to the length of your spine (measurement taken from 7^th vertebra to ‘hip shelf’). If you’re unfamiliar with fitting backpacks consider getting help from a professional at an outdoor gear store; there are also YouTube videos with demonstrations about fitting packs.
“80-20-0” — Keep this rule in mind when choosing a pack: approximately 80% of backpack weight should be transferred to your hips & lower body; 20% to the front of your shoulders; 0% to the tops of the shoulders.
Walking sticks — If you’re flying, sticks may not be allowed as carry-on, depending on the airline/security regulations (tip: showing a doctor’s note could help). Possible options are to either send them through baggage or purchase sticks at your starting location.

At around 4 ounces, the Pilgrim Pouch is a “nitty gritty” way to cut down on gear weight.

“Nitty Gritty” tips to help lighten the load:

Guidebooks — If you won’t be using a whole guidebook, cut out or copy the pages you’ll be using. Double side the copy pages to avoid wasted space. Also, pages can be copied at reduced size for even more ‘lightening.’ Tear off guidebook pages after use while on the trail (also covers & other pages not needed).
Journals — Choose lightweight/smaller versions of journals, sketchbooks, etc. Choose soft covers rather than hard covers if possible.
Toiletries — Take smaller/lighter versions of essentials/toiletries, such as comb, toothpaste, etc. Bring half-empty tubes/bottles of something if you don’t need a full container or empty out the amount not needed.
Shampoo bars — Consider bringing a body/shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo; test the bar out before leaving — some people like them, some don’t. Conditioner bars are available too.
Toothbrush — Cut some of the handle off to lighten or bring a travel size toothbrush; there are also available smaller & lighter weight electric toothbrushes.
Tape for bandages, etc. — Replace a bigger/heavier adhesive tape roll by making a roll with lightweight cardboard & wrap a handy amount of tape around it.
Laundry detergent sheets — Bring eco-friendly & very lightweight laundry detergent sheets instead of liquid or powder detergent; tear off pieces if washing individual clothes.
Organizers — Use plastic bags/lightweight cloth bags for organizing items instead of using heavier weight containers/bags.
Eyeglass holders — Make lighter weight holders for glasses, sunglasses, etc. (corrugated cardboard is a good ‘construction’ material).
Tags — Cut off extra tags you don’t need or want on clothing & other gear.
Stuff sacks — Buy/sew ultralight sacks for clothes, etc.
Toggles — Replace heavier toggles/draw cords with lighter weight ones on stuff sacks, etc.
‘Extras’ — On backpacks take off any detachable flaps, pockets, etc. not needed.

What can a Pilgrim Pouch hold on a Camino? A guidebook, cell phone, camera, sunglasses, comb, notebook, sketchbook, pens, snack money, & a “Credencial del Peregrino.”