Twenty years ago, I set out on my first Camino de Santiago with a heart full of hope and a backpack full of mistakes. Now, after walking 17 different caminos across Spain, France and Italy, I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—what truly belongs on a Camino packing list and what’s better left at home or picked up along the trail.
Whether you’re searching for a packing list for the Camino, a Camino de Santiago packing list or wondering what to pack for Camino de Santiago as a female pilgrim, let my experience guide you to a lighter, happier pilgrimage.
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My Camino Packing List Philosophy: Less is More
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You don’t need to pack for every possible scenario. The Camino isn’t the wilderness—you’ll pass through towns with shops, pharmacies and markets.
Overpacking is the number one mistake I see, and I’ve made it myself. My best advice: aim for your backpack to weigh approximately 10-15% of your body weight. This single rule has saved my feet, back and spirit more times than I can count.
You’re a Camino veteran and already have your gear? Then check out Camino de Santiago Packing List: Avoid Overpacking with These 12 Essentials to see my unusual Camino picks!
Choosing the Right Backpack
After years of trial and error, I’ve found that a 33–40 liter backpack is the sweet spot for most pilgrims. If you’re petite or want to go ultra-light, a 30-liter pack can work.
For winter caminos or if you’re taller, a 45-liter pack is plenty. The key is not to fill empty space with “just in case” items. Look for a pack with a padded hip belt, good ventilation and an integrated rain cover—trust me, you’ll want it when the Galician skies open up.
I’ve carried the top-opening The North Face Terra Backpack but traded it for the U-zipper (duffle-like) opening REI Trail 40 Pack – Women’s.
Veteran pilgrim tip: Whatever Camino backpack you choose, make sure to add a smartphone pocket to your front strap.
In this Yosemite photo, I’m wearing my Title Nine hiking shorts. I don’t leave for any Camino without them! Well, except for my Winter Camino…
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Footwear: Your Most Important Decision
On my first Camino, I brought heavy boots and suffered for it. Now, I swear by lightweight, high-top Hoka hiking boots. (My husband doesn’t need the ankle support so he goes with Hoka hiking shoes.) Bring a pair of Tevas for the albergue showers and evenings.
For socks, layer up! On the outer layer, wool or synthetic blends are best—pack two or three pairs and be sure to test them on long walks before your pilgrimage. I’ve learned that full-cushion wool socks provide your feet with the necessary padding for walking on hard surfaces for extended periods.
When Injinji toe sock liners were recommended to me, I thought the person was crazy! But once I tried their ultra-thin lightweight version on my 2015 Camino, I haven’t looked back. These socks separate each toe, eliminating skin-on-skin friction that causes blisters and hotspots. Plus, their moisture-wicking fabric keeps your feet drier and more comfortable than traditional socks. Just make sure to get the ultra-thin liners—they fit snugly under your hiking socks without bunching or slipping, giving your feet the freedom to splay naturally while protecting them on the trail.
But here’s a pro tip: before I even put on my Injinji liners, I apply Body Glide Foot Glide directly to my feet. I’ve been using this stuff for years, and it’s absolutely amazing. It creates a smooth barrier that prevents blisters and chafing, especially in those problem areas on the toes and heels. It’s a game-changer!
Clothing: Camino Packing List Female & Male Essentials
I follow the “wash one, wear one, spare one” rule for shirts, underwear and socks. For women, I recommend two sports bras, one black to double as swimwear with black underpants. My Camino packing list female tips: leggings double as pajamas, long underwear, hiking pants and sun protection. BUFF® neckwear is your best friend for bad hair days or chilly mornings.
See my Title Nine hiking shorts (I have them in every color) in the photo of my Via de la Plata gear?
My basic Camino de Santiago packing list for clothing:
2-3 quick-dry shirts (one long-sleeve for sun protection, one or two short-sleeve KUHL blended cotton)
1–2 pairs of REI hiking pants or REI leggings
1 pair of KUHL shorts or Title Nine hiking shorts or KUHL women’s convertible pants
3 pairs of black underwear Women’s Calvin Klein cotton stretch || Men’s ExOfficio
- 3 pairs of women’s Smartwool socks || men’s Smartwool mountaineer maximum cushion
- 2 pairs of Injinji ultra-thin toe socks
- 1 lightweight puffer jacket Women’s Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket || Men’s Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket
- Fleece vest Women’s Columbia || Men’s KÜHL
Lightweight rain jacket Women’s Marmot || Men’s Patagonia
Lightweight poncho
Hat and light gloves (especially for spring and fall)
- 2 BUFF®s (for neck and head)
- Sleepwear (I use my leggings and a clean shirt)
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Sleeping Gear
If you’re staying in albergues, bring a lightweight sleeping bag like this Big Agnes bag or liner. In summer, a silk or a Sea To Summit microfiber liner is usually enough. Some albergues provide blankets, but not all.
There’s no need to carry a pillowcase, as most albergues provide disposable pillowcases and mattress liners.
Toiletries & Laundry
Keep it minimal! Travel-sized soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and a quick-dry towel are all you need.
I use my soap or shampoo for hand-washing clothes—most albergues have laundry facilities or sinks. If you use a laundromat, most European washing machines include soap.
Sunscreen and SP-15 lip balm are musts, as is a small first aid kit with Band-Aids, tape and pain relievers.
In the above photo, you can see magnesium tablets (I prefer tablets over powder) for cramping and overall muscle recovery, a Benadryl itch relief stick wrapped with a bit of duct tape for emergency repairs, my favorite pill case, and lavender oil, a natural antiseptic and astringent.
I put essentials like shampoo and sunscreen into smaller bottles that I reuse from hotel stays. It is also worth mentioning Two Old Goats Lotion, which has miraculously relieved my foot pain and other arthritis-related discomfort.
Another secret Camino packing list female tip not pictured here is Vagisil anti-itch cream that releaves butt crack chafing sometimes experienced after walking long distances.
In another story, I’ve just shared the photo above, which includes each toiletry item numbered and an easy-to-read list. Wondering what’s on my toiletry list? One thing you WON’T find is Compeed blister cushions!
Here's the link to The Best Toiletries Packing List for the Camino de Santiago
Camino Packing List Accessories
Here’s where I’ve made the most mistakes—packing too many “just in case” gadgets. My essentials now:
Water bottle or hydration bladder like the one I recently used on the Camino de Madrid, or a bladder similar to the one pictured above that I used from 2019-2024
Petzi headlamp for early starts
- Cotton blend Travelon money belt for keeping money safe
Phone, charger and European plug adapter with multiple outlets
Walking poles, I always use them
2 packing cubes for organization. I use the smaller one for my toiletries (see above) and the larger one to keep all my underwear in one place (see below).
- Don’t forget a hat to shade you from that hot Spanish sun!
Pilgrim credential and passport (keep them dry in a quart-size Ziplock freezer bag)
I like to keep all my smaller items, such as socks and underwear, in one place, so I put them in the medium-sized packing cube pictured above.
From upper left to right: 3 pairs of Smartwool socks, sports bra. (When I took this picture, I was wearing the black sports bra that I always bring in case there’s a place where I can dip in a swimming pool.)
From lower left to right:
- my quick-dry towel,
- 2 pairs of Injinji ultra-thin toe sock liners,
- 3 pairs of Calvin Klein cotton Stretch underwear, and
- 2 BUFF®s.
Stashing all these smaller items together means you’ll spend less time digging through your Camino pack and more time enjoying the journey.
Imagine the sinking feeling of stopping mid-walk on the Camino, heart racing as you frantically search for your phone—your lifeline for navigation, photos and connection. Before my 2018 Camino Primitivo trek, I faced that fear too. Then I discovered the phone shoulder pocket, a simple yet brilliant solution recommended by FarOut guides when they hired me to map the route.
This water-resistant carrier attaches securely with Velcro to any backpack shoulder strap, belt or padded strap, keeping your phone right where you need it—safe, accessible and worry-free.
No more endless patting of pockets or digging through your bag. It’s saved me countless moments of stress and precious time. Don’t let the fear of losing your phone shadow your journey—get yours today and walk with confidence.
👉 Don’t let the fear of losing your phone slow you down on the Camino—grab your phone shoulder pocket now and walk worry-free!
Traveling soon? Don’t forget to pack these essential items
Here are 4 often-forgotten items you don’t want to leave home without:
- I would have been lost in Europe without this power bank: Anker Nano Power Bank, 10K, 45W, 8.1 oz. Just imagine your phone running out of battery while you’re exploring London.
- And speaking of power, you def don’t want to forget a plug adapter – this is the one I use – I love it because it has 3 USB-C ports!
- You can’t beat this Sea to Summit premium neck pillow in terms of minimum weight and packed size. Who doesn’t want to get some shuteye on those long flights?
- I’m hooked on longer rain jackets that look as good on Paris boulevards as protect you on the trail.
📌 Bonus: Here’s the carry-on I swear by! My travel-tough Samsonite bags have lasted decades.
What Not to Pack for the Camino de Santiago
Don’t bring heavy guidebooks, full-size toiletries, multiple pairs of shoes or “emergency” food supplies. You can buy what you need along the way. The Camino provides—trust me, I’ve learned this lesson after hauling unnecessary gear for too many kilometers. (See image above!)
Don’t let packing mistakes steal your joy like they once did mine. Download my Camino Packing List now and step onto the trail with confidence, knowing you’ve got exactly what you need for your own unforgettable pilgrimage.
Ready to Pack Like a Pro for Your Camino?
Enter your email, and I’ll send you my Ultimate Camino Packing List so you can walk lighter, feel confident and enjoy every step of your pilgrimage.
Special Tips for Women: Camino Packing List Female
Ladies, don’t overthink it. Feminine hygiene products are available in most Spanish pharmacies, but if you have a favorite brand, bring a small supply.
A lightweight scarf or sarong is invaluable—it works as a shawl, skirt, privacy curtain or picnic blanket. For solo women, I’ve always felt safe, but trust your instincts and pack what makes you comfortable.
Final Thoughts: What to Pack for Camino de Santiago
After 18 caminos, my advice is simple: pack light, trust yourself and remember that anything you forget can be found along the way. Your Camino packing list should reflect your needs, not your fears. Celebrate the journey, not the stuff on your back. Buen Camino!
Let my years of blisters, breakthroughs and backpack blunders help you walk lighter and happier. If you have questions or want to share your own Camino packing tips, leave a comment below—I love hearing from fellow pilgrims!
RELATED: 20 Books on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela for the Spiritually Minded
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Stay tuned for my next article, where I’ll share what I keep in my money belt and other tips for keeping your money safe while traveling.
Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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4 thoughts on “The Ultimate Camino Packing List: What 21 Years and 18 Caminos Have Taught Me”
My additional recommendations after a couple Camino’s and many other treks around the world:
– Instead of Body Glide AND anti itch cream, use Salty Britches Chafing Ointment – it does the job of both of them.
– Personally, not a fan of toe socks, my toes feel claustrophobic. Use KT Blister Prevention tape on known hot spots (so much better than Compeed) plus lather your feet in Salty Britches morning and afternoon after a change of socks
– minimum of 4 pairs of socks for midday change
– 2 long sleeve sun shirts (Patagonia Capilene) and one short sleeve. Having your skin covered, even in blazing hot sun, keeps you cooler since you skin isn’t heating up in the sun.
-Sunblock – buy in Europe. Ingredients are way better than US sunblocks.
– Lush shampoo bar or Dr Bronners Peppermint soap bar- can be used as shampoo, body wash, and laundry detergent.
– if you have long hair, 2 hair ties for double braids that cover your ears for added sun protection (for baseball cap wearers)
Thanks so much for your input, Leila! Great suggestions for the Camino packing list, although I’ve never tried the chafing ointment. I’ll have to try it before I leave on my next Camino!
Yes, dear readers, you need to pretest everything you pack BEFORE you leave home, boots, socks, clothing, toiletries – all!
Hi Stacey, I’m planning on walking my first Camino (del north) next year end of may. One thing I’m unsure about is how to deal with blisters. I read a lot of people use compeed but I’ve also seen a lot of people saying don’t use it.. What’s your routine or advice?
Thank you so much for the blog, it’s great and very helpful!
Thanks for reaching out Tim. According to a naturalpathic pharmacist on the Camino Frances, long distance hikers should NEVER use COMPEED. It’s good for short-term fixes, not something you want on your feet day after day after day. She told me this as she was trying to remove COMPEED from one of my fellow pilgrims feet without taking off the skin it had adhered to. She said she saw too much infection stemming from the product’s longterm use on the Camino.