Packing

DSC_4933People tend to pack too much, the one thing to remember here is that whatever you bring you must carry for over 800 km. Lots of people end up parceling a package with the extra stuff to be picked up on arrival to Santiago.

Your backpack should not be more than 10 lbs. or 10% of your weight whichever is lighter. My backpack is almost 10 lbs. without the camera and walking stick.

For the most part, you bring two items of clothes, one you wear one you carry. At night at the albergue/hostel, you wash what your wore and change into your spare.

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What I pack

Clothes

    •  1 pair of short pants
    •  1 pair of convertible pants  (nights and rainy days)
    •  1 short-sleeve quick-dry shirt
    •  1 long-sleeve quick-dry shirt
    •  1 cotton short-sleeve t-shirt
    •  1 long sleeve lightweight fleece shirt or light sweater
    •  2 pairs of underwear
    •  2 pairs of socks
    •  2 pairs of sock liners
    •  1 Buff or Neck Gaiter. When it gets cold it keeps my neck and ears warm. (see picture below)
    •  1 pair of waterproof boots
    •  1 Rain jacket, I used to bring the rain pants but too bulky and IMO not necessary
    •  Sandals – albergue showers and at night to give your feet a rest.

 Miscellaneous

    • Digital camera (I bring my Nikon D90, it is a pain to carry but worth the pictures)
    • Sun hat
    • Sunglasses
    • Water bottle – Water in Spain and Portugal is potable and found everywhere, never had any issues drinking from the fountains.
    • Nylon clothesline, about 10-feet long – for hanging wet clothes
    • Clothespins
    • Pin knife
    • Guidebook (John Brierley)
    • Small flashlight (your phone may be good enough)
    • Phone charger and cable.
    • Phone backup battery, it’s handy if you use GPS on your phone.
    • Paper clip, to exchange the sim card on your phone
    • AC Adapter (just an adapter not a transformer.) (see picture below)
    • Zip lock bags
    • Walking pole (Compact Foldable Trekking Pole by Sterling Endurance) Nice to fold it down and put it in the backpack when not needed.
    • S-Biners (see picture below)
    • Pen

Sleeping

    • Silk travel sleeping bag liner. I brought a light weight sleeping bag on our first trip and never used it. We only use it when staying in albergues. (see picture below)
    • Small travel pillow (no necessary but an indulgence)

Medical

    • Glide anti-blister, anti-chafing balm (for feet) (see picture below)
    • Ultralight & Watertight (.3) First Aid Kit By Adventure Medical (see picture below)
    • Antiseptic cream (e.g. Neosporin or similar)
    • Lip balm (e.g. Chapstick or similar)
    • 3M Micropore™ Medical Tape (for blisters prevention)
    • Sewing kit
    • Safety pins
    • Painkillers (Advil)

Toiletries

    • Underarm deodorant (travel size)
    • Pure-Castile Bar Soap  – used to wash body, hair, and clothes (see picture below)
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste (travel size)
    • Disposable Razor
    • Floss
    • Swimmers towel (see picture below)
    • Two packs of tissues (travel-sized) – these are also used for emergency toilet paper since many bathrooms on the trail have no toilet paper.
    • Comb or brush

Wallet

    • Passport
    • Pilgrims credentials – obtain these at the albergue or church where you start the trail
    • Credit card (1)
    • ATM card

Backpack

  • Backpack (as light and comfortable as possible)
  • Ultra-Sil Pack Cover (Rain cover) (see picture below)

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