Camino Blog – Packing list

Some practical things for those thinking of doing the trip. (Updated)

We packed pretty carefully for this trip and as it happens I have only not used 2 items. Here is what we have

35 Litre, framed backpack

Walking poles

Daily wear

  • Cap – might buy a wide brim hat later

  • Sunglasses

  • Merino wool short sleeved shirt

  • Merino wool underwear

  • Khule shorts – these have been great with lots of pockets. Wearing shorts is a bit unusual. Most wear trousers. The correlation between shorts and being a Kiwi are pretty high

  • Merino wool socks – longer length to provide surface area to wick moisture. Slightly padded.

  • Salomon trail runners – these have been fine so far but quite a few are wearing boots. UPDATE – I think I may switch shoes to some with a touch more padding in the sole. The track is quite rocky and my feet are getting a bit bruised. However, given that my feet are nightmare wide I might still have the best option and will have to live with them. Also, run the risk of blisters if I try new shoes. 

  • Phone

  • Passports/money etc

  • Swiss Army knife

On and off quite a bit

  • Light weight Icebreaker jersey with collar

  • Raincoat – tend to strap to outside of the pack. Quite a few have ponchos but they do tend to make you look like Salty the Singing Songbook.

  • Merino wool hoody – when particularly cold so mostly for when done for the day.

  • Merino wool/windstopper gloves. – usually kept in jacket.

  • Merino wool buff – good scarf.

In Pack

I am using a number of separate, cheap, dry bags. Deb’s idea and a good one. Mostly used for their dividing properties rather than waterproof features.

  • Bag 1

    • Two cheap/light sleeping bags. 600g each. You don’t need thick ones as you are in a room at night.  I am carrying Deb’s for space reasons

  • Bag 2 – Extra clothes

    • Light hiking trousers

    • Merino wool short sleeved shirt

    • Merino wool underwear

    • Merino wool singlet

    • 3x Merino wool socks. Could drop a pair or even two

    • Running, neoprene shorts. Extra underwear or for swimming

  • Bag 3 – Shoe + washing bag

    • Allbirds Merion shoes – These have ended up being really good. Light, basically slippers you can walk around in them, and an extra pair of socks if cold. Because they are wool you don’t strictly need socks and you can put them in the wash. Highly recommend.

  • Bag 4 – Things to keep handy at night

    • Headlamp

    • Airplugs

    • Pillowcase

  • Bag 5 – Accessories

    • Charging cables

    • Double USB/euro plug. Thanks A&M for this. Really useful

    • Bluetooth keyboard

  • Bag 6 – basic (it’s good to be a guy) toiletries

    • Toothbrush

    • Small toothpaste

    • Deodorant

    • Shaver

    • Small soap

    • Sunscreen

  • Other stuff

  • 2 x micro towels. (I carry Deb’s)

  • Scrubber bag – brought because it was recommended to do washing. However, have mainly just paid to use the machines

  • Wet wipes – for emergencies

  • A number of snap lock plastic bags.

  • 2 x plastic bottles for water- 500ml

  • Plastic knife/fork/spoon combo. Basically useless


And that is about it. All up 8kg excl water. This is considerably less than some of the loads I have seen.

Deb’s is also carrying some limited first aid. There are shops along the way to cover this so you don’t need much. Main thing is carry Compede, a blister protection, but you can buy along the way.

Things I might consider

  • Another pair of trousers

  • Jandals – for shower and getting around

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