Lizzie Whiting

What to pack for the Camino de Santiago

Camino: every step of the way

Since I walked the Camino de Santiago, I’ve had many traveller’s ask me what they need to pack for their pilgrimage across Spain. So I thought it was time I wrote a post on what you need to pack for the camino…

When packing, the most crucial thing you need to be aware of is to not carry more than 10% of your body weight (including water). For me that is 6 kilograms, which doesn’t leave me with much. However, the Frances Way is highly populated so you don’t  need to carry even half of what you’d take on other long treks.

As you walk the 800 kilometres from St. Jean Pied du Port in the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostella in Spain’s west, you will appreciate sacrificing any excess baggage. Your body will be thanking you too!

To make it easy for you I’ve decided to keep this post simple, a packing list only. If you have any questions about any of the items, or an item I haven’t included, feel free to message in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

 

Camino Packing List

Clothing

  • 1 x Hiking shorts
  • 1 x Hiking long pants
  • 1 x T-shirt (make sure it covers your shoulders so your pack doesn’t rub)
  • 1 x End of day clothes (e.g. maxi dress)
  • 1 x Lightweight sweater
  • 1 x Light weight windproof jacket
  • 1 x Sports bra
  • 2 x Comfy underpants
  • 2 x Good hiking socks
  • 1 x Sleeping outfit
  • 1 x Hat

 

Shoes

  • 1 x Pair of good light weigh hiking boots (don’t settle for just any pair)
  • 1 x Sandals or flip flops (for after walking)

 

Toiletries / First aid

  • 1 x Small toothpaste
  • 1 x Toothbrush
  • 1 x Deodorant
  • 1 x Sunscreen
  • 1 x Box of band-aids

 

Travel Accessories / Knick Knacks

  • 1 x Scallop shell
  • 1 x Guide book / map book (see my post on camino resources here)
  • 1 x Pilgrims Passport
  • 1 x Passport
  • 1 x Spanish phrasebook
  • 1 x Small notebook
  • 1 x Pen
  • 1 x Big bag of earplugs
  • 1 x Sleep mask
  • 1 x Silk liner
  • 1 x Pair of sunglasses
  • 1 x Padlock with loop chain
  • 2 x Waterproof pods / bags
  • 1 x Heavy duty rain poncho (that can cover you and your backpack)
  • 1 x Pair of hiking poles
  • 1 x Lightweight quick dry towel
  • 1 x Bar of laundry soap
  • 1 x Bikini (Warning: swimming can soften your feet and expose you to more blisters)
  • 2 x Pegs (to dry any wet laundry on your pack e.g. socks)
  • 1 x Headlamp
  • 1 x Power pack
  • 1 x Charger with adapter
  • 1 x Wallet (you have to pay for sangria somehow!)
  • 1 x Water bottle or small camel pack

 

 

I hope this packing list helps you prepare for your pilgrimage! Remember, if you have any further questions feel free to comment below…

Buen camino!

 

 

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