What should I take on the Camino?

This is a very subjective and much debated area, though the basic rules of thumb are always:

• if in doubt, leave it out!
• aim to carry not much more than 10-15% of your body weight

And don’t forget, CSJ members are offered 10% discount by Cotswold Outdoor (please contact the Office for the discount code if you don’t have this included in your welcome pack).

Main equipment

• Rucksack: 35–60 litres, depending on how much kit you need to carry.  Make sure all straps are adjustable and well-fitted to your own hips and shoulders: there are different designs for men and women. Go to a specialist shop where they will give you good advice and load it with the appropriate weight to test it properly. Note that it’s not the capacity that matters so much as the weight you put into it. A waterproof cover is sometimes included, this is a useful item to have if you don’t have a poncho – see waterproof gear below.  

• Water-Resistant liner bag for your rucksack.  You can buy these very cheaply but the more you pay the sturdier/waterproof/sealable they are likely to be. Alternatively, you could buy a selection of folding dry bags which are guaranteed waterproof even in immersion.  It is much easier to keep your kit organised using a variety of these smaller bags, and smelly dirty or damp washing can be sealed up away from clean clothes. Another possibility is a rucksack protector bag (to secure and protect your rucksack during air travel), some of these can be used as a water-resistant liner and some as rain covers.

• Lightweight sturdy boots or walking shoes. What you choose is up to personal preference, but we would definitely suggest boots if going in winter, late autumn or early spring, or over very rough terrain, or if you have ankle problems. Some people don’t like wearing Goretex boots in hot, dusty conditions. Again, go to a specialist shop for advice and fitting. A good shop will allow you to take boots home for a few days to wear around the house, though not outdoors, and take them back if you’re not happy with them. Don’t be tempted to buy boots that don’t quite fit because they are cheap!

• Sleeping bag and/or liner: (at many times of the year a sleeping bag liner is enough – all hostels will have blankets at least). 1 season sleeping bags are fine for summer months, but 2, 3 or even 4 season bags will be needed for cooler months, check with the retailer if you need advice. Choose the lightest weight sleeping bag you can afford. Sleeping bag liners are usually cotton or silk.
• Good waterproof gear: light poncho or rain jacket for the summer, a more windproof jacket if walking in winter.  Waterproof trousers optional, particularly in summer months. 

The following lists are suggestions only and should be adapted to the seasons and to your own needs and preferences.  Some people advise carrying no more than 10-15% of your own body weight. Remember to take account of your day’s supplies, especially water (1 litre of water weighs 1kg). You should be able to get your base weight (i.e. without the day’s food and water but including the rucksack itself) down to 7-10 kg. If you are planning to camp or wish to carry an emergency tent on some of the less developed routes, you will need to factor in the weight of a lightweight tent, sleeping mat, camping gaz stove (go for the standard #C206 190g cylinder type, since the fancier styles aren’t available in Spain), and cooking/eating utensils.

Clothing

There are many types of high-tech shirts and underwear available, most very quick drying. Newer to the outdoor market are those made from merino wool or that have silver threads woven into them, which are claimed to absorb body odours for up to three weeks.  You ought to have no trouble in washing clothes daily although wet weather can cause problems in getting things dry.

Summer Clothing List – in addition to main equipment listed above:

• 2- 4 pairs walking socks, or 2 pairs thick socks, 4 liner socks
• 3 sets underwear 
• 2 pairs walking trousers or shorts (lightweight zip-off trousers give you plenty of options)
• 3 shirts or t-shirts (lightweight long-sleeved shirts protect against the sun).
• Maybe something to sleep in – t-shirt and underwear do for most people, but you could take very light weight cotton or silk pyjamas.
• 1 or 2 thicker layers such as long-sleeve fleece jersey or jacket
• Some kind of UV protection like a hat or buff
• 1 pair lightweight flip flops for showering and/or crocs/sandals for evenings

Winter Clothing List – in addition to main equipment listed above:

• 2- 4 pairs walking socks, or 3 pairs thick socks, 4 liner socks
• 3 sets underwear. Consider taking some long base layer pants or runners’ tights
• 2 pairs walking trousers
• 3 long sleeved base layer t-shirts
• Maybe something to sleep in – but the base layer long underwear and t-shirts would be ideal
• A selection of long-sleeved fleece jerseys or jackets or technical over shirts to make a selection of warm layers
• Lightweight down jacket for keeping warm when not walking
• Fleece or wool cap
• Scarf or buff
• Waterproof gloves
• Bedsocks 
• Gaiters for walking in deep mud or snow
• 1 pair lightweight flip flops for showering and lightweight shoes or sandals for evenings
• Emergency bivvy bag

Miscellaneous 

• Passport, EHIC card or its equivalent, travel insurance documents, travel tickets, pilgrim record/credencial, credit cards, money, etc in a waterproof pouch and/or secure money belt.  Make sure that emergency contact details are recorded in your passport and/or pilgrim record
• Whistle (if you are walking alone and/or on one of the less-frequented routes or in winter)
• Basic toiletries to suit your own needs (remember soap can double up as detergent!) Be sure to check airline rules on liquids, aerosols and sharp objects if carried as hand luggage. Even if not travelling by air, hand luggage size toiletry containers save weight
• Medicines, prescription or over-the-counter, to suit your own needs (This could include Compeed for blisters, a length of Elastoplast that you can cut to the required size for small injuries, Vaseline or similar for anti-blister lubrication, insect repellent, antiseptic cream, sun cream, painkillers and antihistamines). Every village in Spain has a well-stocked Farmacia but note it might be more expensive. 
• Towel (preferably a small microfibre towel)
• Water bottle, min 1litre (consider the value of an aluminium one, which can double as a hot-water bottle, if walking in cooler seasons).
• Some safety pins (useful if you need to dry your socks etc. on your rucksack as you walk along)
• Needle and thread for sock repairs etc
• Mobile phone (essential if you are walking alone and/or on one of the less-frequented routes or in winter) and useful as an alarm clock/camera/compass/map etc
• Sunglasses are useful to have
• Guide book (essential on less-frequented routes)
• Small plastic bottle of detergent for washing your clothes – top it up as and when you get the chance – or use your soap instead
• Very small torch or headtorch as a light source first thing in the morning – many pilgrims choose to set off before sunrise
• Notebook/diary & pen – personal choice
• Camera – if not using phone
• Chargers for electronic devices and plug adapter
• Pocket dictionary/phrasebook if needed
• Plastic spoon or spork for picnic lunches or albergue cold suppers
• Thin pillowcase (some albergues may provide pillows which aren’t always as clean as you would like, some don’t provide any pillows, just stuff the case with your clothes)
• Earplugs if you are sensitive to snorers
• It’s a good idea to keep a small stash of dried fruit or nuts – some kind of high-energy snack.