a thoughtful packing strategy
In this post, I will discuss my ultra-lightweight clothing options, which helped keep my pack under 10 lbs! Carrying every item on your back while walking on the Camino in diverse terrains and unpredictable fall weather requires a strategic approach to packing.
It is important to keep in mind that many pilgrims begin their journey with well-intentioned ultralight plans. However, unforeseen circumstances or overlooked factors often lead to deviations from this strategy. While there’s no shame in adapting your approach or utilizing luggage transfer services, successfully carrying your pack to Santiago requires discipline and a meticulously crafted strategy.
consider these ultralight packing elements
- Mental Preparation
- Smart Fabric Choices
- Multi-function Items
- Smart Layering
- Regular Pack Audits
- Laundry on the Road
mental prep
I decided to carry all my gear and clothing to Santiago, a 500-plus mile journey. But first, I needed to become mentally prepared. Yes, I was used to packing lightly from my years of traveling for work, but packing for the Camino is entirely different. I had to wrap my mind around several minimalist concepts. The lighter, the better, and needs versus wants. What helped me get started was asking myself the following questions:
- Is it my goal to carry all of my gear to Santiago? Why? My answer was YES because I wanted to challenge myself physically and mentally. I wanted to test the minimalist concept.
- Am I willing to wear the same clothes for weeks? I did not have the answer, but I was willing to find out.
- Can I change my mind anywhere along the way? Of course. Whether you’ve been forced to adapt or choose to modify, your approach is wisdom, not failure.
smart fabric choices
- Quick-dry: Less clothes means washing often. Your clothes should be dry the following day, even in humid or damp weather.
- Lightweight: Lighter-weight fabrics may mean there is room for one more item.
- Moisture Wicking: For comfort
- Odor-resistant: Whether you choose or are forced to skip a day of laundry, keep the communal environment in mind:)
- Breathable: Comfort
Merino wool or Synthetic?
This is another subject with varied preferences. Here is a quick breakdown:
MERINO WOOL
- Quick-drying
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor -resistant
- Available in different weights
SYNTHETIC
- Quick-dry
- Lightweight
- Minimal Water Absorption
- Breathable
avoid cotton
- Will retain moisture
- Dry slow
- Potential chafing
- Increased risk of blisters
multi-function items
Focus on versatility, not quantity, because every single ounce matters on the Camino.
- Convertible pants: Transformable into shorts.
- Buff/Neck Gaiter: This transforming superstar can be worn as a scarf, headband, Hair tie, face covering, or eye mask.
- Lightweight pants: Can be worn for walking or sleeping.
- Lightweight short: For walking and sleeping.
- Pants and shorts with pockets: These keep some items easily accessible.
- Hooded long-sleeve tops: Different weights are used for walking and sleeping in the hood for sunny or cool weather.
- Skort: Shorts and skirt combo.
- Base layer shirts: Walking, changing at the end of the day, and sleeping.
- Lightweight thermal layer: Walking, sleeping
smart layering
Your layering system should be adjustable and adaptable to changing environments throughout your Camino. Choosing versatile pieces is crucial. Think:
- Light, breathable layers
- Sun protection
- Loose fitting
- Windproof
- Rainproof
- Long sleeve, lightweight options
Consider all temperature fluctuations for the season and prioritize comfort and protection.
SUMMER:
- Lightweight
- Breathable,
- sun protection
- Light colors
- Bathing suit
Insulating thermal layers
Windproof
Gloves
Beanie
Lightweight puffy jacket
regular packing audits
The first audit will be before you leave your home. I highly recommend a practice walk with all of your gear to optimize and minimize unnecessary weight.
- Take visual inventory: Lay everything out on the ground or bed and take it all in.
- Make a need v/s want piles: Pick every item up and ask yourself, do I need this item? if so for what? If you need it put it in the need pile if not put it in the want pile. At the end of the inventory if you have room for the want, take it.
- Use a scale: Purchase a travel or bathroom scale.
- Choose lighter alternatives: Choose clothing without zippers or extra buttons that create unnecessary weight.
It may take multiple attempts to reach your packing goal, but remember; ultralight packing is a mindset with a purposeful technique.
purchasing and discarding items while on the road
PURCHASE:
Ultralight packing doesn’t mean one and done. If your needs change along the route or you wear an item out, don’t worry; there are plenty of shopping opportunities, especially in towns and major cities.
Research stores such as Decathlon for their low prices and keep opening hours in mind.
DISCARD:
A good reason to take inventory and carefully strategize your choices is not to discard unnecessarily. However, if you need to discard an item you are not using or are worn out, there are some options.
- Donate: If the item is usable and in good shape, donate to other pilgrims, the hostel, or a local shelter or church.
- Throw away: Completely worn-out clothes should be disposed properly in a waste basket, not on the side of the road. (yes, this happens).
mastering laundry on the road
Traveling ultralight with the minimum clothes possible means doing laundry, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. The key is simplicity.
- Washing clothes in a sink is a good option, but if it feels icky, use a portable wash bag lid (Scrubba.)
- Wash your underwear nightly at the same time you shower.
- Hang clothes to dry on the travel clothesline
- Alberques usually have clotheslines available.
- Position wet clothes near a fan or window
- Hang on a bunk bed, but keep other pilgrims’ space in mind.
- There may be times when some articles of clothing will not fully dry. In this case, hang them outside your pack with diaper safety pins.
- Use travel detergent sheets.
- Use shampoo (I used the shampoo or body wash provided by the hotel)
- Some shampoo bars will have a triple duty: hair, body, and clothes.
- Visit a local laundromat; share space and cost with a fellow pilgrim.
- Some albergues and hotels have laundry services or washers and dryers for minimal cost.
comfort over style?
Although comfort is key and no one on the Camino cares what you wear, you may be glad that in today’s walking/hiking clothing market, you will find stylish pieces that don’t compromise performance. Consider building a capsule wardrobe with interchangeable pieces in complementary colors. Feeling confident and comfortable in your clothing is the first step to a positive Camino experience.
in conclusion
Your Camino is about the experience, and choosing to carry your gear means having a sound strategy to accomplish your goal in comfort. Remember to invest in quality pieces that, although light, metaphorically add to a positive journey. Keep an open mind and adjust, because the Camino is about personal growth, not rigid perfection.
How about you?
Are you still thinking about carrying all your gear? What is your favorite strategy for packing clothes for your Camino journey?
Ultralight Camino packing: Made easy with my 24L backpack
“Less is more” is a valuable principle when walking the Camino, but flexibility is equally important. My experience taught me that while starting with minimal weight is ideal, adapting your packing strategy as you progress is essential for comfort and well-being.
As I walked, I added a cozy pajama set for better rest, two extra-lightweight T-shirts, a beanie, gloves for temperature fluctuations, and full-size hair care products. By Leon, my body had acclimated to daily walking, making it possible to carry these additions without compromising the ultralight principles.
While ultralight packing in a 24L backpack is achievable, the real-world adaptations made my journey more enjoyable. Stay open to adjusting your pack as your needs evolve on this transformative pilgrimage.
Click here for my list of backpack items.