Camino de Santiago Packing list

I hiked several Caminos in Spain: Camino del Norte (the Northern route of Camino de Santiago), Camino Via de la Plata (Via de La Plata route, via the Camino Sanabres, of Camino de Santiago), Camino Finisterre, and Ruta Teresina (the Way of St Therese of Avila) – some of the all-time most popular pilgrimage trails. I used the same packing list each time. And, I can not recommend my Camino de Santiago packing list enough!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

Check out my Camino packing recommendations and copy my Camino de Santiago packing list to walk the Camino de Santiago lightly. The secret of my Camino de Santiago packing list lies in packing smart and taking only the necessary items.
And honestly, you don’t need anything more than the items listed below.

The secret of hiking the Camino de Santiago painlessly lies in:
– packing only necessary items
– 24 L lightweight hiking backpack
– good-quality hiking shoes
– good-quality hiking socks
– vaseline

The Only Camino de Santiago Packing List You Need

This is an ultralight Camino packing list. Trust me, you don’t need anything more than items from this packing list for the Camino!

My Camino de Santiago packing list covers:

• Camino de Santiago gear
• Camino de Santiago clothing
• Camino de Santiago electronics
• Camino de Santiago first aid kit and medicine
• Camino hygiene essentials and toiletries

My packing list for Camino de Santiago includes female items.
However, I have listed here the equivalent men’s items for the Camino de Santiago packing list to help male pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago effortlessly.

Let’s go with the packing list for the Camino de Santiago:

Best Gear for the Camino de Santiago

1. Best Backpack for the Camino de Santiago

I swear a 24-lit backpack is enough for hiking the Camino.

My friend and I decided to carry only 24 liters in backpacks during the Camino de Santiago hike, and that was one of the best decisions we’ve made for our trip! Actually, people we met on the Camino admired our backpacks. They were aware that all they needed for the Camino fit in only 24-liter backpacks. They frequently stated that they were going to buy the same backpacks for their next Camino!

PS: Camino addiction is serious (people keep returning to Camino and choose to walk various Camino de Santiago routes).

My choice was Deuter Unisex Trans-Alpine 24 L backpack, and Osprey Sirrius 24L hiking backpack was my friend’s choice.

Both of us have only words of praise for our backpacks. They are light, comfortable to wear, and take everything that a minimalist traveler might need!
My Deuter Unisex Trans-Alpine 24 L backpack is a lightweight backpack with a great hip belt, fantastic ventilation system, adjustable padded shoulder straps, several compartments, an elastic front pocket, two elastic pockets on the sides, an additional compartment for a hydration bladder, a rain cover. If you ask me, Deuter Unisex Trans-Alpine 24 L backpack is the best women’s Camino backpack.

 Osprey Sirrius 24 Hiking Backpack is the best Osprey backpack for the Camino if you prefer Osprey backpacks. Osprey backpacks are among the most famous backpacks on the market.

2. Sleeping Bag for the Camino de Santiago

A sleeping bag is a Camino de Santiago necessity if you are going to sleep in albergues (pilgrims’ hostels) on the Camino.

I strongly support sleeping in albergues. Those are where you meet other peregrinos (pilgrims), where they share their stories, where the Camino community is made, and where the Camino spirit is shared.

If you want to feel like a Camino peregrino, choose albergues de peregrinos. If you want to feel like an ordinary tourist, choose hostels and hotels. But remember, hiking Camino de Santiago is about community.
Sleeping sheets are not provided in municipal public pilgrims’ hostels and in most private pilgrims’ hostels. So, a sleeping bag is a must-have item on the Camino de Santiago if you decide to sleep in pilgrims’ hostels.

TETON Sports LEEF Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Bag is a lightweight and warm sleeping bag with extra insulation that provides comfort in cold air temperatures. In addition, this sleeping bag is so small that it can easily be hung on your Camino backpack.

Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag to Camino de Santiago!!

3. Trekking poles

I strongly recommend using trekking poles while walking the Camino de Santiago. They reduce strain on joints and alleviate knee pain, providing support on uneven terrain.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles – Pair are super light, sturdy, and durable hiking poles with good traction. They are awesome poles that make steep climbing easier, add balance on uneven terrains, and protect your knees when going downhill.

Camino electronics

4. Headlamp

If you’re planning to start trekking the Camino early in the morning (before dawn) to avoid daily heat during the hike, you need to wear a headlamp. A headlamp is a must-have hiking accessory for Camino de Santiago hikers who prefer to have their hands free while hiking at night.

BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED is a top-rated hiking headlamp. It is lightweight and easy to wear, with a long-lasting rechargeable battery and outstanding lightning.

5. Phone & Buon Camino App

During my Via de la Plata hike, I heard about the Camino Ninja App for the first time. All pilgrims along the route were using the app.
At some point, I decided to try the Camino Ninja App and downloaded it.

The Camino Ninja App is a free mobile phone app with offline GPS tracker maps of various Camino routes. It tracks your steps along the route, so at any moment, you can check whether you are on the correct path or not.
Camino Ninja App offers not only maps but also info on accommodations along, with available bars, restaurants, groceries, … and even info on the elevation of the stages.
The Camino Ninja app is a great tool for planning the Caminos.

I used Camino Ninja App on Camino de Santiago Via de la Plata and Camino de Fisterra, and I can highly recommend the app as a valuable resource for hiking the Caminos.
The Camino Njina App is available for all popular Camino routes.

6. Universal worldwide travel adapter for 150+ countries

One of the worst things that happens on travels, including on the Camino, is not being able to charge the phone. And here is where this universal travel adapter for 150+ countries comes in.

7. Portable charger

A mini power bank on the go is one of the modern essential travel gadgets.  You’ll need to charge your phone from time to time during the Camino de Santiago
This Anker portable battery with an ultra-high capacity of 20100mAh is one of the top travel accessories and must-have accessories for travel. 

8. Waterproof pouch for phone and documents

During my Camino de Santiago del Norte hike, I had some rainy days and crossed a few bays. I recommend getting a waterproof pouch to protect your valuable belongings.

Camino de Santiago clothing

I strongly recommend bringing only 3 wardrobe changes with you. There’s a washing machine and a drying machine in almost every pilgrim’s hostel. The washing machine service costs 3 euros on average. The drying service costs 3 euros on average, too. If you are walking the Camino de Santiago with a friend, you could use the services together and split the cost.
Trust me, there’s no need to pack more than 3 wardrobe changes (3 pieces of shirts, and 3 pieces of shorts, or leggings) for the Camino!
You can take some extra panties, of course!

9. Sport underwar panties (6 pieces)

No one likes tight and constraining underwear for outdoor activities.

These ladies‘ panties are top-rated moisture-wicking, no-stinking, and machine-washable underpants. These tremendously comfortable briefs are the perfect women’s underwear for hiking the Camino de Santiago!
For men, these lightweight micro-stretch boxer briefs are a good choice.

10. Sports bra for ladies (3 pieces)

For ladies, I recommend getting this comfy support wirefree bra. It is a soft and super comfortable bra made from nylon and a small percentage of polyester and spandex. Most importantly, it’s wire-free. It is a first-rate multisport bra. It’s so comfortable to wear that it creates a braless feeling.

11. Hiking t-shirt (3 pieces)

Sporty short-sleeve tops are wardrobe staples and must-have items on the list of hiking clothing for women.
This 100% merino wool base women’s short sleeve layer is a top-rated layer made from high-quality merino wool. It is fast-drying, stretchy, well-fitting, with no smell, and extremely comfortable to wear.
Men can check out this 100% organic merino wool t-shirt.

12. Long-sleeve hing shirt ( 1 piece)

I’ve hiked all my Caminos in the summer. So, I’ve always packed only 1 long-sleeve shirt. This women’s long sleeve shirt for hiking is a quick-drying and moisture-wicking shirt that provides UPF 50+ protection. This shirt is a wardrobe staple for hiking and all outdoor activities in extremely high temperatures.

This men’s long sleeve shirt – lightweight with UPF 50+ sun protection is a good option for men hikers.

13. Capri pants or capri leggings for hiking (2 pieces)

I like leggings. They are perfect for short daily hikes in warm weather. I even used comfortable and breathable leggings for sleeping in Camino albergues. These high waist capri leggings with pockets for hiking are thick but breathable. They are extremely stretchable, tummy-controlling, moisture-wicking, and above all, super comfortable Capri leggings.
However, if you prefer wearing hiking pants, I recommend getting the Columbia saturday trail II women’s capri pants. They come with two side pockets, two back pockets, and an elastic waist. They are soft, comfortable, quick-drying, fairly water-repellent, and with UPF 50 protection.

14. Leggings for hiking or convertible hiking pants (1 piece)

These trekking tights are stretchy hiking leggings with padded knees and butt. They are with knee pads and are sturdy, breathable, and quick-drying. They are hugely suitable for hiking in warm weather.

Again, if you are not a fan of leggings, I’d recommend convertible pants for hiking.

These women’s hiking pants are women’s convertible hiking pants are made from lightweight stretchy nylon and a bit of spandex. They are water-repellent and fast-drying with UPF 50+ protection. They come with zip-off legs that easily transform hiking pants into hiking shorts.

For men, check these men’s hiking pants – convertible, quick-dry, lightweight, zip-off outdoor pants.

15. Hiking socks (3 pices)

When it comes to hiking the Camino de Santiago, good-quality hiking socks are essential items. No one likes blisters. And if you want to protect your feet against blisters, well-cushioned hiking socks are a must-have! Please, do yourself a favor and don’t save money on hiking socks! (Ordinary socks are a straight way to blister hell on the Camino!!)

These women’s socks with cushion are best-selling women’s hiking socks made from merino wool and make your feet comfortable, breathable, and moisture-free. These socks are the best socks for Camino de Santiago. They come with underfoot medium cushioning and elastic arch support to provide maximum comfort for everyday hiking. Check them out:

• Women’s hiking socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock with Cushion
• Men’s hiking socks: Men’s Merino Wool Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks

16. Compression socks (1 piece)

If you are not a professional athlete, but you are planning to hike several hundred miles of the Camino, one of the most painful things that can happen to you on the Camino is inflammation. Be smart and pack compression socks to protect yourself against it! You can always buy them at pharmacies in Spain. But in the case you get inflammation somewhere in the countryside on the Camino route with no pharmacy in sight, I would recommend getting them as soon as you prepare for hiking the Camino.
In short, don’t think twice, just bring them!

Unisex compression socks: Copper Compression Socks Women & Men Circulation(6 pairs) – Best for Running, Nursing, Hiking, Recovery & Flight Socks

17. Waterproof hiking shoes

Good quality hiking shoes are another essential item for hiking the Camino del Santiago.
The light and waterproof Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX women’s hiking boots and Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boots have long and proven track records as fantastic hiking shoes. You can’t go wrong with them.

But for hiking the Camino in summer, I opted for super lightweight and waterproof Salomon Women’s Supercross Blast GTX W trail running shoes. I hiked all my Caminos wearing them!  After hiking more than 1500 km of Caminos, there are not enough words to recommend them!
What can I say?! I am a minimalist traveler who enjoys extremely lightweight shoes! And Salomon Women’s Supercross Blast GTX W trail running shoes fit the bill!

• Women’s hiking boots: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Women’s Hiking Boots
• Women’s trail runners: Salomon Women’s Supercross Blast GTX W Trail Running
• Men’s hiking boots: Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
• Men’s trail runners: Salomon Men’s Supercross Blast GTX Trail Running

18. Anatomic sandals (1 piece)

I love the Birkenstock women’s Madrid sandals when traveling to beach destinations. They are high-quality, anatomic summer sandals with arch support. They are made of foam, which makes them extremely lightweight. In addition, you can go into the water wearing them, and they get dry in a few minutes.

Besides that, I’ve already done a shorter pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina and even climbed the Apparition Hill wearing these Birkenstock sandals. So, I took them again with me on the Camino trail as I wanted my feet to rest from the hiking shoes during my hike. I used them in the albergues (in public spaces and under showers), and on the beaches of Camino del Norte as well.

These Birkenstock sandals are great anatomic sandals for women with narrow feet. But if you have wide feet,  these BIRKENSTOCK sandals are more suitable for you.
The ultra-lightweight, waterproof, and washable Birkenstock essentials unisex Arizona EVA sandals are great summer sandals for men and women.

A tip: When they are brand new, I would recommend wearing socks with them for some time, just to soften them a bit at first.

• Women’s anatomic sandals for narrow feet: Birkenstock Women’s Madrid Sandals
• Unisex anatomic sandals (for wider feet): Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona EVA Sandals

19. Swimming suit (1 piece)

If you plan to hike Camino del Norte, most likely you will want to enjoy the fantastic sandy beaches in northern Spain. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

20. Waterproof rain jacket (1 piece)

While a swimming suit is optional, a waterproof rain jacket is essential on Camino del Norte. Camino del Norte goes along the Cantabrian coast in northern Spain. The climate is temperate and oceanic. It means, almost certainly, you will have some rainy days along your way, even in summer. Rain in Asturias accompanied me in August! Galicia is also known for rainy weather, even in summer. I had a rain of Biblical proportions on Camino Finisterre in Galicia in June.
A waterproof rain jacket is a must-have on Camino de Santiago!

The lightweight and waterproof Columbia women’s switchback Iii jacket is a rain jacket that easily folds and packs in your backpack, and that will keep you dry. The Columbia Men’s watertight Ii jacket is a men’s rain jacket to go for.

• Women’s rain jacket: Columbia Women’s Switchback Iii Jacket
• Men’s rain jacket: Columbia Men’s Watertight Ii Jacket

21. Raincoat (1 piece)

If you would like some additional protection for yourself and your backpack, this lightweight and reusable unisex raincoat for hiking works like a charm!

• Unisex hooded rain jacket: Anyoo Waterproof Rain Poncho Lightweight Reusable Hiking Hooded Coat Jacket for Outdoor Activities

22. Headwear

Outdoor research Seattle sombrero is a superb sun hat that keeps the head protected against the sun and harmful UV rays, while the chin stripe keeps the hut firm on windy days. This wide-brimmed and chin-striped hat is the best hat for Camino de Santiago.

Instead of a sun hat, you can choose a headband for sun protection.

Lightweight merino wool buff is a unisex headband made from the finest merino wool to keep the head warm on cold days. This soft, odor-resistant, wind-resistant, and insulating headband is multifunctional. It can be used as a scarf, mask, bandana ..name it.

• Women’s sun hat: Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
• Men’s hat: Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero 

• Unisex headband: Lightweight Merino Wool Multifunctional Headwear and Face Mask

Camino de Santiago first-aid and medicine

23. Camino de Santiago first-aid kit

This portable and lightweight first aid kit is one of the best travel kits. It has bandages, alcohol wipes, ibuprofen, aspirin tablets, antiseptic cotton, sterile pads, first-aid tape, scissors … It’s a perfect medicine kit for hiking the Camino!

24. Vaseline

Vaseline is the ultimate item for blister protection and treatment.

Put Vaseline on your feet before putting your socks on, and I assure you that your feet won’t get blisters! This Vaseline trick makes magic! If you want to protect your feet against blisters (and you certainly do want it!), just get vaseline!

25. Ibuprofen

The above-mentioned medicine travel kit includes ibuprofen.

But I am just adding it here once more to emphasize the importance of having ibuprofen with you on the Camino. Ibuprofen is a great pain reliever. It’s smart to have it with you on the Camino.
You don’t necessarily need to pack it with you immediately. You can always buy it at pharmacies in Spain.

26. Magnesium malate

I assume you are reading this packing list for the Camino while you are preparing to walk it.

I am listing here Magnesium malate, which I was taking before heading to Camino de Santiago. Magnesium Malate helps with muscle tension, muscle spasms, and muscle pain. Besides that, it boosts your energy and boosts your metabolism.
I warmly recommend Magnesium Malate to everyone as a dietary supplement for the energy boost and against leg cramps, regardless of whether they are hiking the Camino or not.

Camino toilteries

27. Toothbrush and toothpaste travel kit ( 1 piece)

Don/ t forget to pack your toothbrush and toothapaste for your Camino. The Dr. Fresh Travel Kit 3-in-1 Toothpaste/Scope is a great travel item for long trips such as the Camino de Santiago.

28. Solid shampoo (1 piece)

This Ethique shampoo bar for normal hair is a game-changer for long treks!

29. Solid conditioner (1 piece)

This Ethique conditioner bar for normal to dry hair is another great travel item for longer trips.

30. Bodywash bar ( 1 piece)

The Ethique eco-friendly bodywash bar is another great travel item to add to your Camino de Santiago packing list.

31 Face sunscreen (1 piece)

If you are hiking the Camino de Santiago in summer, you will certainly want to protect your skin. Face sunscreen is an essential item on the summer packing list for Camino de Santiago.

32. Travel mini manicure set (1 piece)

A mini manicure set is a useful travel item for long travels.

33. Portable hairbrush and hair comb travel kit ( 1 piece)

This portable travel folding hair brush and a pocket hair comb is a tiny item that is easy to throw in a bag and ready to use when needed.

34. Earplugs for sleeping

Good sleep matters a lot, especially on Camino when you walk the entire day and need a good overnight rest for the next day.
Sleeping in albergues means sharing sleeping rooms with other people. Some people in albergues (pilgrim hostels) might snore. If you are a light sleeper, you’ll need earplugs.

On the other hand, if you snore, please consider taking with you nose strips to reduce snoring. Your Camino roommates will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
There are not enough words to express how much a good sleep is appreciated on Camino de Santiago.

35. Microfiber towel

A lightweight and quick-drying microfiber towel is the best towel for Camino de Santiago!

36. Portable travel clothesline

This elastic stainless travel clothesline with clips is among the most useful travel accessories. Stretch it between the trees, on a balcony, in a bathroom, etc. Make your drying space anywhere and get your socks, towels, etc, dry naturally.
This clothesline is lightweight, easy to pack, and takes minimal space in a backpack. And, it is one of the most useful Camino items!

37. Compression bags

Travel space bags are some of the best travel products. Roll-up compression bags save space in your hiking backpack. Even more, good travel space bags protect and organize your clothing.

Separate your clothing and all of your packing items into separate travel space saver bags and put the bags in the backpack.
You can put undergarments in one bag, t-shirts in another bag, and hygiene items again in another bag, … In this way, your Camino packing items will be perfectly organized, and you will save space in the backpack.

Summary of the Camino de Santiago packing list

	CAMINO DE SANTIAGO GEAR	Recommended qty
1.	Backpack 24 lit	1 pc
2.	Sleeping bag	1 pc
3.	Trekking poles	1 pair
4.	Headlamp	1 pc
	CAMINO DE SANTIAGO ELECTRONICS
5.	Phone & Buen Camino app	1 pc
6.	Travel adapter	1 pc
7.	Portable charger	1 pc
8.	Waterproof pouch for phone & documents	–
	CAMINO CLOTHING
9.	Underwear panties	6 pcs
10.	Sports bra	3 pcs
11.	T-shirt	3 pcs
12.	Long-sleeve t-shirt	1 pc
13.	Capri leggings / Hiking capri pants	2 pcs
14	Leggings for hiking / Convertible hiking pants	1 pc
15.	Hiking socks	3 pcs
16.	Compression socks	1 pc
17.	Waterproof hiking shoes	1 pc
18.	Anatomic sandals	1 pc
19.	Swimming suit (optional)	1 pc
20.	Waterproof rain jacket	1 pc
21.	Raincoat	1 pc
22.	Headwear	1 pc
	CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FIRST-AID AND MEDICINE
23.	First-aid kit	1 pc
24.	Vaseline	1 pc
25.	Ibuprofen	1 pc
26.	Magnesium malate (optional)	1 pc
	CAMINO DE SANTIAGO HYGIENE ESSENTIALS & TOILETRIES
27.	Toothbrush and toothpaste travel kit	1 pc
28.	Solid shampoo	1 pc
29.	Solid conditioner	1 pc
30.	Bodywash bar	1 pc
31.	Sunscreen	1 pc
32.	Travel mini manicure set	1 pc
33.	Portable hairbrush and hair comb travel kit	1 pc
34.	Earplugs for sleeping  / Snoring strips	1 pair
35.	Microfiber travel towel	1 pc
36.	Travel clothesline	1 pc
	EXTRAS
37.	Travel compression bags (optional)	–

Q&A

What should I pack for the Camino de Santiago?

Take only the necessities with you! There’s no need to overpack and carry with you the stuff that you can buy in the cities and bigger towns on your way to Santiago de Compostela. I hiked several Caminos in Spain with only a 24 L Deuter TransAlpine backpack, 3 outfit changes (3 shirts, 3 leggings/shorts, 3 hiking socks), one pair of hiking shoes, one pair of sandals, a sleeping bag, hiking poles, and several pieces of underwear.

Camino de Santiago packing list female

My ultralight Camino de Santiago packing list for the several Caminos I hiked included: a 24 l Deuter TransAlpine backpack, 3 outfit changes (3 shirts, 3 leggings/shorts, 3 hiking socks, 3 pieces of sports bra), one pair of hiking shoes, one pair of sandals, a sleeping bag, hiking poles, several pieces of underwear, a raincoat, a microfiber towel.

What is the best women’s light backpack for Camino Santiago?

I hiked several Caminos with a 24 L Deuter TransAlpine backpack. My friend, whom I walked Camino del Norte with, carried an Osprey Sirrius 24L. Both of these backpacks are ultralight and super comfortable to wear. I chose a 24 L Deuter TransAlpine backpack since I prefer frameless backpacks. But, if you prefer framed backpacks, you will love Osprey Sirrius 24 L.

What are the best shoes for Camino de Santiago?

I walked over 1500 km (932 mi) of various Camino de Santiago routes in my Gortex Salomon Women’s Supercross Blast GTX W Trail Running shoes. The kilometers/miles I hiked wearing them speak volumes! I can’t recommend them enough!

What is the best backpack weight for Camino?

I walked Camino de Santiago for one month in the summer of 2021 and one month in the summer of 2022 with only a 24 L backpack. I wore my 24L Deuter TransAlpine backpack. There’s no need to overpack and carry unnecessary items on the Camino!