Sample Pack List (for cool/mild/warm weather)
As with any such list, the following is simply one person's opinion. It is guaranteed that others will think differently and the list is here because we are often asked for a guide about what to take.
The compiler likes to travel light and takes all the items in the list of necessities and a few of those in the useful list (the rest are there because they are popular items). One item not on the list is an iPad (or equivalent). Many people would deem this to be absolutely essential, the compiler would disagree.
The compiler's pack is the one in the middle. It's not as small as it looks and, at 30L, is more than adequate for a month or two away from home.
Necessities
Other items which may be useful
* Others would take 1 long sleeve + 1 T-shirt or 2 long sleeves.
Sleeping attire varies - T-shirt and underwear, pyjamas or just underwear depending on weather and personal preference/modesty. You can get by with just 2 T-shirts. Walk in 1, shower and wash shirt, wear clean T-shirt to sleep in and walk in next day
You are going to spend about a month carrying your belongings in your pack. If you think you’ll take something “just in case” ... leave it at home!
As with any such list, the following is simply one person's opinion. It is guaranteed that others will think differently and the list is here because we are often asked for a guide about what to take.
The compiler likes to travel light and takes all the items in the list of necessities and a few of those in the useful list (the rest are there because they are popular items). One item not on the list is an iPad (or equivalent). Many people would deem this to be absolutely essential, the compiler would disagree.
The compiler's pack is the one in the middle. It's not as small as it looks and, at 30L, is more than adequate for a month or two away from home.
Necessities
- 2 T-shirts*
- 2 pairs long pants with zip-off legs (or 1 pair pants and 1 pair shorts)
- Lightweight fleece
- 2 sets of underwear
- 2 pair socks with well-cushioned soles
- Sunhat with brim all around to protect back of neck
- Rainwear - poncho or jacket depending on preference
- Boots (or study shoes) for walking
- Lightweight sandals for after walking
- Lightweight sleeping bag (for Spain, only need liner for France)
- Quick drying towel (as small as possible to do the job)
- Water bottle or reservoir sac (recommend 2 litre)
- 8 safety pins (to hang laundry)
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Toiletry bag - soap, comb, tissues, razor
- Walking stick(s)/pole - some use 2, others 1, can purchase/find one along the way
- Knife (e.g. small Swiss Army type) and spoon (lightweight plastic)
- First aid kit: needle or, even better, a disposable syringe (for blisters), Betadine, packet of sterile pads, scissors, length of Elastoplast (more versatile than bandaids). Note: this is my preferred kit, everyone has their favourites. Only need to take minimal requirements as you will be able to purchase items along the Camino.
Other items which may be useful
- Guidebook - the Camino is well marked but it's good to know how far it is to the next village (coffee!) and what to look out for along the way
- Notepad and pen (to keep daily journal)
- Ear plugs (you are guaranteed to come across snorers)
- Small torch
- Bandana or buff (if it's very hot, wet and tie around head/neck; if cold, tie over head)
- Camera and charger or extra battery
- Small Spanish/English dictionary
- Mobile phone (handy for emergencies but please leave it off when walking or in an albergue) plus charger or extra battery
- Credit or cash card (to withdraw money from ATM)
- Money belt
- Sarong
* Others would take 1 long sleeve + 1 T-shirt or 2 long sleeves.
Sleeping attire varies - T-shirt and underwear, pyjamas or just underwear depending on weather and personal preference/modesty. You can get by with just 2 T-shirts. Walk in 1, shower and wash shirt, wear clean T-shirt to sleep in and walk in next day
You are going to spend about a month carrying your belongings in your pack. If you think you’ll take something “just in case” ... leave it at home!