What I Packed:
Everyone will have their own ideas as to what you need on the Camino. For me, it was always weight vs versatility. For instance, I took a head lamp, but never used it; my cellphone was flashlight enough. Also, I took a travel pillow, but only used it once before giving it away. I found most albergues provided pillows, and if not, stuffing clothes into a clean t-shirt did the trick. Don't worry about taking large amounts or running out of things; there are plenty of stores along the Camino, and pharmacies in almost every town. You can replenish things as needed along the way. If weight is an issue, err on the side of leaving something out; you can pick it up later if you need it.
This list looks like a lot, but it served me well over the 40 days I walked, and kept my pack weight under 20lbs.
Basic Equipment:
Ditty Bag: (try to find a mesh bag so wet things can dry easily)
Other Items to Consider: (Some I had; some I wished I had!)
This list looks like a lot, but it served me well over the 40 days I walked, and kept my pack weight under 20lbs.
Basic Equipment:
- Celllphone - It was my everything for map, contact, photos, "remembering" info, music (use earphones please) and flashlight
- 26 litre Osprey back pack
- Front waist belt - Mine had different pockets to keep documents/money secure and tissues and lip balm handy. It also carried 2 water bottles
- Water bottle(s) - if you can, get ones that hang from a carabiner clips (take at least 2 clips along... they come in handy!)
- Snuggi hooded poncho - It was probably the heaviest one thing in my pack, but kept me and my whole pack dry in pouring rain!
- Adjustable trekking poles - don't forget replacement tips
- Silk sleeping bag liner - many albergues provided blankets or quilts. Other than them, this kept me plenty warm.
- Cellphone power pack and international plug adaptor
- Rolled up large plastic bag(s) - can be used to keep things dry and I used mine to ship my backpack home on the plane
- 2 waterproof compression bags - help keep your things sorted in your pack, and things dry in the shower
- Large quick dry towel - other people had smaller ones, but I got the biggest as privacy for dressing after showers was not always available
- Small quick dry towel - One of the best things I took! I used it pinned to my coat for sweat while walking & then used it as a facecloth when washing.
- 2 Protein bars / nuts & dried fruit - just in case you hit a gap between cafes… during siesta especially. Bananas are good too if you can keep them safe!
- Large safety pins are essential! I used them to pin socks to my pack to dry while walking and then as clothes pegs at albergues.
- Sealable plastic bags - I took 2 large ones, and 2 small ones. Useful for protecting documents, etc.-
- Toilet paper (flatten small roll from home) / tissues - You can never be sure facilities will include t.p… and then there's the great outdoors...ladies!
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm (SPF)
- Bug Spray
- Small bottle of hand sanitizer - You may not always have access to water, and if you're working with a cut, you'll want clean hands to prevent infection.
- Antihistamine
- Tylenol / Ibuprofen
- Analgesic rub (for topical relief)
- Polysporin
- Pepto-Bismol tablets
- Selection of band-aids
- Vaseline - I applied to my feet daily and did the whole trek without a blister! BE GOOD TO YOUR FEET!
- 1 roll of K-Tape - Used mine to support a weak knee, and later to support a strained rib.
- Small scissors / nail file / clippers
- Tweezers (slivers, etc)
- Needle and thread pack (blisters)
- Tennis ball (to massage out the knots)
- Light, hooded coat (water/wind resistant)
- Light hiking boots (extra laces)
- Light trekking sandals
- Sunglasses (and prescription/reading glasses if you need them)
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Woolen cap & gloves for cold & rain
- Long, quick-dry hiking pants - I chose not to get the zip-off pants as I worried if I inadvertently left the "legs" behind, I'd have shorts, but not pants!
- Quick dry hiking shorts
- 2 brightly-coloured t-shirts - I was more worried about being visible than being fashionable! I saved another shirt that I only wore when not walking.
- 1 short-sleeved shirt (for evenings)
- 1 long-sleeved warm shirt
- 1 pair leggings - I sometimes used these for evening wear; sometimes for sleeping; sometimes for extra warmth under my pants
- Oversize t-shirt (for sleeping)
- 3 changes of underwear -try to get the quick dry type
- 1 set of silk long underwear
- 3 pairs medium-weight woolen socks
- 2 pairs light, cotton socks
- Shawl/wrap for cool evenings and church (bare shoulders in some churches is frowned upon)
Ditty Bag: (try to find a mesh bag so wet things can dry easily)
- Toothbrush & paste
- Comb /brush
- Soap (in net bag to hang to dry)
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Ear plugs & sleeping mask...if you plan to sleep! There will be snoring, and lights on and off!
- Face moisturizer – even for guys! If the wind doesn't dry you out, the sun will!
Other Items to Consider: (Some I had; some I wished I had!)
- Guidebook - There's a variety out there; some better than others. I chose the John Brierley Pilgrim's Guide which is updated yearly.
- Journal / notepad & pen(s)
- Contact cards to share info with fellow pilgrims
- Light day backpack to keep essentials with you if you port your pack, or just for walking/shopping in the evenings
- Metal coffee travel mug - could be used for soup as well!
- A brightly coloured "spork" - plastic spoon/fork. The bright colour will limit potential for loss
- Tiny bungee cords or over-door plastic hook (for keeping things dry in showers)
- Small roll of electrical & duct tape (for equipment repairs)
