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Walking the Camino de Santiago is a unique adventure, where you almost never sleep in the same place twice. But, unless you opt for luggage transfer services, you’ll have to carry all of your belongings with you. This means being a lot more conscious about your packing habits – something that first-timers often struggle with. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid.
Overloading your backpack
By far the most common error people make is packing too much. Pilgrims often overestimate just how heavy items feel when walking long-distances each day (10-20 kilometers). Your backpack may feel okay when you first put it on but, by the end of the day, you will really feel the consequences on your back and shoulders. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a total backpack weight of 8-10% of your body weight.
Forgetting to break in footwear
Another major mistake is assuming that new boots or trainers are a great option for this trip. This becomes a recipe for blisters, as untested footwear is a lot more likely to cause issues. Instead, choose a good-quality pair of shoes that you know are comfortable on hikes. Or, if you have to buy new shoes, spend a few weeks breaking them in before departure.
Neglecting to research the route
Not all Camino de Santiago routes are equal in difficulty. While the most popular options are very well-established and usually don’t require any special gear, others can benefit from trekking poles or mountaineering shoes, due to complex mountain terrains. Therefore, it’s important to research your route, so you know exactly what to expect.
Ignoring weather variability
Weather on the Camino can change very quickly, especially if you’re taking on this challenge in spring or autumn. Many pilgrims make the mistake of packing only lightweight clothing, assuming they’ll be fine. Equally, they ignore the need for windproof or rainproof layers (e.g. the Camino Portugues Coastal Route can sometimes be exposed to strong winds even if the temperatures are mild). It’s recommended to pack practical layers, which can be taken on or off depending on the changing weather.
Overdoing “just in case” items
When packing for a week or longer, it can be easy to bring items just in case you need them. This might be extra clothing, toiletries, heavy books, gadgets and other items that often end up unused. This, again, leads to a much heavier backpack and a more uncomfortable experience. Try to stick with the essentials only as well as prioritise multi-use items, where possible. Remember that the major routes will have shops and pharmacies along the way, in case you need something else.
Or… Travel comfortably with Santiago Ways
Packing for the Camino de Santiago certainly requires more consideration than any traditional holiday. If it’s all a bit too much for you, the other option is booking your trip via a specialist travel agency such as Santiago Ways. They will not only provide you with all of the information you need, including packing tips, but also organise luggage transfer services between the hotels, so you can pack whatever you want, only carrying a light day bag wit
