Ultimate Packing List to Hike the Camino De Santiago
Oh my god. Are you seriously thinking about doing this? Holy moly!
Below, I’ve given a very brief summary of what I packed during my experiences walking the Camino Frances in 2018 (~900 km over 33 days) and the Camino Portuguese five times. I’ve included some tips and tricks that I learned along the way, and of course, these are just my opinions. Also, if you’re female, check out this one too: The Ultimate Packing List for Women Hiking the Camino de Santiago. It’s a little collection of advice written by a past participant.
There are countless other articles online, from blog posts to YouTube videos to advertising to Google. I encourage you to do your own research and make your own decisions (except about these earplugs. Get them!). Anyway, here’s what I packed last time and what I would do this time.
Packing List of What You Need to Hike Camino De Santiago
Earplugs
Yes, I’m putting this first. You may be sleeping in large rooms with many beds and tired strangers, some of whom will drink too much wine and snore louder than you ever thought possible. Bring them. Also, I recommend you invest in the silicone ones, not the regular ones, which won’t work well. The silicone ones are AMAZING and worth every penny, especially when you’re lying in bed and struggling to get some shut-eye. I don’t know this brand, but something like these ones.
A backpack
I use this one, and I LOVE the size (48L), which is perfect for the Camino. Osprey makes great gear, but the most important thing with backpacks is that they fit YOU comfortably. I actually ended up getting a cheaper, bigger pack than planned simply because this one fit me like a glove.
Go to a store and try them on before you buy one online. I’m serious.
Also, you’ll want a way to stay waterproof, so inquire about a rain cover if you need one (see below for more on rain gear…).
Overall, your backpack should weigh about 15% of your body weight. That’s a target I learned on the last trip, and I think it’s a good approach to aim for. So, if you weigh 150lbs, your pack and all the gear on your back should weigh about 22 pounds MAXIMUM. This is a target, not an ideal, but it’ll give you some kind of numbers to shoot for. This company makes great backpacks.
Obviously, the less you bring and the lighter weight you carry, the better, especially after multiple long days in a row.
A journal and a pen
We’re going to be doing lots of writing, thinking, and learning, and you’re going to want to write some of it down. It’ll also be a fantastic souvenir/time capsule to read through in a couple of years.
Your passport, with a valid expiration date
You may laugh at this one, but did you know you can’t travel out of the country without it? Just saying. This is essential.
A towel
I didn’t see anyone else doing this, but I brought a sarong, and found it worked SO well. It’s light, dries quickly, and can also be used for other things. I do this every year. But if you have a travel towel, that’ll be good too.
Water bottle
Um, yeah, you’re going to need one of these, at least.
Toiletries
I found that having several Ziploc bags of different sizes was great. I put a few things in the gallon-sized bags (deodorant, soap, etc…), and then smaller stuff in smaller bags (painkillers, ChapStick, ointments, etc…).
It was super easy to organize and very efficient when you’re trying to find things, especially at night. Also, to clarify, you’re not going to be on an isolated island in the middle of nowhere, so you should be able to buy most everything you’ll need each day. However, don’t expect it, and it’s MUCH better/easier to be prepared, rather than trying to figure out how to say ‘pharmacy’ in Spanish while the rest of the group is on their way down the road.
Toiletries Essentials
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Soap / shampoo
Deodorant
Anything else you need to survive comfortably
Don’t bring a hair dryer. I’m serious.
Additional hygiene items
You also need to ensure you bring a few more hygiene items for comfort. These are small, easy to pack, and can really make your trip more enjoyable.
Ointments
Gels
Creams
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Sunscreen
Because the sun is the sun and you’ll be spending a lot of time under it.
First aid kit
You’re going to be hiking for miles and miles every day, and there’s a chance of scrapes, so it may be helpful to bring some stuff like band-aids to prep (or you can just buy it out there, as required)
Vitamins and supplements
Staying healthy is critical if you want to make it through the hike. Bringing vitamins can help. I personally bring a bunch of stuff like snack bars, protein powders, turmeric pills, etc.
Painkillers
I’m not a doctor and don’t play one on the internet, so I’m not going to tell you what kind of painkillers to bring. But having some available to get through some hard days may be really helpful.
Blister treatment
This is critical. You should also bring a safety pin, just in case. Also, there’s a company in Europe called Compeed that has insanely good quality stuff like this. For whatever reason, you can’t get it in the USA. However, everyone was talking about it and using it over there. Feet are the main topic of conversation on most days, and you’re going to be spending a LOT of time on your feet. Best to be prepared for whatever may happen, but prevention is the best medicine which takes me to...
Small jar of Vaseline
I read that marathon runners smother their feet in this stuff before races, and I did it every morning during the first week. It prevents friction. Lack of friction prevents blisters. This stuff.
Clothes
Look, you’re going to want to pack more than you need. Don’t do that. You’re going to tell yourself, “Oh, just two more shirts and maybe my favorite two sweaters, that’ll be fine,” but don’t do that.
As a reminder, you are going to have to carry EVERYTHING ON YOUR BACK EVERY DAY. After the first hour, you’ll be cursing that extra shirt and hair dryer, guaranteed. I promise, once you’ve been walking for about two days straight, you will not care about fashion or wearing the same things again. Nobody else will care about what you wear, either.
Shoes
This is really important. You’re going to want to have good shoes that you have already broken in, not new ones off the shelf that you’ve never worn. You’re going to be living in these things for a while, and doing lots of walking, obviously. If you don’t already have good shoes, go to a store, talk to a professional, and try on a few pairs. I wore these ones and loved them. In my opinion, you don’t need big aggressive hiking boots. Running shoes will work fine on the terrain, which is mostly sidewalks, hard-packed dirt, and asphalt.
Sandals
Taking your shoes off each day is one of the best things you will ever do. Having some sandals to wear around afterwards is pure bliss. Do it.
Socks
This is REALLY important. I was told these ones were the best around, and they didn’t disappoint. They’re expensive, but they come with a lifetime guarantee, so they’ll probably be the last hiking socks you’ll ever buy. I took three pairs, and found I could wash 1-2 every other day and be okay.
Shirts
I brought two workout shirts, e.g., Lululemon, as they’re super light, easy to wash, and they dry quickly. I also brought a spare two for evenings and sleeping.
Shorts
I took two pairs of athletic shorts last time, and it was fine. I’ll do the same again. Lots of women I saw wore yoga tights, so that’s an option too.
Laundry facilities are very accessible, and many accommodations have them on site. You can also wash your day’s outfit in the shower, if required.
Warm stuff
It depends on the climate/weather, of course, but I brought a wool jumper like this one. I also brought a beanie, and thin wool gloves for chilly mornings. And I brought a lightweight thermal and a rain jacket too.
I found it much easier to layer, as it’s tricky to manage your temperature whilst walking. Sometimes you go up a hill and overheat, and then five minutes later you’re cold again.
However, I walked in May last time, so you might not need any of this stuff. Check the weather. Plan accordingly.
For the walks I’ve done in the summer, you really only need to stay warm first thing in the morning and after dinner.
Rain gear
I mean, look, there’s a chance you’ll walk in the rain for hours, so it’s best to be prepared for that. A few friends of mine had good rain jackets and a covering for their backpacks like this one, and that seemed to work.
Lots of others had these, and they always looked SO damn happy with themselves that I’ve been thinking of investing in one like this. I used a $3 poncho, and it was shocking and hilarious, but I don’t want to do that again! No way.
Typically, I bring a raincoat and my backpack came with a big rain covering, and that’s been fine.
A hat
Bring one.
Because the sun is hot and the rain is wet.
Pajamas
Because you need something to sleep in.
Sunglasses
Duh.
An evening outfit
I brought a pair of jeans (again, maybe not needed for the climate/season) and a separate t-shirt or two. After you walk all day, taking a shower feels great, and then slipping into something clean and comfortable feels even better.
Phone and charger
I used this every day, taking photos, making notes, recording video.
Kindle or Book
This is optional, but if you feel like carrying it 200km, by all means! I brought a small thin book last time and will consider it again. This is my favorite and I’ve carried across continents.
Earphones
If you want to listen to music or make a phone call and don’t want others to hear.
Eye mask
Sometimes, in community spaces, the lights are on, or maybe your bed is near a window and it’s too bright, or whatever. Masks are amazing, and you’ll be lights out in no time.
Pillowcase
I’ve not seen anyone else do this, but I bring a pillow case from home. It just feels super luxurious to have a soft, personal pillowcase of my own instead of resting on the pillow that hundreds of people have used before me. Bring a long one, as some pillows are the bigger variety.
A sleeping bag
Some didn’t have these and relied on or hoped to get one each night at the hostel, but I don’t recommend that approach. Get yourself a lightweight, easy-to-use and pack sleeping bag, and you’ll be set.
Note the size/weight/warmth, but something like this. Combine this with your own pillow case, earplugs, and eye mask, and you’re in great shape and ready to sleep anywhere!
If you don’t want to bring a sleeping bag (because honestly, you’ll use it once or twice on the trip I lead), you can also consider a silk liner. I didn’t travel with one, but others loved theirs. Try something like this.
Be Prepared to Hike El Camino
I think that’s it. Maybe?
Oh, you’re going to want to train for this. Start slow, and gradually scale. Go on walks. Slowly walk further. Walk up some hills. Walk farther. Build up to walking 20km whilst wearing your pack. Your future self will honor and thank you greatly. I cannot overemphasize this enough.
And DO NOT forget these.
Have fun!
Also, if you’re female, remember to check out this article too: The Ultimate Packing List for Women Hiking the Camino de Santiago.