What I pack for a Camino in autumn

Since so many albergues close mid October this is more of a shoulder season packing list. Think late September to late October.

Musts

• Passport
• Visa (if needed)
• Wallet
• Phone (+ charger, 6’ cable, adapter)

You really don’t need much. Yes, I really mean it. You won’t be carrying a tent, you won’t be backcountry cooking, and you won’t be stranded in the middle of nowhere. On the vast majority of the Camino routes you’ll run into at LEAST one town or city every single day. This means you have access to bars, grocery stores, and shops, (except on Sundays). In theory you could show up with just your passport and a credit card and make the trip work. You’ll hear many experienced pilgrims say “pack light, pack light, pack light!” Embrace the minimalist nature of this route system! 

No matter the route, here is my packing list for an autumn Camino de Santiago.

OKAY, ONTO THE LIST

**All clothes (except what I wore on trail) are packed in this 3L drybag 

On-trail Clothes

• 1x Merino sun hoody (sun protection is so important on trail)
• 1x pair hiking pants (pockets are helpful for snacks or your phone)
• 1x merino wool buff
• 1x pair sun gloves (warmth in the fall, saves my hands from exposure and me the annoyance of sunscreen)
• 1x brimmed hat (I like a baseball cap)

In-Town Clothes 

• 1x pair quick dry pant
• 1x merino thermal long sleeve shirt
• 1x bikini (I always pack one)

Under layers 

• 1x on-trail/sport bra 
• 1x Branwyn merino bralette (for in-town)
• 2x merino wool unders 
• 2x Darn tough quarter crew wool socks

Merino wool is an excellent fabric for travel because it is wrinkle resistant, odor resistant, breathable, temperature regulating, continues to insulate even when wet, sustainable, and it dries quickly. The downside is it can be expensive. I highly recommend adding some pieces gradually with sales at sierra, icebreaker, backcountry, quince, wool&, or REI.

Weather layers 

• 1x raincoat (A good quality one! The winds can be too strong for a poncho and you can pack the contents of your bag into a dry-bag)
• 1x warm layer (this can also be a puffer jacket)

Footwear

• 1x pair trail runners (lightweight, good traction, and they dry overnight)
• 1x pair of sandals (For off-trail, showers, dorms. The less bulky the better. I wear mine with socks in the fall.)

Toiletries  packed in this bag ^{(6.5”x7.5”)} (decant because you de-can, and opt for solid toiletries when possible.)

• UL toothbrush (or a more reasonable Travel toothbrush)
• 1x Bite guard 
• Toothpaste tabs (or tiny airplane tubes)
• 2x Tooth flossers 

See my post about packing your entire teeth kit in a bite guard case here.

• SPF 50 Face moisturizer (decanted into a lip gloss tube)
• Tinted sunscreen (for my face)
• Sunscreen (for everywhere else)

• Baking soda deodorant (decanted into a small tin)
• Diva cup 
• Solid conditioner bar in matador case (they also have solid shampoo)
• Dr Bronners soap in a matador case (soap for body, hair, and clothes)

• Hair Kit: hair brush, 1x hair clip, 2x hair ties 
• SPF lip balm

Electronics – packed in this 1L drybag

• 1x 30w charger that’s EU compliant (save yourself the bulk of a big adapter: buy the little adapters and put them on a US charger and it’ll work.)

• 1x 6’ charging cable (plugs are in the weirdest spots in older buildings)
• 1x USB-C to USB-A adapter (not all public ports have upgraded to USB-C)
• 1x set headphones (don’t be the jerk with the speaker on the trail)

Miscellaneous

• 1x bum/waist/fanny pack (Always have it on you with your valuables inside—including the shower, toilet, and when sleeping. While walking I keep it in my pack and take it out when I stop at a bar or restaurant.)
• 1x mini s biner (to lock zipper on bumbag)

• 1x sleeping bag liner (You want something between you and the mattress. Dorms don’t provide sheets, but many do provide blankets. It gets hot in a dorm full of people, so I like the liner over the puffy bag. If there are no blankets, I wear my clean trail clothes and warmth layer to bed)

• 1x pair sunglasses (Polarized and UPF protection! I put them on a lanyard)
• 1x set trekking poles (W/ a thick wrist strap! I buy them when I get to Spain)
• 1x set trekking pole rubber tips (Better for roads. Decathlon sells them) 

• 1x wallet (with section for coins)
• 1x travel towel (The best of the best. Not all are made equally!)
• 1x Kula Cloth (For those who squat to pee)

• 1x eye mask (For the dorms. Trust me.)
• 1x set ear plugs (each dorm is graced by a snorer)

• 1x Packable shopping bag (For grocery runs etc)
• 1x Hero clip (Keeps my bag off the ground or off the bathroom floor)
• 9’ of paracord (makeshift clothesline and other uses)
• 1x mini pen 
• 2x quart sized ziplock bags (1x for passport and credential, 1x spare)
• 4x Caffeine chocolates (for those mornings without cafés)

First Aid

• 4x bandaids (different sizes)
• mini sewing kit (or a needle with a long thread attached to it in a baggie)
• 1x “Swiss army knife” (never had an issue with TSA or EU equivalent)
• assorted meds in a 1 oz. tin or tiny zipped baggies
  • Imodium, gas x, Pepto, Tums, Tagamet (for sensitive travel-bellies)
  • ibuprofen, Excedrin, melatonin
• 1’ of anti-blister tape (wrapped around a q tip) or Compeed (if needed)
• 1x contact lens container with hydrocortisone cream and bug balm
• Electrolyte chewable tablets 
• 1x Pack of hand soap flakes (bathrooms tend to lack soap)

Baggage

The smaller the better! I’ve hiked with a 28L, a 20L and a 6L. I recommend the 18/20L size. I used a day-hike bag and added more substantial hip straps to it and it was perfect. Whatever bag you choose, pretreat it with some anti-bedbug spray before you fly out. Bed bugs are a big issue on the Camino.

• Osprey 20L daylight plus backpack
• hip straps
• 9L lumbar pack (my 6L has been discontinued)

eSIM

I use Airalo when I travel abroad or do a Camino because it’s easy, works well, and the price is right. This is a data only eSIM. Through experience I’ve learned that I only need a data plan, and that it’s much cheaper than upgrading my domestic cellphone plan. Use referral code GWACO8480 to receive $3.00 off your next eSIM with Airalo!

I hope this list helps you pack lighter on your next trip. Remember, less is more!

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