Backpack for the Camino de Santiago: packing list, weight and tips

Packing your backpack for the Camino de Santiago is, for many pilgrims, the first big decision of the journey. What you carry on your back determines how comfortable every stage will be: a light, well-planned pack lets you fly, while a heavy one turns every climb into a struggle. That's why, in this guide, we'll help you decide what to take, what to leave at home and how to keep the weight under control, whether you're walking the Central Way or the coastal Portuguese Way.

The rule is simple: less is more. Still, a few essentials can't be left out, and in the rush of setting off it's easy to forget one thing or another. So here you'll find out how to choose the right backpack, the ideal weight, a complete packing list by category, the items that really make a difference, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Choosing the right backpack

Before deciding what to take, you need to choose the right backpack, because it carries everything else. Start with a capacity between 30 and 40 liters: that's enough for several days and also keeps you from being tempted to pack too much. Then look at the back system, which should be ventilated and adjustable to your height, so sweat doesn't soak your back on the climbs. A good hip belt is also essential, since it transfers most of the weight to your hips and takes the load off your shoulders. Finally, check whether the backpack comes with a rain cover, or buy one separately, because in northern Portugal and Galicia the rain often arrives without warning. In short, a well-chosen and well-adjusted backpack is the first step to walking without pain. If you can, try it on in the store with some weight inside and walk around for a few minutes to feel how it fits. After all, it's a companion that will be with you on every kilometer.

How much your backpack for the Camino de Santiago should weigh

The golden rule is that your loaded backpack should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight. If you weigh 70 kilos, for example, the ideal is around 7 kilos, water included. Every extra kilo is multiplied with each step and, after 25 kilometers, makes an enormous difference to your shoulders, hips and feet. So weigh your backpack on a scale before closing it, and ask yourself, item by item: will I really use this? If in doubt, leave it at home. Remember, too, that you can buy almost everything along the way, so there's no need to carry a week's worth of supplies. A balanced weight is just as important as a low weight, and further down we'll show you how to distribute it. One extra tip: weigh the backpack already loaded with water and lunch, because that's how you'll actually carry it in the first hours of the morning.

The packing list: what goes in your backpack for the Camino de Santiago

To keep things simple, we've divided the essentials into categories. That way it's easier to check before you set off that nothing is missing, without overdoing it.

Documents and money

• The pilgrim's passport and an ID, because without the pilgrim's passport you won't receive your Compostela.

• Some cash and a card, since many albergues and small cafés still don't accept digital payments.

• A copy of your emergency contacts and travel insurance, kept separately.

Footwear and foot care

• Hiking shoes that are already broken in, and light sandals to air your feet at the end of the day.

• Technical anti-blister socks and comfort insoles, which look after your feet on every stage and help prevent blisters.

• A small kit with plasters, foot balm and sun protection, always within reach.

Clothing for walking

• Light, breathable, quick-drying layers, and avoid cotton as much as possible, since it soaks up water and never dries.

• A windbreaker or a rain jacket, because the weather by the sea changes quickly.

• Sleepwear and a thin fleece for the cooler nights, especially outside summer.

Hygiene and rest

• A compact toiletry bag, with only the essentials and in small bottles, so it weighs as little as possible.

• A microfiber towel, light and quick-drying, which takes up much less space than a regular one.

• Earplugs and a sleep mask, to sleep well in shared albergues, where there's never a shortage of noise and light.

The essentials that make a difference

Some things completely change the experience on the Way. That's why we've gathered the ones we recommend most to everyone packing their backpack for the Camino de Santiago. They're all light, take up little space and solve real everyday problems on the trail:

Camino de Santiago checklist postcard

Before you pack, check everything against this illustrated postcard, which brings together the 34 essential items for the pilgrim. It's also light and beautiful, and doubles as a keepsake of your journey. That way you start the Way without the fear of forgetting something important, one of the biggest worries for anyone setting off for the first time.

→ Go to the checklist postcard

Anti-blister socks for pilgrims

Made of Merino wool, they wick away moisture and reduce friction, the main causes of blisters. That's why they're among the first things to go into every pilgrim's backpack. And to complete your foot protection, pair them with “Comfort Miles” insoles, which cushion the impact with every step and reduce fatigue on the longer stages.

→ Go to the anti-blister socks

Ultreya toiletry bag

Compact and already organized, it includes travel bottles, a spray bottle, a sleep mask, earplugs and a checklist. That way you have all your hygiene sorted in a single light, tidy piece, without needing extra space or digging around at the bottom of your backpack.

→ Go to the Ultreya toiletry bag

“Good Night” set

Sleeping in a shared dormitory isn't always easy, with the snoring, the light and the doors opening. With the sleep mask and earplugs in this set, though, you'll rest even through noise and light, and wake up ready for the next stage. A good night is half the success of the next day.

→ Go to the “Good Night” set

Cap with the yellow arrow

By the sea and on the exposed stages, the sun beats down for hours. That's why a cap makes all the difference, keeping you cool and protected as you walk. This one also has the yellow arrow embroidered on it, the symbol that guides you all the way to Santiago, and it's a lovely memento of the Way as well.

→ Go to the cap with the yellow arrow

Tip: Pack your clothes and sleeping bag in waterproof bags inside your backpack. That way you'll reach the albergue with everything dry, even in the rain.

What doesn't belong in your backpack

What you leave at home is just as important as what you take. Too much weight is the number one mistake among beginners and the main cause of pain and blisters. So avoid these excesses:

• Too much clothing. Three changes are enough, because you'll be washing almost every day along the way.

• Large packaging. Decant shampoo, shower gel and cream into small bottles and save grams and space.

• Untested gear. Only take what you've already tried out, to avoid painful surprises on the very first day.

• The “just in case” items. If you're not sure you'll use it, don't take it.

• Heavy books and too much electronics. Take a practical, lightweight guidebook instead, and just your phone charger.

How to pack your backpack

How you distribute the weight is almost as important as the total weight. So follow this simple logic when packing your backpack for the Camino de Santiago:

1. At the bottom goes the light stuff you only need at night, like your sleeping bag and sleepwear.

2. In the middle, close to your back, goes the heaviest stuff, so the weight stays close to your body and doesn't pull you backward.

3. At the top and in the outer pockets goes whatever you need within reach: water, snacks, rain cover and foot kit.

4. Finally, adjust the straps and the hip belt properly, so the backpack sits on your hips and not on your shoulders.

How to lighten your backpack

If your backpack is still heavy after packing, there's still time to lighten it. First, put each item through the decisive question again: did I use this on my last trip? If the answer is no, you probably won't need it now either. Then cut down on duplicates, because you rarely need two of everything. Also swap heavy items for lighter versions, such as the microfiber towel instead of a bath towel. And on the longer stages, consider luggage transfer, especially if you have back problems. That way you walk with only a small daypack, and the rest travels ahead to your next accommodation. In short, every gram you leave out is a relief you'll feel at the end of every kilometer.

The most common packing mistakes

Even with a good packing list, there are mistakes that repeat themselves trip after trip. Knowing them helps you avoid them:

• Filling the backpack to the brim. Always leave some room for purchases and for stowing your sleeping bag in the evening.

• Burying the rain jacket at the bottom. When it starts to rain, it's too late to go looking for it, so always keep it within reach.

• Carrying too much water. There are fountains and cafés frequently along the way, so you don't need to haul liters of water from the morning on.

• Wearing shoes on the Way for the first time. As we mentioned, the Way is no place to break in new shoes.

• Ignoring the backpack's adjustment. A light but poorly adjusted backpack will still hurt your back and shoulders.

Frequently asked questions

How much should my backpack for the Camino de Santiago weigh?

At most about 10% of your body weight, water included. So between 5 and 7 kilos for most people. That way you walk comfortably even on the longer stages and greatly reduce the risk of injury.

What backpack size should I choose?

For the Way, a backpack of 30 to 40 liters is ideal. A bigger one will only tempt you to take too much. Also look for a model with a good back system and hip belt, which make all the difference after several days.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

In most albergues, yes, or at least a light sleeping bag liner for hygiene reasons. In summer, though, a thin sleeping bag is perfectly enough and weighs almost nothing.

How do I protect my backpack from the rain?

Use a rain cover on the outside and waterproof bags on the inside, especially for your clothes and sleeping bag. That way, even in downpours, the essentials reach the albergue dry.

Is luggage transfer worth it?

If you have back problems or want to spare your feet, yes. You walk with only the bare necessities, and the rest travels between accommodations, which makes the long stages far more manageable.

Where do I buy the gear I'm missing?

You can sort almost everything out calmly before you leave. In our shop you'll find the pilgrim's essentials, from foot care to hygiene and rest, so you head out the door with everything taken care of.

If you're still planning your trip, finish by taking a look at the tips and guides for the Portuguese Way, with useful information about stages, the pilgrim's passport and the Compostela.