CAMINO DE SANTIAGO Packing List: What I Actually Used Walking the Camino

My Camino de Santiago Packing List: what I actually used walking Camino de Santiago

Ever since watching "The Way" with Martin Sheen I wanted to experience everything the movie portrayed the walk would be. Maybe that's what inspired you too, maybe it was something else. So in October of 2023 I set off to walk Camino de Santiago the Northern Route. I started my walk in Irun on the east cost of Spain on the border of France and finished in Galicia - Santiago de Compostela. I did only have 3 weeks to walk, so there were some skipped stages.

The Camino taught me very quickly that when you're carrying everything on your back, every item has to earn its place. I packed and unpacked 3 times, taking things out, adding them back in. A common guideline is to keep your loaded backpack around 10% of your body weight, although comfort will vary from person to person.

If I can describe my personal Camino experience it would be this: it's like entire lifetime compressed into 3 weeks. There were sunny days and gorgeous scenery of blue skies, grazing farm animals as I climbed those green hills and drop off cliffs with the Bay of Biscay to hold it all together. There were friends I met a long the way and they became unforgettable.

There also were rainy days, for which I was not very prepared. I purchased a very cheap rain cover, a garbage bag with holes, really, the day before I left and I still ended up using it. Interestingly enough, I was walking through a very industrial area of town and the scenery was not helping. On another rainy day, my shoes became completely soaked 2 miles into my 13 mile walk. Oh well, show must go on, right?

Another day I remember leaving a small town Albergue early morning and it was cold. Few miles into the walk and temperatures rising, I needed to shed layers. Well, I stopped on the side of the road (completely devoid of human life), changed clothing, cheerly dug into my stash of treats and continued to walk happily, smiling ear to ear of how well everything was going. Little did I know, I left my entire life on the side of the road: my body wallet with my passport, euros, dollars and credit cards where I stopped to shed layers. It was later returned to me by pilgrims walking an hour behind me. They do say "Camino Will Provide". Funny thing - I wasn't even upset at the time. To this day I can't explain why.

Yet another day I was nearing a second stage of the walk and there was a pilgrim stop - an Albergue on the way before the actual scheduled stop with a small area for short rest and some treats. I remember I was exhausted and hazed in my understanding what was even happening around me. There was a man - a fellow pilgrim who wasn't walking at the time but has completed Camino Frances there and back! He helped me adjust my backpack. He didn't speak a word of English and I only know 20 Spanish words. Somehow the human experience will always come through - I remember vividly his kindness, his smile and his desire to help others be well. I know now that I didn't even ask his name (like I said, I was in a haze). But these many years later I vaguely remember his face but his incredible kindness. I gave him a strong, deep, meaningful hug and moved on my way...

Reflecting afterwards, I said to myself: how is this just not life only compressed? We go through good and bad stages of our lives and that's what they look like - sunshine, rain, drop off cliffs with ocean touching the boulders, industrial parts, kind and thoughtful people.

Before I left, I spent a lot of time researching what experienced pilgrims recommended - and several of the things that kept coming up turned out to be exactly what I needed once I was on the trail. I am 100% recommending these products as they were instrumental in getting me though the bright shiny days as well as rainy, dreary days filled with soggy shoes and blistery toes.

This packing list contains some of the essential items I personally used on the Camino. There are few other personal items you might want to bring with you; however, I will keeps saying this forever: DO NOT overpack!

Buen Camino!

I don't plan on boring you with yet another lecture on what to bring and what not to bring. You may not listen anyway. However, if you are still here do take something into consideration - DO NOT overpack! The Camino will show you just how little you really need in this life. This I promise you. If you are debating whether you need something, you probably don't. There is really no need 3 pairs of shoes - your trail shoes will double as going out on the town. Do not pack multiple towels - one 24x48 microfiber towel will do the job. Extra toiletries are simply unnecessary. And, if you still want all these things you think you'll miss, you can easily buy them in Spain. After all, this is not the Pacific Crest Trail.

This packing list contains some of the essential items I personally used on the Camino. There are few other personal items you might want to bring with you; however, I will keeps saying this forever: DO NOT overpack!

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Best Backpack for the Camino

The most important item of the journey will be your backpack - it's supporting you in a way you may not realize - carrying your life with you for the journey. I used this Osprey Mira 32L Backpack specifically designed for women due to brand's known quality and the fact that it has an adjustable back brace allowing for perfect fit for your body. Since the brace is mesh, it lets the back breathe and dissipate moisture easily. It also has a 2L water bladder that's easy to remove and clean.

Camino Trail Shoes

My Salomon Trail Shoes withstood me walking 350 km of walking across asphalt, trails, mud and sand rain and heat. They held up so well! Camino del Norte has a lot of asphalt walking. Another item, that if not carefully chosen, will send you home in no time (or seeking the nearest shoe store, and who wants that?) Spend the time make this one of your most important investment. You are, after all, walking 860km...

Best Pants for walking the Camino

These Columbia hiking pants came in handy on cold morning as I continued my walk west, particularly in Galicia and I wanted full protection from the elements. I had to take out all my previously unused items and layer up! It was 50 degrees in the early morning (versus 85 degrees at the beginning of my walk in Basque Country along the Bay of Biscay). These covered me well.

Merino Wool Products for all Occasions

I always have and always will advocate for Merino Wool. It really is an exceptional product. These T-shirts offered temperature regulation, natural odor resistance, and moisture-wicking. Unlike traditional coarse wool, superfine merino fibers feel silky against your skin, making these shirts absolutely perfect for the Camino. I had two that I just kept recycling. It is generally not recommended to wear cotton products, as cotton doesn't dry quick.

Merino Wool Base Layer

I always have and always will advocate for Merino Wool and this product is no different. Same as above - exceptional temperature regulation, natural odor resistance, and moisture-wicking. This came in so handy when it got cold walking west in Galicia - it was time to layer up! I wore this under a light jacket (it was 48 degrees in the early morning when I stared my "last 100km").

Toe Socks for blister protection

Ok, this pair of socks looks funny, doesn't it? However, these were highly recommended. When your toes rub against each other in your shoes, these socks keep you from developing blisters, something all pilgrims want to avoid an any cost. These Injinji toe socks kept my toes dry and, therefore, I really did not get any major blisters. This can make a huge difference on very long walks.

Earplugs for sleepy time at an Albergue

This is one of those items you just can't leave at home. After long days on the trail, my Loop Quiet Earplugs became one of those little luxuries I was very glad to have. You will especially be delighted to have them when sharing accommodations with other pilgrims in crowded hostels. Let's just say there's a snoring galore at night. Do not skip this one!

Microfiber Towel for all Hostels

Ok, can we talk about no towels are ever provided in hostels, let alone Alberques. Be prepared. This is one of those items you just can't leave at home. This Quick Drying Travel Microfiber Towel comes in many sizes (mine was 24x48); they're lightweight and incredibly useful in all situations. I only had one and was saving it for showers, but it was so hot walking the Bay of Biscay, I couldn't resist using it. They can be washed daily and will dry just as fast. Absolutely get one.

Safari Sun Hat from sun protection

Safari Hat was essential in not only keeping the sun off my head but this ridiculous bright mustard color of the hat made me visible on the road. You want visibility when walking. It's easy to just thro back while anchored around your neck with adjustable strap. Sun was hot, walks were long and you want to be comfortable. Period.

Wide Head Band when out on the town

This is one of the fun items I packed with for when I thought I'd go out on the town after the walk, exploring the cities I stopped in. It's just stylish, versatile and practical. Don't bring more than one - you don't need more.

European Plug Adapter & Toe Protectors

Also, don't forget the European Plug Adapter (self explanatory) and Silicone Toe Protectors (also one of those little gifts that comes in handy in the middle of the woods). Blisters are a part of the journey; they will come and you have to be prepared.