What to pack for the Camino de Santiago hike/cycle?
Depending on the route, season and altitude of your Camino de Santiago trip, clothing can vary greatly. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to have more than not enough and don’t forget, when you book with CaminoWays.com, your luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel, so you’ll only have to carry a light bag during the day.
Download our Ebook Camino packing guide.
Carrying sun cream, sunglasses, appropriate walking boots and rain gear is recommended for all trips.
The Camino de Santiago is a big adventure that must be taken seriously. We have compiled a list of items to take with you while walking. It is only a general guide and has to be adapted depending on the person and the part of the Camino walk, but it will give you a good idea of what to bring!
- Walking shoes or boots for mountainous terrain and in Wintertime.
Remember your shoes are the most important part of the gear, so try them before you go, do not travel with brand new shoes. - Socks for walking and other socks for the evenings. Merino wool is best: light, no smell and no irritation. A change of clean socks each day can make a huge difference.
- Hiking trousers. Convertibles are recommended. No jeans or tracksuits.
- After hiking shoes (or sandals in Summer)
- Short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts (again, Merino wool is best – light, no smell, no irritation)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Fleece
- Underwear
- Sun cap or hat in Spring/Summer and a warm hat in Winter
- Raincoat (and warmer coat if you are travelling in Autumn/Winter)
- Day bag for 15-20litres for your daily snacks, water, documents, raincoat and other basics
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Water bottle
- sun cream
- Walking sticks (you can purchase them at your starting point)
- Photocopy of your passport and documents
- Your camera and charger (bring an adaptor if you are travelling from outside continental Europe)
- Mobile phone and charger
- Books. Avoid taking weight in your backpack but bring a reading book along if you book with CaminoWays.com since your luggage will be transferred.
- Basic First Aid Kit with plasters for possible blisters.
There would be many pharmacies along the Camino, but language can be a barrier. Bring any medication you might need with you. However, if you are looking for aspirin, paracetamol or panadol, they can be easily obtained in the local towns.
Packing for any long-distance trek or cycle can become a mountainous task, so break it down into mini-tasks. Don’t feel overwhelmed; keep a packing checklist for the Camino to tick one thing off at a time.
Check the forecast before you go! There is nothing worse than bringing the wrong gear to the trip. Always check the weather online and the type of route you are taking before you go, as this can determine what you will need. You can download our free Camino Packing Ebook for a free Camino checklist and all the packing requirements.
