My Honest Camino de Santiago Packing List After Walking 160 Miles

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I walked the Camino Portugués in 15 days starting April 30th, beginning in Porto with two days on the Coastal Route before switching to the Central Route and finishing in Santiago de Compostela.

I covered 160 miles on foot. I carried everything I needed on my back. And I came home with very strong opinions about packing lists.

Most Camino de Santiago packing lists I read before I left were either way too minimal (just bring two shirts and a positive attitude!) or full of gear I didn’t recognize and couldn’t picture using. I wanted the real breakdown, which is what you’re getting here.

I’m a size 14 curvy girl, 5’5″, and I tested every single item on this list in actual rain, actual mud, actual albergues, and actual blisters. I’ll tell you what worked, what I’d skip, and a few things that genuinely surprised me.

One big note before we get into it: I walked in late April and early May, and the weather was way cooler than I expected. We’re talking low 60s most days with a lot of rain, and only one or two days in the mid 70s. If you’re walking in summer (June through August), the Camino can get hot, so some of my “I didn’t need this” items would flip to “bring this immediately.” I’ll call that out where it applies.

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Camino De Santiago Packing List At A Glance By Season

Spring Camino Packing List

Spring can be cool, rainy, muddy, and occasionally warm. Pack quick-dry layers you can easily add or remove.

Bring: trail runners without Gore-Tex, merino hiking socks, quick-dry pants, one pair of shorts, breathable tops, lightweight fleece, windbreaker, bright rain poncho, baseball cap, sunscreen, SPF chapstick, blister bandages, ibuprofen, Vaseline, and hiking poles.

Summer Camino Packing List

Summer is all about heat, sun, sweat, and hydration.

Bring: trail runners without Gore-Tex, lightweight merino socks, breathable tops, hiking shorts or skorts, sun shirt, baseball cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF chapstick, electrolytes, anti-chafe balm, sandals, swimsuit, and a lightweight rain layer.

Fall Camino Packing List

Fall is similar to spring, with cooler mornings, possible rain, and big temperature swings.

Bring: trail runners without Gore-Tex, merino socks, quick-dry pants, breathable tops, lightweight fleece, windbreaker, bright rain poncho, warm sleep clothes, baseball cap, blister bandages, ibuprofen, Vaseline, hiking poles, and a portable charger.

Winter Camino Packing List

Winter requires warmer layers and more weather protection.

Bring: trail runners or lightweight hiking shoes with good grip, warm merino socks, thermal base layers, hiking pants, long-sleeve tops, fleece, lightweight puffer, waterproof layer, beanie, gloves, neck gaiter, warmer sleep clothes, headlamp, blister bandages, ibuprofen, Vaseline, and hiking poles.

The Camino de Santiago Clothing That Actually Held Up

Seniq Trailmix Cargo Pants (My MVP)

I wore the Trailmix Cargo Pants from Seniq almost every single day and got so many compliments on them I lost count. As a size 14, the adjustable belt at the top was useful because I could get the fit exactly where I wanted it on my hips rather than hoping it’d sit right.

Cargo pockets are not a trend on the Camino, they’re a survival strategy. I stuffed my credential, snacks, water bottle, and a fistful of euros in there and barely noticed the weight.

The thing that sealed it for me: one day I got completely soaked from the knees down. Stopped for lunch at a little cafe, maybe 30 minutes, and my pants were fully dry by the time I stood up. Dried fast, moved well, never gave me a single problem. Would bring them again without hesitation.

You can buy them direct from Seniq or at REI.

Seniq Joytrek Grid Fleece Zip Neck Pullover (My Favorite Thing I Packed)

Honestly this is the item I recommend the most. The Joytrek Grid Fleece Pullover in the pink and orange colorway is so fun and whimsical, which I know sounds like a weird thing to lead with for a hiking fleece, but you are going to be in this thing a LOT and you might as well love looking at it. I got so many compliments.

I wore it on cold mornings, pulled it over my jumpsuit on chilly evenings, and yes, I slept in it at the albergues because those places can get cold overnight.

I did not bring a puffer jacket and I didn’t miss it. For late spring hiking, this pullover was the perfect weight. (If you’re walking in winter, pack an actual puffer. This would not be enough.)

The kicker: I wore it literally every single day and it barely smelled. For a fleece. On a hiking trip. I was shocked.

Seniq Dirtpop Trek Jacket in Hot Pink

The Dirtpop Trek Jacket is a windbreaker, not exactly a warm layer, so go in with the right expectations. What it does brilliantly is handle those in-between moments where it’s breezy or lightly raining but not cold enough to justify heavier layers. And the detachable sleeves are actually genius.

I’d start my morning in the full jacket, get warm after a couple hours of hiking, rip the sleeves off, and suddenly I had a sleeveless hiking shell that worked for the rest of the day. I also chose hot pink specifically for visibility, which I recommend everyone think about. When you’re walking along roads at dawn or in the rain, cars need to be able to see you.

Popflex Tops and Sports Bras

I wore Popflex sports bras exclusively for 15 days and zero complaints. The Sweat Sesh Crop Top in Royal Orchid was my most-worn piece because it could function as either a bra or a shirt depending on the temperature, which is exactly the kind of versatility you want when every inch of space counts.

My most-worn top overall was the Call Me Baby Long Sleeve in Bubblegum. Perfect for our cooler conditions because it was long enough to keep me warm but not so heavy that I overheated when it got humid in the rain. I also brought the Call Me Baby Tee in Bubblegum for warmer evenings and days.

The High-Waisted Supershort in Bubblegum I brought for lounging and wore exactly once. Definitely a summer item. If you’re walking June through August and want a hiking short that is also cute, these are it. For spring or fall, skip it since it’ll be too cold. 

Duluth Trading Company Armachillo Shirt and Dry on the Fly Shorts

Two underrated additions to this list. The Armachillo Short Sleeve Shirt is a super lightweight button-up that wicks sweat fast. I wore it on hotter days and on full rain poncho days when I knew I’d be getting warm and humid under there. Loose, breezy, comfortable.

The Dry on the Fly 10″ Shorts became my rain day go-to once I realized I just didn’t love hiking pants with soaked pant legs. These are high-waisted, have pockets, and matched my cargo pants well enough that I could mix and match. Got compliments on these too, which honestly I wasn’t expecting from hiking shorts.

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Quince Red Cotton Jumpsuit (Evening Wear)

The Quince Cotton Jumpsuit is the cutest thing I packed and also the most weather-dependent. I wore it every single evening after showering, but because it was cooler than expected, I was almost always layering my fleece pullover over it. It’s made for warm evenings.

If you’re walking in summer, this is going to be PERFECT and it’s only $35, rolls up tiny, dries fast. For a spring walk, bring it but expect to layer. I love Quince for affordable products that are well made. 

What I Slept In On The Camino de Santiago

Old Navy High-Waisted Playa Wide-Leg Pants plus a black Popflex bra and my Joytrek pullover. Comfortable, packable, genuinely cozy even in cold albergues.

Some people recommend wearing their next day’s hiking clothes to bed but I loved having something clean to sleep in. 

Footwear: The Most Important Category

Real talk: your footwear decisions are the most consequential packing decisions you’ll make. Get this wrong and your Camino is miserable. Get it right and you’re walking 15 miles a day without thinking about your feet (well, mostly).

Trail Runners, Not Hiking Boots: This is non-negotiable. Do not bring hiking boots. Do not hike your days in sandals. You want trail runners, and specifically you want trail runners without Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex traps moisture and your shoes won’t dry out.

When your shoes get wet on a non-Gore-Tex trail runner, they dry within a couple of hours. In Gore-Tex, you’re walking in wet shoes all day.

I wore the Salomon Genesis and have genuinely mixed feelings. The grip was fantastic. I never once felt unstable on muddy trails or rocky descents, and I tried on over 12 different shoes before landing on these. That said, I got a blister on my big toe on day one, and I developed plantar fasciitis later in the trip (though I’m not 100% sure if that’s the shoe or the fact that I probably didn’t stretch enough). If I walked again, I’d try a different brand just to see.

The point isn’t “buy the Salomon Genesis specifically.” The point is: trail runners, no Gore-Tex, break them in before you go.

I also saw tons of Hokas and Topos on the trail. Everyone’s feet are different. Try on a lot of shoes.

Darn Tough Vermont Critter Club Socks (Please, I’m Begging You)

I will scream about these socks from any rooftop I can find. The Darn Tough Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks are $25 a pair and worth every single penny. I initially bought random Amazon merino wool socks that were too thick, didn’t fit my shoe well, and took up way too much space in my pack. Then I found these at REI and everything changed.

I walked 160 miles in these socks and they look basically brand new. They dry faster than anything else I washed, including my shirts. They kept my feet cool. They barely smelled. Honestly, take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you on the Camino. I got mine in the mountain goat, bear, and raccoon patterns, plus magic mushrooms, because color and personality matter even on a pilgrimage.

Teva Sandals for Evenings

I’ve worn my Tevas all over the world. My exact model isn’t sold anymore but is similar to the Hurricane XLT3 sandals.

I tried hiking in my Tevas for about an hour one day and immediately remembered why trail runners exist. But for evenings? Absolutely essential. After 15 miles in trail runners, the last thing you want is to put those shoes back on to go get tapas. The Tevas let your feet breathe, air out any blisters, and feel human again.

I also brought flat packable shower shoes that folded completely flat and slid right into the front pocket of my Osprey. I wore these in hostel showers and didn’t want to get my Tevas wet. Three shoe system, totally worth it, would do it exactly the same way again.

The Best Camino Backpack and What Goes In It

Osprey Tempest 33 (Non-Negotiable)

The Osprey Tempest 33 is the best backpack for walking the Camino de Santiago. I’m so obsessed with it that I’m making Robin buy the same one for when we do the Cotswold Way together. It has so many adjustable straps that I could dial in the fit exactly, and I never once had shoulder or back pain from it.

When I got a massage in Santiago after finishing, my masseuse actually commented on how little tension was in my back, which she said was unusual for pilgrims. The only credit goes to this backpack.

It has enough pockets to keep everything organized, a nice aerated back panel, fits my hiking poles and tripod on the outside, and never smelled too bad despite two weeks of daily use.

One honest caveat: if you plan to sleep in traditional albergues that don’t provide blankets and you want to carry a sleeping bag, you might want the Tempest 38 instead. This one doesn’t have a sleeping bag compartment at the bottom, and with all my clothes I didn’t have room. I stayed in hostels that provided bedding, and on the nights they didn’t, I just rented a blanket for 6 euros. But if you want the bag, size up.

Fanny Pack for Daily Carries

Every single day I wore my Baggu Fanny Pack and I use this exact fanny pack at home too. It fits an absurd amount of stuff for its size. In mine every day: my Anker portable charger, a small Sézane wallet, cash, a coin purse for euros, my pilgrim’s credential, my regular passport, friendship bracelets and pins (more on that later), granola bars, Kleenexes, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, earplugs, electrolytes, and chapstick. All of it. It’s genuinely impressive.

I went with black so the dirt wouldn’t show, which is good advice for anyone.

The Camino Hiking Gear That Surprised Me

Hiking Poles (Bring Them, No Debate)

I brought lightweight Amazon hiking poles and the days I forgot to use them everything hurt more. They take weight off your body, help you stabilize on steep descents, and in the rain on muddy trails, they’re perfect for keeping you upright.

I literally watched someone face-plant in the mud right in front of me. I did not face-plant. I had a hiking pole. Bring hiking poles.

Anker Portable Charger (Clutch)

My Anker can charge my phone in about 30 minutes and has multiple charges on it. I carried it in my fanny pack every single day because you don’t always have access to outlets while you’re on the trail, and having your phone die mid-route is a problem. This is one of those things that costs nothing in terms of weight and has a huge payoff.

TESSAN All-in-One Travel Adapter

The TESSAN All European Travel Plug Adapter Kit has four charging ports, which meant I could charge my iPhone, AirPods, iPad, and wireless mic all at once from a single outlet. This came up as a genuine lifesaver when a friend in my Camino family couldn’t find an outlet near her bed. She was about to leave her phone charging unattended in the hostel kitchen overnight.

I said absolutely not, come plug in at my bed, and my adapter handled both of our devices. Super lightweight, highly recommend.

Cadence Capsule Pods for Toiletries

I put all my liquids in Cadence magnetic capsule pods and they did not leak once. Not once. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, sunscreen. All of it in little magnetic pods that stack together and are incredibly easy to find in your pack.

I use these on every trip. Use code WHIMSY15 for a discount.

You’ll want to also pack a small microfiber towel like this one for the days your hostels don’t provide towels (it’s a thing!) 

Hanni Body and Face Wash

For body wash, I used Hanni Rich Rinse Body Wash, which is a concentrated serum-style formula that activates with water and suds up a lot, so a tiny amount washes your whole body. It’s face-approved too, which meant one less product.

On a trip where you’re showering every single day for 15 days, having your body wash actually last matters.

The Good Patch

This is the random one people might not have thought of. The Good Patch makes little wellness patches you stick on your arm. I brought the Thinking patch, which has green tea and adaptogenic mushrooms, and I’m gonna be honest with you, the days I wore one I felt more focused and had noticeably more energy on the trail.

They’re featherlight, take up zero space, and I looked forward to putting one on in the mornings. Worth grabbing.

Laundry Sheets

Tiny strips of laundry detergent that you can use in a sink, a plastic bag, or wherever you can get your clothes wet. I brought these laundry sheets and cut them into smaller pieces to save space. You don’t need as many as you think you will because honestly, I didn’t do laundry as often as I expected.

But when you need to, you really need to, and having a liquid detergent that could spill in your pack would be a nightmare. These are the obvious solution.

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Carabiners and Ziploc Bags (Unglamorous but Necessary)

Bring carabiners. Attach them to your pack. You’ll find reasons to use them: hanging wet laundry off your pack to dry while you walk, attaching a shell or charm, clipping your rain poncho so it’s accessible. They weigh nothing and you’ll be glad they’re there.

Same with Ziploc bags. Separate clean and dirty clothes. Protect your electronics. Store snacks. Do emergency sink laundry when no bag has a stopper. Bring more than you think you need.

The Safety and Medical Stuff (Bring All of It)

A mini first aid kit is very important for your Camino packing list! 

Blister Bandages

I used every single one of my blister bandages I brought and then bought more. Pack them. The pharmacies along the Camino do carry blister supplies, but they open around 9 or 10am and when you’re getting ready at 6am for a full hiking day, you cannot wait. Bring more than you think you’ll need.

Ibuprofen

Foot pain. Knee pain. Back pain. Headache. Bring ibuprofen. Yes, you can buy it at pharmacies. Pharmacies aren’t always open when you need them, and when your knee is screaming at you after a steep descent, you want the ibuprofen in your fanny pack, not two towns away.

Knee Brace

I almost didn’t pack one and I’m so glad I did. Toward the end of the trip, after a particularly hilly day, my knee gave out. I pulled out my knee brace and it got me through the rest of the trip. My knee was still a little tender for a few days after I got home. Don’t skip this one.

Vaseline

Every single night, put Vaseline on your feet. This keeps them moisturized and helps prevent blisters from forming or getting worse. You can buy Vaseline anywhere en route, but it’s like $3 at home, so just grab it before you go.

Medications: Pack the Basics

I brought a travel pill case with my daily vitamins, allergy pills, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, antacids, DayQuil, and NyQuil. I actually ran out of antacids and had to buy more because something wasn’t sitting right with my stomach on the trail. Bring your basics.

You can buy things along the way but it’s not always easy and you don’t want to be problem-solving this when you’re exhausted.

Nail Clippers

Small, lightweight, takes up almost no space. You’re going to get a hangnail or a broken nail at some point over 15 days of hiking. Having nail clippers is just one of those things where you don’t think about it until you desperately need it, and then you’re very glad it’s in your bag.

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Camino Hiking Rain Poncho

Please Get a Bright One!

I used a hiking rain poncho and my friends used rain jackets with backpack covers and separate rain pants. Honestly, the time to deploy either system is about the same, so this really comes down to preference. I liked the poncho because it packs tiny, covers both me and my pack at once, and I didn’t need to bring a big rain jacket.

What I feel strongly about: please get a brightly colored rain poncho. Pink, red, yellow, orange. The pilgrims I saw with dark rain ponchos all said they wished they’d gone brighter. When you’re walking on the side of roads in the rain, you need cars to see you. And honestly, why be invisible when you can be a cheerful neon hiker who also can’t get hit by a car?

One pro-tip: pair your rain poncho with a baseball cap. The hood has a tendency to fall in front of your eyes, but the brim of a baseball cap holds it back so you can actually see where you’re going.

Biom Wipes

Biom Wipes are clean wipes that disinfect both surfaces and your skin, and they became one of my most-shared items on the trail.

One day I met a very friendly donkey and obviously I had to pet him, and then I had donkey hands for the foreseeable future. The cafe sink water was cold, which, fine, but I wanted actually clean hands before I ate. I pulled out a Biom Wipe and solved the problem in five seconds.

That’s the fun version of why these are useful. The practical version is that sometimes cafe sink water doesn’t get hot, sometimes you pet a stray cat or a farm animal, sometimes your hands are just dirty on the trail and you want to eat a snack without thinking about it.

They’re also great for a quick trail refresh on days when you can’t get to a shower or just don’t want to do the full thing. A little pits and bits situation and you feel human again. I shared these constantly. The donkey day alone I handed them to probably six people.

 

Baseball Cap Over Wide Brim Hat

I packed a wide brim sun hat and wore it for approximately 20 seconds before realizing it kept hitting the back of my backpack. If your pack sits at the level of your head (which mine did), the wide brim hat just doesn’t work.

I ended up buying a pink baseball cap a few days into the Camino and it was one of my best decisions. Great for sun, great for rain, fits perfectly under the rain poncho hood.

Sunscreen (Yes, This Much)

I brought three different sunscreens and I regret nothing. The Camino has exposed sections where you are getting full sun for hours. Do not skip this.

I wore the Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 on my face most mornings, plus I kept the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 in my fanny pack for reapplication on sunny days. For body sunscreen, I used Blue Lizard Sheer Face Mineral SPF 50.

And SPF chapstick in the fanny pack at all times. Your lips will chap. Your face will be in the sun for hours. Don’t skip this.

For moisturizer, I’m a lifelong Nivea Creme devotee. You can buy it anywhere, it’s inexpensive, and it does an excellent job.

The Surprisingly Thoughtful Stuff

Your Pilgrim Credential: If you haven’t already, get your official pilgrim’s credential before you go. You’ll get it stamped at each stop along the route, which is how you prove your pilgrimage at the end and receive your Compostela certificate in Santiago. It’s also just a really lovely physical record of everywhere you walked. Grab a Camino shell too.

Bandana: I brought a Kaleidoscope Cat Bandana from Heading Prints and it was genuinely one of my most-used items. 100% cotton. I wore it as a headscarf, used it to wipe sweat, wrapped it around my neck on sunny days to protect from sunburn, and yes, in one desperate moment I used it as a makeshift Kleenex. Don’t get the cheap silk ones from Amazon. You want natural fibers that are quick dry and actually absorb things.

Friendship Bracelets and Pins: This is the one most packing lists skip. I ordered a bead kit before I left and made friendship bracelets with phrases on them (“Little arrows point Camino,” things like that) to hand out to fellow pilgrims as trail gifts. I also brought a bag of pins. This was such a good decision for making friends, sparking conversations, and generally being someone people want to walk with. The Camino is a social experience and little gifts go a long way.

Hiking Fork and Spoon Set: I packed a collapsible fork and spoon set and genuinely thought I’d never touch it. It lives in a tiny side pocket and weighs almost nothing so I threw it in as an afterthought. Then on the very last day of the Camino, my friend and I grabbed yogurt for breakfast at our hostel and there were zero spoons anywhere. I pulled out my little set and we ate our yogurt like civilized people. Pack it. You won’t think about it until the moment you desperately need it, and then you’ll be very glad it’s there.

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Camino Makeup: The Minimalist Edit

I brought the Supergoop Glowscreen as my tinted SPF, plus the Rare Beauty Harmony Eyebrow Gel. I got caught in multiple torrential downpours over 15 days. My eyebrows looked perfect every single time. This gel does not move. It’s tiny and lightweight and if you wear brow gel normally, you’re bringing this.

I also brought Noyz Solid Fragrance in Rinse Cycle, which sounds indulgent but genuinely mattered. After a full day of hiking, showering, and putting on a clean outfit to go get tapas, dabbing on a little solid perfume just made me feel like a human person again and not a dirty backpacker. My friends borrowed it constantly.

One thing I wish I’d packed: a tinted lip balm. My friend brought Violette FR Bisou Balm in Mon Cherie (a sheer matte hydrating balm) and she and I shared it approximately every evening. After 15 miles of walking, you put on a clean outfit, you want that little extra thing. I’m packing one next time.

Water and Electrolytes (This Will Make or Break Your Day)

I’m gonna be honest with you, this section might be the most underrated part of this entire packing list. Electrolytes are a game changer on the Camino. Every single morning I started with an electrolyte packet mixed into water, and on the days I did that versus the days I didn’t, I felt the difference.

I brought packets from two different brands. The first was the Absorption Company’s Restore Electrolytes in mango lemonade flavor, which has magnesium, sodium, potassium, and a bunch of other things your body is going to need when you’re walking 15 miles a day.

The second was Time Beam’s Bounce Mode Healthy Pixie, which layers in NAD-boosting supplements on top of the electrolytes, so it’s more of a beauty-wellness powder that also hydrates you. I liked both. I alternated between them depending on what I felt like that morning.

Pro-tip: at lunch, if you can find a regular Coke or a Powerade, get one. The electrolytes plus the sugar mid-day are going to help more than you think.

On the water bottle question: I actually don’t recommend bringing one from home. Water bottles add real weight before you even put water in them, and that weight adds up. Instead, before you start walking, stop at a grocery store and pick up two plastic bottles. I got a 1.5L and a 0.75L. The big one stayed filled with regular water in my pack.

The small one I’d fill every morning with my electrolyte mix, and then refill with regular water at lunch. Both fit perfectly in the Osprey’s side pockets. Easy, lightweight, and you can recycle them or swap them out as needed along the way.

Jewelry and Accessories

I wore the same jewelry every day and never once got a rash, which matters because I have sensitive skin. My everyday Sézane chain necklace, the AWE Inspired Freya goddess necklace, the Kozakh Braided Bracelet in gold (use code WHIMSY20), and the Sami Jewels Starburst Ring (also WHIMSY20). All of it low-profile and durable enough to not think about.

I also brought 30 hair ties, lent half of them out, and would do exactly that again.

My retro aviator sunglasses from Amazon (under $10) were perfect for the trail. Not too dark-tinted so I could wear them even on overcast or rainy days, and they just made everything look a little more golden.

Technology I Brought On The Camino

I brought an iPhone 17 Pro, which took excellent photos. Everyone in my Camino family was always asking me to take the group shots on mine. I had my AirPod 3s for noise canceling when walking along busy roads. And I brought my iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard, which let me check in for work on the trail, catch up on emails, and on one very special night, watch The Parent Trap with my Camino family in our pension. No regrets on the iPad.

I also brought a collapsible iPhone tripod because I’m a content creator and I wanted to take photos of myself. It worked beautifully. Fits on the side of the Osprey easily.

I also brought a Hollyland Lark M2 wireless microphone for content, which I didn’t end up using much, but if you’re planning to create video content on the trail, this is the mic to bring.

I did not bring my Canon 6D DSLR or my Fujifilm X100 VI, even though both tempted me. Every kilo counts on the Camino. Your iPhone is going to take great photos, and that’s okay. If you do bring a camera, attach it to the front of your pack so you can grab it without stopping. Or, bring a cute Camp Snap. 

What I Didn’t Use On The Camino (So You Don’t Have To Pack It)

The wide brim hat: hit my backpack constantly so I wore it 20 seconds before ripping it off my head. Get a baseball cap that also offers sun protection and can be worn on rainy days to keep your poncho out of your eyes. 

The travel soap sheets for hands: thought I’d use these every day. Used them zero times. Every bathroom had soap. 

The sleeping liner: personal preference thing. I didn’t use mine once. My friend used hers every night. Know yourself.

The swimsuit: I brought a Cupshe bikini with plans to swim in rivers and the ocean and it was never warm enough. That said, I’d still pack a swimsuit because you just don’t know what the weather will do, and you’d genuinely regret not having one if a perfect swimming opportunity showed up.

The Popflex Supershorts: perfect summer item, irrelevant in spring. Know your season.

My Full Camino de Santiago Packing List at a Glance

Clothing:

Shoes and Socks:

Gear:

Tech:

Medical and Safety:

Toiletries and Skincare:

Extras and Accessories:

FAQ About Packing for the Camino de Santiago

How heavy should my Camino backpack be?

Of all the travel tips to listen to, this is it: the general rule is your pack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight. This is good advice and I’d take it seriously. Every single kilo you add is weight your feet and joints carry for 15+ miles a day. When in doubt, leave it out.

Do I need a rain jacket or a rain poncho for the Camino?

Both work. A poncho covers you and your pack at once and packs tiny. A rain jacket is more technical and requires a separate backpack cover. I prefer the poncho for simplicity, but if you already own a good rain jacket and cover, don’t stress it. Whatever you bring: make it brightly colored. 

What kind of hiking shoes should I wear on the Camino?

Trail runners without Gore-Tex. Not hiking boots (too heavy, too hot, take too long to break in). Not sandals for your hiking days. Trail runners with good grip and no waterproof membrane. Break them in for several weeks before you go.

Is the Osprey Tempest 33 big enough for the Camino?

Yes, for most people. If you want to carry a sleeping bag, size up to the Tempest 38. I fit everything I needed in the 33 without a sleeping bag, and the albergues and hostels I stayed at provided bedding. On the few occasions they didn’t, I rented a blanket for 6 euros.

If you’re doing the Camino Frances you probably want a sleeping pack and may need to size up but that’s a you decision. 

What’s the most important thing to pack for the Camino?

I’d say blister bandages, ibuprofen, and really good quik dry socks. Take care of your feet and the rest is manageable. The Darn Tough hiking socks changed my walk and I would pack them over and over again. 

Should I bring a camera on the Camino?

Your iPhone is going to surprise you. That’s my actual honest answer as someone who takes a camera on every trip. Every kilo counts, and your phone takes great photos. If you do bring a camera, make sure it can attach to the front of your pack so you’re not digging through your bag every time you want a shot.

If you’re planning your Camino and this list helped, drop a comment below. I want to know which route you’re doing, how many days you’re planning, and what questions you still have. I walked the Camino Portugués and I’m already thinking about what route I want to do next.

Buen Camino! 

I'm the founder of Whimsy Soul (this blog you're reading!) I'm a type 3 enneagram cat lady who lives in San Francisco and loves to find everyday magic to share with others. You can probably find me hunting down hot springs with girlfriends, kayaking, cooking with my husband, petting strangers' dogs or watching like, all the things on Netflix. Follow me on Instagram for even more inspiration!

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