For a Camino de Santiago walking trip, pack broken-in waterproof walking shoes, 3-4 pairs of merino wool socks, layered quick-dry clothing, a light rain jacket, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, blister plasters (Compeed) and a small daypack of around 20-30 litres. With CaminoWays, daily luggage transfers mean you only walk with a light daypack — your main bag (max 20 kg) is moved hotel to hotel.
What to Pack for Your Camino de Santiago
Imagine setting off on the Camino de Santiago, carrying only what you need, step after step towards Santiago. The right packing list makes the journey lighter, safer, and more enjoyable.
Many first-time pilgrims wonder: what should I pack? Whether you’re walking or cycling, this guide will help you prepare with confidence.
Table of contents
Why Packing Smart Matters on the Camino
The Camino isn’t just a holiday — it’s a physical and emotional journey. What you bring will shape your comfort, freedom, and peace of mind. A good packing list means fewer worries and more time to enjoy the landscapes, friendships, and quiet moments along the trail.
Essential Camino Packing List
Clothing
- Walking shoes – waterproof, comfortable, and already broken in.
- Sandals or lightweight shoes – perfect for evenings or warm days.
- Merino wool socks – breathable and blister-resistant.
- Lightweight trousers and tops – quick-dry fabrics are best.
- Layering options – t-shirts, long-sleeved shirt, fleece.
- Rain jacket – foldable, always handy even in summer.
- Sun protection – hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Evening Wear
Pack light, breathable clothing for relaxing — leave heavy outfits at home.
Day Pack Essentials
Since your main luggage is transferred daily (20kg limit on most routes, 15kg on Le Chemin du Puy) and follows standard airline checked-bag size guidelines (70 × 50 × 38 cm), your small backpack only needs to carry the essentials:
- 1L water bottle (plenty of refill stations along the way).
- Snacks (nuts, fruit, energy bars).
- Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF.
- Sunglasses & scarf/bandana.
- Wallet, passport/ID, pilgrim passport.
- Small first aid items.
Camino Packing List for Cyclists
Cyclists need a few extras:
- Padded cycling shorts (chafe-free).
- Sunglasses (for dust and insects).
- Waterproof panniers (included with rental bikes).
- Helmet (provided with your bike).
- Repair kit: pump, spare tube, patch kit.
👉 If you’re renting a bike, see our guide: Cycling the Camino de Santiago on an MTB.
Health & Safety Essentials
- First aid kit: painkillers, blister plasters (Compeed), insect repellent, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory cream, prescription meds.
- Skincare: high-factor sunscreen, aftersun lotion, SPF lip balm.
- Hydration: refillable water bottle or sports drinks.
💡 Tip: Pale yellow urine = hydrated. Darker = drink more.
Top 10 Packing Tips
- Stick to luggage weight limits.
- Make a checklist — tick as you go.
- Roll or fold clothes to save space.
- Use all empty spaces (inside shoes, etc.).
- Carry travel-size toiletries.
- Keep valuables in hand luggage.
- Mark your suitcase with name tags.
- Bring easy snacks for energy.
- Toilet paper = lifesaver.
- Don’t forget your toothbrush and camera!
Printable Camino Packing Checklist
Clothing
✅ Walking shoes (broken in)
✅ Sandals or evening shoes
✅ Merino wool socks (x3–4 pairs)
✅ Lightweight trousers
✅ Short- & long-sleeved tops
✅ Fleece
✅ Rain jacket
✅ Hat/cap, sunglasses
Gear & Extras
✅ Day pack
✅ Water bottle
✅ Walking poles (optional)
✅ Flashlight
✅ Toiletries (travel-size)
✅ Snacks
✅ Book or journal
✅ Safety pins, thread, plastic bags
✅ Camera
Final Thoughts
Packing well is the first step in walking well. A light bag brings freedom, comfort, and space to focus on what really matters: the sunrise over the Meseta, the taste of shared meals, the friendships along the way.
The Camino is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Pack smart, travel light, and let the adventure carry you forward.
👉 If you’d like a personalised itinerary, try our Award Winning Camino Planner.
FAQ
For walking the Camino, the essentials are broken-in waterproof walking shoes, 3-4 pairs of merino wool socks, layered quick-dry clothing (t-shirts, long-sleeved top, fleece), a light rain jacket, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a refillable 1L water bottle, blister plasters and a small daypack of 20-30 litres. With CaminoWays, daily luggage transfers move your main bag between hotels so you only carry a light daypack each day.
Your daypack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight when fully loaded — ideally under 5-6 kg. Your main luggage (transferred between hotels by CaminoWays) can weigh up to 20 kg on most Camino routes, or 15 kg on Le Chemin du Puy.
A 20-30 litre daypack is ideal for the Camino if your main luggage is being transferred. It should fit a 1L water bottle, snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen, your pilgrim passport, wallet and a small first-aid kit. If you’re carrying everything yourself with no luggage transfer, you’ll need a 35-45 litre backpack.
The most important rule: always break in your shoes before the Camino. For most routes, low-cut waterproof walking shoes or trail runners are ideal — full hiking boots are usually unnecessary for the last 100 km from Sarria. Look for good cushioning, ankle support if needed, and a Gore-Tex or similar waterproof membrane.
Walking poles are optional but highly recommended, especially on steep sections, longer days or if you have knee issues. They reduce impact on knees, help with balance on uneven ground and improve uphill efficiency. You can also buy them along the Camino for €5-€12 if you don’t want to pack them.
Walking poles are not allowed in cabin baggage on most airlines — they’re classified as potential weapons by airport security and must go in checked luggage. This applies to virtually all airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling, British Airways, etc.) and to TSA-regulated flights to/from the US.
Yes. Most CaminoWays hotels offer laundry services or have washbasins where you can hand-wash. Many towns also have self-service launderettes (lavanderías). If you pack quick-dry fabrics, hand-washing in the sink and hanging overnight works perfectly — meaning you only need 3 of each item.
No. CaminoWays packages include accommodation in family-run hotels and casas rurales with all bedding provided. Sleeping bag liners are only useful if you’re combining your trip with nights in albergues.
Yes, most routes have shops selling basics like socks, plasters, and toiletries.