Women's Camino de Santiago Ultralight Packing List: 12 L Running Vest

A little bit goes a long way. This is my lightest packing list EVER in just a 12 liter running vest. I can't believe how happy my feet and body felt with my ultralight bag.

Here's a complete list of gear I brought in my 12 liter running vest backpack, what I changed to pack in this small bag, and how I only brought what I needed.

I used this packing list for my 14 day Camino on the Camino de Madrid. This list would work for many other routes including the Camino Frances, Portuguese, Inglés, Primitivo, Norte, and Invierno.

🎒Camino Packing List:

Clothing:

Shoes:

Waist Pack:

Toiletries:

First Aid:

Accessories:

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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:17 Running Vest (Backpack) and Water
03:47 Trail Clothing
10:33 Other Clothing
13:40 Waist Bag
14:36 Toiletries
17:40 First Aid Kit
18:36 Accessories
23:38 Packing the Bag
24:28 Bag Weight
24:51 What I Didn't Bring
28:12 Final Thoughts

[kurachan]

I love these type of videos! I would never go THIS small and lightweight, I enjoy the comfort some items give me too much for that. But it makes me rethink what I really need on a hike and what I can live without. Thank you for that!

[drivesurf]

Ok thanks for your help in our Spring 2024 Camino Frances. 2 years of saving and planning our 40+ days we spent in Spain. My wife 63 and I 68 with new knees had an 😅in credible time. And now according to Lisa she wears Lainey pants and I got Shaun underwear and sox for Christmas. Buen Camino and Ultreia!

[Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

For those folks wanting the wide toe box of the Altra Lone Peak, but aren’t experienced with zero drop or don’t want it, have a look at Topo Athletic. They make great shoes with the same foot shape as Altras, but with various heel to toe drops. Great video!

[cornawiese]

Oh, I've been waiting for this video! And I ❤ it. Not sure if I'll ever use it, but what a great challenge. Well done on packing so light ... you've just proven it can be done!

[AnnieGill]

First video I have seen of yours, very much enjoyed it! You thoroughly thought everything through! Great job!

[bigcitycommute]

Thank you! I took a 40L bag and just too much stuff on my Camino last summer. I may not want to reduce all the way down to a 12L, but I could certainly pack lighter if/when I go again!

[MrsBrent]

l love your videos, was ecstatic to see this one pop up!

[nancycompagnie]

I was on the lookout for this one ☺I actually have used a running vest for 100mile ultra trail runs/walks but ofcourse a multi day camino is another thing 🙂
This was very interesting, Lainey...thanks a lot...i will be doing my camino next month in a smaller pack
Ooh, i did agree with Shawn 😁

[helenlayley]

Amazing!
I am giving my daily use 'handbag' rucksack the side eye . . .

[xungnham]

For a "full" size towel, consider a Lightload beach towel (5'x3') cut in half. It's pretty much the same material as a Handi towel, so like a reusable paper towel.

For a tripod, stab a hiking pole into the dirt and use a rubberband or hair tie around your phone and pole.

You can use your buff as an eye mask.

[larryhunter]

Amazing video! As an older guy who’d love to do a Camino someday I love the ultralight approach. I figure it might make it doable. I also have a high metabolism so I don’t need as warm clothes as most do. Some great ideas here! Your husbands waist pack gear plan is cool too!

[MeghanNathansonArtistry]

I love your video! Curious if you think you could have sustained this level of gear/packing for an additional week or two

[helenwallis]

Love this, well done. One thing I always have used for over 10 years now is one cake of soap. Here in Oz we have a soap called Velvet Soap. I use it for washing me, my hair and my clothes. Oh yes and a big thanks for the product Shawn mentioned a while ago the Matador soap pouch. Worked brilliantly on the via Podiensis I just finished.
Thanks again for your inspiration.

[jakeva]

Good stuff. Ultralight is the way i like to go.

[tomandchristyadventures]

Love the buff where did you get it? I love that Camino symbol.

[sdnalyam]

Look at either a Polartec Alpha Direct top or Pelaton fleece. Also a very light pair of wind pants, good in light rain and also in heavy rain when wearing shorts as keeps the wind off and keeps legs warmer.

[KarinMeierMagruder]

Lainey, I’ve watched all of your videos and wore/carried all of your past suggestions for my September Camino Português. Everything was perfect! I’m curious how you buy your gear. I live in Portugal and only return to the US once a year. I want that Jolly Gear shirt, but how did you get it in Spain? Shipping from US to Portugal is practically impossible and customs can be anything, even 300% value.

I love both you and Shawn! You are happiness on demand!

[erouthiking]

Great video! Question: Do the buttons on the Jolly Gear cuff bother you when using the thumb holes with hiking poles? I’m thinking about buying a jolly gear shirt, but the photos seem like the buttons would be on your palm, which makes me think they would get in the way when using hiking poles. Thanks

[LiveandGoWander]

Thank you for all the great content and links, we will use for us, and you. Will your husband be doing a video for me too, LOL!!!? We're doing a cruise to Europe next April and probably be starting with a Via Francigene hike in Italy. We appreciate you!

[sbartdbarcelona]

Very useful. And interesting. Thank you!