Caveat: This guide is written as a humourous guide by someone that has overpacked for both of their caminos’ (that person is me) and as such should not be taken too seriously, though you may find some nuggets of wisdom here…
So, you’ve decided to walk the Camino de Santiago! Congrats! But, if you're the kind of person who overpacks for a weekend trip to the grocery store, this guide is for you. By the time we're done, you’ll be lugging around a bag that rivals the weight of a newborn calf, but hey, better safe than sorry, right?
The Essential Non-Essentials Packing List:
3 T-Shirts
You’ll be sweating through these daily, so three seems sensible. One for wearing, one for washing, and one for when you realize the first two aren’t dry yet.4 Pairs of Socks (or more)
Two pairs are for walking, one pair is for sleeping, and the fourth pair is for when you realize you accidentally put on mismatched socks and can't bear the imbalance.2 Shorts
Perfect for those days when the sun is shining, and the breeze is blowing... or for when you’ve already worn your trousers for 7 straight days, and they start to stand up by themselves.1 Pair of Hiking Trousers
Versatile, durable, and surprisingly stylish when you have nothing else clean. Ideal for any weather—because we all know that Spanish sun can turn into a freak snowstorm at any moment.Large Poncho
This isn’t just any poncho; it’s a multipurpose wonder. It shields you from rain, doubles as a groundsheet, and triples as an impromptu shelter. Plus, it’s so large you could host a small gathering underneath it—who says the Camino can’t be social?3-Litre CamelBak System
Why carry a mere water bottle when you can have a hydration system that resembles a military-grade fuel tank? You’ll be the envy of every dehydrated pilgrim on the path.Phone, Charger, Battery Bank
Because the real pilgrimage is finding an unoccupied power outlet. The charger is essential unless you want to use your phone as a very expensive paperweight. The battery bank? That’s for the day your phone dies just before you post that Instagram story. Practical note: safer to leave your battery bank charging where there is a power outlet and carry your phone with you. The battery bank will be far less tempting to steal, and cheaper to replace.Sleeping Bag
Because you never know when you’ll have to sleep under the stars or in an albergue that looks like it’s straight out of a horror movie.Sleeping Mat
Double the comfort! Triple the weight! Essential for protecting you from the floor’s sneaky desire to absorb all your body heat while you sleep. Or for when that albergue straight out of a horror movie only has thin mattresses that look like they resemble gym mats from the 80s and probably been in use since then as well.Swiss Army Knife
Handy for opening cans, cutting cheese, opening bottles of wine, and contemplating a career as MacGyver when you use it to fix a broken sandal strap.Enough medical supplies to treat a small army platoon
Blister plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, ibuprofen, paracetamol, ankle supports, knee braces, mosquito repellent, anti-mosquito aftercare, sunscreen, sunburn cream, after-sun cream, salt tablets... you know, just in case. There’s nothing worse than being caught unprepared for a blister that could rival Mount Everest.Fleece Jacket
Lightweight but warm, this jacket will keep you cozy during those early morning starts or unexpected blizzards. Plus, it’s perfect for layering when the temperature drops.dSLR Camera with a Zoom Lens, charger and spare batteries
Because your phone’s camera just won’t cut it for those epic landscapes, distant monasteries, or the eagle soaring above you. The dSLR ensures you capture every moment in glorious detail, and the zoom lens lets you snap photos of things miles away—because sometimes, the Camino’s beauty is in the details you can barely see.Length of Climbing Rope and a Carabiner
Because you never know when you’ll need to rappel down a steep hill, secure your belongings, or help a fellow pilgrim out of a sticky situation. The rope is lightweight but strong, and the carabiner is your trusty connector—perfect for any unexpected adventures that might involve heights or tying things down. At the very least, it’ll make you look like you’re ready for anything the Camino (or life) throws your way.Two Pairs of Shoes
Walking Shoes: Your tried-and-true hiking boots or trail runners, built to handle anything from rocky paths to muddy trails. They’ll support your feet every step of the way.
Casual Shoes: A lightweight pair of sandals or sneakers for relaxing in the evenings, exploring the villages, or just giving your feet a much-needed break from the heavy-duty footwear.
Notebook, Pen, and Pencil
For capturing those deep Camino thoughts, sketching the landscape, or jotting down the names of new friends. A notebook is a must for any pilgrim with a creative or reflective side. And if your pen runs out of ink, the pencil is there to save the day.Backpack rain-cover/Waterproof Bag
These are your insurance policy against the elements and other water hazards. With both you will keep your gear dry no matter what so you don’t have to worry when the skies open up or if you should trip and fall into a small river, puddle, stream, etc. (Practical note, make sure the waterproof bag is slightly larger than your backpack)Toiletries
o Toothbrush and toothpaste: Because fresh breath is always in style, even on the Camino.
o Deodorant: Keep yourself fresh despite the miles of hiking. Your fellow pilgrims will thank you.
o Soap: Multi-purpose, for washing yourself, your clothes, or even your dishes. Just make sure it’s biodegradable.
o Towel: A quick-dry, lightweight towel that packs small but does the job. Perfect for drying off after a shower or an unexpected rainstorm.
a meeting of “over-packers anonymous.” Featuring Donut the Sloth, my mascot for the Camino Frances
How to Pack Like You’re Preparing for a Military Operation:
The Backpack: You’ll need a backpack large enough to fit everything, with a built-in chiropractor because this baby is going to be heavy. Go for something between 40 and 65 litres—you'll need the space and think of it as strength training for your legs, back, and will to live.
Layering Technique:
Bottom Layer: Place your sleeping mat and sleeping bag at the very bottom. You’ll be thrilled to dig these out every evening after a long day’s walk.
Middle Layer: Roll your t-shirts and shorts tightly (you’ll need all the space you can get) and cram them next to your medical supplies, and toiletries. It’s like playing Tetris, but with way more gauze.
Top Layer: Put the trousers, fleece jacket, and poncho on top—easy to grab when the weather turns, and you need to switch out of your shorts in record time.
Pouch/Pocket: Pack your notebook, pen, and pencil here… in a smaller waterproof bag or a regular plastic grocery bag.
Side Pockets:
One side for your Swiss Army knife and snacks, because you never know when you’ll need a quick bite or a quick fix. (also, quick access for all those cheese and wine emergencies).
The other side for your charger and battery bank, because who knows when you’ll stumble upon an outlet in the middle of the Spanish countryside?
Top Lid:
Stuff a pair of socks here, so you can swap them out when your feet start feeling like they're wrapped in damp seaweed.
A t-shirt can also go here—nothing says “prepared” like a pilgrim who can change shirts faster than a Formula 1 pit crew.
The CamelBak:
Always keep this filled and secure in your backpack, make sure your backpack is compatible with hydration systems. Sure, it might add a bit of weight, but it’s far better than collapsing from dehydration and having to call for a medieval rescue donkey. (pro tip: fill it with bottled water the night before and put it in the fridge overnight, cold water for most of the next day)
dSLR Camera with Zoom Lens:
Carry your dSLR either in a dedicated camera bag, on a shoulder strap, or tucked safely in your backpack’s main compartment. Make sure it’s easily accessible—you never know when that perfect shot will appear. Use whatever you can to pad the camera when it is packed away and remember to practice your “look how serious I am about photography” face.
Shoes
o Hiking Boots: Wear these for the bulk of your walking, this way you won’t have to find space for them in your backpack…
o Casual Shoes: Pack these in your bag wherever you can cram them in at this point or strap them to the outside.
7. Rope and Carabiner:
o Coil the rope neatly and attach it to the outside of your pack using the carabiner. It’s a practical accessory that doubles as a fashion statement—because nothing says “adventure” like a length of climbing rope dangling from your pack.
8. Final Touches:
Strap anything that doesn’t fit inside the backpack to the outside like a true over-packer. Your backpack will resemble a mobile garage sale, but you’ll be ready for anything.
The Weight Conundrum:
With all this gear, your pack should tip the scales at a solid 14-17 kilograms. You’ll feel every bit of it after the first few kilometres but remember: every bead of sweat is a testament to your preparedness. Practial note, make good use of your backpack’s hip belt it will transfer alot of the weight straight to your hips… your spine and shoulders will thank you… your feet won’t care, they’d have to carry the weight anyway regardless of the short cut it took.
So, happy packing and Buen Camino! Just remember: if your backpack starts to develop its own gravitational pull, you might have gone a little overboard.