Minimal but comforting packing list

[David]

Hi All - well here we are in December. Cold, dark, more time at home, but the glimmer of thoughts about next year? so thought I would I would start a new packing thread as it occurred to me that there will be many 'virgin' pilgrims in 2024 and therefore possible that their Christmas presents might be Camino related ...
So what is a practical minimal but comforting packing list?
I am thinking of warm weather - April/May onwards, Camino Frances ...

I am quite minimalist .. my clothing is basically wear one pack one on the whole. Many of you will know that I don't wear a backpack as I walk with a hiking trailer, backpack goes in there with my first aid stuff - but weight and bulk still matter.

So, for me - and remembering that there are cities and large towns every few days that have huge supermarkets where cheap clothing can be bought - we don't need "specialist hiking uniforms" just clothing after all.
Wearing
hat
short sleeved shirt
trunk style underpants (cotton)
zip-off shorts
Keen Newport hiking sandals
(one hiking staff in trailer)

Packed
one short sleeved shirt
one trunk style underpants (cotton)
one pair zip-off trousers (shorts can be swapped for washing and the one set of legs for if it gets cold)
one pair of socks (for cold mornings or in bed if a cold night)
one cotton t shirt (same)
Either my Snugpak jungle bag (900gms) or just a good rectangular liner if weather forecast is stunning before I go.
Poncho ( as I don't wear a pack I use the Decathlon Night Visibility City Bike Rain Poncho 540)
one lightweight down puffer jacket
toiletries - small bar of soap, razor, toothbrush and paste, flannel
small 'real' towel (can't bear those microfibre things)

my phone - switched off all day, just switched on for two minutes each evening to check for emergency texts (friends and family told not to contact me unless an emergency).
small solar panel for phone (so no charger needed)
sunglasses
paperwork
small notebook and pen
tiny sewing kit
sleeping eye mask and earplugs!!

Food - sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, pasta, cheese, sausage (never go hungry, can make a meal any evening)
'during the day' eats, usually a couple of rolls and ham and cheese, maybe a yoghurt - never ever anything containing sugar
Water usually 1.5 litres in two 750 bottles, depends on weather and refill distances each day

So, this isn't serious at all (though I like cotton!) .. I just thought that if we veterans had some fun it might help those overpacking newbies who are lurking, all shy, on here.

Enjoy!

 

[Bradypus]

Instead of a towel I carry a very lightweight cotton check-print lungi - a souvenir from a visit to India a long time ago. Sewn into a tube. It can be a towel, a pillowcase, a scarf or a kilt amongst other uses. Dries very quickly and has very little weight or bulk.

 

[Anhalter]

So i have my pretty perfect packing list from last year. It's in my signature. It is tested in a moderate May/June.
For a slightly colder climate, I'd add 1 thin fleece .
For even slightly colder, I'd add some long underpants and an extra beanie. Maybe rainpants or switch to Poncho.
For "regularly around freezing" I'd take sturdier shoes and slightly sturdier gloves.
For "regularly below freezing" I'd exchange my shorts for some padded long pants. Also maybe a sturdier rain jacket. And maybe a warmer sleeping bag.

Just did a 21km night hike in the snow this weekend at around -5°C. With good layering you need surprisingly little to be comfortably warm. So without planning to actually do a winter camino i guess i would be able to do it well below 5kg of weight on my shoulders... (and yes, it's a bit cheating since the worn weight will be much higher )

 

[J Willhaus]

One essential for me is a "chico" bag. A little bag that rolls up into a ball. Often made from recycled water bottles. Serves as a grocery bag, laundry bag, walk about town bag, lunch bag or other carry all. Rolls into a tiny ball when not in use to fit in a pocket walking around town.. Especially handy for when you are at the grocery store and you get the "Bolsa?" Question.

 

[Gringazolana]

BYO compeed because it’s MUCH more expensive in Camino. Also, I became a fan of adding electrolyte mix to my water. And don’t forget lip balm and moisturizer with sunscreen!

 

[woody66]

Hi Going again in May with my sister in law and a friend.
I was going to do the English way this time but they want to do a Portuguese route.
No sleep gear for me as will stay in private rooms in Hostel's, Hotel's.
Pensions ect. On both my Caminos i dumped/donated so much stuff anything i need i can get while walking!

OSPREY TALON 33 0.910​ OSPREY ULTRALIGHT DRY SACK 30 L** 0.066​ RAIN COVER 0.060 ULA RAIN KILT** 0.070​ DISPOSABLE PONCHO X 1 0.040​ EUROSHIRM ULTRA SWING UMBRELLA 0.172​ HOKA STINSON ATR6** 0.660​ MONTBELL VERSALITE JACKET** 0.195​ COLUMBIA ZIPP OFFS** 0.318​ MERINO T SHIRT** 0.150​ RAB FLEECE** 0.350​ G3 BRIEFS** 0.045​ DARN TOUGH SOCKS ** 0.051​ BB CAP ** 0.055​ SUNGLASSES** 0.035​ FITBIT 0.022​ DARN TOUGHS X 2** 0.102​ COLUMBIA ZIP OFFS/NO LEGS X 1** 0.267​ RUNNING BRIEFS 0.049​ MERINO LINER GLOVES ** 0.049​ BUFF** 0.049​ GHOST WISPERER VEST** 0.193​ MERINO T SHIRT** 0.150​ KNEE SUPPORTS** 0.067​ RUNNING SLEEVES** 0.083​ SUN CREAM 0.050 TOOTHBRUSH** 0.005​ SHAVER** 0.122​ TOOTHPASTE** 0.023​ DEODORANT ** 0.079​ TOILET ROLL** 0.050​ PARAMOL/VITD/ ASP** 0.026​ NUUN ** 0.027​ LEUKOTAPE/MOLESKIN** 0.088​ SHEEPS WOOL** 0.030​ NAIL CLIPPERS** 0.075​ GOOGLE PIXEL 7 PRO** 0.211​ EURO CHARGER** 0.038​ HEADLIGHT** 0.079​ CHARGEING CABLES ** 0.048​ SONY WI-XB400 EARPHONES** 0.035​ CREDENTIAL x 1** 0.022​ PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT** (ON PHONE TRAVEL INS ** (ON PHONE BANK CARDS** 0.005​ FLIGHTS/ BOOKINGS/ON PHONE 0.025​ PASSPORT** 0.035​ GUIDE BOOK/WISE PLIGRIM APP ON PHONE SEA SUMMIT ULTRA SIL DAY PACK** 0.078​ DRY BAGS** 0.180​ ZIPLOCK BAGS** 0.030​ SAFETY PINS X 5** 0.028​ WASH LINE LEASTIC** 0.012​ Wear Pack KG 2.39​ 3.11​ Pounds 5.27​ 6.85​ FSO Weight (From Skin Out) KG 5.50​ 5.5%​ Pounds 12.12​ Pack Weight and as % Body Weight KG 3.11​ 3.1%​ PACK WEIGHT IN POUNDS 6.85​ Target Starting Body Weight & Body + All Gear KG 100 105.50​ 0.910​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 0.102​ 0.267​ ​ ​		​
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[ElCee]

Only one Camino under my belt but this is what I plan to bring next time. It’s less than I took on the CP in October which came in at 12 lbs.

2 quick dry synthetic t-shirts
1 quick dry synthetic pants
2 pairs quick dry synthetic underwear (I don’t know why but this is the hardest one for me. Makes me very nervous to have so few)
2 quick dry synthetic bras
4 pairs Smartwool footie socks (I change my socks mid day)
2 cotton bandanas
Lightweight bathing suit
Uniqlo Ultralight down jacket
Uniqlo windbreaker
Decathlon rain poncho
Teva sandals
Small bottle shampoo
Small antiperspirant
Small tube sunscreen
Small facial moisturizer w sunscreen
Razor
Electric toothbrush with charger (I just have to, leave me alone)
Small tube toothpaste
Dental floss
Hair brush
Ear plugs
Face mask
Bandaids
Advil
Vitamins
Battery for phone
Charging cables and converter plug
Brierley guide (I liked reading about the path ahead. Used Wise Pilgrim app while walking)
Small microfibre face cloth
Small microfibre towel
2 packing cubes (I am a convert, 100% worth the weight)
3 pouches for toiletries and electronics

Wearing:
quick dry synthetic t-shirt
quick dry synthetic pants
quick dry synthetic underwear
quick dry synthetic bra
Smartwool footie socks
Bandana
Brooks Ghost runners
Hat
Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag containing:
Wallet
Phone
Reusable shopping bag
Kleenex
Lip balm
Credential
Passport
Eyeglasses case

I’m in the “wear 1 pack 2” camp. It gives me the option of not doing laundry if the accommodation doesn’t have good drying conditions. If weather forecast is colder, I’d bring a pair of leggings and a long sleeve tee.

It amazed me that my pack was only 12 lbs and I brought more clothing than listed above. The only reason I can think of is my clothing is extremely lightweight. For example, my pants are super thin fabric with very simple pockets, drawstrings, etc. Wouldn’t last a day on a back country trail but perfect for the Camino. Most hiking pants have a whole lot of bells and whistles that add a lot of weight. My pants are Old Navy StretchTech but they don’t make a simple style any more.

 

[J Willhaus]

Hi Going again in May with my sister in law and a friend.
I was going to do the English way this time but they want to do a Portuguese route.
No sleep gear for me as will stay in private rooms in Hostel's, Hotel's.
Pensions ect. On both my Caminos i dumped/donated so much stuff anything i need i can get while walking!

OSPREY TALON 33 0.910​ OSPREY ULTRALIGHT DRY SACK 30 L** 0.066​ RAIN COVER 0.060 ULA RAIN KILT** 0.070​ DISPOSABLE PONCHO X 1 0.040​ EUROSHIRM ULTRA SWING UMBRELLA 0.172​ HOKA STINSON ATR6** 0.660​ MONTBELL VERSALITE JACKET** 0.195​ COLUMBIA ZIPP OFFS** 0.318​ MERINO T SHIRT** 0.150​ RAB FLEECE** 0.350​ G3 BRIEFS** 0.045​ DARN TOUGH SOCKS ** 0.051​ BB CAP ** 0.055​ SUNGLASSES** 0.035​ FITBIT 0.022​ DARN TOUGHS X 2** 0.102​ COLUMBIA ZIP OFFS/NO LEGS X 1** 0.267​ RUNNING BRIEFS 0.049​ MERINO LINER GLOVES ** 0.049​ BUFF** 0.049​ GHOST WISPERER VEST** 0.193​ MERINO T SHIRT** 0.150​ KNEE SUPPORTS** 0.067​ RUNNING SLEEVES** 0.083​ SUN CREAM 0.050 TOOTHBRUSH** 0.005​ SHAVER** 0.122​ TOOTHPASTE** 0.023​ DEODORANT ** 0.079​ TOILET ROLL** 0.050​ PARAMOL/VITD/ ASP** 0.026​ NUUN ** 0.027​ LEUKOTAPE/MOLESKIN** 0.088​ SHEEPS WOOL** 0.030​ NAIL CLIPPERS** 0.075​ GOOGLE PIXEL 7 PRO** 0.211​ EURO CHARGER** 0.038​ HEADLIGHT** 0.079​ CHARGEING CABLES ** 0.048​ SONY WI-XB400 EARPHONES** 0.035​ CREDENTIAL x 1** 0.022​ PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT** (ON PHONE TRAVEL INS ** (ON PHONE BANK CARDS** 0.005​ FLIGHTS/ BOOKINGS/ON PHONE 0.025​ PASSPORT** 0.035​ GUIDE BOOK/WISE PLIGRIM APP ON PHONE SEA SUMMIT ULTRA SIL DAY PACK** 0.078​ DRY BAGS** 0.180​ ZIPLOCK BAGS** 0.030​ SAFETY PINS X 5** 0.028​ WASH LINE LEASTIC** 0.012​ Wear Pack KG 2.39​ 3.11​ Pounds 5.27​ 6.85​ FSO Weight (From Skin Out) KG 5.50​ 5.5%​ Pounds 12.12​ Pack Weight and as % Body Weight KG 3.11​ 3.1%​ PACK WEIGHT IN POUNDS 6.85​ Target Starting Body Weight & Body + All Gear KG 100 105.50​ 0.910​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 0.102​ 0.267​ ​ ​		​
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What do the 2 ** signify?

 

[woody66]

What do the 2 ** signify?

Hi! Sorry they were just something i put for my benefit when sorting out my gear from my September Frances! (just ticking them off really after i picked an item up)

 

[Kathy F.]

Don’t forget about a way to safely and securely carry your cash, cards, passport and, especially your credencial , protected from rain (and be able to take them into the shower with you).

 

[Paul392]

Electric toothbrush with charger (I just have to, leave me alone)

I know you want an electric toothbrush (I prefer one too) but this is an opportunity for some weight savings. I’ve tried a couple of travel electric toothbrushes and there are some good ones out there. My standard Sonicare toothbrush with charger weighs 8.1 oz. Sonicare makes a travel version (Sonicare one) that runs on 1 AAA battery. It weighs only 2.4 oz with the included travel cover. If you remove that and just use a brush head cover you can get it down to around 1.5 oz. that is a considerable weight savings while still having the benefits of an electric toothbrush.

 

[David]

BYO compeed because it’s MUCH more expensive in Camino. Also, I became a fan of adding electrolyte mix to my water. And don’t forget lip balm and moisturizer with sunscreen!

Hi - I take a huge first aid kit as I go to offer that to pilgrims, so is why no first aid mentioned - but, Compeed? I refuse to use it and tell pilgrims not to use it.
But, like you I always use dioralyte, daily, and send pilgrims to their next pharmacy to buy some, especially in hot weather.

 

[Paul392]

Compeed? I refuse to use it and tell pilgrims not to use it.

why is this? What do you use instead?

 

[Anhalter]

Don’t forget about a way to safely and securely carry your cash, cards, passport and, especially your credencial , protected from rain (and be able to take them into the shower with you).

Except for the credential everything you list does (imho) not need water protection. Euro notes and Cards are perfectly water proof, as should be most passports (maybe not the stamps in them).
And neither the credential nor the passport is something i deem necessarry to have in the shower with me. I even go as far as to say a "secure carrying device" for cash and cards is optional unless your camino takes place in downtown Madrid or Barcelona.
While i understand the "peace of mind" approach many, maybe especially those coming from further away, might have, i do have a problem with making it sound like there would be an above average risk of theft on your average camino.

 

[David]

why is this? What do you use instead?

Hi Paul - this is very off topic, but - Why no Compeed on Camino? When out walking/shopping/working one gets a small blister, puts a Compeed over it and when one gets home changes footwear – the blister is protected, heals quickly - works really well. But on Camino the situation is very different. Pilgrims are pounding along day after day for miles carrying extra weight and in the same footwear, footwear that is reinforcing the original problem and in less than hygienic conditions.

A blister is essentially an under the skin friction burn. The body reacts by producing fluid to protect that area which separates and lifts the top skin – the blister. If you continue walking that spot gets pounded again and again, with each step … the blister gets compressed on each step and under the skin it widens, so the body produces more fluid, and so on and the blister gets larger until it eventually bursts and germs get in.

If that happens when a Compeed is stuck on top of it then blood and goo will leak out the sides, it will quickly become infected – it is a disaster. It can literally kill if not treated (sepsis).

I accept that a pilgrim who knows what they are doing can put a Compeed over a small emerging blister or hotspot after thoroughly cleaning the area and have no problems, but generally and for everyone else they are a no.

I have seen too many awful Compeed situations.

The ‘at home’ treatment of a blister is to just cover it and allow it to self heal but, due to that daily pounding on Camino this won’t do, the blister will only get bigger until it bursts.

So I always completely drain a blister, leaving the blister skin on as a protection. (The British Army remove the blister skin to allow faster healing – I don’t do that).

To ensure that the blister is fully drained I use a No.11 scalpel blade as it leaves a neat V shaped cut. Cut each end (blade parallel, never pointing in) and using a tissue to collect the liquid completely flatten, empty, the blister.
I then clean the area again and add some antiseptic ointment, especially over the cuts. I then choose a plaster – band aid - (mine are always fabric with strong adhesive) that has a larger medicated pad than the wound and put that on.

With areas such as heels, that bend I cut slits into the plaster around the edges so that it can be ‘moulded’ to the skin and lie flat. Then I often added a long strip of plaster on top to act as more cushioning.

Then I check the footwear where the blister formed to see if there is a problem there.

With toes, in between toes, etc I use smaller plasters, mainly the ‘butterfly’ shaped ones as they get into and cover those awkward parts more easily. I will then put wads of cotton wool in between (and sometimes under) the toes to lessen or remove future pressure.

On really large areas I use larger wound dressings and then cover those.

Thing is, once drained and properly covered the pilgrim can instantly walk normally again without pain – you can see their relief.

 

[J Willhaus]

Except for the credential everything you list does (imho) not need water protection. Euro notes and Cards are perfectly water proof, as should be most passports (maybe not the stamps in them).
And neither the credential nor the passport is something i deem necessarry to have in the shower with me. I even go as far as to say a "secure carrying device" for cash and cards is optional unless your camino takes place in downtown Madrid or Barcelona.
While i understand the "peace of mind" approach many, maybe especially those coming from further away, might have, i do have a problem with making it sound like there would be an above average risk of theft on your average camino.

There's been a number of petty theft reports this year on the forum. Sadly, there are people who pose as pilgrims and then use trust to their advantage.

 

[maruska89]

Only one Camino under my belt but this is what I plan to bring next time. It’s less than I took on the CP in October which came in at 12 lbs.

2 quick dry synthetic t-shirts
1 quick dry synthetic pants
2 pairs quick dry synthetic underwear (I don’t know why but this is the hardest one for me. Makes me very nervous to have so few)
2 quick dry synthetic bras
4 pairs Smartwool footie socks (I change my socks mid day)
2 cotton bandanas
Lightweight bathing suit
Uniqlo Ultralight down jacket
Uniqlo windbreaker
Decathlon rain poncho
Teva sandals
Small bottle shampoo
Small antiperspirant
Small tube sunscreen
Small facial moisturizer w sunscreen
Razor
Electric toothbrush with charger (I just have to, leave me alone)
Small tube toothpaste
Dental floss
Hair brush
Ear plugs
Face mask
Bandaids
Advil
Vitamins
Battery for phone
Charging cables and converter plug
Brierley guide (I liked reading about the path ahead. Used Wise Pilgrim app while walking)
Small microfibre face cloth
Small microfibre towel
2 packing cubes (I am a convert, 100% worth the weight)
3 pouches for toiletries and electronics

Wearing:
quick dry synthetic t-shirt
quick dry synthetic pants
quick dry synthetic underwear
quick dry synthetic bra
Smartwool footie socks
Bandana
Brooks Ghost runners
Hat
Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag containing:
Wallet
Phone
Reusable shopping bag
Kleenex
Lip balm
Credential
Passport
Eyeglasses case

I’m in the “wear 1 pack 2” camp. It gives me the option of not doing laundry if the accommodation doesn’t have good drying conditions. If weather forecast is colder, I’d bring a pair of leggings and a long sleeve tee.

It amazed me that my pack was only 12 lbs and I brought more clothing than listed above. The only reason I can think of is my clothing is extremely lightweight. For example, my pants are super thin fabric with very simple pockets, drawstrings, etc. Wouldn’t last a day on a back country trail but perfect for the Camino. Most hiking pants have a whole lot of bells and whistles that add a lot of weight. My pants are Old Navy StretchTech but they don’t make a simple style any more.

I also do the, wear one and pack 2, as I've lost a few pieces of clothing along my last camino, the VDLP, whether by forgetting them or ?? One I was upset about was a smarwool bra that was not cheap. So I'm glad I had brought 2 of those!

 

[good_old_shoes]

I've got a basic packing list that now after several walks more or less stays the same, only with few variations depending on season and route.

Basic packing list (all seasons, depending on seasons other items might be added)

• sleeping bag (different ones depending on weather, route, and whether I also camp or not) + insect shield silk liner

• sleeping mat ( shortened z-lite foam mat)

• poncho/raincoat

• first aid kit

• hygiene-set (lightweight comb, toothbrush, tiny tube of concentrated toothpaste, 1/2 bar of solid shampoo, tiny microfiber washcloth , all wrapped into a dishtowel and held together with an elastic hairband)

clothes (includes clothes on person)
• 2x underpants
• 1x bra
• 1 short sleeve merino shirt
• 1 long sleeve shirt (colder seasons: merino, hot summer: lightweight cotton)
• 1 lightweight merino cardigan
• 1 hiking skirt or trousers
• 1 lightweight leggings (merino in cold season)
• 1 shirt + pants for evening relaxing and sleeping (lightweight cotton)
• buff
• hat (style depends on season)
• socks x 2-4 (depending on season)
• lightweight bag to put all clothes in, doubles as pillow when camping

Footwear:
• teva hiking sandals
• either 2nd pair tevas or flip flops for evenings

Electronics:
• phone
• charger
• mp3 player+headphones

Other:
• flashlight
• guide book(s)/map(s)
• pen + notebook
• dog poop bags (as garbage bags)
• a few ziplocs
• money, cards, passport ect.
• small over-the-shoulder bag to carry phone, guide book, money ect. with easy access

Anti-bedbug:
• dry bag for sleeping equipment
• large garbage bag for backpack

Kitchen:
• opinel
• spork
• 500ml aluminium cup/pot
(plastic container / tupperware for carrying leftovers)
• water bottle
• some snacks / food depending on route and availability of food
• shopping bag for supermarket

(Summer: )
+ swimsuit
+ lightweight summer dress for evenings
+ more water bottles

(colder season: )
+ hiking boots
- flip flops (tevas instead)
+extra pairs of socks (wool)
+ very lightweight cashmere pullover
+ lightweight puffer vest
+ rain jacket + pants or warmer jacket (depending on weather and route)
+ lightweight merino gloves
+ scarf
+ microspikes when expecting snow and ice

(When camping: )
+ tent


For some reason the list looks longer written down than it feels when packing...

 

[K_Lynn]

One essential for me is a "chico" bag. A little bag that rolls up into a ball. Often made from recycled water bottles. Serves as a grocery bag, laundry bag, walk about town bag, lunch bag or other carry all. Rolls into a tiny ball when not in use to fit in a pocket walking around town.. Especially handy for when you are at the grocery store and you get the "Bolsa?" Question.

I had a small grocery bag that wadded up into a little pocket for my first Camino, on my recent one I brought a very lightweight drawstring "backpack" that was my purse/grocery bag/carryon with all the junk I wanted on my flights etc. It was way too big for my wallet/passport/phone but I could load it with fruit/snacks/wine/etc lol As it was light and flexible it easily squished into the side or top pocket of my backpack

 

[alexwalker]

why is this? What do you use instead?

David has explained above. There are also numerous threads about the stuff in this forum. Do some searches (see menu bar upper right).

IMHO, Compeed is one of the devil's masterpieces (on the Camino, at least).

 

[StephenBurnett]

Like your style David. Thanks for your information and explanation. I’m roughly your vintage and planning my first Camino, the Frances in April.

 

[Paul392]

David has explained above. There are also numerous threads about the stuff in this forum. Do some searches (see menu bar upper right).

IMHO, Compeed is one of the devil's masterpieces (on the Camino, at least).

Yes, he explained above in response to my question.

 

[J Willhaus]

I had a small grocery bag that wadded up into a little pocket for my first Camino, on my recent one I brought a very lightweight drawstring "backpack" that was my purse/grocery bag/carryon with all the junk I wanted on my flights etc. It was way too big for my wallet/passport/phone but I could load it with fruit/snacks/wine/etc lol As it was light and flexible it easily squished into the side or top pocket of my backpack

We have a backpack that wads up into a ball similar to my chico bag. I had one of those string backpacks on my first Camino and was unknowingly advertising for a very conservative university. I had picked the bag up as a freebie at conference and my husband was appalled when he saw me wearing it on the Camino. I had no clue...

The string bag did work, but I abandoned it for the chico bag with no advertising on later ones.

 

[ElCee]

I know you want an electric toothbrush (I prefer one too) but this is an opportunity for some weight savings. I’ve tried a couple of travel electric toothbrushes and there are some good ones out there. My standard Sonicare toothbrush with charger weighs 8.1 oz. Sonicare makes a travel version (Sonicare one) that runs on 1 AAA battery. It weighs only 2.4 oz with the included travel cover. If you remove that and just use a brush head cover you can get it down to around 1.5 oz. that is a considerable weight savings while still having the benefits of an electric toothbrush.

Thanks for the recommendation ! I’ll look into it. Since this was my first Camino I didn’t want to spend a lot on Camino specific items. I hope it won’t be my last.

 

[David Tallan]

Either my Snugpak jungle bag (900gms) or just a good rectangular liner if weather forecast is stunning before I go.

For my daughter's birthday I just gave her a Mountain Equipment Company "Camino" bag which functions as both, one side just a liner and the other quilted. Which you put on top depends on the weather.

 

[Madis]

I put together for myself a packing list for May last year. I got all clothes and gear under 5kg (under 11 pounds).

Frances is quite easy to pack for. You can even fit life in a 20L bag:
http://caminopilgrim.travel.blog/2023/04/12/gear-packing-list-camino/

 

[Kathy F.]

I know you want an electric toothbrush (I prefer one too) but this is an opportunity for some weight savings. I’ve tried a couple of travel electric toothbrushes and there are some good ones out there. My standard Sonicare toothbrush with charger weighs 8.1 oz. Sonicare makes a travel version (Sonicare one) that runs on 1 AAA battery. It weighs only 2.4 oz with the included travel cover. If you remove that and just use a brush head cover you can get it down to around 1.5 oz. that is a considerable weight savings while still having the benefits of an electric toothbrush.

I agree.
i allow myself one “luxury item” and sometimes my electric toothbrush is it. I use a battery operated one because of the weight savings.

 

[dick bird]

They put corks in wine bottles in Spain, so the Swiss army knife comes along. It also has a sharp knife for cutting up food, a pair of scissors, tweezers, a spike thingy for making holes in things, screw-drivers and can openers. Just remember not to take it in your hand luggage. Lamb´s wool to prevent blisters. And drysacs. You´ll never stay dry if you walk in the rain all day but you can at least make sure you have dry clothes to change into. And you know what? I carry more than 10% of my body weight.

 

[Bradypus]

And you know what? I carry more than 10% of my body weight.

Easily solved. Go on a high sugar, high fat, high alcohol diet at least six months before your Camino and reduce your regular exercise regime. Then by the time your Camino comes along your pack will probably be well under 10% of your body weight. Works for me every time....

 

[Jodean]

Packing List - Used on 5 Caminos now, as of April 2023. Weight is 6kg.

Deuter Back Pack ACT LITE 35+10L, 1580 gr.
Meindl Hiking Boots w/Gore-tex,
Meru goa comfort Sleeping Bag, 830gr
Babimax folding trekking Poles
Meru knee-length fleece jacket 500gr.
Altus Poncho 340 gr.
1 pair loose trousers, 400gr.
1 pair Merino leggings
2 light, cotton, long-sleeve blouses
1 turtle-neck, long sleeve jersey shirt
Eagle Creek black silk money belt
Hip pouch, waterproof
2 wide-mouth metal bottles
extra pair of eyeglasses
3 pair knee socks
2 pair knee-high nylon hose
mini solar light
mini whistle
carabiner clip
Guidebook Brierly
Light, knee-length sleeveless nightgown, 125gr.
Muslin towel - 190gr.
2 camisole bra
3 pair underwear
8 plastic clothespins
10 safety pins
2 bootlaces (used to tie up sleeping bag instead of stuff sack)
Baseball cap
Plastic slip on shoes for shower and relaxing
Pilgrim Credential from Ivar
Camino Passport/Credential Cover from Ivar
Travel toiletries (toothpaste, travel toothbrush, shampoo, tiny bottle of oil to use on hair, body wash, q-tips) in a zip-lock bag
Small de-tangler hairbrush
First aid kit (band-aid strip, Imodium, Benadryl, Medi Nait cold pills, migraine pills) in a zip-lock bag
Bandanna cut into 1/4ths, in a zip lock bag as emergency TP
P-Style FUD
2 light mesh packing bags
1 pen
I-phone & cables, plug
Ear plugs
Notebook
The weight is 6kg minus the clothing I am wearing
Will be wearing one shirt, one pair of pants, one pair of socks, 1 camisole bra, pair of panties, plus my hip pack and money belt. Money belt has my bank card, ins. card, big money. Hip belt has guidebook, passport, and pilgrim pass in a plastic holder, iPhone, mints, glasses, pen. At night, my money belt goes into my hip pack and sleeps next to me. Both go to the shower with me in a plastic bag with my clean clothes and towel.
Wise Pilgrim, Camino Ninja apps on iPhone

Heading to Portugal in April and will see if I can tweak this a bit more.

 

[david marquez]

One thing I will throw out here, if your feet are bigger than a size 45, which would be about 11 1/2 US, I suggest you seriously consider bringing a 2nd pair of shoes. I wear 47 (12 1/2) and when my shoes blew out on the camino del norte near Llanes, I had to waste the better part of 2 days finding a replacement pair. I finally took the train to Santander and found a choice of 2 pairs of shoes that fit me at Decathlon in Santander. Be forewarned!

 

[susiem]

One thing I will throw out here, if your feet are bigger than a size 45, which would be about 11 1/2 US, I suggest you seriously consider bringing a 2nd pair of shoes. I wear 47 (12 1/2) and when my shoes blew out on the camino del norte near Llanes, I had to waste the better part of 2 days finding a replacement pair. I finally took the train to Santander and found a choice of 2 pairs of shoes that fit me at Decathlon in Santander. Be forewarned!

Packing List on first Camino Frances - Sept/Oct 2023:
Deutar 30 lt rucksack
Bottom compartment: Poncho. Sleeping bag/liner/small net bag under pillow at night for phone, water, and sleeping bag sleeve.
On top outside pocket: Foot stuff - plasters, wool, vaseline, gauze, Betadine. Snacks, change of socks.
Inside top pocket: phone charger, spare pole tips, guide book, journal, pen, spare glasses, head torch.
Toiletries: Soap, toothpaste n brush, towel, comb, face cream (relented and bought deodorant after 2 weeks).
Clothing: On me: underwear/ merino top- long sleeve/ trousers/socks/boots/light down jacket/rain jacket/buff/hat.
Clothing: Spare: I set underwear/ merino top short sleeve +heavier long sleeved merino top, long sleeved shirt, 2 pr socks, shemagh (used as towel, privacy screen, scarf and extra layer).
Laundry bag, safety pins (6), pegs (4) carabiners (2)/soap (Spanish laundry soap is excellent).
Flip flops and Crocs.
Hip belt pockets: emergency toilet kit/ sunscreen/handgel/lipbalm.
Aluminium water bottle 750ml
Cross body bag: coin purse/passport/credential/phone/glasses/water bottle (350ml)/cash n card/travel docs.
I think that's it!
Buen Camino!