Camino Packing List - experiences along the way

Before I set out on the Camino, I shared my packing list. Now, I am writing a new blog post about the experiences I had along the way, about the things I might have been able to do without, and about the things I will definitely pack if I go again.

Before I left, I had been told that it was important to pack as lightly as possible, but I have to admit that I thought, that a few extra things would be okay. I learned my lesson. I will always assess whether each item is necessary, and if it’s not, leave it at home. After two weeks on the Camino, my shoulders started to hurt quite a bit, and I ended up considering every piece and removed as much as I could.

Download packing list here

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Everything I share are recommendations and things I have personally bought.

Things I could have done without in my bag:

2 pairs of socks instead of 3 pairs
1 sports bra instead of 2
I would consider 2 tops instead of 3
Headlamp – I think this is very individual, but I never used mine. I usually packed my things in semi-darkness or went out of the dormitory to finish the rest.
Thin gloves – I never used them, even though it was a bit cold some mornings

I also didn’t use much space for blister plasters and other medical stuff. I decided I would buy it along the way if I needed it. And I actually ended up walking the entire Camino without a single blister, so I was glad I didn’t carry more than 4-5 small plasters. There are many places where you can buy various plasters, creams, and tape along the way.

Need-to-have in my bag:

Merino wool clothing – wow, I was happy with my wool clothing along the way. It was so nice that I could hang it up to air; many days I could skip washing it. At the same time, I could keep warm much better than those who were sweating in their polyester t-shirts, which quickly became wet and cold.
My zip-off pants from Fjällräven. The material is so nice! They were really soft and comfortable to wear, and I think they worked so well for both hiking and relaxing.
A good sleeping bag – I think I could have managed with a slightly thinner sleeping bag, even though the one I brought was really nice. Space-wise and weight-wise, it would have been nice with a slightly smaller one. Mine was bigger than others’, but I didn’t freeze a single day.
A sweater for relaxing in the afternoon/evening. I brought a cotton shirt that I never hiked in, but it was really nice to change into when I arrived after a long day.
Wool socks – on hot days, I often changed my socks during the day to keep my feet as dry as possible. And again it just felt really good with wool.
Sunscreen – I had a good sunscreen for my face that I used every day. I couldn’t have done without it, considering how much I was outside.
Toiletry bag with a hook. I was really happy with my practical toiletry bag. Almost everywhere I showered, there was only one hook to hang things on, so it wouldn’t have been easy without that hook in my toiletry bag.
Good hiking boots. They are not in the bag, but I couldn’t have done the Camino without them. I know there are many opinions on what is best to walk in on the Camino, so hiking boots may not be the best for you, but I was very happy with mine.

Nice-to-have in my bag:

Camera – I carried my camera, which weighed 600 grams. It would have been easier without it, but I didn’t regret bringing it.
Massage ball – Maybe I only used it 10 times, but some days my feet hurt, and I felt it helped. I could probably have done without it.
Embroidery hoop, thread, and needles – I love being creative and brought a small embroidery kit. I only used it a few times.