Camino de Santiago: Pack List

Travel
Written By Cassie Becker

So you want to walk the Camino de Santiago? Good!

It's beautiful and it may even change your life.

Before you begin packing, you're going to need to consider what type of traveler you are. If you like traveling with the comfort of knowing you have clothing options, you may want to think about bringing versatile items. I say this because you are not going to want to add weight to a backpack that you are about to carry for 500 miles. Also, when considering buying new items for any excursion, make sure the company you buy through has a solid return/exchange policy. I lived at REI every weekend for 2 months before I left because I questioned every purchase from backpacks to boots. If you do go with REI make sure you become a member because those monthly garage sales and anniversary events are everything if you are trying to do this on a budget.

REI sales are everything

Yep, I went to downtown San Francisco at 6:30am to wait for this garage sale.

I'd do it again

Clothing

I've copied the list I used when I was packing for the 30 day backpacking trip across Spain.

  • 1 pair of trail-running shoes -

    • These will be the home for your feet for the next month, so make sure you break them in and feel comfortable before you leave. Brooks Cascadias were my best friends as I had bought and returned 2 other pairs before I found these heavenly foot pillows

  • 1 long sleeve shirt

  • 1 short sleeve shirt

  • 2 tank tops

  • 1 scarf - can triple as a pillow cover and bottom bunk curtain

  • 2-3 pairs of quick-dry underwear

  • 2 sports bras

  • 1 zip-up fleece jacket

  • 2 pairs of yoga pants

  • 1 light rain jacket - The smaller it packs down the better

  • 1 pair of convertible pants - I didn't use them often but they were great for sun protection on the hotter days

  • 3 pairs of socks - I cannot stress the importance of quality socks so I recommend Smartwool. They can be expensive but I promise you'll save money on blister care in the end.

  • 1 headband/bandana

  • 1 pair of sandals - Tevas/Chacos tend to be the Camino favorite but anything will work as long as they dry quickly after a shower (you’ll want to wear them in the showers, promise)

Brooks - Cascadia

Gear

Backpack - Your home for the next month. I bought my backpack at REI and ended up changing backpacks three times. I eventually ended up with the Deuter ACT Lite 45 + 10 SL Pack and found it to be the perfect size.

  • 1 Quick dry towel - The Packtowl is an amazing invention but make sure to size up if you want to wrap yourself in a towel post-shower

  • John Brierly Guidebook - I used this every day to pick albergues and to decide how far I wanted to walk each day

  • Headlamp - for early morning rise and/or late night reading

  • Earplugs - for the orchestra of snoring that takes place in the albergues, you can thank me later

  • Headphones

  • Sleeping bag - if traveling in summer you can also use a silk liner

  • 1 First aid kit

  • Travel journal

  • 1 water bladder - I used a 2 Liter Platypus

  • Packing cubes - Invaluable if you like to keep your pack organized

  • Laundry detergent - For hand-washing clothes I used Sea to Summit pocket detergent slips

  • Soap - I recommend Dr. Bronner's because of the epic multi-purpose functions and the fantastic scents

  • Deodorant - I brought a crystal so I wouldn't have to worry about melting products in my backpack

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Ziplock bags

  • Drawstring bag - helpful for dirty laundry, taking toiletries to the communal bathrooms, and for bringing items with you when you go out to explore your daily destination

  • Safety pins - if your socks don't dry overnight, you can pin them to your backpack and they'll dry in the sun while you walk

  • European Adapter/phone charger

  • Hair ties

  • Money slip or money belt - Most people carry these everywhere, even to the showers for safety

  • Whistle - I get lost easily...

Since 2015

I’ve used this backpack for every trip I’ve taken. From camping to backpacking, it’s a beast and should receive an award.

Extras

  • 1 bottle of ibuprofen

  • 1 pack of moleskin/compeed - this might be your best friend if you blister easily

  • Trekking poles - these take the pressure off of your legs and are lifesavers if you have knee issues. You can also buy these in St. Jean or along the way

  • 1 dress - if you like to be fancy while sipping wine at the end of a 12 km trek day

  • Bathing suit if you like to swim in the creeks and waterfalls along the route

  • Pocket knife with corkscrew - You're walking through wine country, let's be real. Purchase this in Spain if you aren't checking your backpack since TSA will happily confiscate this from you.

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Copies of documents- Have copies of your passport, ID, and a credit card placed in different parts of your backpack in case yours is misplaced or stolen. It's rare to have something stolen from you on the camino but you can never be too careful. Also make sure to give copies of this information to a loved one before your departure.

- Now you just need your travel tickets and off you pop -

Cassie Becker
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Camino de Santiago