Female Camino de Santiago packing list, less IMPOSSIBLE!

[@caminotellers]

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[@carmenpeguero2493]

I registered awhile ago and also bought your book. I will be doing the whole Camino Frances, and then proceed to Finisterre. I thank you both for your helpful insight and instructions. May the good Lord keep you both safe and healthy. Much love to you.

[@caminotellers]

@@carmenpeguero2493how is the preparation going??? BTW, thanks for purchasing the Journal, let us know how you find it- remember about the “future me” letter! ❤

[@allisonrivero9252]

Erica, your video is terrific. I just would humbly ask if you would consider doing a video for women about what to do on your monthly period, because that must affect a lot of things. For one, more bathroom stops...are there enough decent bathrooms along the way? Will it mean slowing the pace down quite a bit? Do you have any tips for how to make that time of the month go well while walking long distances? (Are European women okay with talking openly about this? I don't know, but I would definitely watch a video on it!) I am preparing for my first camino and I am so excited to find your channel!

[@georginasawyer6524]

are you serious ?

[@allisonrivero9252]

@@georginasawyer6524 Yes. I have debilitating cramps and extremely heavy flow. It's a real concern. Didn't want to give TMI...

[@caminotellers]

Hello Allison, thanks a lot for your message, you are not alone with this, do not worry ❤️ From my personal experience, when I have my period, I take sanitary pads, baby wipes, a plastic bag, and tissues with me. This is because, as you mentioned, there are stretches like the Meseta or here on Camino San Salvador (where we are walking now) with no public bathrooms. I feel the need to change often due to my susceptibility to infections, and this method allows me to stay clean and carry any rubbish with me until I reach the next available facility. Some women might use tampons or a menstrual cup, I'm hesitant about their hygiene for myself, especially since it's not always possible to wash hands frequently without bathroom facilities. I'm prone to infections, so these options are definitely not for me. You'll have the chance to wash your underwear daily, so there's no need to bring a lot of it. I take only 3. Also, though I don't have direct experience, I've heard about a brand of underwear designed for heavy periods. If this applies to you and you're interested in trying it out: www.thinx.com/thinx/collections/shop-all-period-underwear/products/sport?variant=7550019777 The downside could be that they take longer to dry. I use only the quick drying undies, and I just make sure to get changed really often. One other thing I do - whenever I can - is taking a day off when I have the period, it is easier if you don't have a tight schedule and if you are not booking ahead so you are flexible. I hope it helps, but if you have specific questions please let me know! Buen Camino 🥰

[@allisonrivero9252]

@@caminotellers thank you so much Erica, this is super helpful!!!

[@jesusoffthewalls]

Zpacks is awesome. Hello from California!

[@caminotellers]

Hello there!

[@meredithmarek1]

Hi Erica! Thanks for sharing your pack. I’ve walked the Camino Frances already but am leaving in a few weeks to walk the Portuguese route and I’ve cut my pack in half (it’s under 5kg, was closer to 10 on previous pilgrimages and you’re absolutely right that it makes all the difference!). For this journey I also ordered your Camino journal and it arrived today. It’s gorgeous and I’m so happy to bring it with me on this trip. Thanks for all your and Ricky’s contributions in this space! Hope to see you two out on the Camino someday! Buen Camino!

[@caminotellers]

Thanks for you message, it means a lot for us! 5kg is a great result and we share the same idea, every pilgrimage we adjust more and more… let’s see if one day we walk with nothing ?? 🤣 we wish to meet you on the Way 🥰 thank you

[@Elisa-xm5ii]

@onthetrailwithbart523 I can confirm that the only reason Eu citizens don't buy from brands like Zpacks or the likes from outside Eu is indeed the amount of taxes: import tax which is ( for example to Finland) 2,7% only but VAT is a hefty 24% so the total of 26,7% is collected from the end price including postage (59usd for Zpack) So a pack costing say 399usd+59usd for shipping will end up costing 589usd with tax & vat which is ludicrous and makes us look elsewhere. Realise these small companies can't have side branches in Eu so we have to find other small businesses locally here making similar stuff.

[@heatherp7902]

Hey Elisa, did you find anything similar in the EU? I'm currently searching for a bag! :))

[@kateraedavis2015]

Such a helpful video! Thanks for creating, and for breaking down section by section - just the right amount of detail. And thanks extra for links!

[@caminotellers]

Glad it was helpful! We recorded nearly 2h of footage, but then… yep, it felt like a sweet spot!

[@ruthduncan6256]

Wow…wow…the best light packing list I have ever watched, basic and simple…similar to how I pack now from my first Camino….I have a smaller frame body so I take 25lt Osprey backpack only weighs 819g..thanks for sharing, others that claim lightweight should watch you and Ricky…lol keep sharing and loving 💗🌸🇦🇺

[@caminotellers]

Thanks a lot! Sounds like your backpack is also lightweight?? How heavy is the entire gear?

[@ruthduncan6256]

@@caminotellers just under 4 kilos, I have the luxury of Teva Sandals, added to my packing list 2 Camino’s ago, would not be without these. When I am a tourist I have comfort and style and my feet love them. Keep those videos coming you are a very interesting couple..💗

[@manondesrochers8989]

I just found your channel & love the info you too provide. I also have back problem & can’t use a backpack. I have a huge fanny pack but watching your video & noting you too have back pain, I feel hopefuls maybe I’ll be able to use a backpack for my Camino walk in 2026. Thank you for sharing.

[@caminotellers]

there is always hope and we are the best example of it! But it requires a correct preparation, training, core exercises and without any doubt, a small and well fitted backpack! big hugs , we are sure you can make it

[@smudger7962]

Thanks!

[@caminotellers]

Thanks a lot!

[@WhitbreadStodghill-jx6fx]

Thanks for this great list. I appreciate your authenticity. Ima big fan of the both of you!😊

[@caminotellers]

Our pleasure! I love that you noticed the authentic approach! 🥰

[@claudelambert9916]

thanks Erica , great video , Note; instead of using opaque dry bags I use clear plastic freezer bags so I can see inside at a glance , Just a thought plus they are waterproof .

[@caminotellers]

Great idea!!💡 thanks you Claude 🥰

[@teresamariajaster1791]

Thanks Erica, Very helpfull. I'm walking the Camino in September and you need more layers than just one down jacket. It would be helpful if you add the season of your walk, most likely summer. Be safe, be happy.

[@caminotellers]

Totally agree! During the early spring or October we add the mid layer.

[@АнМос]

Thanks for the great channel! Shouldn't you take 2 liters of water for a day of walking 30-35 km? The weight of the backpack is 1 kg, and the water is already 3 kg

[@IrishLegend64]

for me the poncho was uselss as i would be wet from sweat anyways!!! but of course, in some heavy downpours i was so thankful for it

[@caminotellers]

Our way is to buy a bigger poncho, as the air would flow easily..

[@DaniDarkle]

Great information that I haven’t seen anywhere else 🎉 Appreciate

[@caminotellers]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks a million for this coffee invitation ;) when is your Camino?

[@DaniDarkle]

@@caminotellers thank you Erica. What a sweet spirit you have. I’ve decided to begin my journey in a couple months.

[@helenvwalker7919]

Thank you Erica. A sensible list of what we really need when we walk the caminos.😊

[@caminotellers]

🥰🥰🥰 Helen, I don’t know if you remember, but I cut my gear nearly a HALF since the last time, especially cosmetics….

[@helenvwalker7919]

@@caminotellers I did notice. Less (luggage) is much more when you have to carry it on your back every day. You always look lovely because you are empowered and contented 💕

[@knittingpoppy]

I also have to keep the weight as low as I can have back pain. Really great video and from the research I’ve been doing, spot on! Thank you 🙏

[@caminotellers]

thank you :)

[@KarenGee-kn6nk]

Thank you so much for answering my question and for all your wonderful videos. I am planning to do the Camino Frances

[@caminotellers]

Maybe we will meet on the Way, as we will be there too

[@harrykey2448]

Hello...like you I like to travel light. I am from Scotland, and on my first Camino Frances in 2007, I used my Scottish hiking gear that weighed around 14.5 kgs. Since then I have walked multiple Caminos and through experience I have reduced what I need and therefore what I carry. On the 20th of August, I will start my 12th Camino from SJPDP. My backpack is 25L plus 5L The weight of my full pack is down to 3.6kgs. I have given myself 32 days to get to Santiago and I know that I willl have everything I willl need for the trip. What I pack is much the same as yours. I never use poles. I see thousands of people carrying them but have never seen anyone using them correctly. I have seen people with nasty blisters on their hands and people suffering with repetitive strain injuries to elbows and shoulders.

[@caminotellers]

Hello Harry! It’s great to have you feedback here! Keep us updated about you Camino

[@knittingpoppy]

@@harrykey2448 could you tell me what pack you use?

[@knittingpoppy]

@@harrykey2448 I need a small, but framed lightweight pack, in the uk

[@carmenpeguero2493]

Hello Erica, I love you and Ricky. You are both so genuine and credible. What type of health insurance do you carry when traveling? I will be doing the French Camino beginning at the end of June through August. I will be turning 71 yrs. young during my Camino, and I was wondering if you will be doing another Camino yourselves? Thanks for all the excellent tips for the Camino. Do take care of yourselves, have fun and be safe. Buen Camino!

[@caminotellers]

Wow, birthday on the Camino? That’s great! Travel insurance is a must, we recommend IATI( www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en-eu/?r=87947967011755&cmp=caminotellers), this one has 5% of for our community! Check if it fits your needs. It would be great to meet on the way, we will be walking in may/June the French way and primitivo and then maybe few extra days for finisterre and Muxia…

[@navarsandra]

Hi Erica!, I love the videos and all information about the Camino! Just a quick question can you please tell me the name and company who produce the lightweight jacket? i try to open the link but for some odd reason didn’t work. Thank you very much!🥰

[@caminotellers]

It’s the decathlon, a basic puffy jacket(spring/summer). We also added an alternative from Columbia brand which has similar característics (check the link). Thanks for your feedback 🥰

[@TanukiParis]

Hi, how you stretch with the elastic band ? Already a video about it ?

[@caminotellers]

No, we do this part in the pre Camino preparation program, but there is plenty of recourse on KZbin

[@fv1291]

How are you and Ricky doing? I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! ❤️ Filberto

[@caminotellers]

Filbertooooo where have you been? We have been missing you! We hope you are fine 🥰 we wish you a Merry Christmas too 😘

[@annetcell-ly4571]

Packing light for the Camino makes sense but what do you suggest for people who fly long distances to Spain. After a long flight where would they store their carry on bag with their normal touring clothes while they walk the Camino?

[@caminotellers]

You can already fly with Camino clothes, what many do… however you might also send a pack to Santiago and collect it when you finish- check www.casaivar.com

[@annetcell-ly4571]

@@caminotellers Thanks.

[@gmdionne]

Great video. I appreciate you being to specific! thank you!

[@caminotellers]

Glad it was helpful! Yep, many details there…

[@gaucho123able]

Could you go through your hair routine on the Camino? I also have very curly hair and struggle with how to take care of it while walking

[@caminotellers]

Hello Gaucho ☺️ thanks for your message! Can you join on today’s live stream at 7pm UK time? We are going to answer your question ☺️

[@midesilva4729]

Erica, what brand are your hiking pants? I can’t seem to find any like that.

[@caminotellers]

Hello ☺️ they are from the kids section of the Decathlon store. They are not the best ones to be honest, but they do the job. What are the features that you are looking for exactly?

[@midesilva4729]

@ looking for light weight, quick drying pants, preferably with a pocket with some stretch. We live in Bermuda so I would probably have to order them. We were just in Canada and all they had was winter ones. We plan to walk the Portuguese Camino at the end of May into June.

[@LillianChristiansen-z4j]

Hi there! Great video, What is the brand of the down jacket? Also do you recommend taking it mid-July - August in Camino Frances ?

[@caminotellers]

Hello Lillian, all the products I show are included in the descriptions of the video if you want to check all of them. The down jacket is the one from Decathlon: app.rockporch.com/prdlink/RROxckR7kK If you are in USA there is this one on REI: app.rockporch.com/prdlink/VO4DQcLxLj The important thing is that is foldable and compact. Would we take it in July - August? We do, because you never know how the weather is in Galicia, it can be cold in the early morning or evenings. Hope it helps! Big hugs :-*

[@dashelyc]

How was the pack for the Camino and would you recommend to someone with shoulder problems?

[@caminotellers]

The bag is not as important as a correct adjustment of the bag, as the overall weight is distributed rather in the waist than the shoulders, ratio 70/30… this bag can be adjusted not only to the torso length but also a a shoulder width, which is good! Once correctly adjusted, it does a good job!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

It's odd to see a European that uses an American Cottage industry backpack. I've followed the Camino Forum. People are usually REALLY resistant to Ultralite backpacking gear. I'd say at least 95% of them use heavier Osprey backpacks. Maybe it's just more expensive to order from America. And maybe it's just a cultural thing. Also, most are REALLY resistant to lightweight trail shoes. Most will opt for heavy Goretex boots.

[@caminotellers]

The ordering is one problem, another one there is still no PCT or CTD culture in Europe, we do old school hiking. But thanks to videos and marketing things are shifting, many more people are aware of different options and ultralight is a Great idea to apply! Thanks for your feedback!

[@Demi-k8o]

Hi Erica, great video . Sleeping liner is it a must or recommend ?

[@caminotellers]

Yes and yes… depending of the time of the year- for April and late September I would go for sleeping bag( if you stay in public or donation based albregues )…otherwise a sleeping liner is fine. For me must be that one as the silk ones aren’t giving me enough warmth…

[@helenwallis5914]

Great video Erica. Is there a brand of Merino T’s you use

[@caminotellers]

Thanks 🥰 the tshirs I have are from Icebreaker. These are the 125( thick) and for longer days I have (200+)

[@lottajensen7546]

Hi Erika, what is the name of your backpack? 💕

[@caminotellers]

Hello Lotta! It’s zpacks haul 40l. In the description of the video I’ll have all the links to the gear ☺️ hope it helps!!

[@KarenGee-kn6nk]

Thank you for the wonderful video. What is the style name of the Merrell shoes? Link doesn’t say and I would like to try on locally. Thank you

[@dougw63]

Though i respect your request from the vlogger…as an AT thru hiker…i would recommend altras or topos. Not oboz or merrells.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks a lot Karen! These merrels are called Antora 3, a great shoes! The merrel in general is a top quality brand, strongly recommend. Which Camino are you walking?

[@donnawilson7486]

Thanks. Do you mind the name of the light down jacket. The link to Amazon is not working for me.

[@caminotellers]

In this video I have a simple decathlon brand basic Jacket for 60 $. The other one we recommend is RAB, a bit more quality. Let me fix the link!

[@piedadmartin1899]

Thank you for your video Erica! I have 1 question: would you bring a puffer if you were walking the camino frances in may/early June? or would a sweatshirt and/or long sleeve merino shirt suffice?

[@caminotellers]

Piedad! We will start in late may with French way! I choose the puffer as the multi-use instead of a jumper, as the morning can be cold and especially when you enter Galicia. The puffer I use is not a lightweight solution, especially for me as I suffer cold weather a lot!

[@michel.h_cf99]

Thx for sharing! With how much water do you cross the Meseta during summertime?

[@caminotellers]

There are only 1 or two stretches of 14 k that you wouldn’t find any water, so for these days 2,5l is more then enough. Starting early minimise the problem with temperature and the uv umbrella also helps a lot… which month are you walking?

[@michel.h_cf99]

@@caminotellers Late August & September

[@Emy53]

Those pants that unzip, do they sell them to transform to knee length? At my age, I wouldn't feel comfortable in short pants. They look great on you though.

[@caminotellers]

Of course Emy. Keep in mind that those zip pants was a last minute purchase from Decathlon and had to go to the kids section as the adult section would not fit me (don’t know why), that’s why the short is so short! But if you go to other brands I’m sure you can find knee length zip pants 😊

[@fv1291]

Like Mom said, "Travel light, carry money". Say hello to Ricky. ❤️❤️❤️

[@caminotellers]

Hahaha like Mom said “ always count on Filbert’s humour!” And Ricky sends Namaste 🙏

[@fv1291]

​@@caminotellersMy mother would have adopted him as her second son. 😉

[@michaelburger7114]

By the way: All Osprey backpacks have a whistle integrated into the chest strap.

[@caminotellers]

They do… but in our opinion they don’t really condone really loud!

[@ilyauneroute8944]

Hola amigos !! I put my question here because it is the your last video and in english as your audience is more u.s peolpe. I was wondering why in english the say St James in place of St Jack ? I would translate St James by San Juan in spanish and Saint Jean in french. As for Santiago we say Saint Jacques (le majeur) in french. So I don't know why they confuse San Juan with San Tiago. If someone as any clue here. Thanks✝️⛪️🙏.

[@caminotellers]

Interesting question … any linguist or translator on the chat??

[@CatherineAnnWeaver]

Wayyyyyyyytoo much on Toiletries. you could reduce to 25% of that. SO much unnecessary kit. 🙄 Cut the soap in half. 😉Put in a plastic bag, not a plastic container. No deodorant, everyone smells, 🤣 just wash off beginning end of day with water.😇 I use just half bar soap for a long 3 month trip ( Latin America) to wash my hair and clothes. Only water to wash body. No hair shampoo. Small tube toothpaste. NO plastic containers as too bulky. No Towel. Take a flannel or hand cloth to wipe off excess water. I bring an ultralight short sleeve shirt that covers my butt. Put on after washing, it absorbs excess water and you dry off. It doubles up as an ultralight hiking shirt if temps get too hot. Sunscreen yes but High factor in small container. ...thats a start. For a 3 month trip my SPARE clothes are 1 x Rab 87gm T shirt highly breathable. 1 pair socks. 1 pair pants. That's it...!!! I wear tights with shorts over the top. as my daily hiking clothes. I can alternate which I wash when needed. If cold I put on my Over/Waterproof trousers. One Fleece, one 350gm PHD goose down jacket, One waterproof jacket...all lightweight pack small. If space left I add a Montane wind shell. Plus a 970gms tent, 800gm sleeping bag, 350gm mat, 200gm Speedster Alcohol stove set up... Backpacking light and simple with a bed on your back so you never have to rush to grab a bed with a hundred other competitors...you can pitch up anywhere on the trail if you get tired or its a top notch viewpoint for a sunrise...Freedom wild camping....PLUS the Packs Arc Haul 60 litre Pack of course...Ciao❤👍🙋‍♀

[@caminotellers]

Wow! You are good at that! We wish to get to that stage when we only take what we have on us… hugs 🤗

[@CatherineAnnWeaver]

@@caminotellers 🙂

[@dougw63]

Wait, who the heck was that guy on the t shirt? Haha

[@caminotellers]

It wasn’t Ricky ! Hahahaha

[@grahamwallace]

Great video Erica.

[@caminotellers]

Thanks Graham! Only few days till your Camino, how do you feel?

[@grahamwallace]

It’s actually a few weeks. I start 20th April which is just as well as I’m really struggling with plantar fasciitis in my right foot. Getting a steroid injection on Thursday so hoping that will help.

[@caminotellers]

@@grahamwallace oooow! Please take care and take it easy… we want to meet you somewhere on the way this year!

[@pismorichy]

I'm on Amtrak right now to LAX, Madrid manana then Pomplona . Longgggg travel day. I brought Wayyyyy tooo much food/ snacks but will leave at a lucky Alburgue.

[@SisterSunnyFreeSpirit]

Seriously $400 for the backpack!

[@caminotellers]

Ultralight can cost a lot of money, but this is still not the most expensive backpack on the market!