Use this Camino packing list to get ready for your journey. Once you decide what route you want to walk, make sure to check the weather averages for the month you’ll be there to help plan clothing layers. One more tip: don’t be tempted to overpack. A lightweight pack will make your hike way more enjoyable (leave the hair dryer at home). Buen Camino!
See Camino de Santiago packing list pdf
Sleeping and shelter
Food and water
- Water bottles or hydration reservoir (2L total)
- Spork
Hiking gear
- 40–45L backpack or smaller; make sure it has a hipbelt
- Rain cover or pack liner
- Stuff sacks or sealable plastic bags to organize items in your pack
- Sturdy mid-weight hiking shoes – make sure you break them in at least a month before you go
- Trekking poles
- Guidebook
- Compass
Safety gear
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Whistle
- Personal first aid kit with blister care
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Multi-function knife (one with can opener and corkscrew is a good call)
- Prescription medication in a sealed, dry container. Bring twice the amount you’ll need; half stays with you, and the other half stays with your hiking partner with detailed info on dosage and side effects.
Clothing
Look into the average temperatures for the time of year you’re planning your hike. When it comes to materials, leave the cotton behind. Make sure your hiking shorts, long johns, pants, t-shirts, underwear and sports bra are made of quick-drying materials that wick moisture.
- Hiking socks (2–3 pairs, wool-blend)
- Liner socks, if necessary (2 pairs)
- Synthetic, quick-drying underwear (2 pairs)
- Sports bra
- T-shirts (1–2)
- Hiking shorts
- Hiking pants (nylon works well)
- Lightweight long johns
- Fleece jacket, lightweight puffy jacket or wool sweater
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Rain pants
- Toque or neck gaiter (wool or fleece) for cool evenings
- Lightweight wide-brimmed sun hat
- Lightweight fleece gloves
Travel essentials
- Photo ID
- Passport
- Health insurance card
- Travel insurance info
- Itinerary, ticket and reservation info
- Travel visa, if required
- Camino Trail credential
- Cash and credit/debit card for food and lodging along the trail
Personal items
- Phone and charger
- Travel adapter
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Quick-drying towel or face cloth
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Power bank or spare batteries for electronic devices
- Earplugs
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Lightweight flip-flops or sandals (for showering)
- Travel-size soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
Optional items
- Scrubba wash bag for sink laundry
- 1–2m cord (or spare shoelaces) and clothes pegs for laundry
- Watch
- Notebook and pencil
- Headphones
- Money belt or waist belt
- Lip balm
- Eye mask
- Bug spray
- Anti-chafing cream
- Super lightweight tote bag
- Camera
- Luggage lock