This article on choosing gear for the Camino de Santiago is part of a long series dedicated to the Saint James pilgrimage. You will find plenty of practical information on how to organise and prepare your hike (routes, equipment, season, clothing, physical preparation, tips… Etc). Find the list of links to the other articles in the series at the bottom of this article!
Right, your mind is made up and the departure date is set. That's the first big step. The second is gathering the gear you'll need for the Camino de Santiago. The success of your journey depends on those choices. A pack that's too heavy will slow you down, while a well-thought-out one will give you freedom of movement. Great care should therefore be given to the contents of the backpack — but that's not all. The choice of footwear is also extremely important. We don't all have the same feet, so pay close attention. 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 is no single answer. Several factors need to be taken into account, and it also comes down to the individual. That said, some fairly general guidance can be offered. The recommended average pack weight is 10 kg for women and 12 kg for men — though this is purely theoretical. First, consider what season you'll be 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 something, but to fully enjoy your journey. Learn in particular, on multi-day hiking trips, to optimise your backpack. You should also train yourself to know how to how to pack it properly using a precise method. [caption id="attachment_10889" align="alignright" width="263"]
Gore-tex hiking shoes Trekker lite[/caption]
Footwear
Don't underestimate the importance of the choice of footwear ! Good shoes will help prevent the risk of injury. They form the link between your body and the ground. We all have different levels of foot sensitivity. In fact, some people will start to develop 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 with shoes that aren't broken in, or with 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 feat. How do you choose? Go for a large pack and it'll be heavy; opt for a small one and it'll be light but lacking in essential 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 encounter, and in which season? If it's winter, you'll need extra clothing. What type of hiking will I be doing? Over how many days? Fully self-sufficient? If so, you'll need to carry food and water. Will I be able to attach gear to the outside of my pack to save space? All these considerations will help you choose the most suitable backpack. For that, check out our previous tips on the subject and select a a quality, sturdy backpack.
Clothing
You might assume you need to pack a lot of clothing to fight the cold. No need to bring "loads". There is a system well known to hikers, the the 3-layer system. You'll be able to adapt your clothing to all conditions while staying comfortable. The first layer sits closest to your skin and its function is to keep you dry while wicking away perspiration. Cotton is to be avoided. The second layer must keep your body warm and should be insulating. Finally, the third layer is designed to protect you from the elements (wind and rain) while also releasing internal moisture. 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 on the Camino de Santiago
What else do you need? You'll almost certainly be tempted by a few purchases along the way. It's advisable to carry a small amount of cash, but not too much, to avoid tempting thieves. A bank card is a good compromise. However, make sure you can use it on your route (different countries, banking fees…). A mobile phone is not a requirement, 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 mobile operator's coverage. It would be a shame not to obtain the credencial, the small booklet that serves as your "pilgrim's passport". It grants access to pilgrim hostels, which will stamp it — earning you the Compostela, the certificate attesting to 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 specific to the Camino de Santiago. Whether you choose to follow this custom is entirely up to you.
We've covered an overview of the gear needed for the Camino de Santiago. The 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 embark on this new adventure.
Other articles in the Camino de Santiago series:
