The Art of Packing Light: A Pilgrim’s Essential Camino Packing List

The Camino teaches you to let go - often literally. On my first Camino, I shed unnecessary weight by Day 3, throwing away everything from extra underwear to a bulky fleece. Every gram matters when your shoulders ache. This refined list, tested across multiple Caminos (including spring storms in the Pyrenees and burning Meseta sun), balances minimalism with preparedness.

Core Essentials

Hiking shoes – Break them in at least a week beforehand. I swore by my Tecnica Forge Hike Mid GTX - make sure to find the ones that are right for you
Backpack (20-30L max) – My 20L Mammut Lithium held everything without crushing my shoulders
Bum bag (fanny pack) – For immediate access to essentials without stopping

Clothing: The Layering System

(Key: Pack light, layer smart)

3x underwear – Wash every 2-3 days; no one cares about repeats
3x merino wool socks – Breathable, blister-resistant, and odour-proof
1x cozy recovery socks – Pure bliss after a long walking day
2x lightweight pants – Convertible or quick-dry; I paired cotton trousers with leggings for cold snaps
1x waterproof over-pants – Lifesavers in sudden downpours
2x cotton T-shirts/tops – Basic, breathable
2x thin cashmere long sleeves (e.g., Intimissimi) – Pack tiny, super light and great for layering
1x zip-up sweatshirt – More versatile than a fleece
1x packable puffer vest (UNIQLO’s ultra-light version) – Shockingly warm for its size
1x windproof & waterproof jacket – Non-negotiable for Pyrenees storms.
Cap & sunglasses – Sun protection is key
1x PJs – Compact and comfy (cashmere was my luxury treat)
Lightweight towel - microfiber dries really quickly
Headlamp - for Albergue late night toilet breaks
1x Silk sleeping bag liner – Lighter than a sleeping bag; used nightly for hygiene underneath the reusable blankets. I’ve seen many pilgrims carrying sleeping bags, hardly using them at night - a lot were left behind half-way
Waterproof sandals/slides – For showers and evenings (avoid flip-flops! You need to be able to use those with socks - a Camino must-fashion)

Toiletries & Health

(Think: functional and compact)

Toothbrush (with cap) + small toothpaste
Soap + shampoo bars (Lush’s tin-case bars are leak-proof)
Face cream + high-SPF sunscreen – Wind and sun can be relentless
Compeed anti-blister stick + plasters – Apply daily like a ritual
Basic meds (painkillers, anti-inflammatories, allergy pills) – Pharmacies exist, but don’t gamble
Mini hairbrush/tangle teezer
Water bottle with carabiner – Easy access avoids backpack imbalance
EU plug charger

Bum Bag Must-Haves

Journal + pen (Way Whispers for reflections and gentle guidance. Compact and designed by pilgrim for pilgrims)
Passport/credentials + cards/cash
Good waterproof bag - to keep your passport and credentials dry
Camera – I went phone-free; a camera preserved memories without distractions

Your “Camino Luxury”

One non-essential that sparks joy.

Mine: A tiny bottle of honey-scented hair oil – Shared drops with fellow pilgrims as a ritual of comfort

Others carried shavers, travel curlers, or gourmet tea. What’s yours?

Pro Tips

Test your packed bag on a long walk before leaving. If it feels heavy at home, it’ll be brutal on Day 5
Earplugs + eye mask – Worth their weight for dormitory sleep

Anything else you need, "Camino will provide".

“Day Five is a special day. Your body will have adjusted to the Camino.
Your muscles are stronger, the aches are going away and the blisters are healing. You are in balance with the Camino. Now is the time to inventory your equipment.
If you haven’t used it yet, you probably won’t.”

Core Essentials

Hiking shoes – Break them in at least a week beforehand. I swore by my Tecnica Forge Hike Mid GTX - make sure to find the ones that are right for you

Backpack (20-30L max) – My 20L Mammut Lithium held everything without crushing my shoulders

Bum bag (fanny pack) – For immediate access to essentials without stopping

Clothing: The Layering System

(Key: Pack light, layer smart)

3x underwear – Wash every 2-3 days; no one cares about repeats

3x merino wool socks – Breathable, blister-resistant, and odour-proof

1x cozy recovery socks – Pure bliss after a long walking day

2x lightweight pants – Convertible or quick-dry; I paired cotton trousers with leggings for cold snaps

1x waterproof over-pants – Lifesavers in sudden downpours

2x cotton T-shirts/tops – Basic, breathable

2x thin cashmere long sleeves (e.g., Intimissimi) – Pack tiny, super light and great for layering

1x zip-up sweatshirt – More versatile than a fleece

1x packable puffer vest (UNIQLO’s ultra-light version) – Shockingly warm for its size

1x windproof & waterproof jacket – Non-negotiable for Pyrenees storms.

Cap & sunglasses – Sun protection is key

1x PJs – Compact and comfy (cashmere was my luxury treat)

Lightweight towel - microfiber dries really quickly

Headlamp - for Albergue late night toilet breaks

1x Silk sleeping bag liner – Lighter than a sleeping bag; used nightly for hygiene underneath the reusable blankets. I’ve seen many pilgrims carrying sleeping bags, hardly using them at night - a lot were left behind half-way

Waterproof sandals/slides – For showers and evenings (avoid flip-flops! You need to be able to use those with socks - a Camino must-fashion)

Toiletries & Health

(Think: functional and compact)

Toothbrush (with cap) + small toothpaste

Soap + shampoo bars (Lush’s tin-case bars are leak-proof)

Face cream + high-SPF sunscreen – Wind and sun can be relentless

Compeed anti-blister stick + plasters – Apply daily like a ritual

Basic meds (painkillers, anti-inflammatories, allergy pills) – Pharmacies exist, but don’t gamble

Mini hairbrush/tangle teezer

Water bottle with carabiner – Easy access avoids backpack imbalance

EU plug charger

Bum Bag Must-Haves

Journal + pen (Way Whispers for reflections and gentle guidance. Compact and designed by pilgrim for pilgrims)

Passport/credentials + cards/cash

Good waterproof bag - to keep your passport and credentials dry

Camera – I went phone-free; a camera preserved memories without distractions

Your “Camino Luxury”

One non-essential that sparks joy.

Mine: A tiny bottle of honey-scented hair oil – Shared drops with fellow pilgrims as a ritual of comfort

Others carried shavers, travel curlers, or gourmet tea. What’s yours?

Pro Tips

Test your packed bag on a long walk before leaving. If it feels heavy at home, it’ll be brutal on Day 5

Earplugs + eye mask – Worth their weight for dormitory sleep

Anything else you need, "Camino will provide".

“Day Five is a special day. Your body will have adjusted to the Camino.Your muscles are stronger, the aches are going away and the blisters are healing. You are in balance with the Camino. Now is the time to inventory your equipment.If you haven’t used it yet, you probably won’t.”

Buen Camino, peregrinos.

“Day Five is a special day. Your body will have adjusted to the Camino.
Your muscles are stronger, the aches are going away and the blisters are healing. You are in balance with the Camino. Now is the time to inventory your equipment.
If you haven’t used it yet, you probably won’t.”