Spring | Summer Camino De Santiago Packing List: Walk the Way Like a Pro!

[@filiporoque4997]

with these "Amazing tips" I have nearly reduced 1 kg (eg 1 $ rain Poncho, mash bag for washing, 2 trash bags for bugs) what I do take is only a .500 ml plastic water bottle and in case of emergency I tag along is a sawyer 40 gm to filter the water x Dankeschoen

[@Caminohacks]

That's great to hear you've reduced the weight of your pack by 1g! Well done. It's your choice, but I would say you do not need to take the water filter, if you're ever in doubt and don't trust the water source, simply buy a large bottle of water from a shop. If money is tight, go to a supermarket and the water is super cheap there.

[@filiporoque4997]

@@Caminohacks Thanks for the tips one never stop learning ( I Laughed aloud when you mentioned "you are not walking in a third worls counntry" thank you for what you do ( yes now I do watch "Nadine walks"

[@Caminohacks]

@@filiporoque4997 ha ha, yes, people seem to forget that there are lots of shops and supermarkets in Spain and Portugal where you can buy almost everything you need. Nadine is great :)

[@mieze3333]

Thank you. I am writing this comment after my first week on the camino frances. It is my first time and did not know what to pack. Your video helped A LOT. ✨️✨️

[@Caminohacks]

I'm so pleased to hear that, thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video and leave a nice comment. I hope your first week has gone well and your legs are getting used to all the walking? Buen Camino!

[@gabrielcaulfield]

Thank you for the tips!

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for watching

[@nina8680]

Really helpful. Starting mid may. So this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Seems like I’m on the right track packing wise. The mesh wash bag is definitely added to my list.

[@Caminohacks]

Hi Nina, thank you for taking the time to leave a nice comment. I'm glad the video has proved useful for you. Great to hear that you're on the right track with your Camino packing too. Will you be taking a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner?

[@nina8680]

@@Caminohacks I think I will bring my (super lightweight) sleeping bag. I kind of like the idea of having that little bit of comfort, that ‘home’ to sleep in every night. This topic seems to be the #1 topic everywhere, I guess you only know afterwards if it was the right choice right?

[@Caminohacks]

@@nina8680 Some home comfort is a good idea, help you stay cozy and warm. Yes, around Spring it's either sleeping bag chat or what footwear 😁. I think you've made the right choice deciding to take it, and If it gets too warm, you can simply unzip it.

[@jayhoughton4174]

I’ve still got my talon 44 in the attic, but haven’t really used it since buying my exos 48 a few years back 😀👍

[@Caminohacks]

I may have to check out this new pack of yours, thanks for the heads up ☺️

[@griseldanelson2141]

Fantastic , informative video. Thank you. Many great tips to take away. 👌

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and leave such a nice comment. My hope is that my videos can help people wanting to walk the Camino, so hearing comments like this make it all worth while.

[@christiankreps5920]

The mesh wash bag is a great idea. It's also a useful dryer (hanging off the back of your pack) for any clothes that need a little extra drying the following day while you are walking.

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you. I’ve seen so many pilgrims lose one sock in a group machine wash, the mesh bag is now a must for me. Great idea for attaching it to your bag to help with drying. I always take x2 pegs to help attach wet clothes to my bag.

[@deranocasper]

Brilliant video what's your favourite trek cheers

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks. Well, I do love a Camino. For community it’s the Camino Frances, the meseta in late spring summer is my favourite section. The Portuguese espiritual is a lovely trek too, and you get to cheat on the last day by taking the boat 😂 How about yours?

[@deranocasper]

@@Caminohacks that's fab i liked your packing ideas what to take I need to look at your info I need check in with the family not sure i can do all the trek defo 17 days or more i will check out more of your videos I am from Ireland up north I need to start getting hiking legs fit

[@Caminohacks]

If you’ve got 17 days then you could comfortably walk the Portuguese in full and have enough time left to carry onto finisterre. Or, you could probably get as far as Leon on the Camino Frances - starting in St Jean. The Frances is an amazing experience. I have a video that shows you were you can get to on the Frances with limited holiday. If you have an questions then let me know.

[@briantremblay]

Thank you Dan! This is one of the best Camino gear / packing videos I have seen. Well organized and explained. And you've given me a couple items to add to my list! 🙂

[@Caminohacks]

That is really kind of you to say, Brian. Thank you, it's comments like this that encourage to me make these videos. Pleased to hear I've given you some ideas of what to add to your list! Wishing you a great journey. Buen Camino, my friend.

[@naturalspanish1049]

Cierto que la mochila es un pelín ( tampoco mucho) grande, pero el contenido muy, muy bien pensado. Se nota la experiencia.

[@Caminohacks]

Gracias, mi amigo. The extra space in my backpack comes in handy for all the Santiago cake I buy for friends and family when I finish 😄 Buen Camino

[@naturalspanish1049]

@@Caminohacks jajaja. No es mal uso de ese espacio extra.

[@Caminohacks]

Gracias 😄

[@GM-le2vh]

Thanks for the video. Just wondering what was the total weight of your pack, Buen Camino

[@Caminohacks]

Apologies for missing that off, I ran out of time. The pack was around 6/7KG (the heavier one being when I include more gear for early spring). As a rule try to keep your pack to a max of 10% of your body weight.

[@paulbishop8969]

Hi Dan, Thank you so much for your videos, very well explained and thorough, the best ive seen! I am using your packing list as a template for my first Camino (Frances) starting 29th May for 30-40 days. I have a quick question: I have my sleeping bag liner and layers as suggested, but for this time of year should I take my lightweight sleeping bag (as a back up incase I end up staying in a church or something if theres no accomadation). I am trying not to overpack but maybe it would be re-assuring to have it? Also I am arriving after 7pm and I am finding there are not many B&B's or hotels with availablity online (this weekend) in St Jean Pied, can you reccomend anywhere? (I figure I will need the following day to get my Camino passport documents etc before starting on the 1st May) 🙂

[@Caminohacks]

Hi, thanks for taking the time to leave me such a nice, positive comment - made my day! Good question, I walked last year from May 21st onwards and I got chilly in the albergue in Granon, so warm my thermal leggings were a must. I don’t think there will ever be a night you have no accommodation, so you don’t need to be concerned about that. My advice would be, if you think you’ll be cold take the sleeping bag (bonus points if it’s lightweight), as you may well have to use it in early June. Mid June onwards it will start to get warm. It comes down to personal preference and how you sleep. If you normally get chilly at night then try to make sure you’ll be warm and get a good nights sleep - it is a holiday after all. But, if you take the sleeping bag you could cut some weight and not take the leggings. I’ve done a search for the night of May 29th in St Jean on booking.com and there are a few dorm rooms still available at reasonable prices. I like to know I have a bed waiting for me at the start of the Frances, so you might want to secure that for piece of mind. Another option, you can stay in Bayonne and get the train up in the morning. La vita e bella looks nice in St Jean, I’ve not stayed there but it has good reviews on booking.com. Let me know how you get on. Buen Camino!

[@HeatherRheaDawn]

Amazing! Great information! Thank you!

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you, always happy to help ☺️

[@raquelmarinho1102]

Tks for the tips! I liked your pronounce in Havaianas !!! 😄 ♥️ kisses from Brasil

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you from the UK. I’m guessing you don’t pronounce it like me then :)

[@raquelmarinho1102]

@@Caminohacks no I don’t ! 😄😄 but its great! Now I know how to say it in english 🌸

[@Caminohacks]

@@raquelmarinho1102 Ha, well I'm glad you learnt something from watching my video 😄 I need to find out what it sounds like in Portuguese now.

[@lizmichaelson4023]

Very helpful video, many thanks. A question please. I am doing my first Camino between mid April and mid May. I have about a month so plan to start in Burgos and hopefully finish in Santiago! I plan to stay in a mix of private and municipal albergues and some hotels. Are there blankets in all the albergues and can I survive with just a sleeping bag liner or would I be too cold? Also what about a pillow case? Or do you use clothes to cover the pillow provide? Many thanks and buen camino! Liz

[@Caminohacks]

Hi Liz, thanks for your lovely comment about my video. Exciting, your first Camino! You will have an amazing adventure. There are blankets in some albergues, but you can't always rely on getting one. If you're trying to keep the weight of your pack down I would take the liner and try getting a lightweight thermal top and some leggings, that way you're ok at night. If in May it heats up you can simply send them home. Lots of albergues supply disposable paper sheets and pillow cases, so you should be ok to not take a pillow case. On the odd occasion they don't, simply pop your t-shirt over it. Burgos is a lovely city to start in, then you my fav section, the meseta! Buen Camino

[@glennh2965]

A great packing tip. Apart from Undies and Socks, if the word 'Spare' is used...don't take it. The very best thing you can take is a light pack!! Have fun.

[@Caminohacks]

@@glennh2965 I love that, as it's so easy to think we need 'spare' items...which only weigh us down.

[@deborahcrawford9079]

How about mid April to mid-May? Much rain?

[@deborahcrawford9079]

Forgive me…great video, thanks for sharing your experience

[@Caminohacks]

Hi Deborah, I think in mid April you’ll get hit with both rainy days and also nice warm sunny days, so you’ll maybe want to take waterproof trousers and a poncho. I went may 21st last year and only had 2/3 rainy days

[@bonnieg3793]

If you could share links to your items or would be appreciated. Great video

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Links are now up on the video page, hope they help.

[@TheRubatto]

Great video! I'm curious to know how much weight in total that was

[@Caminohacks]

Thank you for taking the time to leave a nice comment. I packed my bag for my most recent Camino (the Camino Baztan), using items from this video and it came in at 6.25kgs.

[@Caminohacks]

When in the year are you planning on walking and which Camino, if you don't mind me asking?

[@TheRubatto]

@@Caminohacks Hey, Thanks for replying. It's impressive it only came in at 6.25kgs. I have struggled to get mine below 7.5kgs with similar items. I've decided that I will go with that weight and on the way I will adjust according to how I feel things (I weight 67kgs)

[@TheRubatto]

@@Caminohacks I will be doing the Camino Frances. I'll be starting on Apr 28th from Pamplona

[@Caminohacks]

@@TheRubatto Is there anything in your pack you can replace for a lighter version? This might sound silly, but remember not to weigh the clothes you'll be wearing. How many tops, socks, underwear are you taking? Are there any heavy items? Have you popped a guide book in there? A way around taking the weight of a guide book is to photograph each page on your phone, then create an album for it in your photos section of your phone. If you give me some more details I'll try and help you.

[@glennh2965]

Merino t-shirts are far superior to technical t-shirts. They never smell! Some people find them a little ichy but one or wo washes sorts that out.

[@Caminohacks]

Thanks for the heads up on the Merino wool t-shirts. The ones I saw were quite expensive, is there a particular brand you recommend?

[@storiestellr]

technicals fry much faster though, so that’s my preference

[@Caminohacks]

@@storiestellr that's good to know, thanks for saying that Gerrit. I currently only use technicals

[@storiestellr]

@@Caminohacks I carried both last year, and I know what i’ll be taking this year 😜

[@Caminohacks]

@@storiestellr That's what I love about the Camino, you go and then realise 'why did I bring this item?!' Lesson learned, ha ha. Which Camino route are you walking this year?

[@boomerangsruckflug8513]

I learned the weight of our bagpacks should be max. 10% of our body weight.

[@Caminohacks]

Apologies for the delay in replying. Yes, very good point - maximum 10% of your body weight. The water is what adds a lot of weight for me in the summer

[@harrykey2448]

I hate walking poles. They are pointless. I have never seen them used correctly. Mostly they are carried and get in the way. In August I start my twelfth Camino from St Jean. My pack is 25ltr plus 5. With all my gear in it the weight is 3.6kgs. I use Altra Olympus trail runners with toe socks and thin Bridgedale merino wool mix over. I never get blisters and never get sweaty feet. I am 75 years old and have given myself 34 days to comfortably walk the 800 kms of the Frances.

[@Caminohacks]

I agree that there can be a lot of people on the trail that don’t seem to know how to use them, but when used properly they can be a life saver. Great for going up hills and a life saver coming down hills, especially after Cruz de fero. 12 Camino’s! Wow, that’s amazing going. 3.6kgs is super lightweight, nice work getting it down such a low weight. Good to hear the double sock method works for you, my feet don’t get on with it in the heat, so I stick single socks. You’re an inspiration, I hope your forthcoming Camino is a good one. Buen Camino!

[@harrykey2448]

I will soon be setting off on my 12th Camino from SJPDP. I have literally never seen anyone using poles correctly. I have seen blistered hands and people complaining of repetitive strain injuries caused by using poles incorrectly. I use Altra Olympus trailrunners. They breathe so well that even using double socks my feet never get hot. As for the descent after the Cruz de Ferro...at 75 years of age I never have a problem. Wind rain snow and sunshine. Poles just get in the way and slow people down.

[@Caminohacks]

Well, you've not seen me use my poles! 😂. Sounds like the people you've seen using them could've done with watching a KZbin video tutorial, ouch. I've heard Altras have a lot of toe room. Great you've found a combination that works for you on all your Caminos. Glad to hear you get no problems with the decent down from Cruz De Ferro. Buen Camino for your 12th Camino!

[@Emy53]

You have a lot of shoes. Is that normal? I imagine pilgrims might smell a lot of sweat. I hope they change with every bath. That doesn't seem like a lot of underwear, but I am not an expert, nor have I ever done this. I am here to learn. Thank you.

[@Caminohacks]

Hi, thanks for watching the video. I have shoes for winter/spring hikes (gore-tex) and shoes for the summer months (lighter and breathable). I only ever take one pair to walk in. People can get very smelly after a long walk in the heat, but all of the accommodation has showers, which you use once you've gotten into the accommodation. You only really need two outfits if you're walking in the warmer months, so two pairs of underwear are fine. You walk in one, then after you shower you pop on your clean pair. It does mean you have to wash them each day though - which is better than a bag full of heavy, dirty clothese. The aim is to try and pack light. It can take a bit of practice, but can become very freeing needing less. I'm here to help if you need anymore advice. I think it's great you're learning about the Camino, it can be a truly life changing trip.