It is not necessarily true that lighter backpack is easier to carry, and that you will enjoy the Camino more if you carry 4 kilos than 8 kilos. Each approach has some pluses and minuses, and more things mean more comfort on your pilgrimage. Having said that, I fully understand that most people who can afford it prefer to pack as light as possible, which makes a lot of sense especially when you do a pilgrimage in Spain in summer, and hence aren’t risking some extreme suffering from cold.
I put together an ultralight packing list for the Camino (fitting for both men and women, though women would add one or two (or ten :)) pieces of cosmetics to the list), the one month long journey from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago (or any other Camino that lasts two weeks or longer). This list counts with a few things. First of all, that you will spend all your nights on the Camino in either pilgrim hostels or hotels that provide bed sheets. Simply no sleeping outside.
Secondly, that you will walk in the summer (or late spring or early autumn), when rain is rare and cold temperature isn’t a problem–hot temperature is. And last but not least, that you understand that you are on a pilgrimage, and not on a dating trip, and do not expect to always look like a model from the latest fashion magazine :). Let’s proceed to the list. With each recommended item I also post approximate weight in grams, and I recommend a few products for each budget option (whenever applicable), products I either used personally or have seen other pilgrims using and being satisfied with. Enjoy, and any questions, you can always write me.
Table of Contents
Group one: The basics and shoes
Ultralight backpack, 30-45 liters, 0.5 – 1.5 kilogram (1.1 – 3.3 pounds)
Anything more than 1.5 kilo (3.3 pounds) cannot be considered light, yet alone ultralight. If you can afford it, opt for special high quality hiking backpacks, if you can not, you can also take one of those light “city packs”, but I warn you that your back may suffer in such a case–unless you’re accustomed to wearing such a pack on your back for hours on end.
Price range: from $30 for simple city pack to $500 for top notch ultralight backpack from most modern materials. Please note that getting a good and at least relatively light backpack is absolutely pivotal. I have met many pilgrims with backpacks as heavy as 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds). Now imagine trying to pack light when your empty backpack alone weights 2.5 or 3 kilos. It becomes virtually impossible… Anyway, check the following packs for inspiration:
[amazon table =”875″]
Light sleeping bag liner, 0.2 – 0.4 kilogram (0.44 – 0.88 pounds),
They cost little and will help you feel clean in the bed, should the place where you sleep offer just unwashed blankets for the night. During the summer, you will do with this one, and do not really need a sleeping bag. Price range: from $15 to $70. I handpicked some great sleeping bag liners for you:
[amazon table =”878″]
Headlamp, ideally with red light, 0.2-0.3 kilograms (0.44-0.66 pounds)
Necessary for orientation in the pilgrim hostels at night, and it can also serve you for early morning walk (pilgrims often start early in summer in order to avoid extreme heat in the afternoon). Price range: from $15 to $100, depending on the manufacturer and the functionality of the lamp. I am a big fan of headlamps, and hand-picked for you a great alternative for each budget:
[amazon table =”881″]
Trail running shoes, 0.5-0.6 kg (1.1-1.3 pounds)
You will wear them while walking, so we should not count it to the weight of your backpack. I can highly recommend Altra Lone Peak (here’s one for men, and one for women), walked thousands of miles in them and never got blisters. But you can wear any of your favorite brands . Price range: $50 to $200. A special note to Altra- it has wide toe box, and zero-drop, which are two features that help a lot with preventing walking injuries, such as blisters. There is a reason why this exact model is the no. 1 choice for Americans who head for Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian trail… So, if you still haven’t chosen shoes for your pilgrimage, I definitely recommend Altra Lone Peak, and hence won’t even post other recommendations.
* Special note on heavy boots: Camino de Santiago isn’t an adventurous mountain hike. And it doesn’t matter whether we speak about the French way, the Northern way, the Portuguese way, Via de la Plata, or even Camino de San Salvador. You will walk most of the time on wide trails, and also on asphalt roads (on some Camino routes paved roads count for over 50% of total distance you will walk).
What I try to say here is that typical high and sturdy hiking boots aren’t necessary on the Camino. Not at all. They will only cause you blisters, and make your feet stink badly in the pilgrim hostels :). So consider twice whether it isn’t a better idea taking some nice trail running shoes such as Altras, which have good grip, are breathable, and prevent injuries instead of causing them…
– The newest model of Altra Lone Peak shoes, waiting in my shoe cabinet for my next Camino (which will start pretty soon :)). These shoes are no. 1 choice for Americans when it comes to long distances hiking & trekking. I am not from the US, but can appreciate quality stuff for pilgrims, hikers and runners designed in the US. You can check them out on Amazon (for men, for women)
Crocs or other sandals for albergues, past time, shower, and city walks, 0.3 -0.7 kg (0.66 – 1.54 pounds)
Make sure to buy one of those that are lighter, but do not necessarily try to save every gram here, since the lightest sandals may fall apart or be uncomfortable to wear. Price range: $15 to $80. I handpicked for you three products on Amazon. Please note that in this case I haven’t used any of the models recommended here except of Crocs, hence I based my recommendation on customer reviews and specifications of each model:
[amazon table =”884″]
Smaller quick-dry towel, 0.2 – 0.3 kg (0.44-0.66 pounds)
You can get these from many different shops and manufacturers. Do not rely on getting a towel in a pilgrim hostel, most places do not provide them. Unless you plan to stay only in hotels and bed & breakfast places along the Camino, you should take a towel. Price range: $10 to $50. My favorite one (ultralight, compact, dries super quickly and costs less than $10, so really unbeatable in all means):
[amazon box =”B073VCYKD9″]
Rain poncho or light-weight umbrella, 0.1-0.3 kilograms (0.22 – 0.66 pounds).
If you walk in a season when it rains super rarely, you can take just that plastic “one time use poncho” that weights close to nothing (and you can buy it easily anywhere in Spain as well). If you walk Camino del Norte, however, or some other way where it rains quite often also in summer, you’d better take a better quality poncho that won’t fall apart after one use, or you can take an umbrella instead. Price range: $1 – $40. For the more quality ponchos, I handpicked for you a few products:
[amazon table =”890″]
A small pack/bag for activities outside of walking, 50-200 grams (0.11 to 0.44 pounds)
A bag for activities such as shopping, going to the beach, to take personal stuff to shower with you, etc. Even a plastic bag from a supermarket will do here, though it isn’t the most comfortable option :). Or any small bag you have and use back at home, when heading for a city walk etc. If you’re a women, and I am sure you have at least 5 such bags (of different designs and sizes :)), so take the most lightweight one with you, or the one you like the most, and that’s it. No need to spend any extra money buying a new bag just for the Camino… unless :)… you wanted to get one of beautiful our Camino de Santiago bags, for example this one, or this one, or this one :).
– One of our beautiful Camino bags that you can get in any major Amazon store. Designed exclusively by CaminoLovers.com Team.Â
* Total weight of all items from the group: 1.6 – 3 kilograms, not counting in the trail running shoes since you will wear them while walking.
Group two: Clothes
One technical t-shirt for walking, 0.2-0.3 kilogram (0.44 – 0.66 pounds)
Take any t-shirt from polyester, elastane, or other material that dries quickly. You will walk in this t-shirt, and you will quickly wash it in your hands in each pilgrim hostel. Again we won’t count it into the total weight, since you will carry it on you while walking. And I am 100% sure you have at least one such t-shirt at home, hence no need to get a new one for the Camino, and I won’t recommend any specific products here. Anything that you like when it comes to design, and any t-shirt that is designed for physical activities such as running or hiking, will do the trick. Price range: $15 – $50.
One merino wool t-shirt for past time, sleeping, city walks, relax, 0.2-0.4 kilograms (0.44-0.88 pounds).
Opt for quality merino, from reputable brands like Ortovox or Devolt or Icebreaker. These t-shirts are super comfy and they never smell bad, even if you sweat, so you basically don’t have to wash them the entire Camino. I cannot recommend Merino wool enough, and by buying it you are taking one risk only: That you will get addicted to the material, and will start buying everything from Merino wool (underwear, socks, etc :))Â Price range: $30 – $100. Let me share with you my favorite picks for both men and women.
Best Merino t-shirts for women:
[amazon table =”870″]
Best Merino t-shirts for men:
[amazon table =”873″]
One walking pants long/short, 0.3 – 0.5 kg (0.66 to 1.10 pounds)
Of course, women have more options here then men, but with these pants (or skirt) the key is to feel comfortable. If you walk in summer months, shorts will likely do the trick. And since you will walk in these so we do not count them into the total weight. Price range: $30 to $100. Of course, there is endless selection available on Amazon and other stores, but let me give you at least some idea with a few recommendations, for women and for men.
Recommended products for women:
[amazon table =”895″]
Recommended products for men:
[amazon table =”898″]
One past time pants (or skirt or dress for women), 0.3 – 0.5 kilograms (0.66 to 1.1 pounds).
You will wear these in the albergues, restaurants, etc. Price range: $30 to $100. Once again this is one of the items you no doubt already have at your home. Basically take any shorts or pants or skirt or dress you fell good wearing, and will enjoy wearing while walking down the Spanish streets or interacting with other pilgrims, once you already dropped your backpack in the pilgrim hostel. No need to buy anything new here.
Ultralight down jacket, 0.15 – 0.30 kilogram (0.33 – 0.66 pounds)
For cold mornings or evenings, or simply for a rare cold day on the Camino, down jacket is always good to have. Of course if you do not like down (from ethical or other reasons), you can opt for synthetic materials as well. Price range: $100 – $1,000 (these ultralight jackets can get pretty expensive, but I found for you two golden nuggets, one for man and one for women, where good price meets with great features. Here we go:
[amazon box =”B08D8ZDVQQ”]
[amazon box =”B0CLTQKVB6″]
2 pairs of socks, 0.05 – 0.1 kilogram (0.11-0.22 pounds)
Self explanatory. In my opinion, for comfortable Camino it is better having three pairs of socks, but if you pack ultralight you can do with two. Taking just one pair is too risky, though I witnessed some die-hard ultralight packers do so :). At the end of the day, socks are quite easy to buy also in Spain, so if you aren’t too picky about the material or design, you will be fine with two. And if you forget a pair in an albergue, or a sock get mysteriously lost in a washing machine (happened to me more than once), you will buy a new pair in a shop. Price range: $10 – $30 per pair. One recommendation though: if you’re a die hard fan of merino wool socks, have a look at the following offer on Amazon. Socks that come with a lifetime warranty!!
[amazon box =”B000XFYDS2″]
Underwear, two sets, one for walking and one for past-time and sleeping, 0.1 – 0.3 kilogram (0.22 – 0.66 pounds)
You probably have your experience here, your favorites. Of course you can take more pairs (I typically have three for the Camino), but for ultra light packing 2 is enough. When it comes to materials, I strongly recommend underwear from merino wool. Comfortable for both walking and resting/sleeping, it won’t let you down on either a hot or a cold day. What’s more, underwear from merino wool has made a great progress in recent years, and nowadays it not only feels good, but also looks good! Don’t believe me? Check my hand-picked underwear from merino wool for women and for men below. Price range: $10 – $50 per one item.
Recommended merino wool underwear for women:
[amazon table =”902″]
Recommended merino wool underwear for men:
[amazon table=”905″]
A hat, or a baseball cap, 0.1-0.3 kilogram (0.22 – 0.66 pounds)
It is crucial that you take some hat (or at least a buff) since it gets super warm in Spain in summer and you will risk heat stroke on the Camino (I saw it happen dozens of times). What type and shape of hat you take depends on your preference, but you should take some. Again, you do not necessarily need to buy a new hat, and likely whatever you like to wear at home in sunny weather will do the trick. Price range: $10 to 30$.
* Total weight of all items from the group: 0.8 – 1.5 kilograms, not counting in items you will wear on you while walking.
– You have many options when it comes to your head cover for the Camino (to protect you from the heat of Spanish sun while you walk). The best options are lightweight though, such as a the hat, cap, and buff that you can see on the picture. Each of the three on the picture weighs way below 100 grams.
Group three: Cosmetics and first aid
Note at the beginning: Spain is a first world country, and you will find pharmacy in every small town. Hence it makes no sense carrying stuff you may easily buy at every corner. When it comes to first aid, you should carry really just the essential stuff (as long as you want to pack ultralight, and that’s what this list is about :)).
* Items in this group are inexpensive so I do not include price range on the list.
- 4 emergency OTC pills against headache, toothache and similar cases, 0.01 kilograms. No need to take the entire pack, you will use them just in emergency cases, and can always buy new ones in the next pharmacy.
- Earplugs, one pair, ideally from wax, 0.02 kilograms. Earplugs are absolutely essential on the Camino, since you will share rooms with other people and almost always at least one will snore.
- Sunscreen, minimalist package, 0.2 – 0.3 kilograms. Do not underestimate the strengths of Spanish sun. You will eventually get accustomed to it, but for the first week or two it is better applying sunscreen, at least to the most vulnerable areas of your body (neck, shoulders, nose, lips, ears, etc).
- One smaller bottle of shampoo (or firm shampoo), 0.2 – 0.3 kilograms. You will use this for both washing your hair and body, and for washing your clothes if no soap is available in the hostel. You can easily but new shampoo in Spain, so it makes no sense carrying a big bottle just that it lasts you all the way to Santiago.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, just quarter or half full, 0.1 – 0.2 kilograms. No need to take a new package, just take the one you opened back home month ago and is just half full, you will easily save 100-200 grams in this way, and it will easily sustain you all your pilgrimage (and if not you can always ask a fellow pilgrim for a bit of toothpaste :)).
- Small roll of toilet paper, 0.1 kilograms. Better be safe than sorry. You may not use this one all the way, but once you feel a strong urge to relieve yourself in the bushes it is really good to have it…
- Two plasters for blisters, or “second skin”, 0.02 kilogram. Again you can purchase it in any pharmacy in Spain, but it is better having a pair on you, should you (or other pilgrim you try to help out) get a bad blister in the middle of nowhere.
* Total weight of all items from the group: 0.6 – 0.9 kilogram (1.3 – 2 pounds). It is important to note here that I went for a really ultralight and minimalist setup. If you are used to applying certain creams on your skin, or like to use a deodorant (to smell good on the Camino), etc, you can add items to the list. But you shouldn’t forget that grams add up quickly here, and adding 5-6 cosmetics & first aid items may easily add an extra kilogram to your backpack. The key is to find the right balance of weight and comfort, but in this post we go for ultralight setup which means we sacrifice some comfort in order to get our backpack below the magical 4 kilogram mark.
Special tip: If you do not want to buy all things by pieces (which actually gets more expensive), I found a great first-aid kit on Amazon. It weights less than 200 grams (7 ounces) and after you discard half of the items (since you won’t need them for your camino), it gets even lighter. Costs just above $10 too, so it is a no-brainer really. You can check it out here:
[amazon box =”B0B41MYSGP”]
Group four: Electronics & accessories & documents & emergency food
A small Swiss knife (ideally with scissors), 0.05 – 0.2 kilogram (0.11 – 0.44 pounds)
Some people may consider it obsolete, but having a simple quality Swiss knife with you comes handy in many situations–to open food packages, to cut your fingernails, to repair some part of your equipment, and so on, and so forth. In my experience, it is simply better having it with you, especially if you find a lightweight one… Price range: $30 – $150 (for a quality light-weight Swiss knife). I’ve hand-picked for you two pocket knives, one of them AMAZINGLY light, and both currently sold for a great price:
[amazon table=”909″]
Smartphone & charger & small headphones, 0.2-0.4 kilograms (0.44 – 0.88 pounds)
I am not necessarily a big fan of smartphones, but they made lightweight packing for hiking trips so much easier. A smartphone with right apps installed is a phone, a map, a camera, a GPS device, an MP3 player, a voice recorder, a dictionary, a book to read, a notepad to write to, etc in one piece, and saves a ton of space and weight when compared to old times when we used to take all those other things with us. Still, you should opt for phone that’s not very bulky. Google Pixel or one of the smaller iPhones is a good option. Price range: $300 – $1,000.
When it comes to headphones, obviously the Bluetooth ones are the choice no. 1 nowadays, since it is simply more comfortable handling them. If you do not have such headphones yet (which I highly doubt :)), I hand-picked for you one product from Amazon that combines great quality & affordable price:
[amazon box =”B0DC95VBG5″]
Personal documents (ID card, passport, insurance card, debit/credit card, etc), some money, 0.1-0.3 kilogram (0.22 – 0.66 pounds)
The exact weight depends also on the weight of your wallet. Take just the stuff you really need. It makes no sense taking the entire wallet with a gym card, all your discount cards and whatever, since you won’t really use them in Spain. When it comes to money, it is important to have some cash with you, since you won’t be always able to pay with your credit/debit card, especially in the pilgrim hostels. Having a couple of coins helps as well, such as to get a coffee or a snack from one one the many vending machines along the Camino.
Emergency food, 0.05-0.5 kilograms (0.1 – 1.1 pounds)
Walking Camino Frances, you won’t typically need to walk more than a mile or two to reach the next bar or refreshment spot. But it is still better having a few muesli bars with you, or some nuts, or some fruits, just to make sure you will overcome the crisis that comes upon you in a rare spot without services. Of course, other Caminos are a different story, and you may sometimes have to carry up to 0.5 kilograms (1.1 pounds) of food on you, which makes a light-weight packing a bit more complicated. Having said that, we need energy to walk, and you should not try to save too many grams with taking less (or no) food with you…
Water, 0.5 – 1 liter of water, 0.5-1 kilogram (1.1 – 2.2 pounds) + bottle weight
As I’ve just mentioned refreshment points (and water fountains) are pretty frequent on the Camino, but you should always have at least some water with you, for emergency reasons if for nothing else. Actually unless you have a lot of hiking experience I’d recommend you taking at least 1.5 liters, but this is an ultralight Camino packing list, and with 1.5 kilograms of water you just won’t make the cut, even though most of the day you won’t actually have 1.5 extra kilograms on you, since your bottle won’t be full (you’ll be drinking from it during the day :)).
When it comes to a bottle, I highly discourage you from using simple plastic bottle… It isn’t ecological and also you won’t to make sure those micro-plastic particles do not enter your body. You should get a good BPA free water bottle. Nowadays these bottles cost close to nothing, and if you pick one of a decent quality, it will last you for many years to come. My favorite one is the following one (lightweight, one liter, BPA free, wide mouth, great price, and simply an ideal bottle for the pilgrimage):
[amazon box =”B08XY3MVRR”]
* Total weight of all items from the group: 1 – 2.6 kilogram. You can save a lot here by taking less water and less food, but make sure to think twice whether it is a deal worth making. Of course, you can also adjust this according to the stage you are walking on any given day on your camino…
– Quality multi-purpose Swiss knife like the one on the picture has helped me countless times on my pilgrimage. These knives are expensive but they will last you decades, and it is definitely worth getting one for the Camino and other hiking adventures.
Summary weight for your ultralight Camino de Santiago packing list & final thoughts
Let’s summarize the weight for items in different groups:
- Basics & shoes: 1.6 – 3 kilograms.
- Clothes: 0.8 – 1.5 kilograms.
- Cosmetics & first aid: 0.6 – 0.9 kilograms.
- Electronics, documents & emergency food: 1 – 2.6 kilograms.
As you can see now, if you pack as a minimalist and do not mind spending a few extra hundreds on lightweight clothes & stuff, you can get the weight of your backpack down to 4 kilograms, including emergency food and water (half a liter in this case). That’s pretty amazing in my view, and something that would hardly be possible ten, let alone twenty years ago.
Having said that, keep on your mind that the key is to find the right balance of comfort and weight for your Camino. A lot of things can pack into an additional kilogram – five extra items of clothes, or a lot of cosmetics, or lightweight trekking poles & spare trousers for colder weather, or one book in print & some small musical instrument & a pajama :). No doubt you may walk the Camino without these items. Having them on you is perhaps worth the extra kilo or two though, but that’s a call you have to make…
Hope this helps, and enjoy your Camino! Any questions, you can always contact me!
Matej
May also interest you:
- Best shoes for Camino de Santiago – the biggest dilemma.
- Best t-shirt for Camino de Santiago.
- Walking sticks on the Camino – pros & cons, facts & myths.
