PACKING LIST: CAMINO DE SANTIAGO IN SPRING

‘Because the lighter the backpack the less strain to your back and the more you will experience how little you need to be alive’ – A pilgrim blessing on the way

After countless hours spent researching, and many more walking the Camino Frances in May, I decided to share my four week packing list for the Camino de Santiago. The hiking world continues to expand for me, but luckily my research time meant my bag weight shrank to a manageable 6.5kg. I have also added some edits thanks to hindsight, which would have made it even lighter. Whilst this Camino packing list is for Spring, and aimed at women, it can be edited accordingly and most of it applies to all.

Flashback to April: My scales and I were at it again. We disagreed on the number despite multiple attempts to convince them otherwise. After reading countless Camino gear lists, I could not understand why the number was not lighter. At this point I discovered the magical world of hacks to get weight down (yes, I did become that person who cut my labels out in desperation and may have weighed everything). I also read lengthy debates on silk liners vs. sleeping bags, ponchos vs. waterproofs and everything in between that made my head swim quite frankly. I told myself then I would share my knowledge to save time others from the same fate, so I hope this detailed list is useful.

Click to go to specific sections of my Camino packing list:

GENERAL points
clothes
toiletries
First aid
random items
Snacks
sHOES

check out my other packing lists here

GENERAL points

• My bag was a Lower Alpine 33L that was expandable if needed. I spent a lot of time researching best women’s backpacks for the Camino, but it is individual choice and the best thing you can do is try a few in an outdoors shop. After doing this I settled on this unisex option. However, do consider that your backpack itself will weigh a certain amount (mine around 1.5kg!). I used the built-in rain cover when it rained and at airport check-in to protect the bag.
• The first week was chilly during the day, but most evenings were chilly (sleeping bag or liner/blanket needed) throughout my Camino in Spring. I just missed the fog/ snow over the Pyrenees and floods in April. The rest of the time beautiful sunshine dominated and it would feel too hot to walk by 1-2pm. However some mornings were foggy and there was a rainy day. So in summary May has variable weather- you cannot predict it. This is why there may be discrepancies between each Camino packing list for Spring time.
• I slept in the clothes I was wearing the next day. I am pleased I did this as it just makes it easier. On the odd occasion I slept in underwear/shorts with my sleeping bag and put my leggings on in the morning.
• You soon realise you get by with what you have, and there are places along the Camino Frances to stock up . This is especially the case for gear and pharmacies in cities, just avoid walking through during siesta times. To be honest I could have got by with just one outfit really! The less you bring the less you worry about as the quote above implies.
• I cut labels out, changed any storage bags to lightweight stuff sacks, I removed vitamins and anything else I felt I could buy or was not essential. Obviously a few items snuck in…… we all joked we had a luxury item. Mine was a travel size bed bug spray what I would spray onto disposable bedding and my outer sleeping bag. I did not get bed bugs. A few others did and went through the treatment process.
• I had one mosquito bite and saw a few near the coast, but not enough to warrant bringing spray.
• Packing is personal preference, like the Camino! Read up on advice and go with what works for you. Many people purchase and/ or donate items along the way.
• DO NOT get hung up on the 10% bodyweight rule- after all, we all need similar items regardless of our weight! However it is good for your backpack to be as light as possible, in order to reduce risk of injury, worry and discomfort. Plenty of people who were carrying 10kg + and managing fine. A few carried tents, so their bags weighed closer to 20kgs.
• I used plastic bags from food purchases to litter pick on the way.
• Girls- some albergues may have hairdryers. My friend asked a few times, so we managed to dry our hair when the weather was cooler during the first week.
• Whilst I read tons of Camino gear list suggestions, the most helpful suggestions came from the Camino de Santiago forum, which covers everything to do with the Camino.

Clothes

• 3 x merino icebreaker underwear: pleased I had three pairs! I always find researching online often pulls up some good deals on merino gear.
• 3 x socks: As the weather was so nice I could have gone down to two outer layer socks as they were merino so did not have to wash everyday but used all three pairs enough.
• And 3 x sock liners: I would stick with this amount.
• 2 x long sleeve merino tops for hiking: I usually hike with long sleeves to protect my skin, BUT it was hot, so my 200 merino was too much after week 1 of slightly chilly weather. Also you have to remember merino might not smell but shows salt marks! In May one long sleeve merino is sufficient, but again, I made use of both.
• 1 x merino t-shirt: this was lightweight but I lost it! A fellow pilgrim gave me a spare quick dry t-shirt that I wore a lot. Sometimes even my lighter long sleeve 120 merino was too heavy.
• 2 x hiking leggings: one pair would have been fine, lets be honest. Two pairs were useful for when one was wet from washing. Wearing damp clothes is okay but sometimes I could not face it.
• 1 x pair of shorts: I hiked in these on hot days, occasionally switching to them halfway through the day. They also came in handy to wear when doing a big wash and relaxing during warmer evenings.
• 1 x thin mid layer: I used this a lot instead of my fleece whilst hiking, especially in the mornings.
• 1 x fleece: I debated on this for a worryingly long time. Take one! I mainly wore it in the evening to keep warm. It was clean and offered a welcoming break from my other tops.
• 1 x Northface windbreaker/ waterproof: needed. You could use a poncho instead. The one time a poncho is not so good is for when it is windy.
• 1 x lite goretex waterproof trousers: used ONCE during about four hours of moderate rain right at the end of my trip. I was pleased I had them as I hike in leggings, so these covered my boots preventing rain getting inside.
• 2 x sports bras: I would recommend two. Lightweight ones are more comfortable.
• 1 x light running gloves: gloves were needed for cold weather, early mornings and handy to protect my hands from the sun when it was not too hot to be wearing them.
• Buff: used so much to cover my hair/ ears in the sun. It means you can cover unwashed hair also. Sneaky sneaky.
• Cap: needed! I did not need a warm hat and got by with the buff.

toiletries- stored in a ziplock bag

• 1 x fold up toothbrush
• 1 x mini toothpaste: used up so had to buy a big tube but tried to share this around. Also look into the LUSH tablet toothpaste. A friend had this and it seemed easier.
• 1 x LUSH soap bar for shampoo, clothes washing and body wash: PERFECT for males and females.  It lasted until two days before the end of my Camino when I accidentally left it in a municipal. Always leave the lid off and let it dry overnight though. My friend’s LUSH soap disintegrated within a week because he did not do this. 
• Face moisturiser: I just asked for a sample of my SPF face cream what was put into a tiny pot and lasted for the entire trip.
• Cleansing wipes (30 in a pack): did not take these in the end and did not need them! My skin was fine, if not better just using soap and water.
• Deodorant.
• Tangle Teezer hairbrush.
• For women: sanitary products. Tampons, pads and liners. I will look into the moon cup for future trips but I am pleased I brought some with me as I did not pass any open pharmacies when I needed them. Also wear a liner each day this is handy!
• Mini 50 SPF sunscreen: needed.
• Vaseline: used the whole tub, mainly for my feet each morning!
• A few hair ties: I have long hair so would plait and leave in for several days. Hair ties mysteriously go missing so take a few.
• I threw away my razor which was quite liberating. 

First aid kit- ZIPLOCK BAG Take 2

Finally when my scales refused to budge, I listened to what many a packing list for the Camino says: Keep kits to a minimum, as there are pharmacies around and fellow pilgrims will help you out if you need something urgently. Packing light for the Camino does require some trust in this advice.

• Strip of paracetamol and ibrupofen: I needed ibrupofen for muscle pain and general issues (recommended by the pharmacy). I ended up buying more but the doses were different so check this.
• Antihistamines, inhalers and other personal meds
• Compeed pack, various sizes: I did use these and hand them out to fellow pilgrims. You love or hate them. They helped a couple of blisters, but made one worse. Read up on how to use correctly.
  I did not take needle or thread and did not need to treat my blisters this way but it would have been handy to have. Easily purchased along the way.
• A few band aids/ toe tubes: useful!
• Tape and dressing pads: I ended up using two rolls, to tape hot spots and use to treat open blisters with a pack of breathable bandage pads.
• Antiseptic cream (Savlon): not used often much, could have gone without and purchased if needed.
• 2 x rehydration sachets:  used after a couple of hot days where I ran low on water on long stretches.

Random items

• I took a lightweight Quecha foldaway backpack purchased on Amazon. This was a great choice. I checked my bag in due to my poles and penknife, so it acted as my hand luggage bag. It was also nice to have when exploring towns to carry belongings and extra layers.
• I did have a thin money belt but did not use it. This sat stuffed into the bottom of my backpack with a spare card and some spare money.
• 2 x Sea to Summit light weight dry sacks: one for clothes, and one small one for valuables. Handy for when it rains. I coated the 4L one in permethrin spray to protect my clothes a few days before I left.
• 1 x microfibre towel: I could have bought a lighter one but it was okay. I replaced its bag with a smaller lightweight stuff sack so it took up less space.
• Swiss army knife: Iused the scissors, corkscrew (of course), tweezers, and knife to cut bread etc. Useful but it did mean I had to check my bag in.
• Spork: used twice. I could have gone without this. Some government hostels did not provide any kitchen equipment so it came in handy then but I could have made do without. Often I ate pilgrim meals.
• Light notepad and pen: I did not write much. Its personal choice but I am pleased I had it.
• 2 zip lock bags: one for smelly socks and one to ice injury during cafe con leche breaks! Handy, and the bars were always happy to provide ice (huelo).
• Toilet paper: not needed and I did not take any. I had a couple of packs of tissues and there are so many bars to stop in. For women; wearing liners helps.
• 1 x 1L bottle: I used a camping clip to attach to my front backpack strap for easy access whilst walking.
• 1 x fold up/ collapsable 1 L pouch: Rarely used but essential on stretches without water where extra was required.
• Headtorch: always used; to navigate to the toilet, and for early mornings (I was a up by 6am and going person most days).
• Anker portable charger: I could have gone without and it was heavy. It did come in handy, such as at the airport, and it was nice to be able to let others use it on the odd occasion when there were no charge points.
• Headphones: used a few times to share music with fellow pilgrims and for the odd physical struggle up hills. Useful in the evenings to help go to sleep also.
• Ear plugs: for the plane. I did not actually sleep wearing them but others swear by this.
• Brierley guidebook: Questionable distance accuracy at times. Also used for knowledge on upcoming towns. Many people had a lightweight Michelin Camino guide, and there was a German ‘Outdoor’ book which seemed useful.
• Sunglasses: needed.
• Clothes line: Used once but others just hung in the trees. I would not take this again on the Camino Frances.
• 2 x pack of tissues.
• Safety pins: large. Useful for hanging clothes when there were no pegs (quite common), and drying socks off my bag during the day.
• Hand sanitiser: handy to disinfect the odd cut and to try and ward off the Camino cough/ crud. I got it anyway! You could go without.
• Travel size ‘bed bug’ spray: ‘luxury’ item, so I did not need it.
  Treat items before going if you are comfortable using a inspect clothes spray with permethrin. There is much debate around using this what you can look into online.
• Phone for music and photos, with charger.
• Casio watch, also my alarm. I took this off after two weeks and switched my phone off each day.
• Lightweight hiking poles: I hike with poles at home, and it was good for an arm workout! However I tended to strap them to my bag on concrete stretches and going into cities. I did see someone who put wine corks on the end of his poles to prevent the infamous clicking noise!
• Rock to drop at Cruz de Ferro for your personal reason.
• Pilgrim shell/ passport purchased in Saint Jean-Pied de Port (or along the way).
• Important documents: for me my EHIC card and passport along with money and cards. I tended to have 300 euros on me at one time, and withdrew once low. Once I cut it a little fine getting down to 20 euros, so check if there is a stretch with no ATMs.

Snacks

In general, there are plenty of places to stop for snacks and most towns have a shops if you plan to cook. As mentioned, having a guidebook can help highlight where this is not the case. I liked the dried fruit, figs, bananas, oranges, apples and nuts.

At times I purchased freshly baked pan (bread) and some aged cheese/ tomato, for long days and snacking. I love quality pan so there is never really a particular reason other than making the most of it before returning to the UK, which unfortunately severely lacks in this category!

You can get by without carrying too much food and it helps to keep your backpack light. I learnt this the first day walking over the Pyrenees with a ‘lunch box’ prepared by the albergue owner. Lovely, but I did not need all of it! However buying a chocolate bar and giving out squares is a great way to bring joy. This was worth the extra weight, and sometimes melted leftovers.

I did take four peanut butter sachets with me what were great when bars were closed in the mornings and to mix up pan fillings. Some people managed to purchase these on the way but I did not see them in the shops I visited.

shoes

• Teva sandals: Another Camino gear list debate. I considered taking flip flops but I am so pleased I had these instead. Fellow pilgrims hiked in their sandals, and they were my back up if my feet needed them. Even to simply have a comfortable pair of shoes on breaks, to change into at the end of the day and to explore in once you arrive at a town is a relief. Showers were nearly always clean but I did wear my sandals into a few.
• Hiking shoes: owned for a few years and worn over many kms. I do not think there is one best hiking shoe option for the Camino. Instead I think it is personal choice. During this trip I did end up getting blisters after a couple of weeks. I had been taping hot spots and letting my feet breathe on breaks, but it is probably time for a new pair with a wider front as my feet looked a wonderful picture when I returned!
• Whilst this is not entirely relevant to a Camino packing list, I developed knee problems and a few other issues along the way. Posture, over-pronation and some minor alignment issues were the main causes. Road walking in boots can be taxing, so this is why some opt for trail runners, and why it is essential to have a worn-in shoe. Doing so many kms everyday means issues may come up that need to be looked at when home, regardless of footwear. Be aware of the risk of injury on the way. I was lucky I could keep walking by taking painkillers, icing and elevating on breaks.

Hopefully this is a useful packing list for the Camino de Santiago. Whether you are walking the Camino in Spring, or Summer, are going for four weeks or two; the most important thing is to go with an open mind, and sense of adventure.
…And worn-in shoes, do not forget that!

Buen Camino!

Read more about my experience walking the camino frances here.

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