Welcome to my full packing list of everything I brought on my Camino de Santiago journey! I walked the French Way route from León to Santiago in September of 2022. It was a journey for the mind and body. It allowed me to meet people of different cultures, explore various landscapes, and focus on my five senses for hours of the day. I hope this packing list helps you prepare for your journey.
Below is a list of the items I packed for the Camino. When I embarked on my journey, my bag weighed 12.8 pounds (5.8 kg), excluding snacks and water. I’ve created YouTube videos explaining each item in-depth. I hope this information proves valuable for your pilgrimage, and I trust you’ll find it beneficial.
Now, let’s explore the items I used throughout my trip!
Packing List Essentials
–Osprey Sirrus 36 Backpack – The Osprey Sirrus 36 is a versatile and comfortable backpack perfect for the Camino. It offers great support and an adjustable fit, making long walks easier on your back.
–S-hook Carabiners – These carabiners come in handy for attaching items to your backpack, like water bottles, headphones, or shoes, freeing up space inside your bag.
–Passport Pouch – A passport pouch keeps your important travel documents safe, dry, and easily accessible.
-Passport – Your passport is crucial for identification and any unexpected border crossings while backpacking multiple countries.
–Pilgrim Credential – This is your official record of the journey, and it’s essential for gaining access to albergues (hostels) along the Camino.
–Wallet (Credit Card, Debit Card & Euros) – A wallet with both your credit/debit card and some Euros provides financial flexibility for any expenses or emergencies you may encounter.
-Guidebook by John Brierley (Paperback/Kindle) – John Brierley’s guidebook is a trusted resource for Camino walkers, offering insights into routes, accommodations, and local attractions.
Technology on my Packing List
-Phone – Your phone can be a lifeline, serving as a camera, navigation device, and a way to stay connected with fellow pilgrims.
–SIM Card – A local SIM card helps you stay connected without exorbitant roaming fees. This will allow you to access maps, translations, and stay in touch with loved ones.
–Headphones – Having headphones allows you to listen to music or podcasts without disturbing fellow pilgrims.
Shoes to Bring
–Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Durable and waterproof hiking shoes provide comfort and support, keeping your feet dry even in wet conditions.
–Chacos – Sandals are a must for allowing your feet to breathe during rest stops and in albergues, offering relief from your hiking shoes. Using these as shower shoes is really beneficial too!
Packing Accessories
–Platypus 3L water bladder – Staying hydrated is vital on the Camino, and a water bladder ensures you have easy access to a good water supply.
–Plastic smart water bottle – Carrying an extra water bottle provides flexibility and a backup water source, especially if you’re in areas where refilling the water bladder isn’t convenient. This is nice to have after walking all day too if you use a bladder for your pack.
–Sun Bum 30 SPF chapstick – Protect your lips from sunburn and dryness with SPF chapstick.
–Nuun hydration tablets – These tablets provide an easy way to replenish electrolytes and stay energized on the trail.
–Emergen C – Emergen C packets can help boost your immune system and provide a refreshing drink after a long day of walking.
–Goodr polarized sunglasses – Goodr sunglasses offer eye protection with style, ensuring your eyes are shielded from the sun’s glare.
–American needle cap – A hat is nice to have in the sun and rain to protect your face.
–Gone for a run fleece hat – A fleece hat is essential for staying warm during colder nights, especially in the shoulder seasons on the Camino.
Clothes to Pack
–Coalatree trailhead adventure pants – These versatile pants are perfect for hiking, offering durability and comfort.
–LuluLemon lightweight cinched hem hiking shirt – A lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt designed for hiking keeps you cool and dry during your walks.
–LuluLemon Fleece hiking 1/4 zip pullover – A fleece pullover keeps you warm in colder conditions and can be easily layered. This was a MUST for me as I walked in September and I only brought a sleeping liner.
–LuluLemon Cargo super-high rise hiking shorts 8″ – These high-rise shorts are practical for warm days and offer extra storage with the cargo pockets.
–Columbia PFG long sleeve – A long-sleeve shirt with built-in sun protection is perfect for sun-exposed hikes, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
-Black EMS techwick t-shirt built in SPF – Another sun-protective shirt helps you stay comfortable and sunburn-free.
–Old navy active black spandex – Spandex are versatile and comfortable, suitable for various activities, including hiking. These ones are my personal favorite!
-EMS rain jacket – A rain jacket ensures you stay dry during wet conditions. It rained less than I expected, but I was grateful I brought one.
Undergarments to Pack
-Two darn tough socks – Darn Tough socks are known for their durability and comfort, making them ideal for minimizing blisters during long walks.
-Two smart wool socks – Smart Wool socks provide warmth and moisture-wicking properties, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
-Check out these anti-blister socks!!
-Five moisture-wicking underwear – Moisture-wicking underwear is essential for minimizing discomfort and chafing on the trail.
–Nike high sports bra and Nike white sports bra – Comfortable and supportive sports bras are essential for long-distance walking, providing necessary support during your journey.
Bedding Necessities
–Alps liner bag – A liner bag is much smaller than a sleeping bag so it is easier to pack. You can layer up on clothing while sleeping instead. I was really happy with this specific one!
–Sleeping eye mask – A sleeping eye mask can be a lifesaver in hostels or other shared sleeping environments.
–Ear plugs – Earplugs are essential for drowning out noise from fellow travelers.
Toiletries to Pack
–Foldable backpack – A foldable backpack is convenient for day trips and excursions. It also it nice to use in the shower for extra storage space.
–Towel – A lightweight and quick-drying towel is a must-have for personal hygiene.
–Toothbrush & toothpaste – Basic oral hygiene items are essential for maintaining fresh breath and dental health.
–Floss – Floss keeps your teeth clean and gums healthy while traveling.
–Comb – A comb helps maintain your hair, keeping it tangle-free during your journey.
Packing Necessities
–Bath wipes – Bath wipes are a quick way to freshen up when you can’t access a shower.
–Mosquito bracelet – A mosquito bracelet can provide protection from annoying insects.
–Sunscreen – Sunscreen is vital to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
–Bed bugs spray – Bed bug spray is essential for safeguarding your sleeping area from unwanted pests in shared accommodations. Learn more about bed bugs here.
–Bodyglide – BodyGlide helps prevent chafing and blisters, particularly during long walks.
–Native Deodorant – Deodorant keeps you feeling fresh and odor-free during your travels.
–Pocket laundry or laundry bar – A pocket laundry or laundry bar is essential since you will likely wash your clothes daily.
–Kleenex – Tissues come in handy for various purposes, including using the bathroom, a runny nose, and more.
–Solar charger & cords – A solar charger ensures you have a reliable power source for your devices while on the go.
–Converter – A converter is necessary for using your electronic devices in different countries with varying plug types.
–Medical kit – A basic medical kit contains essential supplies for addressing minor injuries or illnesses during your travels.
Packing Tips and Tricks After Hiking
My corresponding YouTube video, will also be a great way for you to learn about everything I brought. I became proficient in packing light and carrying minimal clothing for backpacking El Camino de Santiago. I took pride in bringing a small amount of clothing with me to Spain, especially since I have a tendency to overpack. During my journey, I brought two short-sleeved shirts and mostly wore one for walking and the other while the first one was being washed. Though I packed a fleece and a long-sleeved shirt, the weather turned out to be pretty hot for mid-September. Therefore, I regretted not bringing a dress, romper, or comfortable clothing that I could wear around the town.
Things I Will Pack Next Time
My friends who had a “nice outfit” wore it a lot. At the end of my walk in Finisterre, I ended up buying a jumpsuit, but I wished I had it from the start. Additionally, I wished I had packed pajamas – a light, large shirt, and shorts/pants would have worked well. We usually let our clothes air dry after washing them. I washed my spandex and wore my pants while they were being washed. If clothes did not dry by the morning, we hung them on our packs to dry while walking. Lightweight clothespins could have been useful for hanging laundry on a line or on my pack. Some nights, I slept in my walking clothes to be ready to walk the next day. After walking, it was nice to have a small backpack for showering where I could put my essentials, towel, and clothes. I also could use it when exploring small cities for a warm layer, water bottle, and my solar charger. In the beginning, I did not make the most of the small backpack, but it became helpful for many post-walk tasks and excursions.
Cheers to packing for the Camino
The Camino is a life-changing experience and you will truly have a wonderful experience! Remember that if you forget anything (other than your passport), everything is replaceable. There are plenty of stores to go to if you need anything. I recommend packing as light as possible as that gives you more room to pick up things along the way. I hope you found this packing list helpful and that you feel less overwhelmed about packing. Enjoy your camino!
Buen Camino
Not all those who wander are lost. -TTT
Are you thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago? Go to my YouTube for a glimpse of the views along the way, a video of everything I packed , and packing tips and tricks!
I hope that you enjoy these products and find that this list of packing tips and tricks and the links are helpful! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
