What to pack for the Camino
The definitive list, with real weights and none of the things you'll end up posting back home.
10 % of your body weight, not a gram more
The ideal Camino backpack weighs at most 10 % of your body weight, not counting water. If you weigh 70 kg, your target is 7 kg. It may sound tight, but multiply it by 25 km a day for weeks and you'll see why every gram counts.
The classic mistake is packing "just in case". Almost anything you hesitate over, leave behind: the Camino has pharmacies, supermarkets and shops. What it doesn't have is a way to lift the weight off your back mid-stage.
Tick off what you've already packed
Work through it as you pack. Weights are approximate and add up to around 7.5 kg in total.
🎒 Backpack and sleep
The foundation. Don't cut corners here.
🥾 Footwear and feet
80 % of dropouts are down to foot problems.
👕 Clothing
One on, one drying, one spare.
🧴 Toiletries and first aid
Mini format: everything weighs something.
🔌 Tech and documents
Not much, but well chosen.
💧 Hydration and extras
What makes the difference on long stages.
Find all the gear on Amazon [ENLACE_AFILIADO_AMAZON], Decathlon [ENLACE_AFILIADO_DECATHLON] and Trekkinn [ENLACE_AFILIADO_TREKKINN]. These are affiliate links: they cost you nothing extra.
What makes the biggest difference
If you're going to invest in anything, make it these four.
🎒 Backpack with a good hip belt
The key piece: if the weight doesn't rest on your hips, your shoulders will pay for it.
🧦 Seamless technical socks
The cheapest thing you can do to prevent blisters. Buy three good pairs.
🧥 Breathable rain jacket
A bad one leaves you soaked in your own sweat. The quality jump is worth it.
🦯 Folding aluminium poles
They cut up to 25 % of the load on your knees during descents.
Affiliate links: they cost you nothing extra and help us keep this guide going.
What almost everyone gets wrong the first time
Wearing brand-new footwear on day one
You need at least 100 km of breaking in beforehand. No exceptions.
Packing cotton
It holds moisture, takes hours to dry and causes chafing. Go technical throughout.
Packing "just in case"
That hairdryer, second book and third t-shirt weigh 1.5 kg you'll carry for 800 km.
Not testing the loaded backpack
Do a long walk with the full weight before you leave. That's when you find the rub points.
Everything about Camino packing
How much should the Camino backpack weigh?
Boots or trekking shoes?
How much clothing should I take?
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Are trekking poles worth it?
What do people most regret bringing?
Can I buy gear along the way?
Can I send my backpack between stages?
Related guides
Your backpack is ready. And the route?
Choose your Camino, plan your stages, and when you reach Santiago, come celebrate with us at Bonsai Café.