Camino de Santiago is a life-changing expertise. The success of the stroll is determined by a number of elements. Certainly one of them is choosing the proper gear in your Camino packing listing. We all know many individuals who deliberate this pilgrimage for years, getting ready, studying, and coaching. Packing gentle for the Camino is essential. It’ll assist to make your stroll simpler and extra fulfilling. We’ve realized it the arduous manner after strolling a number of Caminos de Santiago.
As of April 2024, we’ve accomplished many Caminos de Santiago routes. Altogether, we walked over 4500 km throughout Spain, Portugal, and a bit little bit of France following totally different Camino routes.
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8 Important objects to pack for the Camino
1. Backpack
It’s essential to decide on the correct backpack for the Camino de Santiago. I walked with a 36-40L backpack it was greater than sufficient particularly if you happen to’re not planning on carrying a laptop computer as I did. Bear in mind, the larger backpack you get the extra pointless stuff you’ll slot in. For those who stroll in summer season you may get away with a smaller 30-35L backpack.
For mountaineering in winter or late fall/early spring while you want hotter garments a 40-45L backpack for women and men will probably be sufficiently big. Make certain your backpack has a rain cowl or purchase a separate one it’s all the time nice to have it, particularly if you happen to stroll low season.
For those who use a backpack supply service on the Camino you’ll be able to deliver an enormous backpack or perhaps a suitcase and stroll with a day pack carrying solely valuables, water, and snacks. Make certain your daypack is comfy for lengthy strolling and has padded straps, and pockets to suit a water bottle. Osprey Talon 22 Males’s Mountain climbing Backpack and even smaller Osprey Daylite 13L Daypack are nice choices for a day pack.
Prompt Camino backpacks for girls
Prompt Camino backpacks for males
2. Footwear
Don’t underestimate the significance of packing a great pair of sneakers for the Camino. You’ll spend more often than not strolling in them. We suggest strolling the Camino, particularly longer routes, in correct sneakers and never sneakers. We tried on the Portuguese Camino to stroll in our trainers. At first, they had been very comfy however after a few days of strolling on cobblestones and arduous surfaces, our toes had been destroyed.
For decent climate mountaineering sandals generally is a good different to sneakers. Fashionable mountaineering sneakers often have good air flow however generally it will get too sizzling and it’s good to placed on sandals for some time.
For those who purchase a brand new pair put on them earlier than you begin the pilgrimage even good new sneakers may trigger blisters. For those who’re planning on doing some Camino coaching the perfect is to coach in the identical sneakers you’re going to put on on the Camino.
Learn our suggestion for the perfect sneakers for the Camino de Santiago.
Prompt strolling sneakers for girls
I walked 5 Camino routes and a few treks in Nepal in Salomon Ellipse 2. They’re comfy and light-weight. My toes bought moist a few occasions after we bought pouring rain with sturdy wind on the Northern Camino and the Camino Finisterre. I didn’t get any blisters regardless that the sneakers had been new and I hadn’t worn them earlier than. This mannequin is a bit slim you probably have vast toes they is likely to be too tight.
For strolling the Camino within the winter when it rains lots and on some routes, you’ll be able to even get snow I can suggest Salomon X Extremely 3 GTX boots. These sneakers are wonderful for more difficult mountaineering routes and strolling in dangerous climate circumstances. I’ve finished Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek in them and for hours walked in deep snow and my toes stayed heat and dry.
I did a comparability on the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino final 12 months. I wore three totally different pairs of sneakers: waterproof mountaineering boots, mountaineering sneakers, and trainers to see which pair was essentially the most comfy. My mountaineering sneakers labored the perfect.
You possibly can see my comparability and conclusion in our YouTube video.
Prompt Camino sneakers for males
Campbell has walked a number of Camino and mountaineering routes in Canada in his Salomon X Extremely mountaineering sneakers. These sneakers are an important choice; gentle, sturdy, comparatively waterproof, comfy, and have a great grip. For strolling low season when you may get lots of rain and occasional snow a high-cut mannequin is likely to be a greater choice.
Campbell similar to I purchased a brand new pair of waterproof mountaineering boots Salomon Extremely 3 Mid GTX for trekking within the mountains. He hasn’t finished any Camino in them but however for mountaineering in heavy rain and snow and dirt, these boots are wonderful. They’re very comfy and light-weight, keep dry for hours, and hold your toes heat particularly if you happen to put on merino wool socks.
3. Socks
We’re large followers of Merino wool socks. We put on them all the time after we stroll the Camino. I did a check run final 12 months on the Non secular Camino. I walked at some point in Merino wool socks and at some point in artificial mountaineering socks. Evidently, I didn’t get any blisters carrying the Merino socks. I modified my artificial mountaineering socks after 2 hours as a result of my toes began chafing.
We just like the Merino wool socks a lot that even wrote a separate article on them.
4. Sleeping bag
In our expertise, most albergues present blankets however often, with out covers, I desire to make use of my sleeping bag, and if it’s chilly I exploit a blanket over it. A lightweight sleeping bag with a consolation temperature restrict of +12°C/55°F will probably be ok.
For those who stroll the Camino in summer season (July, August) when it will get sizzling, you’ll be able to pack a silk liner as a substitute. We walked a few Caminos in June and generally it was too sizzling at evening to make use of a sleeping bag. For those who get chilly you’ll be able to all the time use a blanket over your liner.
For those who’re staying at motels (non-public rooms) as a substitute of albergues you don’t want to hold a sleeping bag, all motels and guesthouses present blankets and bedding.
5. Trekking poles
We use trekking poles lots when going trekking within the mountains. For strolling the Camino we don’t take poles however I do know many pilgrims use them. Trekking poles are nice you probably have knee or hip issues, shin splint, and so forth. They assist lots to scale back stress on joints. For some Caminos with many ascents and descents e.g. the Camino Primitivo or some elements of the French Camino (strolling over the Pyrenees), the poles will probably be useful.
6. Fast-dry towel
We all the time take it after we go touring. A fast-dry towel is an merchandise so as to add to your Camino packing listing. They’re very gentle, pack small, dry shortly (as you’ll be able to guess from the identify), sturdy, and are available in many alternative colours. Strive to decide on one with a singular sample to acknowledge simply on washing strains in albergues.
7. Water bottle
We desire carrying a water bottle over a hydration pack bladder. A bottle suits in a aspect pocket, so it’s straightforward to take it out and refill it, even when it leaks it received’t make every little thing inside your backpack moist. We like utilizing water bladders on day hikes although. Faucet water in Spain and Portugal is drinkable we often don’t use filters. I didn’t drink faucet water within the Meseta a part of the Camino Frances as I’d heard from different pilgrims that that they had abdomen issues there from ingesting faucet water.
8. Headlamp
Having a headlamp on the Camino is kind of helpful. In albergues lights are often turned off fairly early if you wish to learn or discover one thing in your backpack you should use a lamp. Within the morning if you wish to depart early whereas others are nonetheless asleep it’s useful.
8 important objects to pack for the Camino stroll
Girls’s clothes for the Camino packing listing
Rain jacket
We’d counsel having one. In northern Spain (particularly in Galicia), it rains quite a bit all year long. For those who stroll in July or August the possibilities of rain are smaller you may get away with a rain poncho, it’s small, gentle, and can defend you and your backpack from any rain. For the remainder of the 12 months, a rain jacket is a helpful factor to have.
We walked the Portuguese Camino in Might and didn’t have lots of rain however on the Coastal Route, it was fairly windy we had been glad we had our jackets. I used my rain jacket and a poncho lots on the Camino Primitivo in June and on the Camino del Norte in October.
Trekking pants
I desire mountaineering in yoga pants, they’re comfy and light-weight, stretch lots, dry shortly, and pack small. I all the time pack two pairs of pants: one pair of stretchy pants and one pair of regular mountaineering pants. For summer season you’ll be able to pack one pair of lengthy pants and a pair of mountaineering shorts or knee pants although I desire strolling in lengthy pants even in summer season for solar safety.
Mountain climbing shirt
Relying on what you favor to put on for mountaineering it may be a mountaineering shirt or a operating T-shirt. I don’t like shirts for the Camino I often pack two operating T-shirts; one with lengthy sleeves and one short-sleeve. For strolling in summer season you in all probability received’t want a long-sleeve one, moderately pack two short-sleeve T-shirts. I wouldn’t suggest strolling in a high even when it’s sizzling. At all times make sure that your shoulders and neck are lined or put solar cream in any other case you’ll get dangerous sunburns.
Fleece
It’s all the time good to have a gentle and heat fleece. Even in summer season if you happen to begin strolling early within the morning it is likely to be a bit chilly. We often put on fleece after mountaineering after we exit for dinner or drinks within the night.
Cap/hat
For the summer season season, it’s a must-pack merchandise. Many of the Camino routes undergo open areas with none shade, so you’ll have to defend your head from the solar. I don’t like hats and like carrying a cap it’s extra comfy for me.
Sun shades
For strolling the Camino in summer season you’ll positively want sun shades. You possibly can put on your informal sun shades or purchase a pair of sun shades for out of doors actions.
Girls’s mountaineering garments for the Camino
Underwear and altering clothes
I’d suggest sports activities bras over regular bras – they’re extra comfy for mountaineering. I often pack two pairs of operating bras and three or 4 pairs of underwear. I wash my underwear and socks day by day, it doesn’t take lengthy and it dries shortly.
I all the time pack a cotton T-shirt and shorts for sleeping and altering after a bathe. For summer season shorts are one for sleeping however for the low season, I’d suggest packing lengthy sleeping pants.
Extremely really useful to take a pair of flip-flops to put on in albergues, your toes must relaxation from carrying mountaineering boots all day. In summer season you’ll be able to put on them exterior as properly it’s too sizzling to stroll round in sneakers.
Additional garments for girls to pack for the Camino
Males’s clothes for the Camino de Santiago
Rain jacket
Campbell often packs his rain jacket for the Camino. Within the sizzling summer season months, you may get away with out it however I’d nonetheless suggest bringing a rain poncho and a rain cowl in your backpack.
Trekking pants
I’d suggest packing trekking pants for the Camino. A pair of quick-dry gentle pants will work nice. For summer season you’ll be able to deliver a pair of lengthy trekking pants and a pair of mountaineering shorts or as an choice purchase a pair of convertible pants with zip-off legs.
Mountain climbing shirts
Campbell often wears Columbia mountaineering shirts or operating T-shirts on the Camino. mountaineering. They’re nice; gentle, comfy, respiratory, dry in a short time, and simple to scrub. Pack two shirts otherwise you’ll must do laundry day by day.
Fleece jacket
It’s good to have a gentle fleece to put on in albergues or if you happen to exit within the night. We often pack our fleece for the Camino. For summer season, Campbell brings a fleece vest for low season a long-sleeve one.
Mountain climbing socks
Similar to me, Campbell wears merino wool socks for long-distance strolling and mountaineering. There are numerous nice issues about them; they final lengthy, stop blisters, hold your toes heat and dry, and don’t get smelly even after two full days of strolling.
Headwear
For strolling in summer season a cap or a hat is a must have merchandise on the Camino. Sporting a hat works higher for solar safety because it covers your neck as properly. Sun shades are one other essential factor so as to add to your Camino packing listing.
Males’s garments for the Camino
Underwear
Pack 2-3 pairs of underwear for the Camino. Most albergues have washing basins and washing strains you’ll be able to wash your underwear and socks day by day if it’s crucial.
Garments for sleeping
For those who’re planning to remain in albergues with many different individuals I’d counsel bringing a snug sleeping outfit. A pair of sunshine cotton shorts and a T-shirt will work simply fantastic.
Flip-flops are an important factor to pack for the Camino. It’s a tremendous feeling when after an extended day of strolling you’re taking off your mountaineering sneakers and placed on flip-flops. They’re nice to have for carrying in albergues, on the seaside, and out of doors in summer season.
Males’s clothes objects for the Camino packing listing
Our high extras to pack for the Camino
GPS watch
I bought my first Garmin Fenix watch as a gift from Campbell 5 years in the past and since then I’ve been utilizing them lots after we go mountaineering, strolling, operating, or simply coaching within the gymnasium. It’s wonderful how a lot data you may get from it: distances, pace, elevations, energy, coronary heart charge, restoration time, maps, and so forth. They’re nice if you wish to hold monitor of your Camino stroll e.g. every day distance, coronary heart charge, energy burned, and so forth. You possibly can join them to your cellphone or laptop computer and have quick access to details about your previous walks and different actions.
Neck bag
We advise having a neck bag or a water-resistant pouch the place you’ll be able to hold your paperwork, cellphone, cash, and bank cards. At all times take it with you while you depart an albergue, most albergues don’t have lockers. We have now by no means had any points however all the time attempt to take care of our priceless objects.
Kindle
Campbell all the time packs his Kindle after we go touring or mountaineering. It’s an important factor to have on the Camino particularly if you happen to’re strolling alone. Within the evenings you’ll have loads of time to learn.
With the Kindle, you’ll be able to obtain as many books as you need. I’d counsel shopping for a Kindle Paperwhite on this case you received’t want additional gentle for studying at the hours of darkness. For those who learn lots it is likely to be price becoming a member of the Amazon Kindle limitless program to get free entry to lots of of hundreds of e-books and audiobooks.
Journey lock
Some albergues have lockers however don’t have locks if you wish to retailer your valuables in there deliver a journey lock with you.
Toiletries
First help package
You stroll previous a number of pharmacies day by day and can purchase some medication or plasters on the best way. If it’s worthwhile to purchase one thing with a prescription you’ll be able to ask your physician again house to ship it to you through e-mail and print it someplace.
First Assist package – you should buy a ready-made package, take out some pointless stuff, and add no matter additional you want. This package has plasters, bandages, a security pin, scissors, even a mini stitching package, and plenty of different helpful objects.
Good plasters (toe plasters) are one thing you’ll want on the Camino. Tip! When you have spots in your toes the place you often get blisters, attempt to stop them by placing in some Vaseline and a plaster. If you have already got blisters you should use Compeed blister plasters, particular plasters you could put in your blisters. It reduces the ache and protects in opposition to rubbing. There are particular blister prevention patches for sneakers as properly. We’ve by no means used them our merino wool socks work nice for us however the evaluations are fairly good.
Alcohol pads for disinfection.
Imodium – in case you will have some abdomen issues.
Anti-inflammatory – to scale back muscular ache and swelling, e.g. Ibuprofen.
Aspirin – in case you get a chilly or flu.
Paperwork to pack for the Camino de Santiago
A passport or an ID for European residents – you’ll want it for touring and checking in to albergues and motels.
The Credential (Camino passport) is a small paper guide together with your identify the place you acquire stamps from albergues, motels, church buildings, eating places, and so forth. alongside the best way. You will get a Credential in one of many Camino associations in your nation or on arrival in some albergues, data places of work, or church buildings on the Camino. You want it to remain at public albergues (the place solely pilgrims are allowed to remain) and to get your Compostela certificates in Santiago.
The Compostela is a certificates that pilgrims get for finishing any route of the Camino de Santiago. To get it, you need to stroll no less than the final 100 km to Santiago.
For those who want sensible data for planning the pilgrimage try our put up that accommodates helpful ideas for planning and strolling the Camino.
Greatest Camino guidebooks
Here’s a listing of the perfect guidebooks (in my view) for various Camino de Santiago routes.
A Pilgrim’s Information to the Camino de Santiago (Camino Francés): St. Jean Pied de Port • Santiago de Compostela, John Brierley, 2022
A Pilgrim’s Information to the Camino Portugués Lisbon – Porto – Santiago: together with Camino Central, Variente Espiritual, Camino da Costa, & Senda Litoral, John Brierley, 2022
A Pilgrim’s Information to the Camino Finisterre: Together with Muxía Circuit: Santiago ― Finisterre ― Muxía ― Santiago, John Brierley, 2022
A Pilgrim’s Information to the Camino Inglés: The English Means often known as the Celtic Camino: Ferrol & Coruña — Santiago, John Brierley, 2021
A Pilgrim’s Information to the Camino Sanabrés & Camino Invierno: Ourense or Ponferrada ― Lalín ― Santiago, John Brierley, 2021
Camino del Norte: Irún to Santiago alongside Spain’s Northern Coast (Village to Village Map Information), 2019
The Vía de la Plata and the Camino Sanabrés – A Information to the Camino from Sevilla to Santiago [2022 Edition
Camino de Santiago planning resources
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.