Under 9lbs: here is the gear I packed for my Camino

First, I must admit I am not much of a gear nerd. I value having quality gear and clothing that are durable, comfortable, and affordable. While there is no correct gear list for any hike, quite a few people have asked how I managed to pack lightly for my month-long hike across Spain, so here´s a breakdown of what I brought and a few tips I´ve learned to pack efficiently.

**Below, I list my gear, clothing, toiletries, and extras. Scroll to the bottom to learn about the option to have gear transported on the Camino for those who want to pack more!

Gear

• Volpi Outdoor Gear FASTPACK30 frameless backpack

• REI trekking poles

• Altra Lone Peak 6 trail running shoes

• Sleeping bag liner

• Inflatable pillow (NEVER USED)

• Quick dry towel

• REI fanny pack

• Teva sandals

• Smartwater bottles

Unlike many backpacking trips in the United States, hiking along the Camino in Spain does not require camping; therefore, much less equipment is needed. While a few people bring gear to camp and stay at several campgrounds scattered along the trail, most folks stay in hostels called albuergues or in private hotel rooms each night. Due to this, I only brought a sleeping bag liner for when I stayed in bunk beds. Surprisingly, many hosts provided thin sleeping liners; every place had a pillow.

As for my trekking poles, I enjoy using them, especially to reduce the impact on my knees while going down and accelerating uphill. However, I stuck them in my pack about half the time as much of the trail is moderately flat and not too strenuous. I met many folks using them, and just as many went without; it is a personal preference.

As for the sandals, I can hear the whispers of ultralight hikers saying it is unnecessary to carry extra shoes, but here, I must refute them. At each albuergue, hikers must place their shoes on shelves outside shared rooms, so unless you are comfortable being barefoot in the halls, bathrooms, and potentially even the cafes attached to some albuergues, you will need a lightweight change of shoes!

The last gear note I´ll mention is about my towel. I did the first few weeks without a towel, instead opting to save weight and use my sarong as a makeshift towel, but ultimately decided it was worth the weight, and I bought one. People staying in private rooms every night don´t need to pack their own towel or sleeping bag liner.

Everything fit comfortably and easily in my FASTPACK30 from Volpi Outdoor Gear. I recommend this one for those looking for a lightweight, affordable pack. Matteo Volpi, the founder of the company and a friend of mine, puts a lot of care into ensuring his packs are durable and high quality!

Clothing

• 1 REI hiking pant

• 1 pair of hiking shorts

• 2 hiking long-sleeves

• 2 quick dry bras

• 3 pairs of merino wool socks

• 3 pairs of quick dry REI underwear

• Melenzana fleece

• Athletic dress, The North Face

• Sarong

• Rain jacket, REI

• Sunhat

TIP: Are you worried about not having enough clean clothes? Shower with your clothes on, hang them to dry, and re-wear the same outfit! This way, you can pack less and still have clean clothes (contingent on there being enough sun to dry your clothes).

Packing only a few essential clothing items is one of the best ways I keep my pack light. I hiked in late August and through September, so I was okay with one pair of pants and a fleece for the colder days. Despite the time of year, I´d always recommend bringing a rain jacket; you never know what might happen!

I am also a huge fan of quick-drying bras and underwear, as these are the things I wash the most often. I love the Patagonia Barely Bra and swear by the Active Hipster quick-dry underwear from REI. I have also recently discovered the super comfortable, breathable, and sustainable hemp underwear from WAMA. I'll be taking their hipster undies and racerback sports bra on my next adventures!

Finally, merino wool socks have worked well for me for years. They are comfortable and breathable, and I´ve avoided foot blisters while wearing them.

Toiletries

• Small tube of face sunscreen

• Toothbrush and small toothpaste

• Natural salt rub deodorant

• Shampoo bar

• Nail clippers and tweezers

• Needle and thread

TIP: Shampoo bars reduce plastic waste and double as body and face wash!

I also save on weight by bringing travel-size sunscreen and toothpaste, and especially on the Camino, there are countless towns where one can buy new toiletries for when the small ones run out.

Extras

• Sunglasses

• European converter and charger

• Basic wired headphones

• Plastic spork

• Sleeping mask

• Journal and pens

TIP: A sleep mask is a must if you plan to stay in shared bunk rooms, and earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

Some of you might be wondering if I brought a headlamp. Though I bring one on every other overnight trip, I went without it on the Camino as I was never hiking in the dark. However, I recommend using a headlamp for those wanting to walk before 7 a.m.

Gear transport

For those wanting to pack more for their Camino, there is still a way to walk without much weight by utilizing a gear transporter. At each albuergue and hotel, one can attach tags to a larger backpack or suitcase; all one has to do is fill out the tag with their name and next destination and pay the $4-6 euros. Transporters will get your bag to the next town you stay in by mid-afternoon! I saw many people use a service like this, such as JACOTRANS and El Camino con Correos.

Finding suitable clothing and gear for you and your needs is more important than following any list. However, I hope this can be a friendly guide or reference point for those preparing for their own Camino or backpacking trip.

Buen Camino!