Packing list for the Camino de Santiago – what should you bring on your hike?

2023-05-02

Packing for the Camino de Santiago is a discipline in itself. Most people overpack the first time and quickly realize that every extra kilo can be felt after many hours of walking.

The good news is that you don’t need much. The Camino is largely about simplifying and only bringing what is necessary.

In this guide, you will find a complete packing list for the Camino de Santiago as well as our best tips for packing light, practically, and correctly from the start.

 

See Camino de Santiago trips

 

How much should your Camino backpack weigh?

A classic rule of thumb is that your backpack should weigh no more than about 10% of your body weight, including water and snacks.

For example, if you weigh 75 kg, your backpack should not exceed 7–8 kg.

In practice, however, the lighter you pack, the better your experience will be. For many pilgrims, it’s not the shape but the weight on their back that determines how comfortable the Camino will be.

 

The three most important things to get right

You can buy a lot of gear for the Camino de Santiago, but in reality, there are only three things that are crucial:

A good backpack
Good hiking shoes or boots
Quality hiking socks

If you have these three things sorted, you’re already well on your way.

The most important advice is to break in your shoes well in advance of departure – preferably with your backpack on, so your body gets used to the load.

 

Often overlooked reason for a too heavy backpack

The Camino winds through plenty of beautiful nature, but it also passes through a long series of towns along the way, where you can buy exactly what you need.

There are sports and outdoor shops in all major cities, many of which specialize in the Camino de Santiago with a wide selection of walking sticks, ponchos, warmer jackets, etc. For example, on the Camino Francés, where the cold mornings and evenings often surprise, this can prove useful.

Therefore, it makes sense to start with a little less and supplement along the way. You’ll be tempted to buy extras anyway, and you avoid carrying things you might never need.

 

Complete packing list for the Camino de Santiago

Here you will find a tried and tested realistic packing list that covers the needs of most who hike the Camino in Spain.

Be aware that the packing list may vary depending on the season and route. You can benefit from adjusting according to the weather.

 

Read the blog about Camino weather

 

Clothing for the Camino

Hiking shoes or boots
3–4 pairs of hiking socks
2–3 quick-drying t-shirts
1–2 long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or light jacket
Rain jacket or poncho
1–2 pairs of lightweight hiking pants
1–2 pairs of shorts
Underwear (2–3 sets)
Hat or cap (possibly with a neck flap in summer)
Sunglasses

Gear for the Camino

Backpack with good support
Rain cover for backpack
Water bottle
Snacks like nuts or energy bars (easily bought in Spain)
Pilgrim passport (credencial)
Mobile phone and charger
Power bank
Small daypack (if you have opted for luggage transport)
Blue health insurance card

Toiletries and small items

Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
Sunscreen
Deodorant
Small-sized shampoo
Blister plaster or sports tape
Small first aid kit
Light and quick-drying towel
Lip balm
Nail clippers
Pocket tissues (1 pack)

If you plan to stay at the classic hostels/albergues along the way, where many sleep together and where both comfort and hygiene can vary, we recommend the following: a light sleeping bag + liner/silk liner. Silk is the best choice as it is light and temperature-regulating, while cotton is a cheaper alternative. Additionally, earplugs are recommended.

 

On the Camino with Spain is More – what can you leave behind?

When traveling with Spain is More, you will stay in your own room with a private bathroom/toilet. Here you will always find clean bedding and high comfort, allowing you to save both weight and space in your backpack. Therefore, avoid bringing:

Sleeping bag
Liner
Shampoo (unless hotel shampoo is insufficient)
Towel

 

Read here about Camino trips with luggage transport and comfort

 

You can opt for luggage transport, so you only hike with a light daypack.

A good daypack is also important if you hike with light packing. It should fit snugly and comfortably on your body and have adjustable compression straps (chest strap), so it stays in place and doesn’t slip off your shoulders during the hike.

Many pack gear that they actually don’t need. If you have luggage transport included, many pack even more because it will be transported anyway. But most quickly find out that they don’t need the extra baggage.

Therefore, we still recommend packing light – whether you choose luggage transport or not.

At your accommodations, you will always have your own washbasin, where you can easily wash your clothes along the way.

 

Here are a few more tips

• Consider bringing a small daypack or a fanny pack for your essentials like phone, wallet, and passport if you leave your large backpack at the accommodation.
• Remember to pack clothing suitable for visiting churches and cathedrals, where there is often a dress code against bare shoulders and short shorts.
• If you plan to wash clothes along the way, you can bring a small amount of detergent and a clothesline, so you can easily dry your clothes.
• A lightweight, collapsible water bottle can be a good solution if you want to save space in your backpack.
• For women, it can be beneficial to pack a good sports bra that can withstand long hiking days.

 

How to manage with few sets of clothes

When the packing list is so short, it’s because you wash along the way.

Many accommodations offer laundry services, and otherwise, hand washing is an easy and effective solution.

Light and quick-drying clothes make it possible to manage with very few sets without problems.

 

Pack smart and organize your backpack

A light backpack is important, but organization also makes a big difference.

Use packing cubes to separate your items, so you can easily find what you need without unpacking the whole bag.

This saves both time and energy throughout the day.

 

FAQ – packing list for the Camino de Santiago

How heavy can my backpack be on the Camino?
Your backpack should, as a rule of thumb, weigh no more than about 10% of your body weight. However, many pilgrims have a better experience by packing even lighter.

How many sets of clothes should I bring on the Camino de Santiago?
You only need a few sets of clothes, typically 2–3 sets, because you can wash along the way. Light and quick-drying clothes make it easy to travel with a minimalist packing list.

Should I bring a sleeping bag on the Camino de Santiago?
At classic hostels, a light sleeping bag or liner is often recommended, as comfort and hygiene can vary. If you travel with Spain is More and stay in hotels with your own room and bathroom, it is not necessary.

What shoes are best for the Camino?
The best shoes for the Camino are good, well-fitting hiking shoes or lightweight boots. The most important thing is that you have broken them in before departure and avoid brand new shoes.

Can I have my luggage transported on the Camino?
Yes, on many Camino routes, you can opt for luggage transport, so your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel. This means you only need to hike with a light daypack.

What must I not forget on the Camino?
The most important items are your pilgrim passport, good hiking socks, blister plaster, and a well-functioning backpack. The rest can often be bought along the way on the Camino.

Do I need a special daypack?
Yes, a good daypack is important if you are hiking with light packing. It should fit snugly and comfortably on your body and have adjustable compression straps in front, so it doesn’t slip off your shoulders during the hike.