Choosing the right backpack for the Camino de Santiago can make the difference between a pleasant experience and an exhausting journey. Before starting your adventure, it’s essential to consider several factors that will ensure comfort and functionality during your trip.

Making a good decision will allow you to enjoy the Camino without unnecessary worries. Here, you’ll find practical tips to ensure your backpack fits your needs perfectly, so you can focus on what truly matters: experiencing the unique journey of the Camino de Santiago.

Before proceeding, we remind you that at Mundiplus, we want to help you make this one less thing to worry about. As an organising company, we assist with transporting your backpack, so you won’t need to carry it from stage to stage.

 

Find an organised trip to Santiago: simplify your experience

Booking an organised trip for the Camino de Santiago can be an excellent way to enjoy the route without unnecessary complications. By choosing a travel agency for the Camino de Santiago, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that every aspect of your journey is planned: from accommodation to transporting your backpack.

If it’s your first time on the Camino, the help of a collaborating agency like ours makes preparation much easier. You won’t need to worry about finding the best places to rest or managing the daily logistics. Additionally, we offer various routes and alternatives, always adapting to your preferences and physical level.

An organised trip also allows you to meet other pilgrims following the same route, which enriches the experience. Agencies offer comprehensive packages that include guides, detailed maps, and assistance in case of any eventualities.

This way, you can fully focus on enjoying the scenery, culture, and the personal purpose that led you to start this adventure.

 

Routes of the Camino de Santiago: choose the right backpack for each journey

Choosing the right backpack for your journey on the Camino de Santiago is crucial, as each route has its own particularities.

If you decide to follow the Portuguese Coastal Way guide or take a walk from Baiona, you’ll need a backpack that suits gentler routes but with variable weather conditions. In this case, a lightweight, waterproof model with ample space for rain and wind-appropriate clothing is recommended.

In any case, a backpack with multiple compartments will be useful, allowing easy access to your essentials. Also, keep in mind that most routes, including the Portuguese Coastal Way, may have moderate ascents. Therefore, ensure your backpack has good lumbar support.

The walk from Ferrol may be more demanding in terms of elevation changes. Here, choosing a backpack with a ventilation system in the back and adequate capacity for carrying water and energy snacks is crucial to staying comfortable during the journey.

Finally, if you opt for the walk from Roncesvalles, a section of the French Way with mountainous terrain, a backpack with adjustable straps and good shoulder padding will be indispensable. This will allow you to carry everything you need without compromising comfort throughout your journey.

 

Size and capacity: match your backpack to the length of your journey

When selecting a backpack for the Camino de Santiago, size and capacity are key factors to consider based on the length of your trip.

  • For a short trip of a few days, a backpack of 30 to 40 litres will be more than sufficient. This size will allow you to carry the essentials without adding unnecessary weight.
  • For walks lasting a week or more, it’s advisable to choose one between 40 and 50 litres. With this capacity, you can carry additional clothing, personal hygiene items, and some food, maintaining a balance between capacity and comfort.

Remember that a larger backpack isn’t always better. Carrying more than necessary will only add discomfort during the journey.

If you’re planning a longer trip or one with variable climates, where you may need additional gear like a sleeping bag or extra clothing, a 50 to 60-litre backpack might be the right choice.

Don’t be mistaken. The capacities we mention here are maximum capacities. This means that you don’t have to overpack and reach the full weight limit. 

However, we remind you again that the most recommended option is to leave the transportation of your backpack in the hands of a company organising these routes.

 

Quality and durability: invest in a sturdy backpack

When choosing a backpack for the Camino de Santiago, quality and durability are aspects you shouldn’t overlook. Investing in a sturdy model will save you from unpleasant surprises during the journey, like ripped seams or broken zips.

Make sure the material is robust, preferably high-density nylon or polyester, which offer a good combination of lightness and strength. Reinforcements in areas of high wear, like the corners and straps, are essential.

Ensure that the zips are of high quality and easy to operate. Also, check that the backpack has double stitching in key areas for added security.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider whether the backpack comes with a rain cover. Weather on the Camino can be unpredictable, and having a waterproof cover is essential for keeping your belongings dry.

The longer your trip, the more important it is to choose a backpack with robust features to withstand the wear and tear of the journey.

 

Concluding Tips: Find the balance between comfort and practicality

Finally, it’s essential to test your backpack before starting the Camino de Santiago. Adjust it to your body and test it with some weight to ensure that it’s comfortable.

Check that it doesn’t pinch in any areas and that the weight is evenly distributed on your hips and shoulders. Try walking with it for a few hours, simulating the type of load and duration of the Camino, to make any adjustments beforehand.

Finding the perfect backpack for the Camino is a matter of understanding your personal needs and ensuring that comfort and practicality are well balanced.

Now that you have all the necessary tips to choose the ideal backpack for the Camino de Santiago, all that’s left is to enjoy the journey and live an unforgettable experience on one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world.