I updated my packing list and review following my 2016 Camino del Norte which can be seen here
…meanwhile here is the list and review from my 2014 Camino Portuguese
See my full packing list on excel spread sheet
packing list 2014
of the items listed I didn’t use the following:
- liner socks – I wanted to take them ‘just in case’ but didn’t need them
- sarong
- shirt – proper ventilated long sleeve walking shirt, which I thought would be useful for hiking and for relaxing but was totally unnecessary
- wind-up torch – a very cheap one that I wound like crazy for a nano-second of light – the light from my phone was sufficient for all purposes
- inflatable pillow – quite an expensive item that I used once and found very uncomfortable – I wouldn’t take one again, but would use my clothes as a pillow. Maybe I’ll take a pillow case instead next time
- knee braces – I needed them last year but fortunately not this year
- eye liner and lipstick – these items also came on my Camino Frances last year and remained unused, but a girl has to be prepared!
My creams and potions were sample sizes scrounged from beauty counters and just about lasted the journey. I did not scrimp on hair products because these were the items I really missed last year
Many pilgrims would balk at the amount and weight of technology items that I carried, but with the exception of the mifi gadget which I could not get to work, I didn’t regret taking any of my toys.
Last year on my first camino I panicked about weight, worrying about every item in my pack. But this year I knew that I could carry the weight and was a little more laid back, although of course still cutting down to what I considered was a comfortable bare minimum.
Keep in mind that this list is for a spring camino, I would definitely have taken a second pair of walking pants, long sleeve T-shirt and long johns, all of which were on my original list and left behind at the last moment. I would also have packed a pair of warmer gloves for a colder season.
I omitted from the list the Brierly guide book. I had sliced all the pages from the binding and dumped the ‘waffle’ pages before leaving home. I didn’t really use the book at all whilst walking with Elly because she was doing all the planning, and I just chucked out the pages as we progressed from stage to stage. However once I set off on my own I did refer to the book occasionally, particularly the map pages, which I kept in a zip lock bag so I could see the print without removing it. I slightly regret dumping the pages now and if I had thought it through I should have at least kept the map pages for future reference. I am now an advocate of paper based guide information which is much easier to access whilst walking than electronic info which is not easy to see in bright sunlight.
Overall, I was very pleased with all the items I took on this journey, including the few that I added en route, my lovely penknife purchased in Lisbon and posted home from Santiago. And a T-shirt and pair of pants purchased at a Chinese shop when I thought I had left my sleep wear in the previous night’s albergue. And then of course when I returned to my room I found the missing items that had fallen out of my pack and were hidden under the bed. My first reaction was to dump the new items but I didn’t notice the extra weight and kept them with me.
I don’t remember wishing I had taken any additional item except one or two more pairs of pants (of the underwear variety) for the evenings. With three pairs there would be one to wear after a shower and then to sleep in, a clean pair to wear after the next day’s shower and one in reserve in case the washing didn’t get dry. One pair definitely isn’t enough!
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
I enjoy reading about your experiences and all you have learned along the way. At one time I thought I wanted to do the Santiago walk but realized my feet couldn’t take the workout. I have lived vicariously through your last journey. 🙂
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It has been great to have you on board Tess. I have really enjoyed your company. It is well to be aware of your comfort zones and strengths and weaknesses. Are you up for another hike next year?
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I don’t believe my feet are up for it. I’ve been experiencing tingling even when not in ‘action’.
I shall live vicariously through YOU. 🙂 ❤
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Your planning skills blow my mind
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All accomplished with research and help from others.
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Where and when are you going next? That’s what I want to know!
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Thinking about the Mozarabe, and walking to Málaga from home (only about 60 km), then onto the via for la plata at Córdoba.
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I love reading your posts, too. Your writing style is very readable. Your advice almost motherly! Missing all those wonderful photos you took along your journey, too. I am going on my Camino at the end of September. Struggling with the ‘right’ kind of shoes to take. Boots vs. something like a Brooks Cascadia Trail runner vs. Keen sandal. There are so many opinions. Anyway, thank you for such a lovely blog. It is like getting a letter from an old friend sometimes. Reminds me of the movie ’84 Charing Cross Road’…a fantastic movie of two people getting to know each other through their letters.
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Hi Kristina. Thanks for such a lovely comment. I am at the age where I am very happy to be thought of as motherly! I love the sound of the film, I shall have to see if I can order it. We have no tv here (other than news channels) so am always on the lookout for a good film. And my parents met after initially corresponding for a few weeks, and were married within six weeks of meeting – now there’s a good plot for a film!
Footwear is such a difficult issue. I am comfortable in boots so will stick with them, but I am always a little envious of people walking in sandals, although I hate to have dusty feet so I probably wouldn’t get on with them.
I shall be posting plenty of photos in my posts about life here in Spain, so I hope you will stick with me.
Will you be blogging when you walk? I would love to follow you along the camino.
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Hi Maggie, I would like to blog. But am leaning towards just taking my Droid phone for emails, texting and pictures. I have blogged before when I was in Australia and Oaxaca (Mexico). It is a bit like homework…but always fun to share the trip with others who are interested but can’t be there with you. I loved clicking on the send button when all was said and done…and always looked forward to the responses! I will let you know if I change my mind. That is so cool how your mom and dad met. I think you would absolutely love that movie ’84 Charing Cross Rd’. It stars Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins.
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Blogging is certainly a discipline when travelling – I like the ‘homework’ analogy!
I have ordered the book Kristina, my daughter will bring it over when she visits next month.thanks for the recommendation – I am looking forward to reading it.
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I am back home after a wonderful Portuguese Camino. Still a bit overwhelm by the experience. I am so glad that I could follow your blog before we left, although nothing can prepare you completely for the “walk”. What I can add though is that I can’t believe with how few worldly possessions one can survive.
I am 73 and had a bad day on the Old Roman Way outgoing Redondela. It was beautiful surroundings but not easy with backpack . It was a hot day and I nearly ran out of water also.
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Hi Johanna. Thanks so much for getting in touch and congratulations to you. I only hope that I still have the stamina to complete a camino in thirteen years’ time. I am not at all sure that I will!
Yes, it is incredible what we can do without when we are living a simple life. That day out of Redondela was hard, I have just read my post for the day and I was very weary. And having to cross back and forth over the N550 didn’t help much. The heat makes a huge difference to stamina levels. I almost preferred the rain during the second part of my camino.
Well done you – time to out your feet up for a while.
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I haven’t read 84 Charing Cross Road. But I have seen the movie a few times. Let me know how you like the book. Then, maybe I will order it!
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Magwood,
RE: Packing list
Can you say something about your need for a sleeping bag? I remember you referencing it in your trip blog, but I don’t know that I read any recommendation. I used a poncho liner on the Frances (May / June) some years ago, but wonder about Portugal in September. I bought one that weighs 1 Kg. and wonder if it’s worth packing. Your thoughts?
Rich (flewitheagles)
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The only time I used my bag before Porto was at the youth hostel in Parque Nações and the church albergue in Alvorge. Then until the other side of,Porto we stayed in hostels where they provided bed linen. Although at Vilafranca de Xira and Santarém we were given a private room despite paying the dormitory price. The dorms may not have linen provided.
After Porto there is a more structured albergue system and you will need your own bedding, whatever you choose. It is such a personal issue, whether you sleep hot or cool. The conditions in the albergues can be challenging enough without the added issue of not being comfortable. I took a silk liner and and spent a ridiculous amount of money on a new down sleeping bag that opened up completely for use as a blanket. I didn’t regret it, it weighed only 430 grams and packed down into a tiny stuff bag. I wouldn’t want to be without it for the small amount of weight. September will probably still be quite warm but with the possibility of rain. Only you can know your comfort zone, for me, I liked the reassurance of a lightweight bag just in case.
Take a look at my assessment of gear http://wp.me/p3azEo-PS, and bom caminho!
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HI Magwood,
Thanks once again for all your insight and information which you so kindly take the time to post on this site. It’s inspiring and exciting to read of your experiences on the different routes. I found your views and advice regarding items to pack most interesting. My friend Andrea and I are getting more and more excited. I don’t normally wish the time away (especially at this age), but can’t wait for March 2015. Well done to Johanna Redelinghuys at age 73 to still take on the challenge of a Camino. Fond regards from South Africa.
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Hello June. Age can’t stop a pilgrim – but maybe ill-health! There are many pilgrims of a grand age putting all us ‘young ones’ to shame with their determined energy. In fact I think the more mature pilgrims pace themselves a lot better than the really young ones. We know we will get there in the end.
I entirely understand your wish to get on your ‘way’. I thought of practically nothing else during the run-up to both my caminos. Be prepared for the desire repeat the experience.
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How much water did you carry?
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I used two 750ml bottles, which was adequate on all but one stage on a very hot day.
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Thank you. I normally use a bladder, but I have had back surgery and am trying to minimize the weight on my back.
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Hello, I am starting my first Camino on the 24 th of may. I am walking from tui to Santiago.
Because it’s my first long distance walk and I have some health issues I want to take it easy and see how I get on. I have read most of you’re blog and find it very interesting. I am 59 years of age, but feel that you’re never to old to start a new adventure. I will certainly read the rest of you’re blog. Thanks for blogging.
Anja
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Hi Anja, sorry I didn’t reply sooner, but I somehow missed your message. I was 59 when I walked my first camino which was my first long distance hike. If I can do it, then anyone in good health should be able to. Just be prepared that it may not me your last!
Buen camino.
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Thanks for youre reply, looking forward to my camino and kind of knpwing already it wont be my last one hihi
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🙂
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I notice you do not have a poncho on your packing list… I would never be without mine! Off to Aviles on 26 May to finish my Norte having deviated to the Primitivo last year. I will walk from the airport on to the Camino unless someone convinces me not to miss Aviles itself. Good luck from Ferrol – a great short walk. I loved Betanzos and the albergue and hospitalero were great – badly signposted but in centre near old churches.
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I have my own design for keeping the rain off which works quite well – you can take a look here
Thanks for the info about Betanzos and Buen Camino!
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I love your blog. Thank you for the time you spend on it.
In May 2015 my friend and I (+70 females) walked from Porto to Santiago along the coast until Vigo where we followed Brierley. We carried 11 lb packs, averaged 17 km per day with the sun on our backs and the sea on our left. It was glorious and addictive. Much quieter and cleaner than the French Way.
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Hi Pat, many thanks for your lovely comment. I hope I am still walking caminos at your age, you have my great admiration. I would love one day to walk the Portuguese coastal route.
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