Congrats on choosing to hike the Camino de Santiago—that’s a solid life choice! Now, you need a Camino packing list to start your planning. It will be an experience of a lifetime!
This packing list for the Camino covers all the gear I personally used on the Portuguese Camino in the fall of 2024; however, it applies to all Camino walking routes.
While you can use much of the same ultralight hiking gear on a thru-hike in the United States, there are some key differences when packing for a Camino.
I’ve previously hiked 3 Caminos beforehand: the Camino frances (2008), the Camino del Norte (2009), and the Camino Primativo (2017), as well as a ton of other thru-hikes in the United States. On those other Caminos, I learned how several gear switches can make a HUGE difference in the quality of life.
In the Fall of 2024, I hiked the Camino Portuguese with Karma and my Mom. None of us had been to Portugal, so we started in Lisbon. We walked all the way to Porto, then onto Santiago, and out to Finisterre and Muxía.
So, gather your old gear, some lightweight athletic clothing, and fill in the gaps with some online shopping…let’s get you outfitted for the Camino de Santiago!
This post contains affiliate links. I have used every product mentioned, and if you purchase one of these products, I can make a small commission at no cost to you.
List of Contents
Camino de Santiago Packing List VS Thru-hiking Packing List
As a long-time thru-hiker, I’m partial to ultralight backpacking gear. However, on the Camino…new rules apply.
Before we dive into my Camino packing list, let’s dive into thru-hiking gear you DON’T need to bring. You get to cut out some key larger-weight items, but you’ll also have several items that surprisingly balance each other out.
DON’T BRING:
INSTEAD BRING: (Things You’d Never Need on a Thru-Hike)
- Shampoo & Conditioner – I start out with my own from home in these reusable containers.
- Bar Soap – This little soap bag didn’t leak the whole time!
- Pack Towel
- Shower Flip Flops
- Shell (you can usually buy these at the start)
- Town Clothes/Sleep Clothes (can be the same if you’re crafty)
- Credential/Pilgrim Passport (A paper document for stamps proving you’re hiking a Camino and allowing you into Albergues.)
Instead of sleeping in your tent each night on trail, you’ll sleep at an Albergue or “pilgrim hostel.” At an Albergue, you’ll have a bunk, with a pillow (no sheets or blankets), and access to a bathroom with a shower (no towels or soap). Occasionally, an Albergue will have a communal kitchen, but not often.
You’ll carry only snacks and the occasional picnic lunch for food because you’ll pass through 1-4 towns on your average walking day.
Packing List for the Camino de Santiago in Autumn
Now that you have the critical gear differences in mind, here’s my Camino Packing list with links and a brief explanation of why each item is in my pack.
I try out new gear often, and on this trip, all three of us tested the new Six Moon Designs backpack, designed for Camino hikers. The 35-liter All Day Carry Backpack worked exceptionally well for the travel portions of the trip. We used them for the entire 47-day trip, where 38 days were spent walking. If you’re walking more days than hiking, I would use my regular hiking backpack, the Swift X.
Camino Specific Documents
Passport. You will need your passport to get into Portugal/Spain/France, and each Albergue will require your passport number as well. It needs to have 6 months or more from the beginning of your trip!
Pilgrim Passport/Credencial. This is a paper passport that you will collect stamps in to prove that you’re walking the Camino. You need at least one stamp per day during your walk and two stamps per day in the last 100km. You can get this online ahead of time (it takes forever) or usually at any major cathedral on the route, especially at the beginning.
Scallop Shell. When walking a Camino, you’ll want a scallop shell to tie onto your backpack. This identifies you as a person walking a Camino.
Backpack
Six Moon Designs All Day Carry 35. This pack just rolled out in the summer of 2024. Ron, the founder of SMD, designed it while on his own Camino. While this is my go-to travel backpack now, I’m not sure if I’d hike with it again. If you’re only going for two weeks, it would be great. If I’d hike another Camino, I’d bring my regular Swift X.
Sleep System
You can save weight on your sleep system because you don’t need a tent. However, I strongly recommend adding a sleeping bag liner if you don’t usually carry one for your Camino packing list.
This should be necessary because, in my experience, the bed bugs often hide in the hardly washed blankets in albergues.
Jacks’R’Better Sierra Sniveller Quilt. Karma and I will use the quilts that we’ve used on our last two hikes (GET & DWTH). We still have the couple’s option here, although we won’t be using it in bunk beds. I find quilts helpful on the Caminos because you’re sleeping inside, and it allows for warmer/cooler room adjustments more than a sleeping bag.
Silk Liner Sea to Summit. I HIGHLY recommend a silk liner for 2 BIG reasons. First, it protects your sleeping bag or quilt and makes it last longer. Second, Albergue bunks often have a vinyl sheet to prevent bed bugs. Without a top sheet…the liner *becomes* your sheet.
Clothing
The clothing you’ll wear for walking the Camino is very similar to thru-hiking clothing. What differs is adding town clothes. Personally, I prefer to double my town clothes as my sleep clothes to save weight on my Camino packing list.
WORN CLOTHING
Hooded Sun Shirt. For this hike, I’m using the Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Hoodie. It has SPF 50, has a hood, and thumb holes. I cropped it by cutting the bottom off and hemming it. (By me, I mean…my Mom and Karma lent their sewing skills.)
Athletic Dress. I thrifted a second-hand Prana Athletic dress from Mercari for this hike. Just search for “athletic dress” and put in your size! (Not everything needs to be new and super pricy…I paid $35 for this one, but I’ve paid as low as $15!)
Waterlust 4” Pocket Shorts. I like to have a pair of spandex pocket shorts underneath my dress so I don’t have to worry about sitting on the ground in my short dress. This particular pair is well-traveled and has completed the CDT, GET, and DWTH. It’s on round 4!
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Sport Underwear. I pack 3 pairs of these for a Camino hike. They’re super light, and they dry wicked fast. When you get into an Albergue later than you intended, you can still hand wash them and they’ll be dry when you wake up!
WORN FOOTWEAR
Darn Tough ¼ Cushion Socks. LOVE THESE. I carry 3 pairs of the exact same type, usually in 3 different colors. Two pairs get worn hiking. I alternate those every other day. The last pair becomes my sleep socks, but they can also be hiking socks in emergencies.
Teva Tirra Sandals. I am a sandal hiker! I’ve used the Teva Tirra Sandals since 2012 on the PCT. Each pair gets me 400-700 miles, depending on the terrain. They sport great tread, adjustable straps, a bit of arch support (but not too much), and I get whatever color is discounted the winter prior.
WORN ACCESSORIES
Goodr Sunglasses. I’m very hard on sunglasses, so I have a hard time spending more than the $25-35 range. I’ve found Goodr Sunglasses to be more durable than most other options of budget sunglasses.
Otto Trucker Hat. Once you find a type of hat that fits your head and works with your style, you stick with it. That’s an Otto Trucker Hat for me. Sometimes I get ones from small companies with writing or a logo and sometimes I buy them blank.
PACKED CLOTHING (EXTRA LAYERS)
REI Co-op Take Your Time 7/8 Leggings. I’ve found these leggings to be light as far as leggings go. The XS size weighs about 6-7 ounces, and they’re comfortable with pockets. I often wear these in the morning and switch to shorts when I warm up. I also use them at an Albergue if I get cold.
Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie. #IYKYK. I love a Melly microgrid for hiking, however, the appointment system to get them is not my favorite. If you’re looking for something similar, Sambob.biz has gender-neutral options that are crazily customizable, and they sometimes do a bulk shop drop.
Fleece Hat. You’ll want a warm, lightweight beanie in case the weather takes a turn for the cold, especially for a spring or autumn Camino. I find they’re also helpful if you get the later shower at an Albergue and your wet hair is making you cold. I found my favorite one at Maple Fest in West Virginia in 2009.
Sleep Clothes/Town Clothes. Yes, you need different clothes to change into after you’ve finished walking for the day on a Camino. If you think about it beforehand, you can make your sleep clothes and town clothes THE SAME. This time, I am using some lightweight REI Co-op clothes: an Active Pursuits Women’s T-Shirt (a poly/spandex blend) and the Active Pursuits 4.5” Women’s Shorts (recycled poly/spandex blend). I can sleep in these AND go to get dinner in them.
Extra Socks and Underwear. I wear one pair of each and pack two extra pairs giving me a total of 3 of each!
Rain Gear
It definitely rains on the Caminos, no matter which one you’re on. So, make sure your Camino packing list has solid rain gear to keep you and your gear dry!
Stio Women’s Ender Hooded Jacket. There is a huge difference in waterproofness between a 2-layer (2L) rain jacket and a 3-layer (3L) jacket. And let me tell you…it RAINS in northwestern Spain.
Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon Umbrella. I LOVE this umbrella. I take it on every trail with me because it helps me through rainy days and super hot sunny days. This is super helpful on any Camino to stay dry and would be especially helpful on the central portion of the Camino frances!
SMD Hands-Free Umbrella Kit. I add this umbrella kit to one of my shoulder straps and it allows me to use my hiking poles and not hold my umbrella. The key is to have two points of contact. You can use both of the bungees included in the kit, or just on and use the pocket on the flight harness for your second point.
SMD SHOWER CAP Six Moon Designs created a pack cover. I usually use a DIY trash bag pack cover, but I tried this reusable one for the Camino. I want these reusable products to replace trash bags, but they don’t quite work as well. It worked ok on a Camino, but I wouldn’t take it backpacking.
DIY RAIN SKIRT. Instead of rain pants (which I destroy far too fast every time), I use a Costco trash bag. All you have to do is cut about an inch off the bottom of the bag and use the top straps to tie it around your waist or onto your hip belt.
Toiletries
Your Camino packing list for toiletries will have items that are different from your thru-hiking gear list. It’s one of the areas that looks the most different from thru-hiking.
Toothbrush. I use a bamboo kid’s toothbrush. They’re smaller and lighter.
Toothpaste. I use a small travel toothpaste and get another whenever it runs out.
Lip Balm. This is a pick your favorite lip balm and bring it!
Sunscreen. We always bring this to begin and pick up more when we run out. Bring your favorite kind to start. Our favorite kind is Neutrogena SPF 50 Clear Face because we don’t get acne when we use it.
Shampoo & Conditioner. These GoToob+ medium squeeze bottles are super helpful because these 2.5-ounce ones will go through TSA fine. I have long hair, and you need to keep showers short on the Camino, so liquid shampoo and conditioner work better than bar versions for me.
Body Soap. This is where I find a bar of soap is handier and you can get them almost anywhere. The Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case is convenient for carrying a bar (or half a bar of soap).
Shower Flip-Flops. Use. Cheap. Flip. Flops. Beware of others with athletes foot in communal showers!
Pack Towel. No Albergue ever has a towel. You bring your own. If you want to go ultralight here, get a smaller one.
Hair Brush. I usually use a mini hairbrush and break off the handle.
Kula Cloth. You won’t always have a bathroom! Be prepared with your Kula Cloth and don’t litter!
Poo Kit. Emergencies happen. Be prepared. I keep two mini rolls of TP, a few wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and some extra sandwich-sized ziplock bags to pack out my dirty TP and wipes.
Water System
Water looks a little different on the Camino de Santiago. You’ll mostly refill from town sources like Albergues, bars, cafes, and grocery stores. Occasionally, you might not be able to refill, and you’ll have to buy water.
Some town water fountains exist that are listed as water sources. HOWEVER, use these at your own risk. Most are fine, and some are questionable. I’m pretty sure this is how I get sick on my first Camino.
I’ve used several different water systems on the past Caminos I’ve hiked. This is what I brought for water options on this Camino packing list.
HydraSleeve 3L Reservoir. We removed the water bladder from the insulated bag to save weight. I actually haven’t used a water bladder with a hose since the PCT in 2012. However, the new SMD All Day Carry Pack really lends to carrying one again. So, I haven’t used this one before other than my test hike, but we’re bringing it!
Sawyer Squeeze Filter & One Smart Water Bottle. I like to have options on the Camino, so I still bring my trusty filter. I also bring one empty smart water bottle to use as a dirty bottle to ensure the threads on the Sawyer Squeeze will work. You never know with water bottle threads in other countries!
Electronics
Let’s be honest…I like my tech gear! You can pick and choose your own electronics, but here is what I bring along. It’s a good starting place for you to think through your own electronic Camino packing list.
I’ll start with the more basic electronics and get increasingly more technical so you can pick and choose what works for you.
DEVICES
Smart Phone. I’m currently trying to make my iPhone 13 Pro last as long as possible, so that’s what I have on this Camino. You’ll want a phone that takes good photos and can still be updated.
Global Travel Adapter. A friend recommended this particular model for its versatility, so I’m excited to test it out on the Camino! One thing to note is that the USB-A and USB-C work essentially on 12v power, while the main plug will be the voltage of the travel location. Basically, it’s NOT a voltage regulator.
Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp. While you don’t need a headlamp as often on a Camino, it’s a necessary piece of safety gear when hiking. It’s especially helpful for those early morning starts to pack up while others are still sleeping! We used ours to beat the heat in southern Portugal. Also, it became important in October in Galicia when the sun didn’t rise until 8:30am!
Apple AirPods 2nd Generation Pro. I thoroughly enjoy spending time walking with an audiobook or music. Occasionally, I throw in some podcasts. Earbuds help because I can use one at a time to remain aware of my surroundings. They’re also helpful for the noise canceling feature on the flights to and from the Camino!
Nitecore NB20000 Battery Pack. This battery pack helps me stay charged when I need it, or all the plugs are taken at the Albergue.
Coros Apex 2 Watch. I prefer this sports watch to track my hiking!
CHARGING CABLES
iPhone Charging Cable. I like to have the lightning to USB-C because it charges my phone faster.
Nitecore USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable. This chord charges both my headlamp and my battery pack. It’s the same one included in either, but I only carry one.
Apple AirPod USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable. This charges my AirPods, headlamp, or battery pack.
Coros Apex 2 Charging Cable. I use the included cable.
OM System Camera Charging Cable. This is USB-A to USB-C, but specific to charging the battery of my camera inside the camera.
SMART PHONE SERVICES
Wise Pilgrim App. I purchased this GPS-based app to help with navigation and to see where Albergues, restaurants, and water are.
Airalo eSIM. If you’re arriving from out of the country, you will want phone data service. While wi-fi is more prevalent, it’s beneficial to have data to look at maps more easily, book Albergues in advance, find better food options, and keep your family updated. I used to get a local (physical) SIM card at the airport in each country, but I was always terrified of losing my home SIM card. Airalo makes buying and activating an eSIM very easy, and you can top off the data if you need more.
NordVPN. I like to add an extra layer of protection and set up a VPN to protect myself online while traveling.
Camera Gear
This section is entirely optional. I added it to the Camino packing list because I bring it hiking to capture both wildlife and occasionally a few landscapes.
OMD EM-Mark iii Camera Body. I’m generally buying camera gear that’s a few updates old to balance adventure with gear. Love this relatively lightweight camera body. If you scroll down in the link provided, you can find this camera body used.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5-6.3 IS Lens. This is my favorite birding lens! Admittedly, I have my eye on their newer version that’s 150-600mm, but…I haven’t worked it into the budget yet.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2 Lens. I normally use this lens for astrophotography, but it also takes excellent gear photos and landscapes!
Protective Clear Filter 72mm. This clear filter protects my 100-400mm lens in the field.
Protective Clear Filter 46mm. This clear filter protects my 12mm lens in the field.
Apple Lightning to Camera SD Reader. GAME CHANGER. This allows me to back up my favorite camera photos from my camera’s SD card onto my phone! I can then use Lightroom Mobile to edit on the go!
Extra Sony Tough Card. These are my favorite SD cards because of how fast their read/write speeds are. I have 3 currently and bring them all. Two of them are in my camera and a third waits just in case. I have two 128 GB and one 64 GB.
Extra Camera Battery. Always need a backup!
Joby Tripod Grip Tight One. This is the tiniest tripod and really only for my phone.
Camera Front Pack. I’m currently using a CTUG custom camera case. It’s a great case, but I was very disappointed in the process of getting it and their customer service.
Misc & Organizational Items
These are a few items that don’t fit conveniently into the other categories of the Camino packing list.
Leki Trekking Poles. I highly recommend trekking poles because they’ll alleviate a lot of pressure from your knees. These poles are a fantastic blend of lightweight and durable!
Six Moon Designs Packing Cubes. The All Day Carry 35 pack holds 3 of their large packing cubes perfectly…they literally designed it to fit. The All Day Carry 45 perfectly holds 4 of them! I also use one medium packing cube inside a large cube to separate any dirty socks and underwear from the clean clothes. Lastly, I use one of their smallest packing cubes to hold my smaller camera accessories.
SMD Grocery Go-Getter. This is a newer item in the SMD travel line. On past Caminos, I’ve brought a reusable bag to get grocery snacks and picnic lunches. This one is just lighter. Because it had a zipper, I found it more helpful than most. I even used it as my airplane “personal item”!
Swiss Army Knife. It’s not super necessary, but it’s helpful to have scissors and a knife. We bring along a thrifted duffle bag that we check for our hiking poles, this knife, and a few other odds and ends.
Sit Pad. I keep a Zlite closed cell foam sleeping pad in my Mom’s garage and DIY this. I cut off two panels, then cut them in half perpendicular to the accordion folds. You can also buy this pre-made version.
Final Thoughts
While this seems like a huge Camino packing list, it’s less than most people carry on the Caminos!
When you approach your own packing, think less is more. You can always buy any toiletry or basic clothing items along the way in the cities or larger towns.
And don’t forget…it’s ok to thrift items or modify what you already have. I started with almost all second-hand gear and slowly purchased my backpacking gear, as I kept with it over the years.
Some quick links for further reading:
- Everything you need to know about ALBERGUES
- Everywhere we stayed on the Portuguese Camino
- Portuguese Camino Routes EXPLAINED
- Finisterre VS Muxía…which is better, and are they worth it?
- All my 20K+ miles of knowledge about avoiding blisters
Your next step is to pick an itinerary for you! Below, I have a day-by-day description of how to walk from Porto to Santiago at a 9-14 miles per day pace. Also, I have a fast-paced itinerary from Lisbon to Santiago, covering 17-23 miles per day. You can also use the fast-paced itinerary for just Porto to Santiago!
📌 Pin it to Remember for YOUR Camino de Santiago!
