What to pack in your backpack for the
Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara?

Tom Search, ambassador of the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, guides us in this video through backpack preparation and shares his advice on what to bring to best experience your journey in Sardinia.

Your gear may, of course, vary depending on the season, the length of your journey, and your personal needs: here's a summary of his tips.

We recommend following the Instagram page of the Cammino for more insights and useful videos.
You can find Tom's Instagram page, with all his tips for hiking and more, here.

SUMMARY:

• 🎒 20–40 litre backpack – choose the capacity according to the season and the volume of equipment to carry. Suitable all year round; in winter you might need a few extra litres for bulkier clothes.
  
  
• 👕 Merino wool shirt – comfortable while walking, helps manage sweat and adapts well to changing temperatures. Especially recommended in autumn, winter and spring, but also useful on cooler summer days.
  
  
• ☀️ Technical UV-protection shirt – protects you during many hours spent on sun-exposed sections. Especially suitable from spring to early autumn, particularly in the hottest months.
  
  
• 👖 Durable ripstop technical trousers – useful because some sections of the route may have bushes and vegetation. Recommended all year round; lighter models are ideal in spring and summer.
  
  
• 🧦 Technical socks – ideally reinforced at the toe and heel, the areas most stressed during long walks. Essential in every season, varying the thickness according to temperature.
  
  
• 🧥 Lightweight fleece – handy when the temperature drops, without adding too much weight to your backpack. Highly recommended in autumn, winter and spring; also useful on cooler summer evenings.
  
  
• 🌧️ Waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket – protects against rain and especially wind, which can occur even on seemingly mild days. Take it all year round, with special attention in autumn, winter and spring.
  
  
• 🧢 UV-protection hat – shields your head and face during long hours outdoors. Especially important in spring, summer and early autumn.
  
  
• 🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen – sun protection is important even when the temperatures are not high. Useful year-round, but especially important from spring to autumn.
  
  
• 👚 Change of clothes – organize them in separate bags to keep your backpack tidy and its contents protected. All year round.
  
  
• 🩲 Spare underwear – in the video, it’s suggested to bring one extra set in addition to the essentials. All year round.
  
  
• 🛏️ Pyjamas – to be packed with your personal items for overnight stays. All year round; choose lighter or warmer depending on the season.
  
  
• 🧻 Microfibre towel – takes up little space, is light and dries quickly. Useful all year round.
  
  
• 🩴 Flip-flops – comfortable to relax your feet after a stage and practical in accommodation facilities. All year round.
  
  
• 🩱 Swimsuit – you’re in Sardinia and there are plenty of opportunities to take a swim along the route! 🌊 Especially recommended from spring to autumn, particularly on stages near the coast.
  
  
• 🎒 Small lightweight daypack – allows you to leave your main backpack at your accommodation and more comfortably visit sites and places of interest at the end of each stage. Useful in any season.
  
  
• 📒 Cammino credential – accompanies the walker during the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara experience. Always bring it, in every season.
  
  
• 🪪 ID card and wallet – best kept in a pouch or waterproof bag to protect them from rain, humidity and sweat. All year round.
  
  
• 🔋 Power bank – useful for keeping your smartphone charged during stages, especially when used for navigation, checking route info, or taking photos. Recommended all year round.
  
  
• 🥤 Cup or mug – a small accessory that can be very useful during your trip without taking up much space. All year round.
  
  
• 🔪 Small pocket knife or multitool – practical for any small needs that may arise along the route. All year round.
  
  
• 💧 Water bottle and enough water – it’s important to set out with enough water to complete the whole stage, especially when refill points are far apart. Essential all year round, with particular care in spring, summer and the hottest days.
  
  
• 🥢 Trekking poles – help tackle ascents, descents and uneven terrain, reducing stress on your joints. Useful all year round, especially on more challenging stages or after rain.
  
  
• 🥾 Trekking shoes – it’s best to choose footwear with a durable upper, good toe and sole protection, as you’ll often encounter rocks and uneven terrain along the CMSB. Essential in every season; extra waterproofing is helpful in autumn and winter.

One last tip

There is no one-size-fits-all backpack. Before you leave, always check the time of year, weather conditions, and the characteristics of the stages you plan to follow.