The Essential Camino de Santiago Packing List

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The Camino de Santiago is the ultimate epic hike.  It’s an ancient pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.  There are dozens of routes that lead from all parts of Europe to Santiago de Compostela. However, the most popular route is the Way of Saint James or the Camino Frances. I walked this Camino route solo a few years ago – not as a religious journey, but as an epic hiking adventure.  It took 5 weeks and approximately 450 miles to complete this memorable walk, and quite frankly I was ill-prepared for it!  But I made it and I took a lot of notes along the way so that others could be better prepared than me.

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Read About my Camino de Santiago Journey

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For me, this hike was 5 weeks of a longer 3 month Europe trip, so I didn’t have the luxury of having all the right gear with me for the hike, so I made do with what I had.  However, if you have the luxury of planning ahead and just taking what you need for the hike, then here are the essential items you should have with you to handle everything this long-distance pilgrimage can throw at you!

Check out my hiking packing list – essential gear for every hike

Camino De Santiago Packing List

Note, I did my Camino in the Spring – so the gear recommendations are more aimed at that time of year when there seems to be a bit more rain and cooler temperatures.

Books and Guides

You don’t really need to have a guide, but if you are someone who likes to have maps and carry guidebooks, then here are a few of my favorites and the ones I saw the most frequently used on the trail.  They can also be used to help you plan your trip.

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Backpack

The first thing on every Camino de Santiago packing list should be a backpack.  After 5 weeks of hiking with it every day, you become one with it.  And strangely at the end, you’ll feel naked without it!

TIP: The best way to test out a pack’s fit is to go to an actual store and pick out a few backpacks, put 15 pounds of weights in them, and wear them around the store for a while to see how they feel.  You may feel dorky walking around the store for an hour or so with a pack, but you’ll be happier in the long run with a backpack that fits you perfectly and is comfortable for hiking 15+ miles day after day.

As far as size – that’s also really dependent on how you are going to hike.  Will you have your luggage transported for you and only need a daypack?  Will you carry everything with you?  Will you take 4 weeks or 5? How much photography equipment are you taking with you? But the rule of thumb is you want to keep what you are carrying light – around 12 to 17 lbs if possible no matter what the answers to those questions are – and that’s not easy!

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Learn more about how to have your luggage moved on the Camino de Santiago

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I have found that the best hiking backpacks out there are Osprey and Arc’Teryx.  I also love my simple REI daypack I have used for years as a cheaper option.  If you just need a daypack, and do a lot of photography, I love the Lowepro PhotoSport for a hybrid backpacking and photography pack.   Or, as a final alternative, my friend Tom who also completed the Camino, claims this is the perfect Camino de Santiago Backpack.

There are lots of things to consider when picking a backpack for the Camino.  You’ll want something lightweight, with a waterproof cover and a pack with a waist band that transfers all of the weight to your hips instead of your shoulders. Those are the basics everyone really needs. However, the rest is very personal.

Learn more about the Osprey EXOS 48

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I used this Deuter Futura 45 + 10pack on my Maine Hut to Hut trip as it’s 55L, can hold a sleeping bag/quilt, and has space for multi-day hikes. This is the perfect size for multi-day hikes where you aren’t carrying a tent (think Camino de Santiago, St Olav Ways, Hut to Hut hiking, etc). This particular pack is part of Deuter’s women’s series because women are built differently than men…duh. It has a Vari-Slide System allowing exact adjustment to every back length; ensuring the pack sits perfectly on your hips. Plus, the waist belt also moves with you as you step, ensuring comfort for long-term wear. I carried about 33 pounds in it for my Hut to Hut hiking in September, and it worked great. I had no back or shoulder pain, and the back ventilation system kept me cool. I’m a believer in packs designed for women!

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LowePro Photo Sport  – if you only really need a small day pack because you are having your other gear transported, but you have camera gear to carry, the Photo Sport is a great option.  It also has a compartment for a water bladder and it comes with a rain cover.

Learn more about the  Lowepro Photo Sport

TIP:  Bring ziplock freezer bags to store gear inside your backpack for extra protection!  Put your phone in it, food, socks, whatever you want to protect when there’s a downpour.

Find the best camera bag based on your travel style

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Boots Vs. Shoes

This is always a big debate; each choice has advantages and disadvantages.  Boots provide more support, but they are heavy and technically you aren’t really hiking and scrambling, you are just walking. Most of the time you are on even surfaces and you aren’t crossing rivers.  Less bulky tennis shoes are of course lighter and breath better; better suited for long-distance walking.

I hiked the trail in tennis shoes, specifically Saucony trail running shoes.  You don’t need to use heavy boots if you don’t want to. However, there are days when the weather is bad where tennis shoes can be frustrating on really muddy trails. When it rained I had a lot of issues in keeping my feet dry and wished I had hiking boots, however, most days – I was pretty happy with my lightweight trail runners. Of course, maybe the ultimate answer is to use some sort of hybrid shoe.

Shoes are a very personal decision for each person.  I’m a huge fan of OBOZ boots – I think I have three pairs! I prefer the Oboz Bridger Mid for a heavy-duty hiking boot. The Bridger Mid –  is their heavy-duty waterproof boot that would be perfect for those wet, muddy fields of the Camino!  These are so comfortable I wear them on the plane!  What I loved most about the Bridgers was the high-quality insole providing incredible support. AND they plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold!

If you are looking for a ‘low-top’ option but still want the heavy-duty support, give the Oboz Women’s Sawtooth Low BDry Hiking Shoe a try.  It has a nice roomy toe box and a thick sole.

Regardless of tennis shoes or boots, you will definitely want a comfy pair of shoes to switch into at the end of the day.  I used Chacos , but you could also use flip flops or other comfortable shoes of your choice!

TIP: Whatever you bring with you make sure they are broken in.  Wear them for months before the hike and wear them religiously!

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Smartwool Socks

My feet sweat a lot – but I’ve found a solution! Smartwool socks are GREAT for travel. They dry really fast, don’t hold odor, and stay warm in the cold and cool in the heat. Because they don’t get smelly, I only have to take a couple of pairs in my backpack. I run in them, hike in them, and wear them to bed when my feet are cold and have no one to snuggle with. They are the only socks I travel with!

Learn more about Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Micro

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Gaiters

I didn’t know what gaiters even were until I hiked Kilimanjaro, but once I started using them, I found them essential for long hikes where you are in the elements! Gaiters cover the vulnerable tops of your shoes to protect your feet from the elements (rain, pebbles, mud, etc). They can work over boots or tennis shoes

Learn more about Gaiters for hiking

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Have a friend going hiking? Check out these great gifts for travelers.

Hiking Clothing

The clothing you bring should be lightweight, dry fast, and allow you to dress in layers.  Drying fast is essential since you are often washing out your shorts or trousers and hope that they dry overnight!  I like the travel clothing gear brand Exofficio.  I use their hiking pants, shirts, and pullovers. Since this is a travel clothing company, they are made to be light and dry fast and be super comfortable. Plus, many of their items have special protections: Bugs Away Clothing, and Sun Guard Clothing with SPF 30+.

Learn more about the Exofficio travel clothing line

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Poncho

I know many people bring complete rain gear for protection from the weather.  That’s a great solution to staying dry. However, it’s also bulky.  I simply used a big rain poncho for my rain protection.  I hiked in the Spring so often the rainy days were still warm – it worked just fine to use the poncho and hike in my shorts. Ponchos give you the most mobility, and are small to fit in your backpack! Plus, they not only cover your body, but they also cover your backpack and camera gear.  In one easy process of putting on a poncho, you and your backpack are completely covered!

Learn more about Rain Ponchos

Learn what to pack when traveling in the rainy season

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Underwear

Of course, you need to pack underwear, but you don’t need to pack ten pairs – you really only need about 2 to 4 if you use Exofficio underwear! These are the best on the market when it comes to travel underwear – however, I honestly have no idea if they have any competition! Who in the world specializes in travel underwear?! Exofficio does. Why are these underwear special? They dry super fast – which means you can only take a couple of pairs and wash them out in a sink at night and they will be dry in a couple of hours. Seriously – I’ve done this many times! Plus – they are comfortable. And if you want to vamp it up – you can forgo the sporty ones I get and get the lacy thongs if you wish!

Learn more about ExOfficio Women’s Underwear

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Hiking Poles

You don’t really need hiking poles for balance or steep climbs and descents on the Camino, but they are really great to have to create a rhythm. Plus – they actually speed you up, too, by simply allowing your arms to help propel you forward and upward, which tends to increase your speed.

Learn more about Leki trekking poles

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Water Bladder

You need at least 3 quarts of water per day when walking. It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water before your hike to get your body well-hydrated. Take water bottles or a water bladder that has a straw and you can hike without having to stop to drink.  I have always preferred the water bladder solution as I tend to drink more frequently because it’s so easy to do and I don’t have to stop walking to drink!

You won’t have to worry about clean water; you can buy it along the way.  Or better yet, save money and simply fill up at the numerous fountains you’ll find along the trail. Just make sure you look for the sign on the fountain; if there is either no sign or a sign that says, “agua potable,” then it is alright to drink this water. Do not drink the water from a fountain that says, “nonpotable” or “agua sin garantia sanitaria.”

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First Aid Kit

Even though there are plenty of pharmacies along the trails in the villages, I would recommend that you take a small first aid kit too.  I spent a lot of time in pharmacies trying to constantly manage the blisters on my feet.

Learn more about First Aid Kits for hiking

One of the most popular solutions was Compeed Bandaids.  The Coompeed looks like a bandaid, but it operates a little differently.  It absorbs all the moisture from the blister, but over time, it becomes more permeable so the wound dries out.  You keep it on for days until it finally dries out and falls off.  Make sure you don’t pull it off early like I did – you’ll end up in a worse situation!

I also used Vaseline for blister prevention.  I learned this trick when I used to train for marathons!  Just put some on the areas that typically rub and get blisters, and then make sure you reapply throughout the day.

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Silicone Ear Plugs

If you plan to stay in albergues and sleep among the masses, then you be prepared with ear plugs. However don’t bother with those soft squishy ones, use silicone earplugs.  I was actually introduced to these by another pilgrim on the trail.  He gave me a pair and I used them, and it changed my life!  The silicone earplugs block so much more noise, I didn’t even hear people getting up and packing around me in the morning!  You can use them for a few days and then replace them with another pair.

Learn more about silicone earplugs

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Sleep Sheet

If you are planning on staying in albergues, it’s really nice to have a sleep sheet.  A sleep sheet is basically a sleeping bag liner – just a nice little layer of warmth and protection between you and the sheets. Granted I never stayed in a questionable, dirty albergue for the entire 5 weeks, but there is something nice about having your own little cocoon.

Learn more about sleeping bag liners

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Travel Towel

Albergues don’t furnish towels, so you’ll want to be sure to bring your own.  A travel towel that is light dries quickly and takes up as little space as possible!

Learn more about travel towels

You might also want to consider bringing along one of my favorite travel items – a quick-drying washcloth.  I have been carrying a Lunatec Wash Cloth for 5 years now and I love it.  It is sort of like a flat loofah sponge and it dries quickly and never holds any odor.  Perfect for travel!

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Pinless Travel Clothes Line

Doing the Camino means packing light and washing often.  Laundry gear is necessary on your packing list. Normally all albergues have some sort of laundry facilities and clothesline, but many times it’s hard to find space on them as everyone is washing items out nightly.  Bring your own pinless clothes line and you won’t need to worry about space on the line!

TIP: If you don’t bring a line, then consider bringing a few clothespins and using the outdoor lines at the albergues.  There are seldom enough pins available, and if the lines are full,  you can still pin some clothes up in other places – or onto your backpack as you hike the next day!

You also should consider a little bottle of super concentrated travel laundry soap for hand washing things in sinks like this Sea to Summit Liquid Laundry Wash.

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Photo Rain Gear

Don’t forget that you need rain gear for your photography equipment, too!

Lose the plastic bags and get a proper rain solution for your expensive camera gear. If you are hiking with a camera, then don’t forget that it needs rain protection, too! I use a LensCoat Raincoat, so you can take pictures in any weather. Make sure to check out all of their sizes – one will be right for your camera!

Learn more about LensCoat RainCoats

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Are there things I forgot in this Camino de Santiago packing list?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!  However, do keep in mind – less is more – stay minimal and you will be a much happier pilgrim!

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