Packing lists

So how do you know what you need? How long will you be walking? 5 days from Sarria to Santiago? 30 to 60 days from St. Jean? Farther perhaps? First thing you should consider is how much do I need to survive on the road for that long?

Please keep in mind that the Camino has superb opportunities for replacing or acquiring gear along nearly the entire length of it. Resist the urge to over pack!

In your pack you should have:

All of your needs.

A couple of your wants.

None of your fears. Fears make packs heavy with additional “what if?!?” items.

At a very basic load you will need the “List of 2”

2 Pair underwear(bottoms, sports bras, etc)

2 Pair socks

2 Pair Pants/short(add running tights or capris if desired)

2 Shirts/ short or long sleeve (Skirt or dress for evening and rest days if desired)

1 Pair Boots or trail shoes and pair of shower shoes(flip-flops)

Toiletries(travel size)

Travel towel

Mesh laundry bag

Sleep Sack or sleeping bag

Rain jacket or poncho

Small first aide kit

Tech support bag(phone charger, etc)

Backpack and rain cover

Water bottle -1 litre

Hat

Sunscreen

Head lamp or small flashlight(please do not use either in sleeping rooms)

Earplugs!

Travel documents(passport, pilgrim credential, etc)

Estimated weight 8 to 10lbs without water and should fit in a sub 30 litre daypack.

That's it. Pretty basic, but many complete the 799kms trek with just that light of a load. Wear one set, pack one set and go. When you reach your destination at end of day, shower and put on fresh clothes. Wash the dirty stuff and when it is dry, pack it for the following day. Repeat for as many days as necessary.

From this basic load you can adapt up or down for your individual needs. Things to consider adding are:

Liner socks.

Puffy jacket, light jacket or light sweater depending on season you are walking.

Merino wool base layers for cold seasons.

Gloves, mitts, etc

Rain pants or kilt.

Long sleeve shirt for sunny days.

Reflective sun umbrella for summer.

Large volume hydration kit.

Field repair kit. Sewing/pack repair parts.

Larger first aide kit.

All these additions can push your pack weight up to 12-15 lbs without water and should fit in a sub 50 litre backpack.

Those who need extreme comfort might add the following:

An additional set of clothing for a total of 3 sets to ease laundry requirements.

Heavy coat for winter.

Camp stove

Tent

Sleeping pad

Heavier sleeping bag or hikers quilt.

E-reader

Small laptop

Camera drone

Pony

Mid size elephant(don't go all crazy)

All that can add up to over 40lbs + and require a 70 litre pack.

Remember, on the Camino, less is more.