• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

No Pack

barryoglick

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
bogg1000
Just a wild & crazy question:

Has anyone walked the Camino sans backpack & lived to talk about it?

Barry
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Ha.

Completely doable, I think (in the summer). I am very proud of my very small 28L bag. Essentially, i have only the luxury of a second set of clothes, a poncho and a sleeping bag liner. I could manage without I think.

What a great idea. Maybe I'll try that next time!!
 
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!
Could easily be done without a backpack, and I'm assuming you don't mean totally devoid of some type of bag to at least carry water and toiletries, or say a jacket in.
 
Pretty sure that’s how they did it “back in the day” - a robe, sandals, and a shell
 
Join our full-service guided tour of the Basque Country and let us pamper you!
Don't know about the Camino, but you might be interested in the book, Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery. What you see on the cover of the book is all she had, and I believe she walked the AT more than once.
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Thank you for the book title, JanelMecB!
As to walking without a pack, I have come across people who carried very small packs who, upon arrival in an albergue, borrowed from others scissors, plasters, even jumpers against the cold......
 
This pilgrim started with nothing but the clothes he was standing up in. However, he soon acquired a pack someone had discarded and a few other bits and pieces.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Thank you HedaP for this very touching video!

Don't know about the mandatory bath stop, LesR! They were still (again?) very smelly when they arrived, unbathed I suppose, in the cathedral in Santiago - hence the botafumeiro....
 
Story I heard was going way back, well beyond your lifetime... bathing wax to knock out the lice and sundry othet pestilences that shouldn’t be visited on the good burghers of Santiago...
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I did the santiago to finisterre leg several years ago, with just a simple waist belt - the one that has room for two 1/2liter water bottles in a small pouch in between. In that pouch I had a toothbrush and small paste, a cut off piece of soap to last the distance and a silk wraparound skirt I could change into while washing and drying my clothes and later sleep in. I washed my clothes each day as soon as I got to the albergue, risking they may still be somewhat damp in the morning. I never felt I needed anything else but it was summer. I started off in May in France and walked 1200 km app in total with no more than 6 kg - backpack weight included. I didn't carry a sleeping bag, just a sleeping liner - and most albergues provided blankets - but not all, which did lead to a couple of chilly nights here and there - when someone insisted on having the windows open e.g or in an albergue under renovation without doors or windows! I also had only one of those emergency ponchos for the rain - the garbage bag types they sell at tourist destinations - and did regret that in May in France when it pelted with rain for 5 days in a row - and even hailed on top of Mt Aubrac. So, it depends, I think, not only on the season, but also your tolerance or your travel style and finances maybe (would you consider a hotel at times e.g.).
 
Hi, JanelMcB, I have bought the book about Grandma Gatewood(?) and find it a vsry good read! Thank you for the recommendation!
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Thank you HedaP for this very touching video!

Don't know about the mandatory bath stop, LesR! They were still (again?) very smelly when they arrived, unbathed I suppose, in the cathedral in Santiago - hence the botafumeiro....

I was referring to the Middle Ages when pilgrims were pilgrims, and backpacks, mobile phones annd hair conditioners were centuries away....
 
and don't forget Peace Pilgrim. Started walking by doing the Appalachian Trail in one season in 1952 then carried on walking across and around America for 28 years, distance estimated at 28,000 miles. This during a time when women were expected to 'be quiet and put the meals on the table' - She only ever carried what she could fit into the pockets of her clothes, nothing else.

cover-bw_wide-c31a5e4c96e8942fdf2dc26c7f09c559e2570df2-s900-c85.jpg
 

Most read last week in this forum

I’m leaving soon for CP and again attempted to use what’s app without success. I was trying to call a hotel in Spain, it just rings but nothing else. A few years ago I tried using in within Spain...
I realize every ounce matters when carrying backpack and not shipping luggage ahead. However, I know that the Spaniards are big into meat and potatoes, and not so much produce. I am thinking of...
Hola, I gearing up to start my 1st CdS and have seen people recommended sleeping bag liners to protect against bed bugs. Do these help or is it a myth? Should I add the extra weight of bringing one?
I’ve been stressing about charging my devices, so just want to make sure. I have this 4port Powered USB hub which I’m connecting to an adapter to fit European (at least Spain, since I know it...
Michael @wisepilgrim had mentioned a new feature that he was developing for Wise Pilgrim, and it looks like it is now in operation. You can check the app and see in real time how many beds are...
Well…… about $400 usd in socks and liners later and about 160 miles. I live in California near the Sierra mountains so we have some good trails and heat- I wanted to find my perfect combination...

âť“How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Similar threads

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top