What to Pack for the Camino de Santiago: Complete Packing List

The Golden Rule: Less Is More

The single biggest mistake first-time pilgrims make is overpacking. Your backpack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight. That means if you weigh 70 kg, aim for 7 kg maximum — including water.

Footwear

• Trail shoes or hiking boots: — broken in before you start. Never walk the Camino in new shoes.
• Lightweight sandals or flip-flops: — for evenings and showers at albergues.
• Moisture-wicking socks: — at least 3 pairs. Merino wool is ideal.

Clothing

• 2-3 moisture-wicking shirts (avoid cotton)
• 1 pair of walking trousers or zip-off shorts
• 1 lightweight fleece or insulating layer
• 1 rain jacket (waterproof and breathable)
• 3 sets of underwear
• 1 set of sleepwear that doubles as evening clothes

Essentials

• Backpack: — 35-40 litres is enough. Make sure it has a hip belt.
• Sleeping bag: — lightweight, rated to 10°C for spring/summer
• Headlamp: — for early morning starts
• Water bottle: — 1 litre minimum
• Sunscreen and hat: — the Galician sun can be strong even through clouds
• Blister kit: — Compeed patches, needle, thread, and antiseptic

Documents

• Passport or national ID
• Pilgrim credential (credencial del peregrino)
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance
• Cash — many small villages only accept cash
• Phone with Maps.me or Buen Camino app downloaded offline

What NOT to Pack

• Laptop or tablet (your phone is enough)
• More than one book
• A towel larger than a quick-dry microfibre
• Jeans or heavy cotton clothing

Lighten Your Load on the Camino

If you realise your pack is too heavy after the first day, you are not alone. Many pilgrims ship items home from the post office in Sarria or Palas de Rei. Another option is to use a luggage transport service to send your backpack ahead to the next stage while you walk with just a daypack. Taxi Castro offers luggage transport between stages from Sarria to Santiago — call +34 659 99 31 39 to arrange it.