Before I set out on the Camino, I shared my packing list. Now, I am writing a new blog post about the experiences I had along the way, about the things I might have been able to do without, and about the things I will definitely pack if I go again.
Before I left, I had been told that it was important to pack as lightly as possible, but I have to admit that I thought, that a few extra things would be okay. I learned my lesson. I will always assess whether each item is necessary, and if it’s not, leave it at home. After two weeks on the Camino, my shoulders started to hurt quite a bit, and I ended up considering every piece and removed as much as I could.
Things I could have done without in my bag:
- 2 pairs of socks instead of 3 pairs
- 1 sports bra instead of 2
- I would consider 2 tops instead of 3
- Headlamp – I think this is very individual, but I never used mine. I usually packed my things in semi-darkness or went out of the dormitory to finish the rest.
- Thin gloves – I never used them, even though it was a bit cold some mornings
I also didn’t use much space for blister plasters and other medical stuff. I decided I would buy it along the way if I needed it. And I actually ended up walking the entire Camino without a single blister, so I was glad I didn’t carry more than 4-5 small plasters. There are many places where you can buy various plasters, creams, and tape along the way.
Need-to-have in my bag:
- Merino wool clothing – wow, I was happy with my wool clothing along the way. It was so nice that I could hang it up to air; many days I could skip washing it. At the same time, I could keep warm much better than those who were sweating in their polyester t-shirts, which quickly became wet and cold.
- My zip-off pants from Fjällräven. The material is so nice! They were really soft and comfortable to wear, and I think they worked so well for both hiking and relaxing.
- A good sleeping bag – I think I could have managed with a slightly thinner sleeping bag, even though the one I brought was really nice. Space-wise and weight-wise, it would have been nice with a slightly smaller one. Mine was bigger than others’, but I didn’t freeze a single day.
- A sweater for relaxing in the afternoon/evening. I brought a cotton shirt that I never hiked in, but it was really nice to change into when I arrived after a long day.
- Wool socks – on hot days, I often changed my socks during the day to keep my feet as dry as possible. And again it just felt really good with wool.
- Sunscreen – I had a good sunscreen for my face that I used every day. I couldn’t have done without it, considering how much I was outside.
- Toiletry bag with a hook. I was really happy with my practical toiletry bag. Almost everywhere I showered, there was only one hook to hang things on, so it wouldn’t have been easy without that hook in my toiletry bag.
- Good hiking boots. They are not in the bag, but I couldn’t have done the Camino without them. I know there are many opinions on what is best to walk in on the Camino, so hiking boots may not be the best for you, but I was very happy with mine.
Nice-to-have in my bag:
- Camera – I carried my camera, which weighed 600 grams. It would have been easier without it, but I didn’t regret bringing it.
- Massage ball – Maybe I only used it 10 times, but some days my feet hurt, and I felt it helped. I could probably have done without it.
- Embroidery hoop, thread, and needles – I love being creative and brought a small embroidery kit. I only used it a few times.
Also, read How to get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Camino thoughts.
