Preparing your backpack for the Camino de Santiago is one of the most exciting parts, but also one that generates the most questions. Taking too little leaves you exposed to unforeseen circumstances, taking too much punishes your back and feet with every kilometer. The secret lies in balance: a light, well-organized backpack with only the essentials. In this article, we show you what you should really take, what you can leave at home, and how to distribute everything to walk comfortably to Santiago.
The golden rule: the weight of the backpack.
Before deciding what to pack, you need to figure out how much you can carry. The best-known rule is that a full backpack should not exceed about 10 percent of your body weight. For a person weighing 70 kilograms, this means a backpack weighing a maximum of 7 kilograms, including water and food.
It may seem like a small amount, but it’s surprising how much weight adds up when we choose wisely. Every extra gram multiplies by thousands of steps and is felt, above all, after several days. The question to ask yourself about each item is simple: “Will I really need this every day?”. If the answer is no, it probably stays at home. Carrying less isn’t risky, it’s walking better.
The right backpack
Your backpack is your travel companion, so it should be chosen carefully. For most Camino routes, a backpack between 30 and 40 liters is more than enough. Larger backpacks tempt you to fill them up, and a full backpack is a heavy backpack.
More important than size is fit. The backpack for the Camino de Santiago should fit well on your back, with the weight supported by the hips via the waist belt, and not on your shoulders. Look for a model with a ventilated back, padded hip belt, and straps that adjust to your torso. Just like with footwear, try on the loaded backpack before setting off to ensure it doesn’t hurt or create pressure points after hours.
7 items to pack in your backpack for the Camino de Santiago
1. Footwear and socks
Footwear is probably the most important item. Take the pair you’ve already tested and broken in during training, whether it’s hiking boots or trail running shoes, depending on the terrain and season. Never take brand new shoes that you’ve never worn before.
Towards the end of the day, a lightweight pair of sandals or flip-flops is almost indispensable, to air out your feet in your accommodation and to wear in the shower. As for socks, bring two or three pairs of quick-drying technical socks and avoid cotton. Having an extra pair on hand allows you to change them mid-day if your feet sweat, helping to prevent blisters.
2. Clothing: less is more
This is where most pilgrims overdo it. They don’t go to a parade, they go for a walk, and there are restrooms all along the Way. The rule is simple: clothes to wear, clothes to wash, and at most, one spare set of clothes.
Opt for quick-drying technical clothing that you can wash at night and have dry in the morning. Avoid cotton and denim, which are heavy and retain moisture. A basic outfit is sufficient: two or three t-shirts, two pairs of shorts or lightweight trousers, technical underwear, and a warm top for chilly mornings. Dress in layers to adapt to temperature variations without carrying too many clothes.
3. Sleeping bag or sheet bag
Hostels often lack bedding, so it’s a good idea to bring something to sleep in. In summer, a lightweight, compact sleeping bag is sufficient. In cold weather, or if you get cold easily, choose a lightweight, compact summer sleeping bag.
The idea is to sleep comfortably without carrying extra weight. Opt for compressible models, which shrink into a small bag and save space in your backpack.
4. Hygiene and personal care
When it comes to hygiene, the rule is to minimize. Carry small or travel-sized containers and don’t duplicate products. A biodegradable bar soap is suitable for the body, hair, and even for hand-washing clothes.
A microfiber towel is almost essential: it dries quickly, is lightweight, and takes up little space. Pack the essentials, such as a small toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and foot cream. A few safety pins and some string will help you hang clothes to dry in your backpack while you hike.
5. First aid kit
A small first-aid kit prevents a lot of trouble, especially with blisters. You don’t need a whole pharmacy, just the essentials.
Bring hydrocolloid dressings, adhesive bandages, compresses, and a small disinfectant. Also pack any pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication you usually take, petroleum jelly or anti-chafing cream, and lip balm if you use it. If you take regular medication, bring enough for the entire trip.
6. Documents, credentials and money
Your pilgrim’s credential is essential: it’s stamped at each stage, grants access to hostels, and ultimately, to the Compostela in Santiago. Keep it in a waterproof bag.
Also bring your national identity card or passport, health insurance card or travel insurance card, and cash, because not all places accept cards. Keep everything together in a safe and accessible place.
7. Protection against rain and sun.
The weather on the Camino is unpredictable, so it’s worth being prepared for both extremes. For rain, a waterproof poncho that covers both your body and backpack is practical and lightweight. Alternatively, use a waterproof jacket and a backpack cover.
For the sun, which is more intense on open stages, bring a hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen, reapplying it throughout the day. Besides comfort, this will protect you from sunstroke and sunburn that could compromise the following stages.
Quick checklist for your backpack
To make preparation easier, here’s a summary of the essentials:
- A well-fitted backpack with a capacity of 30 to 40 liters.
- Footwear that has been tested and broken in, plus sandals or flip-flops;
- Two to three pairs of quick-drying technical socks;
- Technical clothing in layers (one for wearing, one for washing, and a spare);
- Lightweight bed sheet bag or sleeping bag;
- Microfiber towel and biodegradable soap;
- Basic travel-sized toiletries kit;
- First aid kit with blister bandages;
- Pilgrim’s credentials, documents, and money;
- Poncho or raincoat and backpack cover;
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen;
- A bottle of water and some snacks;
- Walking sticks and a headlamp;
- Mobile phone, charger, power bank and adapter;
- Waterproof bag to protect the essentials.
With a light, well-organized backpack containing only the essentials, the Camino becomes much easier to enjoy. Prepare everything calmly, weigh your backpack before setting off, and remember that almost everything you need can be found along the way.
Buen Camino.
