Choosing the Right Backpack for the Camino de Santiago

The Stratos / Sirrus is perhaps the most popular pack on the trail and for good reason. The front-zip access is a standout feature, allowing you to reach your sleeping bag liner or toiletries without unpacking from the top. The hip belt pockets are big enough for a phone and snacks, and the trekking pole attachment works on the fly. Available in men's (Stratos) and women's (Sirrus) versions with gender-specific shoulder straps and hip belt shaping for the optimum fit. It has a suspended mesh back panel for ventilation on hot days, and an adjustable torso length that makes it easy to dial in a precise fit. While not being the lightest option on this list, the included rain cover, separate bottom compartment, and panel-loading front zip all earn their weight in daily convenience. We think that this the pack which many (nay, most!?) pilgrims will be happy to have with them.

The Talon / Tempest 33 is the pack to choose when prioritising low weight and simplicity. It’s the paired-back sibling to the Stratos, ditching the suspended mesh back panel for an accordion mesh back that hugs close to your body for a stable, agile (but potentially sweatier) carry. It is a top-loader only, so you trade easy access for a lighter, more streamlined design. On the Camino, this pack shines for disciplined packers who can keep their loaded weight under 8 kg. The Z-shaped side compression straps let you secure trekking poles without blocking the water bottle pockets, a small detail that matters when you are walking 25 km in the sun and do not want to stop. It also fits as airline carry-on, which simplifies getting to Spain. Available in men's (Talon) and women's (Tempest) versions. Best for ultralight packers, minimalist pilgrims, or shorter Camino routes.

The Aircontact Lite is the pack for pilgrims who carry a bit more weight and want maximum load comfort. Its X-shaped aluminium frame and Aircontact back system bring weight close to your body for efficient transfer to the hips, and the VariQuick torso adjustment makes fitting straightforward. At 1.54 kg it is the heaviest pack on this list, but you feel the difference when carrying 10 kg or more — the load will sit better. On the Camino, the expandable "+10" lid adds 10 litres of extra capacity for days when you need to carry more water or food between towns. The separate bottom compartment is useful for isolating dirty clothes or wet rain gear. Best for winter Caminos, heavier packers, or anyone who prioritises plush carrying comfort.

The Trailblazer 30 is a simple, lightweight daypack for pilgrims who are not carrying their full kit on their back. At roughly 600 g it adds almost nothing to your load, and the clean design with padded 3D comfort back panel, load lifters, and compression straps is all you need when your main bag is being transported between stops. It is not a technical hiking pack — there is no rigid frame or adjustable torso — but that is by design. On the Camino, this is the pack for pilgrims using a luggage transfer service, or tackling a shorter route with minimal gear. It is also the most packable option here if you want a secondary daypack for afternoon exploring. Hydration reservoir compatible and fits easily as airline carry-on. Best for transfer-service pilgrims and minimalist walkers.

The MH500 38L is a very impressive hiking pack considering it’s affordable price around $120 (€69.99). It features a steel internal frame with an AirCooling taut mesh back panel for ventilation, a preformed hip belt with pockets, nine total pockets, side zip access to the main compartment, and a 10-year warranty. At around 1.39 kg, it’s weight and feature-set competes with packs three times the price. On the Camino, the side access zip is a practical highlight you can reach gear mid-pack without top-loading everything out. Decathlon stores are widely available across Spain, so if something breaks or you decide to buy one on arrival, it’s easy to find a store to help you out. The fit is offered in two sizes rather than a continuous adjustment, so getting the right size matters. Available in a single unisex design. Considering the features and proven comfort, we feel the MH500 38L is unbeatable within it's price range and the best value-for-money pack on this list.

The HMG Southwest 40 is a premium ultralight trekking pack built from waterproof Dyneema Woven Composite fabric. At around 840 g (depending on size) with a proper aluminium frame and padded hip belt, the weight-to-capacity ratio is exceptional. The roll-top closure and fully waterproof fabric means no need for a rain cover. The minimalist design means fewer pockets and no suspended mesh ventilation, so your back may run warmer on hot days. The solid Dyneema exterior pockets are extremely durable and will not snag or tear. This is a specialist choice for experienced ultralight hikers who know how to pack efficiently and are comfortable with a minimalist feature set. It comes at a premium price, but the durability and weight savings are hard to match. Unisex sizing in five options from XS to Tall.