How to pack your backpack for the Camino de Santiago: The BF Outdoor Shop guide
Every year, thousands of pilgrims set off on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. Some start in France, some in Spain, some only do the last 100km, and some tackle the entire route. But they all have one thing in common: a backpack on their shoulders.
And that backpack, if poorly prepared, can turn the most beautiful trip of your life into a nightmare of blisters, aches, and regrets.
For over 20 years, we've been helping pilgrims prepare for long walks. Here's what we've learned.
The golden rule: 10% of your body weight
A loaded backpack should never exceed 10% of your body weight. If you weigh 70kg, your fully loaded backpack, including water, should not exceed 7kg. Does that seem like a small amount? It's already a lot after 25km a day.
This means that choosing the right backpack is crucial: it must be light, ergonomic, and the right capacity.
Which backpack to choose: Ferrino Finisterre
For the Camino de Santiago, our favorite backpack is the Ferrino Finisterre: designed specifically for treks, with an optimal carrying system, ventilated back, and ergonomic waist belt.
For most pilgrims (200-300km): the Ferrino Finisterre 30L or the Finisterre 28L are the ideal choice. Lightweight, compact, sufficient for those traveling with essentials.
For complete or long treks: the Ferrino Finisterre 40L or the Finisterre 38L offer more space without compromising ergonomics. Ideal for those tackling the entire Camino Francés or the Via Francigena.
There are also W (women's) versions with a back and waist belt adapted to the female anatomy: Finisterre 30W and Finisterre 38L W.
Shoes: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
We discussed it in our article on the right shoe for a trek: there isn't one perfect shoe for everyone, but there is the right one for you.
Among the models we most recommend for the Camino is the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4: wide toe box, generous cushioning, Vibram sole with excellent grip. Perfect for long days on asphalt, dirt, and trails.
💡 Tip: take half a size larger than your usual size. Feet swell during long walks!
Socks: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
Blisters are the pilgrim's number one enemy. And in most cases, they arise from friction between the toes.
Injinji socks solve this problem at the root: each toe is separated, like in a glove, completely eliminating friction between the toes. The result? Goodbye interdigital blisters.
👉 Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew — our choice for the Camino: medium weight, ankle height, perfect for trail and trekking shoes.
Bring at least 3 pairs: one on your feet, one drying, one spare.
Headwear: Buff Explorer Booney Hat and Merino Neckwear
The Camino de Santiago is undertaken in all seasons, and the weather can change rapidly. Two essential Buff accessories:
Buff Explorer Booney Hat — a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight and breathable. Protects from the sun on long summer stages across the Spanish Meseta. Indispensable.
Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear — versatile and super light. Functions as a neck warmer, balaclava, headband, or hat. Made of merino wool, it regulates temperature and doesn't retain odors. Perfect for cold morning starts.
The rest of the backpack: what to pack and what to leave at home
Here's a quick checklist to avoid mistakes:
- ✅ Minimal change of clothes (2 technical shirts, 1 pair of shorts/trousers)
- ✅ Lightweight waterproof jacket
- ✅ Sleeping bag liner (mandatory in hostels)
- ✅ Basic first aid kit (plasters, Compeed, painkiller)
- ✅ Trekking poles (save your knees on descents)
- ✅ Water bottle or hydration bladder
- ❌ Jeans, terry towels, heavy paper books
- ❌ Everything you think "might come in handy" but have never used
Come visit us in store
If you want to be sure you're starting with the right equipment, come visit us in Rome. We'll help you choose your backpack, shoes, and accessories with our direct experience on the trails.
Book your baropodometric platform test to find the perfect shoe: https://bit.ly/TestPedana
Buen Camino! 🌟