What to pack for the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is a pilgrimage that began in the 10th century and features several routes across Europe. The most popular is the 500-mile (800-km) French way, beginning at the border of France and Spain and ending in Santiago de Compostela, a Spanish City in the Galician province, where the apostle Saint James’ remains are buried.

There are some things in this world that you just know are made for you. The Camino de Santiago is one of those things for me. I discovered it in one of my Spanish classes when I studied in Bilbao for a summer in 2018, and I immediately felt I knew I was going to embark on this journey one day, and that day is finally here six years later. I’m excited to finally become a Pilgrim (what people walking the Camino are called)!

I am a notorious overpacker when it comes to traveling, so I know this is going to be a challenge for me. I like to have options for outfits, but carrying my backpack with me for miles every day means I need to pack light. In this blog I’ll outline what you need to pack for the Camino de Santiago Frances. (And I will update the blog once I return with more information; the packing list without descriptions is at the end of the blog).

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There are two fundamental things that you must have for the Camino de Santiago: A great, worn-in pair of shoes (NOT NEW), and a good backpack with hip support.

Gear:

Backpack: 40L from Decathlon

I’ve had this backpack for many years now and I love the hip support, pocket placements, and sturdy back brace it provides. I don’t plan to pack it all the way but it’s nice to have the extra room if I need it. It also has a waterproof cover that packs discreetly away at the bottom. Decathlon is a popular sports store in many European countries, and I’ve heard the Osprey Tempest is great as well. I recommend buying your backpack in person after trying it on, though, because everyone’s preferences and body types are different.

Hip Pack: 2.5L North Face

I wanted a larger fanny pack to store my camera and Camino credentials. I really like the Isabella Hip Pack from North Face for its size and color. (I also like this option for a hip pack).

Hiking Poles: MountainSmith CarbonLite Trekking Poles

I’ve never used official trekking poles before so I’m eager to see how I fare with them. I usually pick up a big stick on my hikes if I’m needing extra support but I’ve heard these are a lifesaver on the Camino!

Sleeping bag/Pillowcase

Bringing a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner on the camino offers a bit more comfort when you’re sleeping in a different albergue bed every night. It keeps you warm, adds a layer between you and the bed, and hopefully keeps you from any unwanted insect bites. I am also bringing my own pillowcase because my skin is sensitive.

Water Bladder

Hydration is essential when you’re walking around 15-20 km per day, especially during the hot summer months. I love using my water bladder on regular hikes and I know it will help me drink more than if I brought my bottle. My CamelBak is around 7 years old but it still works so I’ve linked a newer version, hopefully mine survives another couple of months!

Head Lamp

Getting a head lamp that has both white and red light is important on the Camino, as the red can be used when getting ready in the dark mornings without disturbing other Pilgrims.

Carabiners

You never know when these will come in handy!

Shoes:

Boots: ASOLO Waterproof

These boots have been my go-to for hiking for over 8 years now and they are still in fantastic shape. They are well broken in, and I love the ankle support they provide. I can’t recommend these boots enough, and I will be buying another pair of the same ones once mine finally decide to kick the bucket (I also LOVE this new blue color).

I’ve heard of people wearing sneakers or trainers for the camino. We’ll see how I feel afterward, but for now I’m sticking to my boots decision. I don’t think sneakers could offer the support and waterproof-ness (is that a word?) that my ASOLO boots do.

Chacos

I might regret bringing two pairs of sandals, but I want to be able to give my swollen feet time to breathe if they need with a comfortable and durable sandal, as well as a versatile and waterproof shoe for rest days. (I’ll also be traveling before and after my Camino so I want a pair of summer shoes and another option besides my boots).

Flip Flops/Thongs

I recently discovered Archies and as an extremely flat-footed lady, these are the thongs I’ve been missing my entire life. This Australian brand provides unmatched comfort and arch support in a simple and comfortable flip flop. When I want to shower or walk around the albergues (the hostels along the Camino for pilgrims) I will wear my Archies, and they are sturdy so I know they will last.

Clothes:

This is where it gets tricky for my overpacker brain. The thought of wearing the same two outfits everyday for 6 weeks is a nightmare to me, but things like this are exactly why I think I need this journey. I know it’s not a fashion contest, it’s just that I like options.

Women’s Forclaz Shorts from Decathlon

I love the cargo pockets on these shorts and they are so comfortable! Plus I love the aubergine color.

Hiking Pants from Alpine Nation

My tall ladies, LISTEN UP!! I have been looking for a pair of hiking pants that are long enough for me for YEARS and I finally found them. A woman-owned Slovenian brand called Alpine Nation makes a tall size and I finally have a pair of hiking pants that touch my ankles that are a reasonable price. I heard that Fjallraven makes a tall size but I didn’t really want to pay 400 bucks for a pair of hiking pants, so this is one happy adventure girly. (They also have regular sizes).

If you want 20% off your Alpine Nation order, use the code HOLLY20 at checkout 🙂

Maybe: Leggings or biking shorts

I know I need to keep it light but I want another option for pants. I might bring these, they’re also extremely light

Merino Wool T Shirts

The same brand that makes the tall pants, Alpine Nation, carries all sorts of women’s adventure gear. Their Merino wool shirts are lightweight, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. I’ve been wanting to try out Merino wool for my travels for many years, and I’m really happy about the quality of their products! If you want to try Merino wool for yourself but haven’t yet, use the code HOLLY20 at checkout for 20% off your order at Alpine Nation!

Tank top

I’ll be hiking in May and June and would like a cute but comfortable layering piece.

Nike Long Sleeve Dri-Fit

I’m packing a half-zip Nike dri-fit with thumb holes for the cooler mornings and evenings and for sun protection. It’s lightweight and comfortable and the half zip allows me to be as bundled up as I like or allow my neck to breathe a bit.

Lightweight Rain Jacket

I’m really excited about this AltoLite rain jacket from Mammut. It’s super lightweight and comfortable and a perfect impermeable jacket for the summer. It also has underarm zippers to release the heat.

Socks, 3 pair

Alpine Nation sent me some socks as an extra gift in my pants and Merino wool shirts package and I love the lightweight and quick-drying material. I’m also packing a thicker pair from Smartwool that I’ve had for years.

For 20% off your Alpine Nation order use the code HOLLY20 when you checkout.

2 Menstrual panties from Saalt + 1 other pair

I have had some hormonal changes in the last year and it’s been an absolute nightmare (switching from hormonal to non-hormonal birth control, IYKYK). I discovered menstrual underwear and it’s been a game changer. I don’t have to worry about any mishaps staying in the albergues and they’re great for day-to-day wear as well. If you want to try Saalt products, you can get 15% off when you use this link!

Lightweight Dress

I’m bringing a lightweight summer dress that I can throw on quickly and look a bit cute if I want to. I thrifted mine years ago and it’s been a staple of my summer wardrobe ever since.

Sun Hat

For protection from the sun!

Toiletries:

What you bring for toiletries will obviously be more for women (super great we love that for us).

Leak Proof Toiletry Bag

Matador sent me this leak proof and flat-packing toiletry bag that is large enough to fit all of my necessities but fits well in my bag. It also has a hanging loop on one side that I attach a carabiner to and it hangs up nicely in the shower.

Quick dry Towel

This towel is large enough to use for showering and it is extremely light and compact! It comes with an airy container and is smaller than my hand. It’s the perfect travel towel and I highly recommend Matador for their high quality travel products.

Menstrual Cup

I have used a Diva Cup off and on for the last decade, but I ended up taking a long break from it because it was large and bulky and I didn’t like the experience. I have been trying to move away from the waste (and toxicity!) of tampons, and I discovered the same brand that makes menstrual panties, Saalt, has a great and lighter weight option for the menstrual cup. If you want to try the Saalt menstrual cup you can get 15% off using this link!

Toothbrush

This is another thing that’s going to be extra difficult for me during this journey. I have been a loyal user of an electric toothbrush since I started years ago, but it’s just too big and heavy to bring along with me on the Camino. Plus, I’d have to worry about the charger and case and I didn’t want to worry about it. I found this bamboo toothbrush and it doubles as a case as well!

Comb

As a curly girly I haven’t used a brush in years, thankfully my wide tooth comb packs flat!

Kula Cloth

I don’t know if this counts as a toiletry but I’m including it here anyway. I discovered Kula Cloth this year and I’m never backpacking or camping again without it. There is so much waste and litter along the trails and this antimicrobial small towel is great for those of us who squat to pee! They come in colorful designs, are quick-drying, fold up discreetly, and hang on the outside of your backpack.

Yoga Toes

Again, I’m not sure if this is a toiletry but I’m grouping it as such. This is a completely luxury choice I’ve made, but I have a feeling my yoga toes are going to come in handy. They are small and lightweight and provide a ton of foot relief by separating your toes.

Deodorant

I discovered Nuud from my research about the Camino, another pilgrim had it and it’s much smaller than my usual deodorant, plus it’s lightweight and you don’t need to use a lot for it to be effective.

Compeed

Compeed is your best friend on the Camino. I know I will be picking up more along the way, but it’s an absolute must when you’re packing for the Camino de Santiago, so I grabbed some as a precaution.

Nail Clippers

Fundamental on the Camino. You do not want to be without these for weeks.

EarPlugs

I am an extremely light sleeper, so earplugs are also fundamental for me to get adequate rest during this journey.

Vaseline Tube

My friend did the Camino and recommended I rub Vaseline on my feet every morning before heading out, so I’m taking this advice to heart. It helps prevent blisters, as blisters form when there is friction on the feet.

Soap Bar

Electronics/Miscellaneous:

This is obviously an optional and personal preference, as electronics can get heavy quickly. I plan on doing a lot of creative work as well as documenting my Camino, so some of these may not apply to you but I’ll include them anyway.

Air Tags

I started traveling with Air Tags last year and I’m never going back. They provide a peace of mind that I’ve never had with luggage before, and they’re small enough to set and forget.

Tripod

For the content creators out there, this tripod is sturdy and has come with me on countless adventures. As far as tripods go, it’s somewhat lightweight for the Camino.

Power Bank

I rarely leave home without a power bank in my bag. I couldn’t find the one I have (plus it’s extremely heavy so I might regret it by the end), but this one is a great option.

DJI Pocket

My friend gifted me this vlogging camera with the creator kit and I’m obsessed (love you, J!). The DJI Pocket 2 has a gimbal and takes high quality footage and photos, plus it’s extremely compact and lightweight and perfect for documenting the Camino de Santiago. I recommend getting the creator kit if you decide this camera is a good fit for you as it comes with a microphone, other useful accessories and a handle, but you can also find it with just the device itself.

Camino de Santiago Guidebook

I bought this guidebook when I was starting to plan my journey in 2019 (I had planned to go in 2020 but obviously that couldn’t happen). They update this guidebook regularly and I’ve found it to be super helpful when planning, plus it has phone numbers of the albergues and things to do in each town.

Passport + Copies

Your passport is essential for travel and you will need to show it when you check into each albergue to get your stamp in your Camino passport. I always bring a “laminated” (re: covered in clear tape) copy of my passport and keep it in a separate place when I’m traveling as well in case of emergency.

10L Daypack

I’m bringing a compact 10L daypack from Quechua in case I need to send my bag forward or if I want to take a smaller bag around when I’m exploring cities and want to bring something a bit lighter.