This article on choosing gear for the Camino de Santiago is part of a long series dedicated to the pilgrimage of Saint James of Compostela. You'll find plenty of practical information on how to organise and prepare your hiking trip (routes, equipment, season, clothing, physical preparation, tips… etc.). Find at the bottom of this article the list of links to the other articles in the series!
The decision is made — and more importantly, your departure date is set. That's the first major step. The second is getting the right gear for the Camino de Santiago. The success of your journey depends on your choices. A pack that's too heavy will slow you down, while a well-thought-out pack will keep you moving freely. Careful attention must be paid to what goes inside your backpack — but that's not all. The choice of footwear is equally important. We don't all have the same feet, so be vigilant. The temptation to bring along a few home comforts is strong. A few rules should be followed to make the most of this long-distance hiking journey.
What is the maximum total weight?
There's no single answer. You'll need to take several factors into account, and it's also very personal. That said, some fairly general advice can be given. The average recommended weight for a woman's backpack is 10 kg and 12 kg for a man. This is purely theoretical. First, assess which season you'll be doing your hiking in, as winter means packing more clothing. Will your budget allow you to buy lighter gear? What gear for the Camino de Santiago can you absolutely not do without? Your goal isn't to wonder every day whether you're missing this or that item, but to fully enjoy your journey. Learn in particular, on multi-day hiking trips, to optimise your backpack. You should also practise knowing how to pack it correctly by following a precise method. [caption id="attachment_10889" align="alignright" width="263"]
gore-tex hiking shoes Trekker lite[/caption]
Footwear
Don't overlook the importance of the choice of footwear ! Good footwear will help you prevent the risk of injury. It forms the link between your body and the ground. We all have very different foot sensitivities. Indeed, some people will find that blisters from the very first kilometres. You have a choice of several models of high-cut shoes suited to hiking. Try them both during your training walks to see which fits your feet and your chosen route best — but don't set off in shoes that haven't been broken in, or in trainers or other unsuitable footwear. Be careful when choosing this type of gear for the Camino de Santiago.The backpack
Finding the right compromise for a backpack is no easy task. How do you navigate the options? Go for a large backpack but it will be heavy, or choose a small one — lighter, yes, but you may find yourself short on gear for the Camino de Santiago. To help you decide, ask yourself a few key questions. What is my budget? What weather conditions am I likely to face, and during which season? If it's winter, extra clothing will be needed. What type of hiking am I going to do? Over how many days? Fully self-sufficient? If so, you'll need to plan for water and food. Will I be able to attach gear to the outside of my backpack to save space? All these questions will help you choose the most suitable backpack. To do so, check out our previous tips on the subject and select a a quality, sturdy backpack.
Clothing
You might think you need to pack a lot of clothing to fight off the cold. There's no need to bring "loads". There's a system well known among hikers: the 3-layer system. You'll be able to adapt your outfit to all conditions while staying comfortable. The first layer sits closest to your skin and its job is to keep you dry by wicking away perspiration. Cotton is a no-go. The second layer keeps your body warm and must be insulating. Finally, the third layer protects you from the elements (wind and rain) while also allowing moisture to escape from the inside. This technique applies to both the upper and lower body. For other clothing choices (underwear, socks…), take the minimum and the essentials. We'll cover the choice of clothing by season for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in more detail in upcoming articles.The rest of the gear for the Camino de Santiago
What else do you need? You'll no doubt be tempted by a few purchases. It's advisable to carry a small amount of cash — but not too much, so as not to attract thieves. A bank card is a good compromise. However, make sure you'll be able to use it along your route (different countries, banking fees…). A mobile phone isn't essential, but it remains a valuable ally if you find yourself in difficulty (112 is the European emergency number) or if you want to keep your loved ones updated. Here too, be mindful of your network operator's coverage. It would be a shame not to get the credencial — the little booklet that serves as your "pilgrim's passport". It gives you access to pilgrim hostels, which will stamp it, entitling you to the Compostela, the certificate that marks the completion of your pilgrimage. Tradition has it that every pilgrim should carry a scallop shell to be recognised by fellow pilgrims — the one piece of gear truly specific to the Camino de Santiago. Whether you choose to follow this tradition is entirely up to you.
We've covered an overview of the gear for the Camino de Santiago that you'll need. This advice is general and should be adapted to each individual. Who knows you best? You do! Trust yourself. You're now ready and motivated to begin this new adventure.
Other articles in the series on the Camino de Santiago:
