7 Items You Think You Need for Your Walking Holiday… But Don’t

Let’s be honest: when it comes to walking holidays, overpacking is practically a rite of passage. You lay everything out on your bed, feel proud of your “minimalist” mindset, and then, somehow, end up with a backpack that weighs as much as a medium-sized goat. Why? Because you might need that third pair of hiking trousers, or that emergency fondue kit. (You won’t.)

But here’s the truth: the lighter your pack, the lighter your steps, both physically and mentally. Knowing what not to pack for a walking holiday is just as important as knowing what to bring. Shedding unnecessary items means fewer blisters, fewer regrets, and way more room for cheese. Or memories. Or both.

Trimming down your packing list can transform your whole experience, whether you’re preparing for the Camino, a volcanic hike in the Canary Islands, or really, a walking holiday anywhere. So before you zip up that overstuffed bag, let’s talk about what not to pack for a walking holiday: the things you really don’t need, but think you do.

7 Items You Can Definitely Leave Behind

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s get into the what. Below you’ll find what not to pack for a walking holiday: 7 items you can confidently leave at home without missing a thing.

1. Heavy Hiking Boots (When Trail Shoes Will Do)

Let’s start with a classic mistake on the list of what not to pack for a walking holiday: big, bulky hiking boots that feel like you’re dragging bricks around your ankles. Unless you’re scaling glaciers or wading through knee-deep mud (which most walking holidays kindly avoid), you probably don’t need them.

Instead, consider lightweight trail shoes or low-cut hiking shoes that are easier on your feet and your knees. They offer plenty of grip, protection, and freedom, and your future blisters will thank you. If you’re unsure what to wear, check out our blog post on choosing the best walking shoes!

2. Too Many Clothes (You’ll Rewear More Than You Think)

You know that outfit you packed “just in case”? Believe me, you don’t need it. One of the most common lessons in what not to pack for a walking holiday is that you will rewear the same clothes a lot. You’ll end up reaching for the most comfortable ones that become your favorites. You might even do a bit of hand washing or use a travel laundry bag, and that’s totally fine. Many places also have laundromats. In real life, it’s normal to change outfits often, but when it comes to what not to pack for a walking holiday, the rules are different and surprisingly refreshing.

3. A Full-Sized Toiletry Bag

If your toiletry kit looks like it belongs in a hotel bathroom rather than your backpack, it is time to scale back. One golden rule in what not to pack for a walking holiday is this: travel-size everything. That big fancy shampoo bottle? Too heavy. The jumbo face cream? You might be too tired to apply it. So stick to the basics: toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and whatever else you use daily in small containers. Remember: most destinations have shops or pharmacies where you can top up if needed. And let’s face it, after a long walking day, even a simple splash of water can feel luxurious!

Also, learning how to simplify your life can become a lasting habit. Read our article about pilgrimage lessons you can bring into daily life!

4. Books or Travel Guides (Go Digital)

Books are wonderful, but not when they weigh down your backpack and dig into your spine for 20 kilometers straight. One smart rule in what not to pack for a walking holiday is to leave the hardcover classics and bulky guidebooks behind.

Instead, load up your phone with e-books or travel apps. There are excellent maps, digital guidebooks, and even audiobooks that make your walk lighter and your mind fuller. Try apps like Kindle, Apple Books, Everand, or if you prefer condensed versions, Headway. And if you’re in the mood for some inspiring stories on the trail, read our article with 10 book and movie tips themed around hiking.

5. Bulky First Aid Kits

Yes, safety first, but there’s a difference between being prepared and packing like you’re running an emergency clinic. One of the key lessons in what not to pack for a walking holiday is to keep your first aid kit light and simple. All you really need are the basics: blister plasters, a few painkillers, antihistamines, tape, and any personal medications.

Anything more is usually available locally or at pharmacies along the way. But if you’re worried about staying safe while walking, we’ve written a full guide on common hiking injuries and how to avoid them. Being prepared doesn’t mean being overloaded!

6. Multiple Gadgets and Chargers

Unless you are filming a Netflix documentary (which, by the way, let us know if you are, because we’d love to see it), you probably don’t need a camera, a drone, a smartwatch, a Kindle, a GoPro, and two phones. When it comes to what not to pack for a walking holiday, tech overload is high on the list.

Instead, pack just one or two essentials that actually make your trip better, like your smartphone and a compact camera if you’re really into photography. Bring a lightweight power bank and one universal charger, especially if you’re going somewhere with different plug types. Remember, if you really need something extra, you can usually buy it during your hike as well!.

7. “Just in Case” Items You’ll Never Use

We’ve all been there. The umbrella. (Although a lightweight one, I can stand behind that.) The third pair of pants? That’s really unnecessary. That weird travel tool with fifteen functions you can’t even remember? Unless it fits in your wallet, it’s a no. Packing for “just in case” situations is a classic part of what not to pack for a walking holiday.

Be honest, how many of those emergency items ever leave the bottom of your bag? Most walking holidays don’t require survival skills or last-minute outfit changes. Bring what you know you’ll actually use and trust that the rest will work itself out. And one last time, I’ll repeat: unless you’re truly heading to the end of the world, you can most likely buy whatever you need along the way!

Lighter Bags, Better Days

There’s something liberating about carrying less. Your steps feel easier, your mood gets better, and your back? Much happier. The real secret of what not to pack for a walking holiday is that it’s not just about weight, but it’s about mindset.

And if you’re preparing for one of the Caminos, our most popular walking holidays, you might enjoy our posts on how to prepare, how to stay safe as a woman walking alone, and the best time to go. 

Experienced walkers will tell you: over time, you pack less. You learn what matters, what doesn’t, and how freeing it is to let go of the “just in case” mindset. So take a deep breath, lay everything out on your bed, and put half of it back in the closet! And if you’re still unsure about what not to pack for a walking holiday, or just want to double check your list, send us an email at hey@waw.travel, we’re happy to help!