Packing Guide for a 14 Day to 34-Day ( Full Camino Frances or Norte ) Backpacking Adventure on the Camino de Santiago (Under 10kg)
The Camino de Santiago is a physically demanding yet deeply rewarding pilgrimage. Packing light is essential to make the journey comfortable and manageable, as you’ll be walking long distances daily. With a limit of 10kg (including the backpack and min’ 1 lite of water ), every item must be carefully selected to balance weight, comfort, and necessity.
Here’s a practical, minimalist packing guide for your 34-day adventure along the Camino de Santiago:
1. Backpack (1.2–1.5kg)
The backpack is the most important part of your gear. Aim for a lightweight, well-designed pack that’s comfortable and allows easy access to your gear. Ideally, choose one with a capacity of 40–50L, with enough room for your gear but not too much extra space to encourage overpacking.
- Key Features: Comfortable shoulder straps, adjustable hip belt, hydration reservoir compatibility, front and side pockets.
Backpacks
- Osprey Exos 48 (approx. 1.5kg)
- Osprey Talon 44 ( very light 1.4kg – use this myself )
- Deuter Futura Vario 45+10 (approx. 1.5kg)
Recommended Pack:
Osprey Exos 48 (1.2kg) - Lightweight and designed specifically for long-distance hiking. It’s comfortable, has a good ventilation system, and is well-suited for the Camino.
Buy here – Osprey Exos 48
2. Clothing (3.5–4kg)
Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying clothing. You’ll be walking through different weather conditions, so layering is key.
Tops:
- 2x Moisture-Wicking T-shirts (0.2–0.3kg)
- Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics (such as merino wool or synthetic options like polyester) to keep you dry. Merino wool is great for wicking moisture and reducing odour. Alternatively, synthetic options are light and dry quickly.
- Buy Here at Snow and Rock – Merino Heaven
- 1x Long-Sleeve Shirt ( for Sun Protection)(0.2kg)
- A light, breathable long-sleeve shirt for sun protection in warmer weather or for evenings in cooler weather. Buy Here at Decathlon
Bottoms:
- 1x Convertible Pants (0.3kg)
- Pants that can zip off into shorts for versatility in different weather conditions.
- 1x Hiking Shorts (0.2kg)
- Comfortable for warm days on the trail.
- 1x Convertible Hiking Pants (0.3kg)
- Pants that can zip into shorts, offering versatility for different climates. Handy for the wide range of different weather conditions from cold Pyrenees through the hot arid Meseta to rainy damp Galicia
Buy here – Convertible Hiking Pants
- Pants that can zip into shorts, offering versatility for different climates. Handy for the wide range of different weather conditions from cold Pyrenees through the hot arid Meseta to rainy damp Galicia
- 1x Pair of Hiking Shorts (0.2kg)
- Comfortable and lightweight for hot days on the trail..
Buy here – Hiking Shorts
- Comfortable and lightweight for hot days on the trail..
Outer Layer:
- 1x Lightweight Waterproof Jacket (0.3–0.4kg)
- Lightweight , Compact and breathable for unexpected rain showers. Buy here – Waterproof Jacket
Underwear & Socks:
- 3x Pairs of Merino Wool or Synthetic Socks (0.2kg)
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
My own choice – Millets ! - Double Layer and Best Value Hiking Socks
Or from Snow and Rock Buy Here – Hiking Socks
- 3x Pairs of Underwear (0.1kg)
- Lightweight and quick-drying materials. My faves – Under Armour LONG boxers Buy here – Underwear
Sleepwear:
- 1x Pair of Lightweight Sleepwear (0.1kg)
- Comfortable, breathable and compact. This is Optional if you’re happy sleeping in a T Shirt. So YOU choose – but here’s a Sleep wear discussion on REDDIT
3. Footwear (1.5kg)
This could be a page on its own – and may well end up as such. But in the meantime…… TRY THEM ON – MAKE MISTAKES AT HOME. You don’t need high boots for Camino – essentially Gravel Track walking. I use half height boots but any quality comfortable, durable shoes will do and are key to avoiding blisters and injury.
THINK – Salomon or Merrell and you won’t go far wrong.
- 1x Pair of Trail Running Shoes or Hiking Boots (1.2kg)
- Choose lightweight, breathable footwear that offers sufficient ankle support and comfort for long days of walking.
Recommendation: - Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX or Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator or Moab 3 GTX
- Choose lightweight, breathable footwear that offers sufficient ankle support and comfort for long days of walking.
- 1x Pair of Sandals or Flip Flops (0.3kg)
- Perfect for relaxing at the albergues (hostels) and letting your feet breathe.
Super Light weight post hiking Recovery Sliders - Or even as replacements for Boots when its needed . These TEVA sandals are fab – tested over 7 years now. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teva-Walking-Sandals/s?k=Teva+Walking+Sandals
- Or there’s a massive range on Jeff’s site - Hiking Sandals for All
- Perfect for relaxing at the albergues (hostels) and letting your feet breathe.
4. Sleeping Gear (0.3 – 0.5kg)
If you plan to stay in albergues (hostels), sleeping gear may be minimal, but it’s still a good idea to bring some essentials for comfort and hygiene.
- Buy poly-cotton NOT silk you’ll be wayyy more comfortable.
- Buy a Rectangular one you can move in your sleep or dress under the covers easier – NOT – the shaped “Mummy” version – too restrictive.
- Sleeping Bag Liner (0.2–0.3kg)
- Light, compact, and essential for hygiene in shared sleeping spaces. Buy here – Sleeping Bag Liner
- Compact Travel Pillow (0.2kg)
- For better sleep comfort in hostels or on benches if needed. I don’t used one myself as its extra weight , Just Buy the Sleeping Bag Liner with the attached pillow envelope and put some clothes in there. Buy here – Travel Pillow
- Sleeping Bag
- You wont need these for most Caminos unless you’re a winter /Camino Inverno type – and they take up too much room and weight. But if you do ……..
- Super lightweight 1-2 Season Bag will do – Only 780 Grams and Compressible.
5. Hygiene and Toiletries (0.5kg)
Pack only essential toiletries in small, travel-sized containers.
- Toiletries Kit (0.2kg)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo (in small bottles), and a razor. Buy here – Toiletries Kit
- Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer (0.1kg)
- For quick cleaning during the day. Remember – they are Heavy so buy small and restock on the Way Buy Here – Wet Wipes
- Small Towel (0.1kg)
- A quick-dry microfiber towel for after showers. Not too Big – Think Weight Buy Here – Micro-Fibre Towel
- Toilet Paper (0.1kg)
- Always carry a small supply as some rest stops don’t provide it.
6. Food & Snacks (0.5kg)
You will find plenty of food along the Camino, but it's always good to have a small supply of snacks for energy.
- Energy Bars / Trail Mix (0.2kg)
- Easy-to-carry, high-energy snacks for on-the-go. Buy Here – Energy and Healthy Snacks
- Reusable Water Bottle (0.2kg)
- A lightweight, durable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Buy here – Water Bottle
- Lightweight Cooking and Eating Utensils (Cooking only if required) (0.1kg)
- Cooking Utensils – as sometimes they don’t supply them in all Alberques. For you just a spork or small set of cutlery will do .
Buy Here – Cooking Utensils
- Cooking Utensils – as sometimes they don’t supply them in all Alberques. For you just a spork or small set of cutlery will do .
7. Essentials and Miscellaneous (1.5–2kg)
These are items you’ll need for practical purposes and comfort.
- ID, Passport, and Camino Credential (0.1kg)
- The Camino Passport (Credential) is needed for the stamps along the route.
Buy Here – Your Camino Passport known as your Credencialé
- The Camino Passport (Credential) is needed for the stamps along the route.
- Small First Aid Kit (0.2kg)
- Include blister treatment, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief. 240Gram
Buy Here – First Aid Kit
- Include blister treatment, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief. 240Gram
- Power Bank (0.2kg)
- For charging your devices on the go.
Buy Here – Portable Power Bank - again think about weight
- For charging your devices on the go.
- Camera or Smartphone (0.3kg)
- Essential for navigation, communication, and capturing memories.
Buy Here – Smartphone
- Essential for navigation, communication, and capturing memories.
- Earplugs & Eye Mask (0.1kg)
- For better sleep in dormitory-style albergues.
- Headlamp/Flashlight (0.1kg)
- Handy for early starts or late arrivals at albergues.
Buy Here - Headlamp
- Handy for early starts or late arrivals at albergues.
- Money Belt or Secure Wallet (0.1kg) – Worn at Front – NOT Back
- For safely carrying your money and important documents.
Buy Here – Hidden Money Belt – or just a slim waist wallet
- For safely carrying your money and important documents.
8. Optional Items (0.2–0.5kg)
These items aren’t essential but may add comfort.
- Journal and Pen (0.1kg)
- For keeping notes or reflecting on your journey.
- Lightweight Fleece or Sweater (0.3kg)
- A warm layer for cooler evenings or higher altitudes.
- Compact Trekking Poles (0.3kg)
- For added support on challenging terrains.
Total Estimated Weight (Under 10kg)
- Backpack: 1.4kg
- Clothing: 3.5–4kg
- Footwear: 1.0kg
- Sleeping Gear: 0.7–1kg
- Toiletries: 0.5kg
- Food & Snacks: 0.5kg
- Essentials: 1.5–2kg
- Optional Items: 0.2–0.5kg
Total: 9.8kg – 10kg
Packing Tips:
- Pack in a compression sack for clothing to save space.
- Wear your heaviest items (boots, jacket) on the flight to save weight in the backpack.
- Avoid overpacking – You can buy or replace items along the way as needed.
- Test your pack before leaving to ensure it’s comfortable and the weight is balanced.
By packing carefully and strategically, you’ll ensure that your 34-day adventure along the Camino de Santiago is as comfortable, enjoyable, and light as possible. Safe travels!