What to Pack for the Camino del Norte: Essential Tips for a Light and Comfortable Backpack

Packing well is essential on the Camino, since you’ll be carrying everything you need for the entire journey. A light backpack makes a huge difference in comfort and reduces fatigue, but you still need the right essentials—some items can be hard to find along the way.

Most pilgrims travel with just two or three outfits, including a long-sleeve layer for cooler mornings or evenings. At many albergues, people often do a shared load of laundry in the afternoon, which keeps your packing light and manageable.

Walking along the Atlantic Ocean, in the Bay of Biscay

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Essential Items for Your Camino Backpack

Here’s a list of must-haves for comfort, safety, and practicality:

Backpack & Footwear

• Comfortable backpack (30–50 liters)

• Hiking shoes or boots (well broken in to avoid blisters)

• Hiking sandals (for evenings, showers, and letting your feet breathe)

  
  

Clothing

• 2 pairs of good-quality hiking socks (so one pair can dry while the other is in use)

• 1–2 hiking outfits (shorts or pants, T-shirt or tank top)

• 1 comfortable evening outfit

• 1 hoodie or fleece (cool mornings/evenings)

• 1 pair of pajamas

• Underwear as needed

• Hat or cap (sun protection)

• Swimsuit (optional for beaches, rivers, or pools)

  
  

Gear & Essentials

• Small quick-dry towel (showers and beach)

• 2 water bottles (total ~2 liters)

• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho

• Small flashlight or headlamp

• Phone charger and power bank

• Small first-aid and toiletry kit including: soap/shampoo, hairbrush/comb, deodorant, blister plasters or tape, painkillers, electrolyte packets, personal medication

• Blanket / Small sleeping bag since blankets are not provided by most albergue

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Optional but Useful Items

These items aren’t essential but make the journey more enjoyable:

• Book or e-reader

• Notebook or journal (great for reflection)

• Sleep mask and earplugs (helpful in shared dorms)

• Zip-lock bags or dry bags (for laundry, wet clothes, or electronics)

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What NOT to Pack: Learn from Experience

Overpacking is one of the most common Camino mistakes. Avoid:

• Too many clothes: You won’t wear them, and extra weight adds fatigue.

• “Just in case” items: If you don’t need it daily, you likely won’t need it at all.

• Heavy shoes for evenings: Lightweight sandals are far more comfortable.

• Full-size toiletries: Travel-sized items are sufficient.

• Multiple books: Most albergues have book exchanges—you can swap along the way.

• Emotional items you won’t use: The Camino teaches you to let go.

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Packing Tips for a Light and Comfortable Camino

• Aim for 7–8 kg total pack weight; lighter packs make long days much easier.

• Layer clothing instead of carrying multiple heavy items.

• Wash often at albergues or laundromats to reduce clothing needs.

• Test your pack and shoes before leaving—long walks with a full pack at home will highlight any issues.

Packing smartly is one of the keys to enjoying the Camino del Norte. A well-planned backpack ensures comfort, reduces fatigue, and gives you more energy to focus on the beauty, people, and reflections along the trail.