Summer camp on the Camino: what to bring (and what not to)

To undertake the Camino as a teenager, carry a light backpack with the essentials: pilgrim passport, documentation, water, some food, a first aid kit, and a raincoat. Avoid carrying useless items. Traveling light will help you enjoy more, feel capable, and experience the adventure.

You probably thought that the summer plan was to go to a surf camp or stay on the couch with the console, but here you are: your parents have convinced you to go hiking in Galicia. And before you roll your eyes, let me tell you one thing: this is better than any battle royale. Here the map is real, the graphics are more than 8K, and believe me, what determines the success of your vacation is not where you go, but who you go with.

The Camino is the ultimate camp. No monitors with whistles, no absurd craft schedules, and a freedom that you don’t have in school. But for this to be epic and for you not to end up hating humanity at kilometer 5, you need to manage your inventory. You are lucky: your parents have arranged for luggage transport, so the "big bundle" will travel by van. But you will carry the small backpack, your "daypack." And that’s where it shows who is a novice and who is ready to conquer the world. And for this mission, here is our guide to not mess up with your luggage.

The ghost suitcase (the one you DO NOT carry, but need)

In the large backpack that gets picked up every morning and dropped off at the next shelter is where the boring logistics go. But be careful, don’t overpack with things "just in case," or your parents will give you a disapproving look when closing the zipper.

• The three rule: Three t-shirts, three changes of clothes, three pairs of socks. You don’t need a different outfit for each day. You are here to sweat and get a little dirty, but above all, to live.
• God-level socks: Don’t even think about bringing those old ankle socks with holes. You need seamless socks. Your feet are your vehicle; take care of them more than your phone.
• The right jacket: Yes, it gets chilly in Galicia, but don’t bring your Arctic down jacket. A fleece and a raincoat will do just fine. And don’t worry, even chapped lips and red cheeks early in the day have their adventurous charm.
• Broken-in shoes: No new footwear allowed. If you bring new boots, prepare for a massacre on your heels. Bring the ones that already know how you walk.

Your daypack (or your survival inventory)

This is the one you will carry on your back during the stage. It needs to be light, as if you were carrying nothing, but have just enough to save your day.

• The Pilgrim Passport: It is the most important thing. Without it, there are no stamps, and without stamps, there is no Compostela. Turning every bar or church into a mission to get a stamp is part of the charm. Take care of it so it doesn't get wet.
• Your documents (ID and Health Card): Yes, you are old enough to carry your own documentation. Put it in a zip-lock bag so it doesn't get soaked if it rains. You are responsible for yourself; prove it.
• Emergency kit: Don't wait for your parents to take care of you. Bring a couple of band-aids or Compeed for blisters and sunscreen. The sun is harsh, and ending up red as a lobster is not heroic; it's for beginners.
• Water and snacks: Don't carry two liters of water. Bring a canteen and refill at the fountains. And bring something to snack on (nuts or a bar), but don't overdo it.
• A lightweight raincoat: Because in the north, the sky falls when you least expect it.

The list of prohibited items (what stays at home NO MATTER WHAT)

This is where most people fail. You want to carry your room on your back. Mistake. On the Camino de Santiago, you don't need unnecessary stuff. Take note:

• The "digital bunker" (console/tablet): Leave it. Don't bring it. The adventure is to disconnect. If you get bored, invent something.
• Thick books: You promise yourself that you will read an entire saga, but the reality is that you will sleep almost all the time. You arrive so exhausted that you won't read anything. If you want to read, bring something light.
• The "just in case": No "just in case I get bored," "just in case we go to a fancy party." Wrong. You come to walk, to eat sandwiches, and to laugh with new people. The rest is unnecessary.

The final mission

Doing the Camino is not about arriving first, but about arriving whole and with stories to tell. At first, you will complain. You will think about why you didn't stay in your neighborhood. But then, after a few days, you will realize that it feels great to be able to walk 20 kilometers on your own. You will learn that to go far, you must travel light, both in your backpack and in your mind. And that lesson will serve you well in life, even more than anything you learn in school this year.