Packing lists for travel are so incredibly personal that I usually wouldn’t advise you what to take on a trip. What one person considers essential, I may think, is ridiculous and vice versa. However, when you are trying to figure out what to pack for the Camino de Santiago when you only have two weeks to walk, I think you have to follow a guide.
Packing List for Walking the Camino de Santiago (Full List)
Since I announced I was setting off on The French Way, I have been asked exactly what to pack for the Camino de Santiago several times.
I only had a couple of weeks for my pilgrimage, and it didn’t go so well (full story to come), so I can’t count myself as an expert. Nor did I do nearly enough research. I only had five days to get everything ready when I booked my flight until I flew out.
But even so, there was nothing in my backpack that I felt like I could leave behind, and this is everything that I recommend you pack for the Camino de Santiago.
What to pack for the Camino de Santiago for two weeks?
Weight and comfort are the only things you want to think about when figuring out what to pack for the Camino de Santiago. Most people limit their Camino backpack to 10% of their body weight which is a good starting guide.
My full backpack with all the gear below weighed over 10 kgs. But luckily, my trusty Trespass Harket 35L Backpack is comfortable. So while it was a little heavier than I would like, it wasn’t as bad as some of the 25 kg backpacks I saw.
It also fits in a carry-on for the plane, and I definitely wouldn’t go more significant than this.
Clothing for Camino de Santiago:
North Face Hedgehog Gore-Tex Walking Shoes
Jandals
Undies x 3
Beanie
Merino Thermal tops x 2
Buff
Merino Thermal Trousers
Waterproof Trousers
North Face Waterproof Jacket
Plastic waterproof Poncho
Ethics T-Shirt x 2
Running shorts
Merino wool socks x 4 pairs
Sweater
Sun hat
Woolen Gloves
Sunglasses
Electronics:
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Inch
Samsung NX11 Camera
GoPro Hero2
HTC Desire S smartphone
iPod
Travel USB memory sticks x 4
European plug travel adapter
Medical Supplies for Camino de Santiago:
Asthma Inhaler
Sunblock
Compeed Blister Block (various sizes)
Nurofen
Needle and Thread
Padded sports strapping tape
Other essential Camino de Santiago items:
Sleeping Bag
The ultimate silicone sleeping earplugs
Renewable grocery bag
Ziplock bags for waterproofing electronics
Toilet paper
Twistie clothesline
Duct tape
Quickdry towel
1L Reusable Sigg drink bottle
Paper notebook and pens
Whistle
Spork
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Ok, even this list is slightly personal to me. And you can argue about a few of the items in my backpack. But for my sanity and to keep this blog updated, I sacrificed weight to save things like my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and GoPro Hero2 in my Camino kit.
If I wanted to do it as a total-blown pilgrim convert, I could easily have left all the electronics at home. I also would have cut down on my clothing by losing one t-shirt, two pairs of socks, one pair of undies, and a thermal.
But for the benefit of my other pilgrim buddies, I didn’t want to have to walk alone smelly the entire time!