Let’s start by pointing out that the Camino is not a fashion show. Most hikers carry a very limited wardrobe and so hopefully you like the clothes you take because you’ll be wearing them OFTEN. My packing list – including the clothes on my body – will include:
3 pair socks (51 grams each)
2 pair boxer briefs (84 grams each)
2 handkerchiefs (14 grams each)
2 T-shirts (14 grams each)
1 long sleeve shirt (158 grams)
1 UV Hoodie (223 grams)
1 pair shorts (210 grams)
1 pair long pants (380 grams)
1 pair trail runners (675 grams)
1 pair sandals (413 grams)
A quick word about fabrics: I’m not a big fan of the class of fabrics called “technical.” To me, they are just a fancy way of saying polyester and I still have PTSD from my high school yearbook photo and that brown polyester leisure suit with the floral shirt. I really don’t care if it’s a little lighter and dries quicker. When I wear technical fabrics – especially next to my body – it doesn’t take long for me to stink.
Instead, I like natural fibers like merino wool and bamboo. Not cotton folks – it holds moisture and takes too long to dry. And if you get caught in a cold rain storm, it can contribute to hypothermia.
I absolutely LOVE merino wool. It’s super soft, dries quickly and is naturally anti-microbial. I’ve been told that its fibers are so fine, that the bacteria can’t hold on. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I do know that I can take off a sweaty merino t-shirt after a long hike and it doesn’t stink. Both of my t-shirts and the long-sleeve shirt are merino and made by Quince.
On a trip to SE Asia a few years ago, I discovered Bamboo Cool brand boxer briefs and they are my go-to for underwear. They have similar properties to merino in terms of both quick dry and being anti-microbial.
I plan to hike in shorts most days if the temperature stays above 10 degrees (50 Fahrenheit). My go-to shorts are Columbia Sportswear Silver Ridge Utility Cargo Shorts. Not only are they comfy, but they are super lightweight at only 210 grams, very quick drying and offer SPF 40 protection. Since there is limited direct skin contact, I’m not bothered by the fact they are made of 100% recycled polyester. For colder days, I’ll be carrying a pair of Kuhl Renegade Recon hiking pants. More polyester, but I’ll live. I like everything about these pants except for the tapered legs that tend to get stuck going over my calves.
For brisk mornings, or when I feel the need for extra sun protection, I’ll be packing a Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody. It offers UPF 50 sun protection and has thumb holes so that you can have the backs of your hands protected from sun or cold.
When you are going to be taking close to a million steps, it’s important to take good care of your feet. I will be hiking in Brooks Cascadia 18 trail runners. I was fitted for a pair of these in January and really like them. I now own three pair and trade off between two for my training hikes and will take the third pair out of the box at the end of August. At the suggestion of a friend in my MeetUp hiking group with multiple Caminos completed, I am currently testing SOLE cork inserts. I’m not 100% sold on these, as they are a little thicker than my original inserts and make my feet feel a little crowded by the end of a long hike, I’m going to relace my shoes and will test them on an upcoming 15-miler to see if that solves the issue.
When it comes to socks, I have become an absolute disciple of Darn Tough. I probably have close to 30 pair and haven’t worn anything else for at least 5 years. For this trip, I’ll be taking three pair of the Hiker Quarter Midweight. The midweight balances cushion with not having so much fabric that your foot gets tight in your shoe as they swell. They are merino wool and have a lifetime guarantee.
The last item in my daily wear list is my Columbia Sportswear Thrive Revive slides. These sandals will be what I slip into the minute I hit the alberge. They have little knobs on the foot pad which act like tiny massagers. The are very lightweight and are made of plastic, so I can wear them into the shower to avoid whatever gross fungi may be lurking on the shower floor.
| Total Weight: | 2,835g (6.25 lb) |
| Total Weight in Pack: | 1,576g (3.47 lb) |