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Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List

Hi Trecile,

If I may offer an alternative, outside of these items mentioned;

Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

I am looking to add two more items;

1 - Free Spirit 30 L pocketable pack from Gobi Gear. It is kind of like a Hoboroll with shoulder and waist straps.
1 - Debit / Credit Card. (One that gives me 5% back on all purchases.

Buy what you need, when you need it. The pack is to carry toiletries along the way, maybe a sweater.

Some may say, "Well what about rain gear? What about a sleeping bag?" For me, when it rains, I can turn a garbage bag into a rain jacket. As the pack is small, it fits in there with me.

When going, "Minimalist," it can take your mindset into a whole new world of letting go of what we are expected to to and therefore what we think we need, to an area rarely explored.

It has taken me about 5 years to evolve to this point. Will it cost more? Maybe a bit. I know my shoulders and feet will appreciate the weight difference.

A card that gives 5% back in all purchases? Seriously? Which one?
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes
2 bottoms​
2 tops​
2 pair socks​
2 pair underwear​
2 bras (women)​
1 warm layer - fleece, etc​
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover​
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals​
Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

Hi,

You can do with just 1 bottom.
You can do without towel. Just air dry.
You can do without soap. Use washing machine or just rinse in water.
You can do with 1 pair of socks (just for heat) if you are wearing sandals.

Best,
Andy
 
Hi,

You can do with just 1 bottom.
You can do without towel. Just air dry.
You can do without soap. Use washing machine or just rinse in water.
You can do with 1 pair of socks (just for heat) if you are wearing sandals.

Best,
Andy
Where are you when you are air drying?
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
"Absolute bare minimum"????

Does this set the bar verrry low for going Commando?
 
I would take some flip flops or crocks to wear in the shower or to walk around town, to let your dogs air out. I would also take sunglasses and a buff (or a muslin sarong that can double as a towel and a scarf). I would also bring a charging cable for my phone. But that's about it!
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes
2 bottoms​
2 tops​
2 pair socks​
2 pair underwear​
2 bras (women)​
1 warm layer - fleece, etc​
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover​
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals​
Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

I have hiked 1000 miles on two Caminos, and made a short youtube video on how to pack light:
Here it is:


Here is my packing list attached :-) enjoy!
 

Attachments

Join the Camino cleanup. Logroño to Burgos May 2025 & Astorga to OCebreiro in June
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes
2 bottoms​
2 tops​
2 pair socks​
2 pair underwear​
2 bras (women)​
1 warm layer - fleece, etc​
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover​
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals​
Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?


Here is my Camino packing video.....

I split it into two sections, and here is the second one:

 
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19
@trecile I really like your Absolute Bare Minimum packing list to get things started. I would have to add (for me in the outdoors all day), I absolutely must have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
 
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes
2 bottoms​
2 tops​
2 pair socks​
2 pair underwear​
2 bras (women)​
1 warm layer - fleece, etc​
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover​
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals​
Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?

I would bring a backpack too. Just a small one ...
 
Donkey.
Saddlebags
Pack saddle
Portable electric fence and/or rope and stake
Bucket
Lead rope and head collar
Brush
Fly spray
Hoof pick
Lots of money
Credit cards
Passport
Anything else you think you need
Please do not exceed max all up weight of donkey.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
It seems to me that one should start with an Absolute Bare Minimum packing list, then add in "extras" that might make them more comfortable.

Here's what I've come up with so far (though I'm sure that some people could get more minimalist than this)

Clothes
2 bottoms​
2 tops​
2 pair socks​
2 pair underwear​
2 bras (women)​
1 warm layer - fleece, etc​
rain gear - either poncho or rain jacket + pack cover​
1 pair boots, shoes, or sandals​
Sleeping bag liner (Or just sleep in clothes on mattress)
Lightweight towel
1 bar soap for hair, body, and laundry
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle - buy a bottle of water and refill
Passport
Pilgrim credential
Money

Did I miss anything on the Absolute Bare Minimum Packing List?
compeed's
 
In Spring I needed two warm layers, so added a puff jacket in addition to my fleece which I needed on many early mornings, then peeled it off later on.
Sunscreen
Hat for face protection
Waist or crossover bag to hold those important essentials.
And...😎.

EDIT...Ooops, I hadn't noticed others had already added in some of these items.
Ooops, I now even see this thread has over 100 replies!
Ummm, how about adding some multi-purpose chewing gum.🤔🤣
 
Last edited:
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.

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