Essential Camino de Santiago Packing List for 2024
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You’ve decided to embark on the adventure of a lifetime: the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Spain! Walking miles on the trail in quiet solitude, day after day, with everything you need securely on your back—you’re in for an incredible journey, that’s for sure!
But, now one question remains, “What should I pack for the Camino de Santiago?”
Having walked the Camino Frances (and having fallen in love with all things Camino), I’ve know how important—and freeing it is—to take only what you need.
Knowing this, I’ve put together a detailed Camino packing list for you. From what to pack for the Camino and what not to pack, it’s all on this packing list for the Camino!
Clothing for the Camino de Santiago
When it comes to Camino de Santiago clothing, you need less than you think!
In fact, our Camino de Santiago packing list recommends just two hiking outfits! One to wear, and one to switch out.
Since you’re bringing so little, you need to be strategic about what you pack. Here are my top 3 tips for packing only what you need for the Camino:
- Every item in your pack should coordinate and be able to be layered. This will give you multiple looks and versatility when it comes to both staying warm (or cool!) and protection from the changing elements.
- Consider investing in high-quality, moisture-wicking fabrics that you can hike comfortably in all day. Material that draws moisture away from the body to keep you cool and dry (to prevent chafing) like merino wool is a pilgrim favorite.
- Wondering when you’ll wash clothes? Every day! That’s the second reason you need quick-dry clothing. Try hand-washing and home and line drying to be certain your clothing will dry quickly—the quicker, the better!
Women’s Clothing for the Camino de Santiago
✔ Pants & Shorts for the Camino (2) – Bring one pair of roll-up hiking pants or another trusted sportswear brand (Kuhl makes excellent women’s travel pants). The ability to roll the pants up and pin them into capris offers versatility on warm days, or if you don’t want your pant legs to get wet on a rainy day!
Depending on the time of year, choose a second pair of leggings, capris, shorts, or skirts/skorts according to your preference preference.
Keep in mind that you may want to layer your bottoms, particularly in the cooler months.
✔ Tops for the Camino (2) – You’ll need two athletic-style tops for the Camino. We recommend taking a short-sleeve moisture-wicking tee and a button-down top. You can layer these on a cool morning, and peel off a layer as it gets hot.
You can also layer these tops over/under your evening dress.
If you’d like to bring a tank top, make sure to have a second option to cover your shoulders. The sun can be particularly strong sun and lead to sunburn.
✔ Bras for the Camino de Santiago (2) – Every woman’s body is different, so choose a bra with the level of support you need. A sports bras or regular bra (or a combination of the two) works just fine. Other women wear no bra on the Camino, instead using the built-in shelf bras in athletic shirts.
✔ Camino de Santiago Dress (1) – A travel dress or athletic dress is perfect for evenings. Throw it on after you take a shower, while running (or limp) around town, and even to sleep in.
Make sure your Camino dress is quick-drying and wrinkle-free. It’s also useful to get a dress with a built-in bra so that you can wear it while your bras are drying (and not get them all sweaty in the evenings).
Pilgrim’s Tip: It may sound crazy to bring so little, but you’ll soon realize you’ll have everything you need. That’s part of the beauty of the Camino—learning to hold on to only what you need, and let go of anything that’s weighing you down.
✔ Underwear (3) – There’s no need to break the bank when it comes to getting the best underwear for the Camino. The Fruit of the Loom Breathable Micro-Mesh briefs are breathable, comfortable, and economical.
If you are willing to spend a little more, the ExOfficio panties are amazing!
✔ Socks (3 pairs) – Aside from your backpack and trail shoes, socks are the most important item on your Camino de Santiago packing list, so consider investing! We recommend lightly cushioned wool blend hiking socks.
Darn Tough, Smartwool, and Thorlo all come highly recommended. (We LOVE Darn Tough, which are made in Vermont and have a lifetime guarantee.
If you are allergic to wool, it’s okay to try blends such as Coolmax.
✔ Pajama (optional) – Many pilgrims wear the next day’s clothes, their evening wear, or even their underwear (!) to bed. If you know you won’t be able to sleep well on the Way without your PJs, bring a big t-shirt or silk pajamas.
Shoes for the Camino de Santiago
Your feet are the most important part of your body you need to protect along the Way. Footwear is so important on the Camino de Santiago.
✔ Trail Runners (1) – For most Caminos, a pair of hiking boots isn’t necessary. Instead, opt for a pair of trail runners like the Hoka One One Challenger ATRs or the Altra Lone Peaks. Be sure to try them out well in advance, and leave room for swelling (many people size up .5-1.5 size).
✔ Insoles – Get a pair of supportive insoles, or consider getting custom insoles made. I did, and it has made all the difference!
✔ Hiking sandals (1) – Invest in a great pair of hiking sandals like Chaco’s or Tevas to wear in the afternoons. These give your aching feet the support they need while they recover from a long day. Plus, you can hike in them if needed (in case of rain or if your feet need a break from your shoes.)
✔ Flip Flops – Bring a cheap, lightweight pair of flip flops to wear in the shower.
✔ Charms or laces (Optional) – Many people have the same trail runners, and from time to time shoes go missing in albergues by mistake! Consider getting a bright pair of good quality laces, or add a small charm to your shoe’s laces to easily tell them apart.
Outerwear for the Camino de Santiago
✔ Jacket – Depending on the season, look for a puffy jacket (winter), or a lightweight windbreaker (summer). Something breathable, packable, and or water-resistant with a hood is best.
✔ Vest – If your jacket is lightweight, layering it with a vest can offer extra warmth. Note that many people get too hot with a vest, as backpack straps tend to cover the torso. (spring/fall).
✔ Scarf or Sarong – A wide scarf or sarong is a versatile piece that you can use to hang from your bunk for privacy, as a towel, or as an evening dress.
✔ Wide-brimmed hat – Year-round, but especially in the summer, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face and neck. You can even get a hat with an opening for your pony tail! Whatever you do, make sure that the back of the hat doesn’t hit your pack!
✔ Beanie – In winter and early spring, bring a lightweight merino wool beanie.
✔ Gloves – Bring a lightweight pair of merino wool or running gloves or liner gloves (winter or if you run cold early spring/ late fall).
Camino de Santiago Accessories
✔ Buff (2) – One of the best purchases you’ll ever make. Buff multi-functional head wear can be worn as a headband to keep swear off your face, over your ears to keep them warm, twisted into a lightweight beanie, and more. If you buy nothing else from this list, buy a Buff!
✔ Better yet, purchase some St. James Way jewelry in Spain! Scallop shell earrings, St. James’ cross necklaces, and leather bracelets are readily available (in styles for men and women).
✔ Silicon wedding ring – Leave your expensive wedding ring at home, and wear a comfy silicone wedding band. Buy a size or two bigger to account for swelling.
✔ Ear plugs (3 pair) – You will be sharing a room with many people, you need ear plugs. Bring extra ear plugs in case you lose them or they wear out.
✔ Eye mask – any simple eye mask to block out light (or use your buff)
✔ Hair ties and/or bobby pins
Camino de Santiago Toiletries
Head to your local drugstore to pick up the toiletries you need. Since you’ll be “roughing” it for a few months, you may want to pamper yourself with a soothing scent or upscale brand for a few of these items. Pack only one of each, and replenish as needed.
✔ Shampoo bars are very popular among pilgrims. Ideally you will use a bar that you can use for soap, body wash, and laundry detergent.
✔ Dry shampoo – Use in between washes in the shoulder seasons or winter. In summer, you will probably want to wash the sweat out of your hair daily! (optional)
✔ Conditioner – Many choose to forgo the extra weight (optional)
✔ Hairbrush – I’ve been using a foldable brush with mirror for years
✔ Toothbrush & case – I have used the travel toothbrushes, but I always feel like a regular sized toothbrush works much better!
✔ Retainer & case
✔ Face wash or face wash stick – It’s great to be able to wash your face after a long, sweaty day!
✔ Lotion – Find a lotion for body and face; transfer into a travel-size container if you can’t find a small enough all-in-one lotion that you like.
✔ Lip balm w/SPF – Aquaphor is super moisturizing and now comes with SPF 30
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Small mirror – Some bathrooms won’t have mirrors.
✔ Contacts & case
✔ Glasses & lightweight case
✔ Deodorant I prefer this one as I think the travel-size deodorants are too small!
✔ Razor – Bring a lightweight, disposable one to save on weight Shaving cream
✔ Fingernail clipper – Pick out something compact, yet strong enough to trim your toenails.
✔ Tweezers – You never know when it’ll come in handy.
✔ Hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes
✔ Kleenex – Use for your nose or as toilet tissue if needed
Feminine hygiene items – Be sure to donate unused ones to a fellow pilgrim or albergue
❓ Female urination device – Bathrooms are available all along the way at bars. However, some women with bladder issues or who cannot squat in case of emergency bring a urination device to allow them to tinkle on the go.
First Aid for the Camino de Santiago
Bring a small first aid kit with a few items to get you started. Rather than carry around items “just in case,” purchase necessities as needed at local pharmacies. Take a picture of prescriptions should you be questioned or need to show it to a pharmacist. Be sure to include blister and foot care items.
✔ Prescriptions and/or vitamins – Bring as much as you need. Epi-pen (if needed)
✔ Pill organizer with a few pills of each: pain killers, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamines, anti-diarrhea’s, allergy pills, etc. Magnesium is good for muscle cramps. Buy more as needed.
✔ Band-Aids (2-3) – Bring a few Band-Aids or plasters just in case
✔ KT Tape – Bring a roll of kinesthetic therapeutic tape; watch YouTube videos or consult a physical therapist on how to apply the tape to problem areas on your legs, ankles, and feet. You can also use it to tape hot spots.
✔ Anti-chafe stick – Slather your feet, inner thighs, and areas prone to chafing. Many pilgrims rely on plain old Vaseline to prevent blisters, but we prefer the Gold Bond Friction Defense or Body Glide sticks.
✔ Sunscreen – Get a high SPF sunscreen, either in a tube or stick. Sunscreen is more expensive in Europe, so you may want to bring a larger quantity to last you the trip. If you plan to use for your body and face, be sure to pick out something that won’t make you break out. Apply liberally and often in the summer.
✔ Pain-relieving cream, gel, or balm – Massage your legs each night with your choice of pain-relieving cream. In Spain, you can easily purchase medicated gels and creams when you run out, so bring a small tube.
Blister/Foot Care
✔ Compeed – Blister care cushions can be purchased in Spain. They now have Band-Aid brand knockoffs in the US. Compeed also makes a good anti-blister balm.
✔ Moleskin – Cut to size and place over blisters and hot spots.
✔ Hiker’s wool – An absolute God send when you need a little extra padding and protection between toes.
✔ Mini Scissors – Use to cut tape, moleskin, etc.
✔ Vaseline – Some hikers swear by rubbing Vaseline (petroleum jelly) all over their feet.
Muscle/Relaxation Tools for the Camino
When you stop each night, stretch and massage your muscles with pain-relieving cream. Take any one (1) of the following to roll out your leg muscles and feet. Frozen water bottles work well too for the arches of the feet.
❓ Mini foam roller – great myofascial release
❓ Lacrosse, tennis or other preferred ball – for trigger point therapy
❓ Massage stick – Travel size stick helps with flexibility, muscle pain and recovery
❓ Stretch out strap – A strap to assist with stretching (can also use a paracord, sarong, etc.)
Laundry on the Camino de Santiago
✔ Safety pins – A few large safety pins or diaper pins are helpful for hanging clothes on the line or hanging damp items from your pack.
✔ Laundry line – The albergues have laundry facilities that consist of sinks, laundry lines, and washer/dryer (sometimes). However, some of the hotels may not be as well equipped. While not 100% necessarily, you may want to bring a portable laundry line or a piece of para cord to hang clothes in your hotel bathroom. (optional)
❓ Laundry Soap (optional)- Use shampoo, soap, or detergent bars provided by many albergues. Use of washing machines will include detergent. Dr. Bronners is a favorite versatile soap, but doesn’t work too well for hair.
❌ Sink stopper – Sink stoppers will be available on many sinks.
❌ Scrubba – Most sinks have attached washboards,
Camino de Santiago Gear
✔ Backpack – A hiking backpack with approximately 40L capacity is a great choice.
✔ Packing cubes/dry bags – It’s essential to organize you pack using packing cubes, dry bags (our recommendation), or even Ziploc bags!
✔ Waistpack/Crossbody – Your new best friend is a convertible waistpack or crossbody bag. You will need this to keep all of your valuables and most used items in arms reach. This bag will go everywhere with you – to the shower, inside your sleep sack, to the market, etc. so pick out the bag that works best for you. I purchased a bag similar to the Baggallini triple zip crossbody bag and slip the back loops through the hip straps of my backpack so that it stayed securely in place.
✔ Packable daypack – A daypack is great for afternoons so that you can store your waistpack and still carry a water bottle. You can also use it on days you decide to transfer your pack.
✔ Sleeping bag liner – In the summer, all you need is a sleeping bag liner. Linens will not be provided at most hostels.
✔ Blanket/sleeping bag – In the fall and spring, you can add a lightweight, packable camping blanket. In the winter, it’s best to bring a sleeping bag. (You could also use a bag in spring/fall, but a blanket and liner gives you more versatility.)
✔ Trekking poles – From a basic, sturdy and foldable pair to the creme de a la creme, the style and type of trekking pole you use is your choice. But, yes you do need them. You can purchase ahead of time or upon arrival at a local sporting goods store. If you purchase an expensive pair, consider folding them down and storing with your stuff so they don’t get stolen (poles are usually left in a bin near the albergue entry).
✔ Fitbit or other smart watch (or regular watch) – Keep track of your route, steps, and the time on your fitness or smart watch.
✔ Quick dry travel towel – Choose a microfiber towel or 100% cotton Turkish towel. You can even forgo the towel and use a sarong if desired (or use the Turkish towel in lieu of sarong).
What is the ideal pack weight for the Camino? When backpacking, a rough guideline is to carry no more than 10% of your body weight. For example, a 150-pound female should carry roughly 15 pounds of weight. This includes the pack, water, and snacks. Seem a little daunting? There’s no need to worry, you can easily pack a bag with everything you need and stay under the recommended weight.
Optional Gear for the Camino
❓ Head lamp – If you plan to get up and walk before sunrise, consider bringing a small headlamp. This one on Amazon is even re-chargeable, so you don’t have to worry about batteries.
❓ Flashlight – Likely you have this on your phone; if not, consider bringing a small flashlight (if you are not bringing a headlamp). If leaving the hostel early in the morning, you may want to [quickly] shine you flashlight to make sure you didn’t drop anything, or you may need it going to the bathroom in the middle of the night (the lights are often automated)
❓ Pack liner – You can use a pack liner OR individual dry bags to keep contents dry.
❓ Binoculars – Sometimes it would be neat to have a pair of binoculars for bird watching or checking out upcoming towns in the distance.
❌ Travel pillow – Pillows are provided; leave this at home.
Rain Gear for the Camino de Santiago
There is a debate over the best rain gear, so you’ll have to decide for yourself what you prefer. You can either do a poncho that covers you and your entire pack, or a pack cover, rain pants, and waterproof jacket. You may get lucky and see no rain, or it may downpour for days on end. Be especially conscious of your choice in spring, when it tends to rain more.
✔ Rain pants – Lightweight, breathable waterproof pants keep you dry in a downpour
✔ Poncho that fits over your backpack
✔ Waterproof backpack cover – You pack may or may not come with one.
✔ Waterproof jacket – Can be the same jacket as above, or a lightweight rain jacket that you layer over a vest or puffy jacket, depending on the season.
Technology for the Camino de Santiago
✔ Smart phone – Take pictures, notes, book albergues, etc.
✔ Charger w/multiple sockets and European plug – Be courteous and put a piece of electrical tape over any lights. Want to make friends (or have more gear?), get a plug with more USB ports.
✔ Charging cables – Bring the minimum that you need to charge your devices.
✔ Power bank – Be sure to fully charge this before your flights since you’re not bringing a US charger. Get a high speed portable charger, and you’ll be able to get multiple charges out of it. This one will charge an iPhone 8 5.7 times and a Galaxy S10+ 2.5 times.
Optional Camino Tech Gear
✔ Kindle – If you’re an avid reader, download the Kindle APP on your phone, or bring your device. Sign up for Kindle Unlimited (first month free) or library
✔ Tablet
Laptop – Leave it at home unless you need it for work
✔ Blogging camera (extra memory cards, battery charger) & lightweight case
✔ DSLR camera & clip – If you’re a photographer, a camera clip will allow you easy access to your camera
✔ Selfie stick – There will always be other pilgrims willing to take your photo, but you can bring a selfie stick if you’d like.
Safety Devices for the Camino
✔ Whistle – Attach a safety whistle to the chest strap of your pack (where you can access it easily and immediately in case of an emergency). Some backpacks comes with a built-in whistle.
✔ S Hooks or Carabiner clips – Clips like the S-Biner come in handy when hanging things in hostels or off your pack.
✔ Bed bug spray – People swear by bed bug sprays or lavender essential oil to prevent bed bugs. Then again, others say they don’t work at all! If you’re concerned, bring a small bottle. (Test first to ensure you the odor will not bother other pilgrims if you are planning to stay in albergues.)
✔ Garbage bag – Bring a garbage bag to place your entire pack inside each night to prevent bed bugs from crawling into the pack.
✔ Shoe bags – Store your dirty shoes in a drawstring or zipper shoe bag. Plastic grocery bags work as well.
✔ Insurance & documentation – Include a copy on your phone that does not need internet to access
✔ Face Mask – Due to changing regulations, you may need to wear a face mask inside the albergues.
AlertCops App
Documents & Finances on the Camino
Store an electronic copy of cards and passports in your phone in case you lose them.
✔ Credit card
✔ Debit card
✔ Coin purse – You need this to store your Euro coins and paper money (both men and women use coin purses in Europe).
✔ Passport
✔ Pilgrim’s Passport – Purchase your pilgrim’s credencial at a church, hostel, or tourist shop when you arrive.
✔ Plastic passport holder – Protect your passport and credencial inside a plastic sleeve, envelope, or even a plastic baggy!
Camino Guidebooks & Apps
✔ Notebook & pen – It’s always good to bring a small notebook or journal for notes. If you plan to take notes on your phone, a pen is still useful.
✔ Guidebook – Choose between the Village to Village or Brierly guides.
✔ APPS – Buen Camino and Wise Pilgrim are great.
Books – Leave at home, and read on Kindle or phone.
Mementos to Bring on the Camino
When you’re away from home, it can get lonely. Consider bringing a few mementos to show your personality and remind you of the people you love who are with you in spirit. Check Etsy for unique finds.
✔ Rock to lay at the iron cross – Or perhaps with a nod to sustainability, do this only in spirit
✔ Patches
✔ Water bottle stickers
✔ Keychains
✔ Shell
✔ Gifts – Some pilgrims bring (or buy along the way) small gifts such as friendship bracelets or charms to exchange with those who make a lasting impression.
Food & Water for your Camino packing list
✔ Water bottle– Bring one refillable water bottle (up to 32 oz/1 liter) for one side of your pack, and use the other side to carry your Aquarius (Spanish Gatorade) or other beverages.
❓ Water bottle clip (optional) – Attach store-bought water bottle to your chest strap so you don’t always have to reach back to get it.
✔ A few Ziploc bags – It’s always good to have a few plastic storage baggies on hand to store leftover food or other gear.
❓ Small knife – (optional) You may want to check this at the airport, or purchase a small knife or pocket-size multi-tool in Spain.
❓ Spork (optional) – Sometimes a spork is useful, but you’ll most likely be eating out or in a kitchen that provides utensils.
✔ Electrolytes – You may want to bring a few packets of electrolyte mix to add to your water. Aquarius, which is similar to Gatorade, is readily available and is the pilgrim’s drink of choice aside from water and wine. (optional)
Water bladder – Ditch the water bladder; it’s simply not necessary. There are plenty of water fountains as well as cafes. It’s much easier to refill a water bottle either by handing to the bartender or by filling under the [sometimes unruly] water spigots.
Water filtration system – Water is safe to drink in Spain. Non-potable water fountains will be clearly marked.
Miscellaneous & Luxury Items for Your Camino
Luxury items are items that are important to you. You bring these no matter the weight, and they aren’t optional to you.
❓ Teddy bear
Camino de Santiago Packing List: FAQs
Do you need walking poles for the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, I highly recommend using trekking poles for the Camino de Santiago. They’ll help to distribute the weight off of your legs and keep you balanced on steep inclines and declines.
Can I wear leggings on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, if you feel comfortable hiking in leggings, go for it! While most ladies will probably be wearing hiking pants, some do prefer to hike in leggings. You will not be alone. Just make sure you have something else to wear while walking around town in the evenings.
Should I bring a towel on the Camino?
Yes, get a quick-drying towel for the Camino. Albergues will not supply them.
Do you need a sleeping bag on the Camino?
It depends on the time of year and the route.
How many shoes do you need for Camino?
Typically, pilgrims take two pairs of shoes: one pair of trail runners and one pair of hiking sandals. You may also bring a pair of cheap flip flops for the shower.
Do you need a swimsuit on the Camino de Santiago?
If you’re walking in the summer and/or on a coastal route, consider bringing a swimsuit. Many ladies suggest to just wear a sports bra and underwear, which may be appropriate depending on the setting. I didn’t bring one on the Camino Frances in July and regretted it as I had many opportunities to swim.
Do you need waterproof shoes for Camino?
Most experienced hikers would say no, that regular shoes are best since they breathe better. However, some suggest that if you should use waterproof shoes if you’re hiking in the winter or spring, when you’re feet would be more likely to get wet.
What do you wear on the Camino at night?
What you wear to bed on the Camino depends on the weather and your comfort level. You may want to bring a pair of pajamas, or you can sleep in your clothes for the next day! Or, if it’s hot, you can just wear your underwear inside your sleep sack!
Can I wear shorts on Camino?
Yes, you can wear shorts on the Camino. However, in the hot sun it may be smarter to wear lightweight hiking pants to protect your legs. Hiking pants with legs that zip off are a good bet.
Can you hike the Camino in sandals?
Yes, some people hike the Camino (or parts of it) in sandals. It will depend on the terrain, your own tolerance for wearing sandals, and the shoes themselves.
Do you need a sleeping pad for the Camino de Santiago?
No, you do not need a sleeping pad for the Camino. There are hostels, guest houses, and hotels all along the Camino routes for you to sleep in.
Camino de Santiago Packing List PDF
Want this packing list as a PDF? Download our Camino de Santiago packing list—for men and women—with clickable links!
Camino Packing Guide: Final Tips
Now that you have the list, here are a few last tips. Buy good quality gear that will last your entire Camino de Santiago, not to mention for years to come. Research, and get the best items for your budget. You won’t regret being prepared when walking in the pouring rain or blazing sun.
Ultimately, you are the only one who can decide what you need to bring. Our packing guide, below, can help. What’s more, you can download and print this FREE Camino de Santiago packing list. That way, you can check off items as you compile them!
You may need to pack and re-pack many times. You may even discard or donate items as you go. A good measure of whether you need something or not is to ask yourself, “Is this a ‘What if?’ item?” If you’re taking something along if you might need it, leave it at home.
All that’s left to do is download a PDF of our Camino de Santiago packing list so you can start packing!
Learn more in related articles
- Essential Camino de Santiago Guide
- How Much Does the Camino de Santiago Cost?
- What to Eat on the Camino de Santiago
- Camino de Santiago from Sarria Itinerary
- Camino de Santiago Guide to Albergues
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