The Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, disconnection and contact with nature. Preparing your backpack properly is essential to ensure a comfortable and peaceful journey. In Viajeros Canallas we give you some tips to take all the essentials to the Camino, without overloading it, but making sure to take everything we will need.
The importance of the backpack for the Camino de Santiago: What to take?
The main thing is to choose a good quality backpack that fits well on your back. For this you can opt for one that has adjustable and padded straps for greater comfort, with a capacity of between 30 and 50 litres, always trying to ensure that the contents inside are not too compact. This way, it will be enough to carry the essentials without carrying too much.
The sleeping bag
The hostels we go to usually provide sheets, but it's always best to be prepared and bring a light sleeping bag, so you can cover up if you prefer - it never hurts!
Lightweight and comfortable clothing
The clothes you wear should be breathable. Depending on the time of year you do the Camino de Santiago, you will need more or less warm clothing, but the following are essential:
You will need to bring 3 changes of clothes including breathable t-shirts, hiking trousers or running tights and underwear. We will add a waterproof jacket, a raincoat/poncho to cover you and your backpack (in Galicia you never know when it might start raining) and good technical socks. If you do the Camino on cold days, we recommend that you take a thermal T-shirt and a sweatshirt or fleece.
It is important that the socks you choose are breathable and fit your foot well, without any seams. Even if they are not very economical, it is essential that they protect your feet well and prevent possible blisters.
Another basic item to include are clothes pegs, so that you can hang up your clothes once you have washed them in the hostels, and a pocket knife so that you can cut up some food on the way. They don't weigh you down and can get you out of trouble.
Hat and sun protection
Something essential on the Camino de Santiago is to protect your head from the sun, especially in the hours of intense sunshine, so it is important to wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Even if the day is cloudy, it is essential to protect yourself.
Personal hygiene items
You should include a small toiletry bag with basic items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap or refreshing wipes, among others, and a towel for the shower. Vaseline will also protect you from chafing. We recommend that you opt for small travel packs to save space and weight, especially if you're going to be carrying your backpack for the entire trip.
First aid kit
You can include basic items such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories, bandages, disinfectant, insect repellent and any personal medication you may need.
Documentation and money
You can keep your documents such as ID card, pilgrim's credentials or any other essential document in a waterproof bag. It is always good to carry some cash, not a large amount but enough to spend a couple of days on the Camino, as in many establishments do not accept payment by card and, often, you will not find ATMs in some stages of the Camino.
Chargers
It is always good to include, in addition to the mobile phone charger, an external battery to charge the mobile phone. Although the idea is to disconnect, many pilgrims find that they want to charge their mobile phone at a certain time and can't find a place. In this case, you can use this option.
The cane
A walking stick, if used correctly, can be a great help in relieving the load on the legs and providing stability on uneven terrain.
What to pack in a small backpack: snacks and water
Whether you hire a backpack transfer service or carry your own backpack, it's always a good idea to carry a small backpack with you with energy snacks such as nuts, cereal bars or fruit. It is also essential to carry a bottle of water that you can refill along the way.
Footwear to carry in your backpack for the Way of St James
Something that is not included in the luggage but it is essential to do well the Camino de Santiago. It is essential that you include some flip-flops to use when showering or to rest your feet after the stage.
The most important thing is that the footwear you use, you have used it before and you are not going to use it for the first time on the Camino. We always recommend a pair of trekking shoes, mid-calf shoes, which are one size bigger than what you usually use because the foot ends up swelling, and with a wide sole to relieve the impact with the ground. As a second pair of shoes, we recommend a pair of comfortable trekking sandals or trainers.
How much should the backpack weigh for the Camino de Santiago?
Remember that you should not carry more than 10% of your body weight during the ride, so forget about handbags, wear light and comfortable clothes.
Remember that every pilgrim is unique and these are just some of our suggestions on what to take in your backpack on the Camino de Santiago. Now that you know what to include in it, the next thing is training. Take the backpack and get ready to live a great adventure on the Camino de Santiago!
