What to bring in the daypack?

[LiseB]

Hi, we are 3 girls trying out the Camino for the first time, wanting to go in May/June 2019, only 5 days walking.
We will get our luggage transported.
What should we bring in our daypack?
Thanks
/ Lise

 

[janicemf]

depending on the weather, possibly your rain gear, we always had ours with us.
lunch, water, snacks,
anything valuable you would not leave unattended in the hotel lobby.

 

[Bruce58]

Hi, we are 3 girls trying out the Camino for the first time, wanting to go in May/June 2019, only 5 days walking.
We will get our luggage transported.
What should we bring in our daypack?
Thanks
/ Lise

We just finished doing the Camino Frances, and there were a lot of people who sent their backpacks, and just carried a small daypack. Plus I saw people using suit cases instead of backpacks to ship their stuff to the next town. If I would do this i would just carry a waterproof jacket if rain was in the forecast, a sweater for cool mornings, a light torch, water, medication(if needed), 1st aid kit. maybe a pair of sandals, sunglasses, and documents, and hat. and also your cables to recharge your cell phone, etc.

 

[FLEUR]

Definitely include a spare pair of socks and walking sandals so that your feet can have a break from your walking shoes.

 

[Ahhhs]

Why not just pack light and carry your pack? (Unless of course there is a physical reason not to). You don’t need much for 5 days. That way you always have everything you need on board.

Buen Camino

 

[bmcbride]

Anything that you could not replace easily - medications, travel documents, electronics, money, bank cards, extra pair of glasses - should be in your daypack. Also, I would carry water, a snack, my rain jacket, an extra pair of socks, my 2nd pair of shoes, and a first-aid kit.

 

[Hiawatha]

Seconds on Fleur's suggestion of spare socks . June can be hot and sweaty feet cause blisters . Swap them at each long break you have , pin the wet ones outside your pack and re use them when dry .

 

[Footlose]

Toilet paper and doggie plastic bags from the Dollarstore for toilet breaks in the middle of nowhere, so that you can pick up after yourselves. Blister care supplies.

 

[Deleted member 397]

Why not just pack light and carry your pack? (Unless of course there is a physical reason not to). You don’t need much for 5 days. That way you always have everything you need on board.

Buen Camino

I agree..for 5 days you need minimal packing. Having luggage transported will encourage you to pack things you probably wont need

 

[Footlose]

I also plan on sending our packs ahead for the 1st few days so that our feet get used to the uneven walking.

 

[trecile]

I also plan on sending our packs ahead for the 1st few days so that our feet get used to the uneven walking.

Rather than bringing a small daypack that might not have the same kind of structure and support built in to it as a regular backpack consider bringing a very lightweight packable duffel bag that you can load up with the things that you don't need while you are walking. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UFOETIA/?tag=casaivar02-20
Your well fitted backpack with a frame and hip belt will be much more comfortable to carry while you are becoming accostumed to the walk, than a lightweight backpack with little to no structure.

 

[Robo]

Hi, we are 3 girls trying out the Camino for the first time, wanting to go in May/June 2019, only 5 days walking.
We will get our luggage transported.
What should we bring in our daypack?
Thanks
/ Lise

Depends what you mean by a day pack.

By the time you put together a day pack with all the stuff you might need during the day, there isn't really much left to send ahead one spare set of clothes and some soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush............

Some day packs are quite well made, with good padding, hip belt and support. Some are very flimsy and will be a real pain to carry............

IMHO it would be better to have a proper small pack rather than an ultra lite day pack if you are thinking of that, as it will also be fairly light, but more importantly, comfortable. .

Then just pack light.....

I carry a 34L pack that is really comfortable. I would prefer to use that; and have; rather than an ultra lite day pack regardless of how little I was packing. My wife carries a 24L pack. Small, light, very comfortable. Fits all her gear in it.

For example.
My wife's pack. Technically....A Day Pack. Because it's small I guess. https://www.paddypallin.com.au/osprey-sirrus-24-day-pack-womens-updated.html

My pack: Also referred to as a Day Pack: https://www.paddypallin.com.au/osprey-stratos-34-day-pack-updated-39080.html

In these we can carry gear for 40 days.
For 5 days....................I would carry the exact same gear. Nothing different. 2 days or 50 days, it's basically the same gear for me.

It's about travelling light! My total gear is 5.5 kg + food and water. Of that, probably only 1.2 kg is not required during the day. Spare clothes etc.

This is an Ultra Light day pack. I take one and carry it for going shopping.
If I had to send gear ahead due to injury or whatever, I would use this to send the gear, and still use my back pack for walking. It's more comfortable.
The ultra lite day pack would be far too uncomfortable to carry over any distance on my back, like more than a couple of kms, even with just a couple of KGs in it. Small straps that will dig into shoulders. no support etc.
It's really a shopping bag with shoulder straps even though it looks good in the pics....
https://www.paddypallin.com.au/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-daypack.html

Happy planning......

 

[Anamiri]

How much you need in total depends on where you will stay; if albergues then you'll need some type of bedding, and towels soap etc. If hostels or hotels, than you need to take less altogether.

How much you want in your day pack also depends on whether you want a shower and do laundry when you get in. I find that after a shower I feel like a new person, so I like to shower soon after arrival - I feel fresh and invigorated. I walked May/June - by mid-late June it was very hot, I was soaked in sweat when I got in each day.
.From experience, your backpack may or may not be there before you. If not you can wait a few hours for it to arrive depending on the town etc.
I learnt to take a towel (small) and a change of clothes - as I didn't really like having to hang around sweaty and dirty whilst everyone else was all clean and refreshed, especially in a cafe or bar.
That however is a personal thing - some people are quite happy to socialise and shower only later in the day. I don't know how they get their washing dry - may be they don't. Maybe they carry more outfits.

I had my bag transported whilst my knee was recovering from injury. I was glad to have it recover and have all my stuff with me again. I only take two walking outfits - hence my need to do laundry, my total main pack was less than 6 kgs even with food and water, I had very little in my day pack.
I also wear shorts with deep pockets, some of them concealed - great for passports etc. What you carry in your pants pockets doesn't seem to have weight.

 

[WalkingJane]

Depends what you mean by a day pack.

By the time you put together a day pack with all the stuff you might need during the day, there isn't really much left to send ahead one spare set of clothes and some soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush............

Some day packs are quite well made, with good padding, hip belt and support. Some are very flimsy and will be a real pain to carry............

IMHO it would be better to have a proper small pack rather than an ultra lite day pack if you are thinking of that, as it will also be fairly light, but more importantly, comfortable. .

Then just pack light.....

I carry a 34L pack that is really comfortable. I would prefer to use that; and have; rather than an ultra lite day pack regardless of how little I was packing. My wife carries a 24L pack. Small, light, very comfortable. Fits all her gear in it.

For example.
My wife's pack. Technically....A Day Pack. Because it's small I guess. https://www.paddypallin.com.au/osprey-sirrus-24-day-pack-womens-updated.html

My pack: Also referred to as a Day Pack: https://www.paddypallin.com.au/osprey-stratos-34-day-pack-updated-39080.html

In these we can carry gear for 40 days.
For 5 days....................I would carry the exact same gear. Nothing different. 2 days or 50 days, it's basically the same gear for me.

It's about travelling light! My total gear is 5.5 kg + food and water. Of that, probably only 1.2 kg is not required during the day. Spare clothes etc.

This is an Ultra Light day pack. I take one and carry it for going shopping.
If I had to send gear ahead due to injury or whatever, I would use this to send the gear, and still use my back pack for walking. It's more comfortable.
The ultra lite day pack would be far too uncomfortable to carry over any distance on my back, like more than a couple of kms, even with just a couple of KGs in it. Small straps that will dig into shoulders. no support etc.
It's really a shopping bag with shoulder straps even though it looks good in the pics....
https://www.paddypallin.com.au/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-daypack.html

Happy planning......

I use the sea to summit daypack all the time here at home. Light shopping, a day when I'll be out all day for whatever (snack, water), etc. On the Camino it was my daypack for the same kind of thing and I sent my other pack with Os Correos in spain.

 

[Ahhhs]

I still don’t really understand why one would want to bother with two separate packs...again, unless there was a physical need.

There is a real freedom in carrying your own backpack. You don’t have to worry about where it is, wonder when it will arrive, or find that you need something you’ve sent ahead. You can stop anywhere you want and not just where your pack has been sent. Plus you don’t need to pay for transport.

Of course everyone needs to do their own Camino the way they choose. But I would highly recommend to at least try walking with your regular (lightly packed) backpack and see how you feel.

Buen Camino (however it works best)

 

[Felice]

Another reason that I would never use bag transport unless injured or unable to carry my pack, is bed bugs. Your bag will spend all day in very close proximity to lots of other bags. And one of those bags might be carrying ‘hitchhickers’. Not a risk I am prepared to take.

 

[Robo]

I use the sea to summit daypack all the time here at home. Light shopping, a day when I'll be out all day for whatever (snack, water), etc. On the Camino it was my daypack for the same kind of thing and I sent my other pack with Os Correos in spain.

Glad it worked for. I couldn't wear one all day with anything much in it

 

[LiseB]

Why not just pack light and carry your pack? (Unless of course there is a physical reason not to). You don’t need much for 5 days. That way you always have everything you need on board.

Buen Camino

Good point.
But one in the group is having back problems, so we are all choosing the easy way ;-)

But I guess the daypack can be rather small then

 

[LiseB]

Toilet paper and doggie plastic bags from the Dollarstore for toilet breaks in the middle of nowhere, so that you can pick up after yourselves. Blister care supplies.

Good one

 

[LiseB]

Rather than bringing a small daypack that might not have the same kind of structure and support built in to it as a regular backpack consider bringing a very lightweight packable duffel bag that you can load up with the things that you don't need while you are walking. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UFOETIA/?tag=casaivar02-20
Your well fitted backpack with a frame and hip belt will be much more comfortable to carry while you are becoming accostumed to the walk, than a lightweight backpack with little to no structure.

Hmm, ok.
I have a realy good backpack but it is 65 liters (Osprey) - I guess that will be way too big as a daypack?

 

[LiseB]

Depends what you mean by a day pack.

By the time you put together a day pack with all the stuff you might need during the day, there isn't really much left to send ahead one spare set of clothes and some soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush............

.....

Happy planning......

Thanks - I can see that your daypack is half the weight of by normal big backpack... I guess I will reconsider and maybe just bringing my ordinary bag as a daypack, and then we could share it between us while walking (as one in the group has back issues).
Lots of things to reconsider
Thanks

 

[LiseB]

How much you need in total depends on where you will stay; if albergues then you'll need some type of bedding, and towels soap etc. If hostels or hotels, than you need to take less altogether.

How much you want in your day pack also depends on whether you want a shower and do laundry when you get in. I find that after a shower I feel like a new person, so I like to shower soon after arrival - I feel fresh and invigorated. I walked May/June - by mid-late June it was very hot, I was soaked in sweat when I got in each day.
.From experience, your backpack may or may not be there before you. If not you can wait a few hours for it to arrive depending on the town etc.
I learnt to take a towel (small) and a change of clothes - as I didn't really like having to hang around sweaty and dirty whilst everyone else was all clean and refreshed, especially in a cafe or bar.
That however is a personal thing - some people are quite happy to socialise and shower only later in the day. I don't know how they get their washing dry - may be they don't. Maybe they carry more outfits.

I had my bag transported whilst my knee was recovering from injury. I was glad to have it recover and have all my stuff with me again. I only take two walking outfits - hence my need to do laundry, my total main pack was less than 6 kgs even with food and water, I had very little in my day pack.
I also wear shorts with deep pockets, some of them concealed - great for passports etc. What you carry in your pants pockets doesn't seem to have weight.

Good point with the shower vs time of transportation!!! :-D

 

[LiseB]

Another reason that I would never use bag transport unless injured or unable to carry my pack, is bed bugs. Your bag will spend all day in very close proximity to lots of other bags. And one of those bags might be carrying ‘hitchhickers’. Not a risk I am prepared to take.

OHHH

 

[LiseB]

All this is realy helpfull And it bekomes more real, that we are actually soon on our way :-D
Thanks.

 

[Ahhhs]

65 Liters is very large for the Camino as a regular pack. That may be part of the confusion here. If you had a pack half that size you could just use one. As a point of reference, I used a 38L on my first two caminos and now have a 30L that I’ve used on my last two Caminos. Plenty of room and I carry a compact sleeping bag.

Happy planning.

 

[LiseB]

65 Liters is very large for the Camino as a regular pack. That may be part of the confusion here. If you had a pack half that size you could just use one. As a point of reference, I used a 38L on my first two caminos and now have a 30L that I’ve used on my last two Caminos. Plenty of room and I carry a compact sleeping bag.

Happy planning.

I agree, I guess it will seem large, eventhough I can take of the toppart...
The weight is 2.2 kg for the pack itself.

 

[Jim Bispham]

Why not just pack light and carry your pack? (Unless of course there is a physical reason not to). You don’t need much for 5 days. That way you always have everything you need on board.

Buen Camino

Totally agree about carrying your gear. Unless you have a physical problem, all pilgrims should carry everything. This is a pilgrimage, and some hardship is part of the journey. Some pilgrims treat the journey as a jolly and also pre-book albergues and do not always arrive at that albergue, so cause a bed blocking. A pilgrim should be prepared to take the rough with the smooth and not look at the walk as a type of package holiday.

 

[Robo]

I agree, I guess it will seem large, eventhough I can take of the toppart...
The weight is 2.2 kg for the pack itself.

That's a heavy pack for Camino use

 

[nidarosa]

If you are staying in rooms/hotels and not taking a sleeping bag, there isn't really a lot to send every morning that you don't want to take in a daypack - some evening clothes, toiletries etc. What daypack do you plan to use? 65L is huge, I agree that the simple nylon ones can be uncomfortable, and comfort and weight are both important when you are walking all day.

 

[Albertagirl]

For two days on the VdlP: very hot and dry, challenging climb at the end of the second, 29 km day, I sent my pack ahead. I carried my sea to summit very light day pack. I only put water, food and electronics in it, with passport and money etc. in my pockets. It was very light and I had no trouble with the lack of structure of the pack. It does have light shoulder straps, padded, and a waist belt. I found it not at all uncomfortable, or less so than my regular pack with all its contents. It was a relief in the conditions, but I was very glad to have the regular pack with contents back the following day.

 

[Albertagirl]

Totally agree about carrying your gear. Unless you have a physical problem, all pilgrims should carry everything. This is a pilgrimage, and some hardship is part of the journey. Some pilgrims treat the journey as a jolly and also pre-book albergues and do not always arrive at that albergue, so cause a bed blocking. A pilgrim should be prepared to take the rough with the smooth and not look at the walk as a type of package holiday.

@Jim Bispham
I don't think I would have died on the 29 km walk to Almaden de la Plata in hot dry weather, but I might have. At least one pilgrim died on the VdlP this year and others in the past. I consider that common sense is an excellent quality for a pilgrim and that precautions should be taken when necessary.

 

[J F Gregory]

I have a bad back and feet and have found a pack that is ideal for walking. The Zpack Nero has no frame and is waterproof and is 38 lit. All of my Camino gear weighs with out snacks and water 3.1 kg. The pack weighs .3 kg so every thing minus snack and water 1.5 kg. so my entire kit weighs less than 5 kg. The maximum load capacity is 9 kg. For a day pack it is expensive,( $199.00) but I have used it for mountain backpacking, I have traveled with it to several countries and it will be used on my next Camino in October 2019.

 

[Dave2525]

Totally agree about carrying your gear. Unless you have a physical problem, all pilgrims should carry everything. This is a pilgrimage, and some hardship is part of the journey. Some pilgrims treat the journey as a jolly and also pre-book albergues and do not always arrive at that albergue, so cause a bed blocking. A pilgrim should be prepared to take the rough with the smooth and not look at the walk as a type of package holiday.

Sadly I find comments that deal in absolutes a bit offensive. E.g. “all pilgrims should carry everything.”

Shouldn’t pilgrims be allowed to carry as much or as little as they want for whatever reason they want without facing criticism?

If that is how your Camino is, it’s fine by me but it doesn’t work for everyone.

 

[J F Gregory]

This isn't a competition now is it. Does it really matter what a person carries or doesn't carry. As long as that have what is needed for the day. I walked with a man from Germany whose pack weighed 60 lbs. and with he and I was a man from Chile who carries every thing in a 15 liter day sack. and made a Pilgrimage from Rome to Santiago.

 

[Ahhhs]

Not a competition at all. Everyone can and should do their own Camino in whatever way suits them and makes them happy.

It does seem like more and more people who haven’t walked are thinking that “everyone” has their pack shipped and that is just how you do the Camino.

I’m simply offering another opinion about the freedom and sense of accomplishment that you get from carrying your own pack.

As always, to each their own.

Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

It does seem like more and more people who haven’t walked are thinking that “everyone” has their pack shipped and that is just how you do the Camino.

On a Camino Facebook group post someone said that most everyone had their pack transported. She based that claim on the number of tagged backpacks she saw in the albergues. Quite a number of us disputed that claim. Every time that I have walked, the people using transport services have definitely been in the minority. Personally, I just like the freedom that I have when I'm carrying everything that I need for the Camino on my back. But it's nice to know that transport is available in case of injury.
I would certainly encourage everyone who is physically able to carry their backpack. Before my first Camino I had absolutely zero backpacking experience and now I've done it three times!

 

[Ahhhs]

Yep. Newbies should be aware that having your pack transported is just an option if you need it and certainly not the “norm”.

 

[paul.ferris]

I

Hi, we are 3 girls trying out the Camino for the first time, wanting to go in May/June 2019, only 5 days walking.
We will get our luggage transported.
What should we bring in our daypack?
Thanks
/ Lise

 

[WalkingJane]

Sadly I find comments that deal in absolutes a bit offensive. E.g. “all pilgrims should carry everything.”

Shouldn’t pilgrims be allowed to carry as much or as little as they want for whatever reason they want without facing criticism?

If that is how your Camino is, it’s fine by me but it doesn’t work for everyone.

Thank you, Dave 2525. I think this has been the general consensus on the Forum.

 

[kelleymac]

Hmm, ok.
I have a realy good backpack but it is 65 liters (Osprey) - I guess that will be way too big as a daypack?

That's way big for a pack on the camino. Many people find a 35 liter pack is fine for weeks.

 

[kelleymac]

I started a thread entitled "Carrying my stuff--" May 30, 2018, where I explain how carrying my stuff (my own pack) was a very important part of my camino. I'm not sure how to link it here. But take a look and I hope you reconsider having your stuff transported. I wish you a Buen Camino.

 

[kelleymac]

I started a thread entitled "Carrying my stuff--" May 30, 2018, where I explain how carrying my stuff (my own pack) was a very important part of my camino. I'm not sure how to link it here. But take a look and I hope you reconsider having your stuff transported. I wish you a Buen Camino what ever you decide.

 

[trecile]

I started a thread entitled "Carrying my stuff--" May 30, 2018, where I explain how carrying my stuff (my own pack) was a very important part of my camino. I'm not sure how to link it here. But take a look and I hope you reconsider having your stuff transported. I wish you a Buen Camino.

Here's the link https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/carrying-my-stuff.55857/

 

[Portia1]

One suggestion. Try walking five plus miles with each pack loaded as you would on the Camino (the day pack packed for rain/bad weather). The only one who can tell you what works for you is you. I carry an Osprey Exos 48. I carry a Rumpl throw and a silk liner for sleeping and 3 tops and two bottoms, 3 pr socks. I am 70+ years old if that helps and have done the Camino twice (and again next fall). If you pack conservatively, you just might discover how feasible it is to carry everything with you rather than stressing about what you will need each day versus what to send forward.

The one time I had my pack forwarded (took the Dragonate route, one and done!), my pack did not arrive as promised and with the help of a wonderful barman, finally had it several hours later. Issues can arise. Like others, I prefer to shower upon arrival and do laundry so that I am ready to enjoy the evening. It would stress me more to worry at the end of the day if there was a problem.

Each pilgrim must walk his or her own Camino as is best for them. Buen Camino!

 

[peregrina2000]

Good point.
But one in the group is having back problems, so we are all choosing the easy way ;-)

But I guess the daypack can be rather small then

If one of your group has back problems, I would be very careful about daypacks. I have chronic lower back pain, but one place I never suffer at all is on the Camino while carrying 15-20 pounds in my great internal frame backpack. If I were to wear a daypack with as little as 4 or 5 pounds in it on my back, my back would be killing me in an hour or two. A good backpack puts absolutely no weight on your back (it is all transferred to your hips), so having a bad back is usually not an indicator that you shouldn’t carry a pack. And I think that the warmth the pack provides to my back makes it all loose and feeling good!

The other real downside about having your packs transported is that you are then locked into a schedule. And getting out of a schedule is one of the main reasons many of us go to the camino.

And though I totally agree that there is no need to be judgmental about this issue, I think that many people who haven’t really thought things through may be surprised to learn all the many reasons why it may be more advantageous (and not much harder) to just go ahead and carry everything with you.

 

[Meggins]

Totally agree about carrying your gear. Unless you have a physical problem, all pilgrims should carry everything. This is a pilgrimage, and some hardship is part of the journey. Some pilgrims treat the journey as a jolly and also pre-book albergues and do not always arrive at that albergue, so cause a bed blocking. A pilgrim should be prepared to take the rough with the smooth and not look at the walk as a type of package holiday.

Don't really think there needs to be a 'should' - we don't know everyone's story. My 1st CF I did with my pack every step of the way. I went back twice more (so far) for 500km each time. Since I had a bad knee and back I sent my pack forward and used a day pack.
The reason the Forum is so interesting is that we see so many different points of view! Buen Camino on your next one.