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Each year, millions of pilgrims walk hundreds of miles along the Camino de Santiago to Galicia, Spain, where the historic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela awaits. Depending on the route, it can take a few weeks or more than a month to make the journey. It’s an arduous—and for many a life-changing—experience that takes careful planning.
I’ve made the trip twice, on two routes: the UNESCO Heritage-recognized Camino Francés and Camino Portugués. Between the two trips, I walked more than 700 miles for 50 days in June. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things about packing for the Camino.
Because both of my pilgrimages took place in the summer, I was able leave heavy outerwear behind. However, the potential for rain meant I had to consider waterproof materials. I carried my own backpack, so I prioritized lightweight and multifunctional items. Here’s everything I packed and how they held up, plus what I wish I had brought with me.
What I packed on my walk to Santiago de Compostela
There’s nothing quite like the pressure of choosing what to bring on a pilgrimage, especially if you’ve never been on one before. Below, I detail the products I carried for hundreds of miles, including what I wish I had packed.
Backpack: Osprey Tempest 30L
Photograph Courtesy Osprey
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When shopping for a backpack, I looked for something multifunctional. I wanted a backpack that could be used as a travel carry-on, a daypack, and an overnight bag. Osprey’s Tempest was highly recommended by other Camino de Santiago pilgrims. I chose the 30-liter, knowing that I would be filling it to the brim. It was the perfect size for my month-long Camino and two-week pilgrimage.
I especially appreciated the hip belt pockets, where I stashed my sunscreen, and the mesh pocket in the front panel. It served as a catch-all for everything from my snacks to my rain jacket within easy reach.
Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9
Photograph Courtesy Hoka
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The most important gear for walking the Camino is footwear. On my walk, I saw pilgrims wearing traditional hiking boots, trail runners, regular running shoes, or Teva hiking sandals. I also saw pilgrims in Hoka’s top trail runner, the Hoka Speedgoat. Because I knew I’d be walking on different surfaces including asphalt, cobblestone, and trails, I wanted a pair with enough cushioning. I chose the Hoka Clifton 9, which delivered maximum comfort. They were roomy enough in the toe box and had a good amount of support for seven hours of daily walking.
(We wore Hoka’s Clifton 9 on a 600-mile journey. Here’s our review.)
Trekking Poles: REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles
Photograph Courtesy REI
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Trekking poles turned out to be a game-changer for my journey through the Pyrenees. Indeed, they were important to every pilgrim I met. Lightweight and durable, REI’s Flash Carbon trekking poles provided much-needed support on the inclines and stability on the demanding descents. They were also helpful insurance against potential sprains. When a fellow pilgrim developed foot pain, my trekking poles helped lessen the weight with each step.
Sun Protection Hoodie: Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Wool Hoodie
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I first wore sun hoodies on the Camino Francés and found them to be a less-fussy alternative to reapplying sunscreen throughout my walk. For my second pilgrimage, I knew I could find something lighter and more temperature-regulating. The Ridge Merino hoodie is mainly made of Merino wool and offers UPF 30 sun protection. I put the manufacturer’s claims of temperature regulation and odor resistance to the test on multiple scorching days. They held up, keeping me cool and smelling fine.
Socks: Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show
Photograph Courtesy REI
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I first heard about Injinji toe socks through online forums and Facebook groups while preparing for my first Camino walk. I soon became a convert. These socks are like gloves for the feet. They keep each toe separate, reducing sweat and chafing for fewer blisters. They worked so well during my walk that I wore them again later for a marathon.
(These sacred paths have attracted a new set of pilgrims: Fitness buffs)
Travel Organizer: Sea to Summit Stuff Sack Set
Photograph Courtesy Backcountry
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Feeling panicked the day before I began my first Camino walk, I bought this Sea to Summit mesh stuff sack in a gear shop in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France. It ended up being one of my favorite items. It organized all my clothes, toiletries, and sleeping liner so I didn’t have to pull everything out to find what I needed. Because it’s made of mesh, it doesn’t create much noise—a small yet important detail when you’re packing early each morning. Respect for late-night and early-morning silence is essential in the shared quarters of the albergues (pilgrim hostels). The mesh sacks were also great for storing and drying toiletries after a shower.
Recovery Slides: Hoka Ora Recovery Slides
Photograph Courtesy Hoka
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I consider myself a minimalist when it comes to packing for the Camino. But the one comfort item I will always bring are Hoka recovery slides. They’re neither the lightest nor the slimmest pair of slippers, but the comfort is worth the packing trade-off. After long days of walking, I looked forward to slipping into these sandals to help rest my tired feet. On some days, I even walked a few miles in them.
(The best recovery shoes for relaxing after a workout)
Sunscreen: Vertra Invisible Face Stick SPF 45
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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Sunscreen sticks are indispensable on long walks like the Camino because they’re less messy than lotions. I applied it every morning before heading out. Throughout the day, I wore my sun hoodie to block UV rays and used this Vertra broad-spectrum sunscreen stick during every bathroom and coffee shop break. I liked the Vertra stick’s high SPF and water resistance, plus it didn’t sting my eyes when I got sweaty. But while it claims to be invisible, like most zinc-based sunscreens, there was some white cast.
Blister Prevention: 2Toms SportShield
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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I heard about 2Toms SportShield from an ultramarathon runner and fellow pilgrim. He swore they were the reason he never got blisters. For my second Camino, I found his claim held up. Every morning, I’d roll on the liquid before putting on my Injinji toe socks and shoes, and I didn’t have any issues with blisters either.
Soap: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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There’s nothing better than a multiuse product when you need to pack light. According to the label, Dr. Bronner’s solid soaps can be used in 18 different ways, from washing your hair to washing your clothes. The soap’s versatility came in handy on my pilgrimages. Because you’re staying in albergues, you never know when you’ll be able to wash your clothes in a washing machine, so handwashing becomes routine. Though technically it can replace your shampoo and toothpaste, I found it too stripping for my hair, and I never had the courage to test it in my mouth.
(3 ways to plan a Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage)
What I wish I packed on my trip to Santiago de Compostela
Having walked more than roughly 620 miles along the Camino, my packing list has become quite tailored. However, there were two things that came to mind on the road that I wish I had packed.
Paka Alpaca Underwear
Photograph Courtesy Paka Apparel
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There was significantly more rain on my second Camino. Although I prioritized lightweight, quick-drying fabrics for my outerwear, my undergarments took the longest to dry. After my trip, I started looking for moisture-wicking alternatives that dry quickly. The alpaca fiber used in Paka’s underwear is known for antimicrobial and odor-resistant qualities, making this line a travelers’ favorite that I’ll be packing on future trips.
Sea to Summit Rain Poncho
Photograph Courtesy Amazon
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While I used a backpack rain cover and a rain jacket on my two trips, I regretted not bringing a lightweight poncho. While the cover kept the front of my backpack dry, rain soaked through the shoulder straps and the padding onto my back. Next time, I’ll pack the Sea to Summit rain poncho. It’s lightweight and ventilated, perfect for summer rains. It is also takes up much less space than my backpack’s rain cover.
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Three of my packing tips for the Camino de Santiago
Tip 1: Less is more
A great thing about carrying your own pack is understanding what is truly essential. You learn to eliminate what you don’t need because the weight of an item isn’t worth carrying. An easy guideline is to pack less than 15 percent of your body weight.
Tip 2: Use multipurpose gear
Choose items that serve multiple functions, such as a hoodie for sun protection and warmth or slides for walking and showering. Small ways to reduce weight can make a big impact on the road.
Tip 3: Test-drive your pack
Take your pack for an extended walk, ideally overnight, and ask yourself if it sits right on your back. Is it too heavy to carry comfortably for a dozen miles? Check the fit of your shoes, understanding that your feet will likely swell from hours of walking. Trying out your pack well before you set off for the Camino will give you time to make adjustments.
Tip 4: Remember where you’re walking
Unlike other trekking routes, the Camino de Santiago passes through towns and cities. That means that if you left your towel in the last albergue or forgot something, you’ll likely be able to replace it. There are also plenty of pharmacies along the Camino routes.
Why I wanted to visit Santiago de Compostela
I first learned about the Camino de Santiago from a fellow volunteer at a cheese farm in the Netherlands. I was sold on the picture she painted of charming little villages, ancient ruins, and hundreds of other people walking along the same path. I was determined to walk the Camino while I was able-bodied and in a career that offered flexibility.
The highlights of my trip to Santiago de Compostela
From the breathtaking views of the Pyrenees to ancient vineyards and churches decorated in classic Portuguese blue-and-white tiles, unforgettable images filled each of my walks. But what I remember most were the meaningful conversations I had along the way and the pilgrims I met.
Some had walked for months from distant hometowns, while others had been on the road for just a week. I spoke to devout Catholics and travelers who had never stepped foot in a church. As we walked, we learned about each other through our life stories, building what pilgrims call our “Camino family.” Even though each person was there for a different reason, we were united in our journey, taking it all one step at a time.
Iona Brannon is a travel writer and photojournalist based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Follow her on Instagram.
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