One of the major concerns for every pilgrim about to do the Camino de Santiago is the weight of their backpack. What must I absolutely bring? Will the backpack be too heavy? Will I be able to carry it through all the stages? Just as it happens to many of us when traveling, sometimes we pack extra items that we don’t even use. This is one of the most common mistakes made on vacations, and also on the Jacobean routes. In this article, we will learn how to avoid excessive weight in your pilgrim backpack for the Camino de Santiago.
Avoiding excessive weight in your pilgrim backpack allows for a fantastic experience on the Camino
Tips for Lightening the Weight of Your Backpack
The pilgrim backpack must follow two essential tips to be light: adhere to the 10% rule and leave the “just in cases” behind. The first is clear: the weight of your backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight. And the second is also important: come light of “just in cases,” as you will find everything you need on the Jacobean routes in case of necessity.
Starting from this basis, answering the question of what to carry in the pilgrim’s backpack is simple and helps to avoid excessive weight. A bit of common sense and considering the time of year you are doing the Camino is key to knowing what to include in the backpack.
We insist: carrying only the essentials is the best way to lighten the backpack, and following the “less is more” rule will make your experience more comfortable and authentic.
Wear the Clothes You’ll Wear the Next Day
You are a pilgrim, so, act like one. Following the line of carrying only the essentials, simplicity is what defines you as a true walker to Santiago.
Therefore, in your backpack, carry exclusively appropriate clothes for walking. Once you finish each stage, and after a comforting shower, we advise you to dress in the clothes you’ll wear the next day. This way, you avoid carrying garments that are not essential or suitable for hiking.
Pilgrims walking lightly on the Portuguese Coastal Way
Carry Changes of Clothes… But Don’t Overdo It
Of course, you will need to carry changes of clothes, both underwear and walking attire. On the Camino, you will sweat, kick up dust with every step, and moreover, if it rains, your pants will likely get stained with wet dirt. Therefore, yes, you must carry changes of clothes, but without going overboard.
At the end of the stage, whether in your accommodation or at a self-service laundry, you can wash your clothes. This way, you will not overload your backpack with clothes for every day, perhaps our best and most practical advice to avoid excessive weight.
Use a Water Bottle and Avoid Carrying Other Liquids
During the stage, you must carry water and some food in your backpack to stay well-hydrated and energized. We recommend carrying a water bottle that you can refill along the Camino. You will find water fountains where you can refill it, which helps to use less plastic and make the Camino more sustainable and free of waste.
Avoid carrying other liquids and bottles, and keep in mind that your filled water bottle will already weigh enough. If you feel like drinking something else, like juice, a soda, or a cool beer, you will find plenty of bars and shops along the way.
Beautiful potable water sources, like the Gas fountain (Betanzos) on the English Way, will serve to refill your water bottle
Avoid Carrying Too Many Electronic Devices
We insist again on carrying only the essentials. Moreover, the fewer things you carry, the more you will enjoy the Camino. Free yourself from the material things you use daily, as there is much more to enjoy on the Camino.
Of course, you will want to take photos, as your experience deserves to be immortalized. A mobile phone is more than enough, as it already has a camera, GPS for orientation, and the ability to make emergency calls. We do not recommend carrying too many electronic devices: avoid bringing expensive cameras, computers, or drones.
Hire Your Pilgrim Backpack Transportation
If you want to travel very light and enjoy your experience on the Camino without limitations, the luggage transport service is the best solution. On our trips to the Camino de Santiago, we will always offer this service, which we consider essential to make the most of your pilgrim adventure.
Every morning, you can leave your luggage at the reception of your accommodation and start walking lightly. You must, however, carry a small backpack with six things:
- your water bottle;
- something to snack on;
- your wallet;
- your mobile phone;
- a raincoat;
- and of course, the Pilgrim’s Credential.
For a more comfortable Camino, let us carry your backpack
Avoiding Excessive Weight in Your Backpack, the Key to a Better Pilgrim Experience
In conclusion, it is very important to avoid excessive weight in your backpack on the Camino de Santiago. This will reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue, in addition to freeing you from material things and allowing you to enjoy more of the spirituality and introspection.
Follow the rule of 10% of your body weight, avoid “just in cases,” and carry only the essentials. Choose appropriate clothing, limit changes of clothes, use a water bottle, and reduce electronic devices. This way, you will also avoid one of the most common mistakes on the Camino de Santiago. And of course, as a total solution, consider luggage transportation for a more comfortable and authentic experience on your Camino de Santiago.
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