Camino de Santiago Packing Guide

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Packing is one of the most intimidating parts of preparing for the Camino de Santiago. What you bring, and what you leave behind, is especially important if you plan on carrying everything on your back. An extra pound or two may not seem like much, but after walking 15+ miles a day for two weeks, you’ll definitely notice the difference.

When I decided to walk my first solo Camino de Santiago on the Coastal Camino Portugués, I had no idea what to pack. I reached out to friends and family who had walked the Camino before me, read countless blog posts, and made weekly trips to REI to try out different backpacks and hiking shoes. Looking back, I’m so glad I put in the time and research because I felt prepared when I took my first steps in Porto.

I’ve now walked the Camino twice, and my packing strategy was completely different each time. On my first Camino, I carried everything I needed on my back for two weeks. On my second Camino, I used luggage transfer to ship my larger bag between accommodations each day and only carried a small daypack while walking.

This Camino de Santiago packing guide is based on my first Camino, when I carried my backpack every day. If you’re planning to do the same, these are all the items I brought, from the most important essentials to the things I didn’t really use. Use the guide as a reference for your own journey, but remember everyone’s Camino is different, so everyone’s packing list will be too.

My Backpack 

I walked my solo Camino de Santiago with the Osprey Sportlite 25L. This backpack is small compared to others I saw on the Camino. However, it was perfect for me and my needs! As a chronic overpacker, the small size forced me to bring only the essentials. Most importantly, the bag was comfortable and fit my body PERFECTLY. I highly recommend trying out a few different backpacks before choosing one to walk with!

My Shoes 

I walked both of my Caminos with Altra Women’s Lone Peak 7, which I broke in for a month before. The wide toe box on this shoe makes it so comfortable! Again, try out a few pairs of shoes before settling on one. Buy them, go for a long walk, and if they don’t feel right return them. This is the most important decision of your Camino de Santiago packing list! I tried on 10+ shoes and bought and returned 3 different pairs before deciding on these ones.

I also brought a pair of Teva Hurricanes, but ended up not using them for the hike. I only used them after my hikes and on days off to give my feet a break from the hiking shoes. On my second Camino, I just brought a pair of flip flops, since they were much lighter than the Tevas.

My ESSENTIAL Essentials

Besides my backpack and shoes, these are the things I used almost everyday! Some of them I hesitated bringing but now I can’t imagine having walked the Camino without them, which is why I’m sharing them on this list. 

Rain Poncho or your Preferred Rain Gear

Even if you are walking during “dry season”, BRING A PONCHO. I walked my Camino in early May. Based on what I read about the weather in May, I was expecting a couple rainy, spring days, but it ended up raining 10 out of my 16 days on the Camino. I was so grateful for my poncho.

Choose a large poncho that will fit over your bag. I noticed a lot of people on the trail used a combination of a rain jacket, rain pants and a backpack rain cover, but I liked having a large poncho that fit over my bag. It kept me completely dry up to my knees, and it was warm enough that I didn’t mind if my legs and feet got a bit wet.

I opted for an inexpensive poncho, linked here, because I knew there would be a chance I would want to throw it out after my Camino, as I wouldn’t need it for the rest of my time in Europe. It ended up getting a hole in it, so I did throw it out after my Camino. Opt for something more expensive if you want a good quality poncho that will last past your Camino.

Sunhat 

I used my sunhat everyday, rain and shine. It protected my face from the sun, of course, and it helped to hold up my poncho and shield my face from the rain. I love this Adidas one that has lasted on countless trips!

Fanny Pack 

I always had my fanny pack around my waist because it provided safe & easy access to essentials & valuables. I could easily pull out my wallet or Camino credential without having to take off my backpack. And when I stopped at a restaurant to use the bathroom, I felt safe leaving my backpack outside while having all my valuables in my fanny pack. 

What I kept in my fanny pack 

• Passport 
• Camino credential 
• Wallet 
• AirPods 
• Lip balm 
• Sunscreen 
• Sunglasses 

UV Parka

I didn’t use this that much since it was raining most days, but on the sunny days I was so happy I had this pocketable UV parka from Uniqlo. This parka weighs almost nothing and folds up to pocket size. It’s super light and breathable, but adds a layer of UV protection from the sun. 

Comfy Pants  

I wore comfy, lounge pants every single day when I finished walking. They were comfy, cute enough to wear out and folded up small. Personally, I knew I didn’t want to wear the same pants I was hiking in. I wanted to have another pair of pants that I could use as pajamas, but also be able to wear them to dinner after my hike. These pants from Uniqlo checked all the boxes for me. If you’re walking in July or August, a pair of comfy shorts might be better than pants.

Vaseline/Aquaphor 

Rub vaseline on your foot everyday before you start walking to prevent blisters. Sounds weird, but I did this everyday and didn’t get a single blister or hot spot!

Painkillers

I hate to say it, but your body will hurt and painkillers may be what you need to make it through the hike. Especially during the first few days, your body will be adjusting to the weight of your backpack and the shock of walking so much everyday. Advil saved me on the long days! 

Small Packable Backpack 

Although I didn’t use my small backpack everyday, I was happy I had it to use on the two days off that I took, and on days where I went exploring after my hike. I used it to walk around town or pick up groceries. I also used it on the one day that I decided to ship my bag to my next albergue. If you plan on shipping your large bag everyday, definitely have a small backpack with you to use on the trail. I used one similar to this.

Everything Else I Packed for the Camino de Santiago

Clothes

• 1 pair leggings 
• 1 pair biker shorts  
• 1 sports bra 
• 3 quick dry shirts (1 tank, 1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve) 
• 1 pair comfy/cute pants
• 1 pajama shirt 
• 1 bathing suit 
• 3 pairs wool socks 
• 5 underwear
• 1 fleece jacket 
• 1 UV parka
• Sun Hat 
• Sun glasses 

Travel Size Toiletries

• Face wash 
• Body wash
• Shampoo 
• Conditioner
• Moisturizer 
• Deodorant 
• Toothbrush & paste 
• Hairbrush 
• Sunscreen (face & body) 

Electronics

• ​​Adapter
• Phone charger 
• Portable charger
• Camera & charger 

Other things

• Tissues (doubles as toilet paper)
• Microfiber towel (many albergues don’t provide towels)
• Sleeping bag (if staying in public albergues, which often don’t provide sheets)
• Laundry detergent sheets
• Journal 
• First aid kit
• Blister plasters (didn’t use)
• Travel cutlery set (didn’t use because I didn’t carry food with me much) 

Here’s the moment me and all my things made it to Santiago de Compostela! I hope this packing guide helps you decide what to bring on your pilgrimage. Buen Camino!

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Check out my other posts about the Camino de Santiago!

• 

  Best Time to Walk the Camino Portugués: May vs June

• 

  Where to Stay on the Camino de Santiago: A Guide to Every Type of Accommodation

• 

  How Long Do You Really Need for the Camino Portugués?

• 

  My Complete 5-day Camino Portugués from Vigo Route

• 

  Hiking the Camino Portugués in May: What to Expect

• 

  My Complete 2-Week Coastal Camino Portugués Route

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