When planning a walking holiday, you need to make one major decision early on: Will you be camping or not?
For those who are not camping, more opportunities lay on the table. You can actually pack liberally when not camping, not only because avoiding a tent and a sleeping bag is a huge space-saver, but because it allows you to use luggage transfer services like Santiago Ways. This way, your bags are carried from one hotel to the next, as you walk weight-free.
But, whatever avenue you take, some basics exist regardless.
Choosing the right backpack
Choosing the right backpack is extremely important, particularly when undergoing lengthy trails like Camino Frances. Despite its popularity, it’s by no means an easy trip, and the many days on the road will mean you’ll need space for some essentials.
The liter capacity you opt for will depend on whether you’re camping (which often requires between 40 and 50 liters), getting a luggage transfer, your build (less strength and experience can mean 35 liters is a struggle), and your ability to be minimal. Sometimes, the gear you already have determines the size (i.e. is your tent super lightweight, or do you have an awkwardly large stove?)
Essentials for your daypack
For those not camping or using luggage transfer, you still need a daypack (you can also use these if you’re returning to the same campsite spot). Refillable water bottles, electrolytes, calorie-dense snacks, and medical kits are some basics. A light rainproof jacket is also important, as the weather may quickly change, along with sun cream, a blanket, a power bank, sunglasses, and a hat.
Packing for camping trips
If you plan on camping, your packing list expands significantly to include a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, well-insulated sleeping mat, and additional cookware and/or food.
A trail like Ferrol to Santiago is around six nights, so make sure to take plenty of freeze-dried camping food that can be reheated with boiling water. This amount of time is possible to do from a single backpack, but it will likely require 50 liters, as well as a backup plan in case you run out of gas. A better idea, perhaps, is to always have two days worth of food on you as a contingency, and go to shops and pubs along the way. That’s the benefit of such European trails, as they head through many villages, compared to North European and North American ones, which are more rural.
Tips for packing light
Packing light is a mixture of planning ahead, opting for lightweight gear, and knowing how to organize it. Something people often underestimate is the weight of the backpack itself, which can easily make up over 10% of the total weight. Osprey, for example, does a good job at keeping the grams down (it’s worth counting them as you go, for each item, to make optimal decisions).
Compression bags are a great way to minimize air. Air doesn’t weigh anything, but it takes up a lot of space. Try and use many layers of clothing, so you can easily fit in your bag when you’re too warm. Merino wool is ideal as it dries quickly, it’s warm at night, and breathable in the sun.
To round off, packing for a walking holiday requires a decision about whether you’re going to camp or use a luggage transfer service. Next is the decision about where you’re going, the climate, and how long the journey is for. Finally, your comfort, strength, and preferences will then determine your pack – and potentially your budget, as lightweight items are often more costly.
