Why Your Backpack Matters
After your shoes, your backpack is the most important gear decision for the Camino. A poorly fitted pack leads to shoulder pain, sore hips, chafing, and fatigue that compounds over 30 or more days.
Many experienced pilgrims say the number one thing they would do differently is pack less. Every gram you carry, you carry for 800km.
What Size Do You Need?
Most pilgrims use a 30 to 40 litre pack. The Camino is not a wilderness trek. Laundry facilities are available in most towns, so you only need 2 to 3 days worth of clothing.
If using a luggage transfer service. Walk light, ship the rest.
Enough for warm weather with 2-3 days clothing and basic gear.
Extra room for warmer layers, thicker sleeping bag, rain gear.
Anything over 40L is usually unnecessary and encourages overpacking.
The 10% Rule
A widely used guideline is that your loaded pack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight, not including food and water. Most experienced pilgrims aim for 6 to 8kg.
Weigh your pack at home before you leave. If it is over 10kg, something needs to come out.
Key Features to Look For
Hip Belt
Essential. A good hip belt transfers around 80% of the weight from your shoulders to your hips.
Back Ventilation
Mesh or suspended back panels keep air flowing. Critical in the Spanish summer heat.
Adjustable Torso Length
Your pack must match your torso length, not your height. Get fitted at a specialist store.
Rain Cover
Built-in or included rain covers are ideal. Galicia can be very wet.
Access Points
Front or side zip panels let you reach items without unpacking everything from the top.
Low Weight
Every gram counts over 800km. Sub-1.5kg packs exist and are worth seeking out.
Top Loading vs Panel Loading
Top-loading packs are lighter and more structured. Panel-loading packs open like a suitcase for easy access.
The ideal choice is a top-loading pack with an additional side or front zip panel access.
Fitting Your Pack
Get fitted in a specialist store. Measure your torso from the C7 vertebra to the top of your hip bones.
When fitted correctly, the hip belt should sit centred on your hip bones with minimal shoulder pressure.
Men's vs Women's Packs
Women's packs have shorter torso sizing, narrower shoulder straps, and angled hip belts shaped for the female pelvis. Using the right gender-specific fit makes a significant difference.
Do You Need a Daypack Too?
Many pilgrims carry a small packable daypack (15-20L) for exploring towns in the afternoon or for day trips. Ultralight options weigh as little as 100g.
Our Recommendation for Most Pilgrims
A 30 to 35L pack with a ventilated back panel and a proper hip belt is the right choice for most pilgrims. The Osprey Talon 33 is the most consistently recommended. For budget, the Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air is a genuine alternative.