What to Pack in Your Day Pack for a Multi-Day Hike

[starlightmoon]

I’m walking the Camino de Finisterre y Muxia in September. I will carry my pack on some stages, but others where there is luggage transfer, I may walk with just a day pack.

Of those who walk with just a day pack, what do you carry in it and what size bag do you use?

I tend to travel quite light, but just wondering if there is anything obvious I’m missing. Off the top of my head, I’d bring water, phone, guidebook, waterproof if necessary, small first aid kit, passport/wallet, maybe extra socks, emergency snacks (though plan to mostly buy food/drinks/coffee at cafe stops).

 

[henrythedog]

That should be sufficient.

I’d consider a similar principle to whenever I check my main bag in for a flight. Travel documents, means of payment; phone and charger and a toothbrush always stay with me.

 

[trecile]

. I will carry my pack on some stages, but others where there is luggage transfer, I may walk with just a day pack.

There is luggage transfer available the entire route.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

If you have any prescription medications or other valuables, you should carry them with you. It's not common for bags to go missing but you don't want to find yourself without anything essential.

 

[Purple Backpack]

Home last night from the GR 65, used luggage transport for the larger pack and used a Gossamer Gear Loris 25 for the daypack. It had my wallet/passport/credential/cell phone, small dry bag with charger, air pods, second small dry bag in the outside pocket with first aid supplies, water bladder, smart water bottle on outside as extra water source and after hike drinking, extra tshirt/undies/socks in case large bag got lost, guide book, insulating layer/rain jacket, depending on weather, lunch/snacks. First time using this pack, with mixed feelings. Ultra light, fit me well, good design. On cooler days, it was wonderful as it blocked the wind well and the foam sit pad that gives the pack structure was used often on days when there were no places to sit for breaks. But on the hot days, it was pretty brutal with no air flow. If I can figure out a way to get the pack even a smidge off my back instead of having the sit pad rest directly on it, it would be my perfect day pack.