• Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Lightweight Camino - Forum Input

CWMacK

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camiño Francés
Firstly,

Hello and thank you for welcoming me to the group; I will be travelling to St Jean Pied De Port on July 2nd with view to starting my own journey to Santiago de Compostella throughout July; I'm pretty well travelled and used to the lack home comforts while based on remote locations at work for extended periods so can travel reasonably minimal.

Current putting a list together with view to keeping this manageable but light and would welcome any input on my thoughts for a July mission.

ItemNo:Total Grams
UK Passport130
Return Flight Tickets10
Cash / Credit / Debit / Wise / Drive Licence / Vet Rail Card6100
Camino Credential135
Protective Small Zip-Lock Bag15
Quick Dry Short Sleeve - Montane Nano (Crew / Zip)2140
Field Snood - Inov8 Buff134
Socks - Bridgedale 3/4 T2 Coolmax Light284
Shorts - Rab Ultra Trail2174
Hat - Montane Trucker Hat150
Rain Jacket - Inov8 Stormshell1175
Hiking Run Shoe - Ultra Trail 31570
Trek Poles - Leki Compact 3 Piece with Easy-strap1280
Sunglasses - Jublo130
White Zip Lock Large Bag110
Quick Dry T-Shirt Short S - Capiline Cool Patagonia - Large176
Quick Dry T-Shirt Long S - Capiline Cool Patagonia - Large1115
Short Shorts - LIM Fuse (50)2320
Buff Headband230
Socks - Bridgedale Liner Coolmax270
Underwear - Underarmour or Runderwear2176
Shoes - Sandles / Xero Z-Trail EV1284
OMM Zipped Gillet1125
White Zip Lock Large Bag ( Dirty / Clean)220
Black Osprey Cube Bag125
Warm Layer - Haglofs LIM Essen1180
Spine Issue + Body Glide1150
UD Fast Pack 251555
YETI One Passion Sleep Bag (Ultralight)1285
Head Light - Petzl + 1 USB Micro Battery184
Water Bottle - 500ml Soft Flask (Use 1 / 1 x spare)2114
Towel - Micro Fiber (Gram Counter)1115
IPHONE1180
2 x Mini USB Cables / 2 x Micro / 2 x Garmin Adapt420
USB Plug / Adapter150
Power Bank - Nitecore1150
Earphones - Apple2120
Long Black Bag144
Mini Toothbrush + Tooth Harps110
Toothpaste (minis) 125
Body Gel - Small175
Tissues - Pack110
Razor _ Blades (5)125
Sunscreen - Small170
Deoderant - Roll On178
Osprey Mini Bag115
Earplugs / Eye Mask110
Wash line (Orange Chord) - 3mm x 4 m120
Pocket Knife128
MSR Fork18
Guide Book / Pen1180
Titanium 400ml Mug150
Reading Glasses120
705449
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Anyone who weighs their passport is taking the job seriously.

I think you’re missing your GHIC and perhaps some foot-care and basic first-aid.

Your total skin-out weight at 5.5kg is impressive - aided by selecting some very good lightweight brands. Allowing for what you’re wearing and your poles you’re under 4.5kg, which is admirable for a comprehensive list.
 
Thanks for the reply, yes, I weigh absolutely everything

I have the FA Kit covered under 'Spine Issue + Bodyglide' - same mini kit I use for multi-day running events, enough for a few days emergency and with restock availability on-route, no point going overboard was my train of thought......good shout on the GHIC, I have just requested a replacement.

1) Foil/Emergency Blanket (full size)
2) Plasters (10) Dressings (2) sufficient to self-treat minor cuts and scrapes.
3) Antihistamine 1 a day tablets (4)
4) Loratadine/Cetirizine Hydrochloride (4)
5) Loperamide (Imodium or generic brand) (4)
5) Antiseptic wipes for cleaning of minor cuts and scrapes.
6) 2m Kenso tape.
7) 2 green hypodermic needles.
8) Betadine Iodine (30ml)
9) Small pair of scissors for cutting the tape
10) Paracetamol / Ibuprofen
 
Camino wristwatch
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
I’d reconsider the guidebook if you’re being so hardcore. You can get Brierley (so?) on your phone. And the apps are great.

Are you an early riser? Because you’d have to be very early to need a head lamp in July. I never used mine. You don’t need it at night either. She albergues always had enough light find fumble to the toilet with an iPhone (or blaring sensor lights) and it turned out that I never wanted to start walking in the dark.

What’s the mug for? You may not be able to find hot water everywhere.

Agree you need some blister supplies.

Trucker hat will not protect back and sides of head - maybe a proper sun hat?

Good luck!
 
Oops, typo on the poles, 100grams out, still puts the bag at 4.3kg base weight minus fluids and snacks and think I think if I carried any more I wouldn't be gaining anything.....
 
Many thanks, Il have a look at the hat issue, currently working in West Papua where it's equatorial 30-35° and blazing sun so tend to forget about it, currently using a combo of buff tubey and shoulder length mop hair to avoid the sun rays......

Quite comfortable with the blisters and footcare, cover 35-40 miles a week running and rarely have any issues that would required anything other that some treatment with a hypodermic needle and some iodine / dressing......

Appreciate the input, very helpful !
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
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,-
I've never regretted taking my own pillow case, often stick some valuables in there while I sleep or in sleeping bag. Always take a few tablets ( pain relief, stomach stuff .. just in case both ways ) and blisters.. in case. I don't use poles ( personal choice ) and I've often gone in Road Running shoes rather than trailies but ymmv

ditch the mug, yes to safety pins or pegs... if taking a line ( never used mine but hung stuff from bag )
 
@markie6 - Thanks very much, appreciate that; did weigh up a road shoe option but I'm pretty fixed on Saucony branding and the road soles would struggle where as the Xodus Ultra 3 trail shoes have proved wear-worthy on both road and trail, - I will throw a few pegs on the list !!
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Personal thoughts:

I did not miss a powerbank, headlamp, fork, mug, wash line or guidebook. So thats where you could save some weight.
I do count 3 shorts but no long pants. Mornings can be cold, weather unpredictable. I'd rather take one.
Using simple plastic bottles from supermarket is lighter than soft flasks, but less sustainable.
Since you are walking in summer, a significantly smaller towel will also get the job done.
1 Buff and 2 Headbands seem redundant to me. I was very fine with only one.
edit: i also like to take one more pair of socks and undies, just in case i arrive somewhere super late or am in no mood to wash.

That being said, it is a good list and i would not change much. If you wanna compare notes, my list is linked in my signature.
 
Most of my gram-shaving points have already been made. You might wish to
consider whether reducing the tech would both save weight and aid a more "in the present" Camino. I found nightly phone charging was ample for photos, a few emails, and calls and finding accommodation when needed.
I'm probably misunderstanding something but 4 shorts and 4 tops seems a lot. Most people for whom weight is important manage on 2 tops and 2 "bottoms" plus layers for cold or wet weather. It does mean doing washing pretty much every day, but there can be pleasure in that simple manual task. I've never stayed anywhere there wasn't a line or drying rack.
I'm grateful to know that I'm not the only one who weighs my passport - ours (UK) are 35 grams!
Have a great Camino.
 
@CWMacK , welcome to the forum. Impressive first packout list. Aside from the GHIC (already covered) you could literally walk tomorrow. So take or leave this as you wish:

My input is predominantly reinforcement of everybody else's.

I would get rid of the headlamp, the mug and possibly the guidebook ( appreciate some people prefer to carry one).

I work on the 'wear one, carry one' principal with two exceptions.
Thus, three t-shirts and four shorts appears excessive. I'd lose a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. Swap another pair of shorts for a pair of zip-off pants. (Again, appreciate they're not for everybody but that way they cover both the long pants and shorts issue.)

The two exceptions: I'm another that would add one more pair of socks and underpants. Purely a comfort thing - I've been caught out too many times with several days rain in a row.

Even on the Primitivo in July last year I did not need a sleeping bag, my sleep sheet alone was sufficient. Very individual. But yours is super light so you'd only save around 100 grams.

If you carry pegs you are much more likely to drop those socks or underpants along the trail as they're drying. Double safety pin instead - safety pins are lighter too. If you interlink them your stuff won't slide down the line, works really well. I carry 10 for the same weight as four pegs.

Blisters. Appreciate your expertise there however personally I find prevention better than cure.
You may run 80 k's a week but walking daily with a pack is significantly different. Completely different action, hence different pressure points. At the very least, you'll be doubling the distance, too. Consider caring a small bag of hikers wool to relieve those pressure points. Super lightweight, if you don't need it somebody else will.

Personally I found a fork to be very seldom of use but a teaspoon, often. The only time I bought a supermarket salad that didn't have a bamboo fork inc. I simply used my fingers.
But then I like to snack on yoghurts and such like. Individual

Edited to add: hopefully you've done some training with your backpack. I'm not a fan of backpacks (for extended trips) without a proper waist belt unless my overall weight is under four kilos including water and snacks. But that is just my opinion.

Buen Camino!
 
Last edited:
More 2024 Camino Guides available
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Am a fan of wear an outfit, carry an outfit, but with one extra set of socks and undies, and I don't weigh the stuff I am wearing, nor the poles.
Have never needed a cup, clothesline or fork. I also do not walk in the dark, so don't need a headlamp. Have yet to stay in an albergue that was so dark that I needed a light to get to the WC. There are always lots of exit lights and smoke alarms.
 
How about a lightweight heating coil to make your own coffee or tea since
you are already carrying a mug? I just bought one, quite light and versatile
for beverages as well as soup or quinoa. Buen Camino!
 
You have mentioned a black bag and a zip lock bag. I always carry two dry bags,one for my clothes and the other for everything else. Makes it easier to pack and you know that no matter how wet you get your stuff will be dry.

You must have used dry bag’s in the service.
 
Camino Jewellery
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Impressive! My recommendations, but to each his own: lose 2 pairs of shorts, the mug, exchange 2) 500 ml bottles for 500 ml cheap disposable bottles (I keep a third crumpled in my pack for the odd 17 km without services or to fill with wine/juice/orujo, plus very hot in July and not all fountains are operational or potable anymore), exchange the large heavy roll-on deoderant for a chapstick tube packed with Mitchum solid deoderant (lasted me 32 days; I take a stubby tube packed with solid if I need an extra 10 day supply), minimize charge cords. Love my spork, keep headlamp for likelihood of a few early dark morning hikes and maneuvering in dark albergues. Mine is NItecore with red and white adjustable brightness USB, 54 grams by exchanging headband for 2mm bungie cord, although there are now 27 gram USB options that clip on hat, etc. Lose the guidebook; get wisepilgrim and buen camino apps on phone. Depending on age/condition of your phone you may or may not need the power bank, but I always carry one to leave unattended while charging. NEVER leave your phone unattended. Pocket knife may come in handy, although I have never needed one. I do, however, carry a folding razor knife, I think about 10g, in first aid kit. I have not carried a towel in years; rather, I wash/ring out the pair of Duluth Buck Naked Boxers (83g) I wore that day (while in shower) and use them for a towel. Ring/wipe 3x and I am drier than with microfleece towel, plus they can be used for shorts around albergue or swim trunks at the beach. My camp sandals are Bfflz 60g. Euros, credit cards, driver's license, insurance card, passport, airtag all add up--I keep that around my waist at all times in Eagle Creek 27g moneybelt.

Buen Camino
 
WOW, that is severe. We ladies could not function like this but some GREAT ideas from you and Light Camino to leaven our load! Gracias!
 
Let us pick up your suitcase once you arrive in Europe....
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Haven’t used my headlamp but have frequently used my clothesline. Super light with the little slider balls so no need for clothespins. Do laundry by 5 pm, roll tightly in the towel after shower, hang up somewhere in the room if there’s no line outside or it’s raining and everything has been dry by morning.
 
I had a similar type clothesline on first Camino, but found most albergues had lines or drying racks. These days I carry about 4 meters of multiuse mason's line and a dozen safety pins, also multiuse, for the rare occasion I need a clothesline. Trekking poles can also be used to hang laundry.
 
Consider more socks , there are days when you will want to change them two or three times . You can rinse them out and dry them on the outside of your pack as you walk .
I took a power bank , never had to use it .
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
lt56ny said:
I did a quick look to try to see what the price tag for all the gear is. Wondering if you would adopt me???
Click to expand...
A combination of second hand purchases and accumulation of kit for other ventures over the years has softened the blow (a little), so thankfully don't have any real expenditure for my forthcoming trip.
 
Many thanks for all your input, some valuable experienced information and a few small changes have been made that I think I am now happy with; from my own experience with multi-day running, I've learned the lessons on carrying things you will never use so really, I am at the stage of splitting hairs for simple grams, 4.2Kg +/- on the back with some room for fluid and food will be negligible.

May be a few extra items in there which I could do without however, accounting for basically walking out the door of the house, tackling airports, overnight stops prior to landing in France, blah blah, hopefully on the back end I will have learned a few lessons from my choices.

A busy week or so ahead, finishing up work, flying back to Scotland from Papua New Guinea region, packing the bag and then I will be on the move on July 1st.....appreciate your help !!

Kit Finalised: - No more Changes
 

Attachments

Hey mate.
I'm going to throw a spanner in the works.
On my first camino I did exactly the same as you have done. I obsessed about the weight of everything, to the point that if I found an alternative to something that weighed 50g less, I'd buy it. Everything had to be lightweight and if possible multi use. I took minimal clothing and underwear which meant that I had to do laundry ever day.
I started walking the camino and instantly added 2kg of water and probably another one of snacks. When I ran out of sun cream and deodorant I bought full size replacements that added more weight too. I don't know the exact number but I'd say my pack ended up weighing over 10kg.
You know what? It didn't make the slightest bit of difference.
On my second camino I took extra pairs of socks, t-shirts and underwear and have done the same on the Milford trail and on many other walks.
I'm planning for another camino starting March 4th next year so have to plan for colder weather which means extra weight. Currently, my kit is weighing around 7kg and I haven't finished. I'll be taking 5 pairs of socks and underwear, extra t-shirts and mid layers. I'm expecting it to end up weighing over 12kg by the time I add the food and water that I know I'll need to carry as there will be less facilities open. The extra weight won't matter to me at all at this level.
So if I were you, I'd ask myself if, by not taking the extra 1kg or so of clothing, is it going to make a difference, or by taking it, will it make life easier.
Also, your pack. Is it a running pack? From what I see it doesn't have a hip belt. In my opinion it's a mistake. Without a hip belt you'll be carrying all of the weight on your shoulders, for 800km's. Not ideal.
What ever you decide and settle on, I hope you have a fantastic camino and create many great memories.
Good luck and Buen Camino.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
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,-
Many thanks,

Yes, the weighing thing is habitual so Im stuck with it...reason for the light equipment is, It's what I already have so makes sense to use it.

Correct on the bag, it;'s a fast-packing bag from Ultimate Direction, have used this problem free on Marthon de Sables, UK winter Spine, many longer distance race events and generally take it everywhere I go so not over concerned with the hip belt issue on 25L version, however my identical 30L version does have a detachable hip belt so a change of bag may be worth consideration.

Worse case, I will learn some lessons and work it out on the move !!
 
I agree with the majority of the comments, so will only weigh in with one comment on hydration. I took an empty 1L Smart Water bottle from home (not sure of availability outside of US or what the tare weight is) and used it for the whole CF for 32 days. They are smooth-sided and more sturdy than other disposable plastic bottles, and able to withstand constant in and out of my pack's side pocket. For days with lots of towns and fountain opportunities to refill with fresh cool water, I filled it partway for less weight.
 
More 2024 Camino Guides available
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
CWMacK said:
A combination of second hand purchases and accumulation of kit for other ventures over the years has softened the blow (a little), so thankfully don't have any real expenditure for my forthcoming trip.
Click to expand...
So does this mean you aren't fabulously wealthy and I have to find a new Dad?????? Buen Camino mi amigo
 


Have you seen this?
I’m planning to do a Porto->Santiago next June and using a similar type of pack and a small decathlon day bag with a 2L water resovoir. There’s some good ideas there to consider.

When are you walking ?
 
Promote your Camino Project on the forum
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
digitalgerry said:
Have you seen this?
I’m planning to do a Porto->Santiago next June and using a similar type of pack and a small decathlon day bag with a 2L water resovoir. There’s some good ideas there to consider.

When are you walking ?
Click to expand...
Hey up, yeah some interesting idea in there for sure, fly in to Toulouse on 2nd June, travel to SJPDP and start on the 3rd.
 
CWMacK said:
fly in to Toulouse on 2nd June, travel to SJPDP and start on the 3rd.
Click to expand...
You mean July
I’d have met up if you were passing via the central France route. Be safe! If you’re up for Porto next year look me up! It’s gentler in comparison to the SJPDP!
 
Camino wristwatch
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
CWMacK said:
Fantastically skint and extremely happy with it !!
Click to expand...
I had to look up what skint meant as I never heard the word before. I only knew skinflint which I learned quickly is a really different meaning. Your attitude towards skint is a really healthy one. I am pretty skint myself and on the Camino just having a little can realllllly go a long, long way!
 
Good effort with keeping the weight down - I personally wouldn't set out on Camino with a backpack without a hip belt though. Might be a risky tactic to reduce the overall weight -if that's the reason.
Most advice is to take the vast majority of the weight through the hips via the hip belt to reduce strain on the shoulders.
Everyone has their preference though . . .
Buen Camino
 
SlowCamino2024 said:
How about a lightweight heating coil to make your own coffee or tea since
you are already carrying a mug? I just bought one, quite light and versatile
for beverages as well as soup or quinoa. Buen Camino!
Click to expand...
I just bought one and look forward to using it on the Norte in August when I'll be up early early to beat the heat.
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Camino Photo

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Most read last week in this forum

Similar threads

B
Camino Portuguese packing list (help)
Replies
9
Views
6K
Thebee6
T
Revised Spring gear packing list (after VdlP)
Replies
5
Views
1K
Madis
Camino Planning with Chat GPT - Hmmmm
Replies
23
Views
1K
peregrina2000
Packing list review - Camino del Norte/Primitivo in June
Replies
16
Views
5K
JerryStroebele
Lessons Learned on the Camino - From Leon September 2023
Replies
29
Views
4K
Lexicos
Menu
Log in
Register