When you think of a pilgrim, you usually imagine someone wearing functional outdoor clothing, more or less bulky boots, and a large backpack carrying everything they need for several weeks on the Camino de Santiago.
Pilgrims who walk with only a small daypack have usually booked package tours, where predefined stages are offered in combination with pre-booked hotels and, in some cases, even transfers.
However, these two factors are not necessarily linked. Even as an “independent pilgrim,” it is possible to have your backpack transported by car and walk with light luggage.
How does luggage transfer work?
Depending on the Camino route, there are various providers that offer backpack transport.
What they all have in common is that they need to know in advance where the backpack should be picked up and delivered, and on which day.
Some providers can be booked online in advance for the entire route, while others can be arranged spontaneously the evening before (either directly or by asking your hostel or hotel to notify them). In those cases, you simply attach a €5 note to your backpack.
Hi, I am Nicoletta and I plan and support your Camino.
Let′s have a chat!
And why should you use luggage transfer?
Before anyone complains that walking without a backpack isn’t “real” pilgriming: there are plenty of good reasons why this can be a very sensible choice.
For example, it allows people with certain physical limitations to walk the Camino at all. With a fairly recent herniated disc or a knee replacement, the pilgrimage itself is already demanding enough — there’s no need to add a 10-kg backpack on top of that. In other cases, pilgrims may need to carry additional equipment, such as a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, which simply doesn’t fit easily into a backpack.
Luggage transport can therefore be the very basis that makes walking the Camino possible in the first place.
Why doesn't everyone do it?
One clear disadvantage, however, is that you must know by the evening before where you will end up the next day. This limits spontaneity — you can’t just walk as far as your feet carry you, but have to make it to the place where your backpack will be delivered.
It’s always recommended to carry a small daypack as well, so you can have something to fall back on if needed (and it’s also handy for carrying a warm jacket in the evenings).
Fortunately, it hasn’t happened to me yet, but even the most determined pilgrim can experience their body giving out and needing to slow down in order to keep going.
In such cases, a spontaneous luggage transfer can be a lifesaver, allowing you to continue walking with light baggage 🙂
(If you plan your Camino with me, you can of course also book luggage transport — completely tailored to what works best for you).
Hi, I am Nicoletta and I plan and support your Camino.
Let′s have a chat!