Ultralight Women's Camino Frances Packing List

CaminoGear

Nov 21

Written By Elaine Silver

The Only Packing List You’ll Ever Need for the Camino de Santiago

The Best Camino Backpack for Women

USWE Hajker Pro 24L Rolltop Backpack

I love this backpack.

The fully adjustable harness system and waist belt are perfect for smaller hikers (I’m 5’1”) which allowed me to adjust it to sit exactly where I wanted it to. The bag feels like it’s hugging me and helps me comfortably carry the weight (10.9 lbs without food or water) on long days.

I also love that it comes with a built-in waterproof dry bag that always keeps my stuff safe and dry without any extra effort. It’s truly waterproof (I’ve been in some downpours!) and easy to use.

I wasn’t sure if I’d like a rolltop bag, but after using this backpack on three Caminos, I’m a huge fan of the rolltop design. You can adjust your bag to fit bulky snacks or clothing items when you need to, and shrink it down when your bag is emptier.

I’m taking this backpack on my next Camino for sure.

Backpack Accessories

USWE 3L Hydration Bladder
USWE Chest Pocket (I used this for my phone, but it also works for snacks!)

The Best Women's Camino Clothing

Packing for the Camino is all about simplicity. You only need to bring one “trail” outfit and one “town” outfit. For me, that means investing in a few pieces of hiking clothing you can depend on day after day.

Here’s every clothing item I packed for the Camino Frances, and why I recommend each one:

Ridge Merino Women’s Solstice Lightweight Wool Hoodie

I wore this sun hoodie every day. The hood and long sleeves (with thumb holes!) protected me from the sun on the trail and the soft merino wool kept me warm on chilly mornings while letting me breathe in the afternoon.

I never got a sunburn, and my neck and ears were well protected with the hood.

Rab Women's Momentum Shorts

The stretchy elastic waist band (with a draw string) is a game-changer. They were comfortable under my backpack waist strap and a delight to wear on the trail and once we got to town.

I loved hiking in these shorts.

Branwyn Merino Essential Bralette

This is the best travel bra I’ve ever worn. Very durable, comfortable, didn’t smell. It’s darn near perfect (and still looks great even after weeks on the Camino).

Branwyn Merino Essential Bikini Underwear

The same goes for these underwear. They’re also modest enough to wear to sleep in albergues (aka they cover a lot), and they don’t ride up during the day, which is fantastic.

Darn Tough Socks

Darn Tough has been my go-to hiking sock brand for years — and for good reason. These socks are durable, comfortable, and reliable. Get two pairs for the Camino (so you can swap every day) and your toes will thank you.

REI Silk Sock Liners

Sock liners are my secret weapon against blisters. Silk sock liners in particular, add an extra layer to stop friction from building up when your feet swell and rub against your shoes on the trail.

If you’ve never tried sock liners before, they’re worth it. But just know that they’re a little fragile and might break down after a few weeks on the trail. Bring two pairs so you can swap them out each day after you wash them.

Ridge Merino V Neck T-Shirt

I only packed one shirt for the entire Camino.

That’s right. I wore my sun hoodie on the trail, and this wonderful merino wool t-shirt when I got to town. I’m a huge fan of merino wool (if you can’t tell!)

Mountain Hardware Dynama Pants

These aren’t the pants in my video because these are EVEN BETTER. Lighter and an appropriate length for a petite person. Stretchy, comfy, love the pockets! I wore these pants whenever I got to town, and they performed beautifully at cathedrals, pilgrim dinners, and walking around to see the sights in each place we stayed.

Merino Wool Buff

This is the most versatile piece of clothing in your backpack. I’ve worn mine as a scarf, cooling cloth, hat, headband, and an eye mask. Buffs are great for hot days and cold mornings and weigh next to nothing. Get a good one, because you’ll use it for years.

Sun Hat by Sunday Afternoons

A good hat is a must for protecting yourself from the sun on the trail. It doesn’t even really matter what style you choose, as long as the brim covers your fave (and hopefully your neck, too!)

Columbia Fleece Half Zip Sweater

I opted for a lighter fleece for this Camino, and I’m thrilled that I did. A good fleece can add tons of warmth and versatility (they’re great for layering) without the bulk of a jacket or sweater.

Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket

Even with a great fleece, you still need a rain layer. I loved this Patagonia rain jacket for the great hood, and the armpit zips to keep me from overheating while hiking on rainy days.

Best Women’s Camino Hiking Shoes & Sandals

Altra Lone Peak Trail Runners

I’ve been a huge fan of barefoot and zero-drop shoes for years, so I was hesitant to try a trail runner. But I’m so glad I did because these hiking shoes are unreal.

The zero drop design and thoughtful cushion helped me hike over 1500 km on this Camino (we started in Le Puy-en-Velay) without foot or joint issues. Altra train runners might not be for everyone — especially if you’ve never worn a zero-drop shoe — but I’ll wear them on my next Camino for sure.

Xero Minimalist Sandals

When you get to town, it’s nice to change into another pair of shoes or sandals (especially ones that let you wear socks on chilly nights. The Xero sandals are lightweight, pack flat, and doubled as my shower shoes to help save weight and bulk.

If you’re on a tight budget, a simple pair of Croc-style shower sandals should do the trick.

Essential Camino Accessories

REI Waist Pack

Bring a small waist pack to keep your phone, passport, wallet, and other valuables safe and secure when you get to town.

Chums Wallet

This is my go-to wallet for the Camino. The dual zipper pouches are great for European coins (which you’ll use a lot!), and the separate pockets keep your cards safe from scratches.

Sea to Summit Airlite Towel

This towel changed my life. The large towel is big enough to wrap around me and still dries super quickly. Plus, it weighs next to nothing and packs into a stuff sack I can easily fit in the palm of my hand. These towels are a little pricey, but absolutely worth it. Get one. You’ll love it.

Trail Buddy Hiking Poles

I love my hiking poles!

If you’ve never tried them before, hiking poles can help redistribute some of the weight from your feet while also helping you power up (and down!) steep hills and long flat stretches. I hike faster, for longer when I use my hiking poles, and these ones from Trail Buddy performed beautifully.

Invest in a decent pair with at least (2) locking sections, and you’ll feel a lot fresher when you finish each stage.

Anker 30W Charging Brick & Cable

Anker makes one of the most reliable, fast-charging wall chargers I’ve ever used. Here’s the EU version so you don’t need an adaptor to use it in Spain. A fast charger really is worth a few extra bucks, as you’ll be able to charge your phone in minutes instead of leaving it plugged in (and unattended) overnight.

Moleskine Notebook

I record everything in my trusty Moleskine notebook, and it’s also where I keep any useful paper guides or handouts that we might need along the way.

Baggu Reusable Tote Bag

A stuffable tote bag is fantastic for grocery shopping along the Camino. This one from Baggu packs into itself and weighs next to nothing. The extra versatility when you need it is well worth the weight.

Nooz Sunglasses

These flatpack sunglasses are perfect for the Camino, in fact, they’re so slim you can keep them in your pocket or waist bag thanks to the slim protective case. If you’re looking for a stylish, sturdy pair of sunglasses that won’t take up much room, try Nooz. They’re great.

Cocoon Sleep Sack

I’ve been using a Cocoon CoolMax sleep sack for years, and while I love it, I think I might upgrade to a silk sleeping sack soon. Whatever you use, you definitely need a layer between you and your albergue bed!

REI Eye Mask

You need a sleep mask. A mask will help you shut out the light that always seems to trickle into the albergue and help you drift off when you need some (literal) shut-eye.

This sleep mask even has a pocket for foam earplugs when your bunk mate starts to snore.

Carabiner

Bring one. They’re useful.

Dehumidifier for Hearing Aids

I wear hearing aids, so I have to pack a dehumidifier for them, but this can be anything you need for your health. You might need spare glasses or extra contact solution.

Essential Camino Toiletries & First Aid Kit

If you’re not careful, toiletries can become the heaviest thing in your bag. My pro tip is to decant everything into a small container to keep packaging (and weight) to a minimum. Basically, only bring what you need instead of lugging a heavy bottle around that you will never finish.

Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case

This soap case is a luxury item, but I love it. My soap always dries out in this bag and never gets the rest of my stuff all soapy and gross. You can use a Ziploc bag, but your soap won’t dry when you seal the bag.

Dr. Bronner’s Bar Soap

You only need half a bar of this fantastic soap on the Camino Frances, so cut that bar in half to keep the weight down! I use it to wash my face, body, hair, and even my clothes!

Sea to Summit Hand Soap Flakes

Perfect for bathrooms that don’t have soap on hand.

Kula Cloth

You don’t need to carry toilet paper anymore with this Kula cloth. This washable antimicrobial cloth clips to the outside of your bag and has been a game-changer for how I go on the go.

Mini Hairbrush

Toothpaste Tablets

Count out how many you need, and bring them in a Ziploc bag. I love these things.

Little Seed Farm Natural Deodorant

Natural deodorant that actually works. Easy to decant into a little tin or container. Love it.

All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter

I always bring a tin of All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter to use as a face and hand sunscreen. One tin of this zinc sunscreen lasts forever and fits in the waist pocket of most bags so you can reapply as you walk. Stay sun safe!

Hurraw Chapstick

I have an SPF and a nighttime version.

Camino First Aid Kit

Lamb’s Wool

Lamb’s wool changed my life.

On my very first Camino I was struggling with blisters until a group of women hikers from Canada shared a handful of Lamb’s Wool with me. And wow.

I stuff it between my toes and around any hotspots I had, and the natural liniment in the wool helped lubricate the areas to reduce friction and eliminate blisters.

I always pack a handful of Lamb’s Wool to prevent hot spots and blisters on my feet, and I heartily recommend them, especially if this is your first Camino.

Women’s Camino Frances Packing List: Only Bring What You Need

You don’t need a massive backpack to hike the Camino de Santiago because the Camino isn’t a typical thru-hike like the AT or the PCT. On the Camino, you sleep in a bed every night, and you’re rarely more than a short walk or taxi ride from food, water, coffee, shelter, and help if things go wrong.

And if you really need something you don’t have, you can always get it along the way. There are a lot of options.

If you keep it light instead of preparing for every eventuality, you can enjoy the Camino without all the extra baggage.

And for me, that’s the best way to get to Santiago de Compostela.

PackingCamino PrimitivoMinimalismCamino Frances

Elaine Silver