What you pack for the Camino De Santiago matters. You’ll be carrying it all with you, every step of the way. Of course, you will overpack-- it’s destined to happen. They say you overpack your fears. For me, it was food. I have 13 food allergies and was terrified of going hungry. I packed an exorbitant amount of snacks and meat sticks, then ended up finding food along the way every day. My stomach was fine, my back and feet were not.
When I set off on my first Camino, I had very little knowledge of the trail, backpacking, or even just hiking in general. I went in overconfident and underinformed. But I survived! And you will too! Just remember: EVERY OUNCE COUNTS. Make sure everything you put in your bag has a purpose and you’ll be fine.
Below is everything I packed (and what I wish I didn’t) for the Camino De Santiago Portugese Central Route in May-June of 2024.
Pack and accessories:
The way your pack fits is extremely important. You will be carrying this thing up mountains and across long stretches of road in the rain. It’s your lifeline. A second limb. I went to REI and got fitted, and I’d recommend you do the same. Go to your local outdoor place, inform them of your ignorance, and let them guide you. Tom at REI was my shaman, I cannot thank him enough. Along with the pack, get the necessary accessories: rain cover and water reservoir. Hydration matters. And it will rain, especially when you don’t want it to.
Gear:
This is what you need to stay safe, stay organized, and hopefully sleep a bit.
I got some packing cubes off amazon to keep everything organzied and they did me well!
A sleeping bag liner is perfectly fine for the months of May and June. I was cold a few nights, but pants and two pairs of socks fixed that. I liked how this one wrapped around the pillow and was easily compressable.
I personally never used it because I’m not a morning person, but I would still recommend it. Many pilgrims preferred to begin their walks before the sunrise.
LOCKS
Everyone on the camino is extremely friendly (in my experience) but I am an American with trust issues, so I had a very strategic lock set up. One basic lock for lockers in private albergues or hostels. One lock that could wrap about my entire pack, making it impossible to open if I was leaving it out in the open.
Electronics case with all your chargers
Helped to keep things organized
iPhone, we’re not in kansas anymore
I was always able to find an outlet to recharge if needed, but these were nice to have on long days.
Literally never used this. Handheld all the way
Sadly barely used my camera. It was so rainy I didn’t want to risk the damage, my iPhone is waterproof and shoots just as well.
These were my saving grace. The noise cancelling saved me from sleepless nights next to snoring pilgrims. I also enjoyed listening to music to get me through the days I walked alone.
Again, the snores are brutal.
Journal and pen
Writing is important!
I kept this thang on me at all times. I kept all my important items like passport and wallet inside, and would carry it with me when I left my pack behind at the albergue to go explore the towns. I liked the size of this one, my passport fit in the hidden pocket.
On the extra rainy days I’d throw my fanny pack in here. Just because I’m an anxious person.
I carried a basic drawstring bag to throw my stinky clothes in until I could wash them.
I got them and left them in Porto as RyanAir doesn’t allow them as carry on (or so I was told). I got them from Decathelon, Portugal’s version of Dicks sporting goods.
Also got in porto with the poles
Snacks
I brought some epic bars, protein bars, and liquid IV. Then I picked up a bunch of unnecessary snacks in porto (story for another time).
The gear I wish I didn’t bring:
I never used it, but made me feel safer.
Clothes pins
Every albergue has some for you.
Shoes:
This is arguably the most important purchase of your Camino. Make sure your shoes FIT and ARE COMFORTABLE (looking at you, past self). Spend some time breaking them in ahead of time. These will be the shoes you walk across a country in, so make them good ones. You’ll want some sandals to wear after you’re done walking for the day or exploring the town. There are plenty of beautiful rivers along the way, you’ll want to stop and soak your feet at least once too. Make sure your sandals are hike-able in. Also, you’ll need shoes to shower in. I combined my town shoes with shower shoes–which sounds gross but I promise I rinsed them in between (most of the time) ((hey, every ounce counts)).
Hoka Speedgoat 5 trail runners
I hate to say this, but these did not work for me. I mean, they got me there…but I arrived with a blister on every toe. It was my fault, I didn’t break them in and didn’t realize they were too small until I was already halfway up a Portugese mountain. But they did get me there and I saw plenty of other pilgrims wearing them, it was a ME issue.
Loved these. Wore as shower shoes and town shoes.
Clothes:
In May/June on the Camino the weather can be chilly in the mornings and at night, and gets hot during the day. I was never cold and never too hot with what I packed. The key is comfort. I wore things I already owned and had worn plenty of times before. No one cares about fashion and you won’t either. When it's cold and rainy and you’re climbing up the 30th hill that day, you won’t care how cute the pants look. All you’ll think about is how they keep rubbing you the wrong way. Pack as little as you can. I packed three outfits so that I could go 2 days without having to do laundry if needed. MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS QUICK DRY!
1 longsleeve (I used luluemon, but here’s an alternative)
1 tank (I used luluemon, but here’s an alternative)
A note on the tank top: I wish I had just brought another tshirt. It didn’t protect my shoulders against the sun or pack.
1 pair of shorts (so comfy, and a pocket!)
1 pair of biker shorts (with pockets)
1 pullover
3 pairs of merino wool socks
3 pairs underwear
Needs to be quick dry but most importantly just needs to be comfy. I stuck with what I would wear everyday anyways.
1 rain jacket (extra points if rain proof)
Swimsuit (bring from home)
A town outfit to wear after hiking:
I picked up a pair of cargo pants and a Nirvana t-shirt along the way at an H&M in Pontrevedra. If possible, bring a town outfit (regular clothes) with you. It will make you feel human. Trust me.
Toiletries:
The key here is having a bag with a hook. I didn’t, and wished I did. Every bathroom will have a hook for your bag and towel in the shower. Otherwise, you’ll have to choose between holding it while showering with one hand or letting your bag touch the same floor 40 other people just showered on before you. You’ll need a quick dry towel. For toiletries, see what you can combine. A shampoo AND conditioner bar; a soap that can clean you AND your clothes (vine). Don’t stress too much about this section—you’ll pass a pharmacy in every town with everything you need.
Shampoo bar (made my hair so luscious)
Mini toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal items:
A sharpie:
IDK if this is legal, so this is entirely theoretical. In a past life I used to frequent dive bars where my sharpie inspirational quotes, drawings, and name was scribbled on every possible wall. I decided that even though that part of me isn’t relevant anymore, maybe I’d bring a bit of her with me. I carried a sharpie in my pocket and left little notes of encouragement all along the route, at least once a day. If you ever see a “Live Fearlessly” you know who it came from ;)
A rock:
It’s tradition to bring a rock from home to leave along the camino as a way of putting down your burdens.
A token of friendship:
I credit my Mom for this idea. She found these mini shells online and suggested I make a friendship bracelet to give to people I meet along the way. I put them on safety pins so they could stick them on their packs. This was a really fun way to show my gratitude and love to the people I met along the way, and create a little club of mini shells.
And that’s it! Stay tuned for my next packing list winter edition (once I figure out what I need)
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