Packing lists

So how do you know what you need? How long are you walking? 5 days from Sarria? 30 to 40 days from St Jean? Farther? Start by asking: what do I need to live on the road for that long?

Remember, you can buy or replace gear along nearly the whole Camino. Resist the urge to overpack!

Pack all your needs. Pack one of your wants. Pack none of your fears. Fears make packs heavy with "what if" items.

The base kit: the "List of 2"

• 2 pairs of underwear (plus sports bras if you wear them)

• 2 pairs of socks

• 2 pairs of pants or shorts (add running tights or capris if you like)

• 2 shirts, short or long sleeve (a skirt or dress for evenings is optional)

• 1 pair of boots or trail shoes

• 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops for showers and evenings

• Travel-size toiletries

• Quick-dry travel towel

• Mesh laundry bag

• Sleep sack or light sleeping bag

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Small first aid kit (blister care!)

• Tech bag: phone, charger, cable, backup battery

• Backpack and rain cover

• 1-liter water bottle

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Small headlamp or flashlight (never used in bunk rooms)

• Earplugs!

• Travel documents: passport, pilgrim credential, cards

Weight: about 8 to 10 lbs without water. Fits in a pack under 30 liters.

That's it. Plenty of pilgrims walk the whole Francés with a load that light. Wear one set, pack one set, and go. At the end of the day, shower, put on clean clothes, and wash the dirty ones. When they're dry, pack them for tomorrow. Repeat.

Things to consider adding

• Liner socks

• A puffy jacket, light jacket or fleece, depending on the season

• Merino wool base layers for cold weather

• Gloves or mittens

• Rain pants or a rain kilt

• A long-sleeve sun shirt

• A reflective sun umbrella for summer

• A bigger water bladder or a second bottle

• A small repair kit: needle, thread, duct tape

• A larger first aid kit

Weight: about 12 to 15 lbs without water. Fits in a pack under 50 liters.

For those who need extreme comfort

• A third set of clothes, so laundry can wait

• A heavy winter coat

• Camp stove

• Tent

• Sleeping pad

• A heavier sleeping bag or hiker's quilt

• E-reader

• Small laptop

• Pony

• Mid-size elephant (don't go crazy)

Weight: 40+ lbs and a 70-liter pack. Good luck on the Pyrenees.

Remember, on the Camino, less is more.

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