Essential tips on what you need for the Camino, with advice on how to keep your weight down.
1. A Spare Shirt
I brought t-shirts on the Camino de Santiago and regretted it. T-shirts aren't warm enough when it's cold and leave your arms exposed to the sun when it's hot. Shirt sleeves can be rolled up, buttons undone when it's hot, but the extra length will keep you warm when it's cold.2. A Pair of Shorts
You will probably want pants (trousers) for walking (for the same reasons as above), but a light pair of shorts is ideal to change into when you get to the albergue.3. A Change of Underwear
That's enough! You can hand-wash the pair you're not wearing, or get together with other pilgrims and do a machine load (many albergues have a washing machine).4. Something to Sleep on
Most people bring a full-on sleeping bag, but these tend to be quite bulky and often too warm. You can now got cotton summer sleeping bags or sleeping bag liners that have the sack element going on but are much less bulky than the standard sleeping bags. But I would recommend just getting a duvet (comforter) cover, which does the same thing. In winter you will probably also need a fleece blanket too. But even these two things together will be cheaper and lighter than a normal sleeping bag.5. Vaseline
The best protection from blisters is vaseline. Smear your feet in them every morning. When you think you've put on enough, put some more on. It's squishy at first but your feet will thank you for it.6. A Small Towel
I didn't bring a towel, assuming albergues would have them to rent. They don't. Luckily I managed to get one someone had left behind at one of the first albergues I visited. It was an curious highly-absorbant, 'always damp' towel that I had never seen before. It's not the most comforting thing to dry yourself with, but you don't have to worry about drying it. You just pop it in its container and it's ready for the next day. Having traveled with wet towels before, I know the horrible smell they can produce. I love this towel and though I had to leave mine behind after the Camino, I have since bought a new one.
