List of recommended gear for the Camino
We have prepared for you a recommended list of equipment for the Camino de Santiago. You can choose among the many products listed or purchase any other product that will suit you.
Please note that the products are separated between men and women.
In addition, we have prepared for you a detailed list that you can print before you pack so that you do not forget anything behind:
For the Camino de Santiago walk, it is recommended to use a bag of 35-50 liters and not bigger. You, if you do not use the bag trasport service, will carry your backpack for hours every day, so it is important that it is as light as possible (no more than 10% of your body weight). Before choosing the backpack, pay attention to its size, choose between a men's and women's bag and adjust it properly.
Bags
Backpack
Your shoes are perhaps the most important item on the Camino. Since most of you will walk the various Camino trails, the shoes must be comfortable, airy and suitable for you. The recommendation is not to go out to the Camino with heavy mountain shoes because most of the way is flat and on paved paths. Along the way you can see people walking in light hiking shoes, Barefoot shoes, hiking sandals and sneakers. Once you have chosen the pair of shoes for you, It is very important to travel and walk with them regularly for a few months for you to get used to it. It is recommended to get wide shoes that create less friction with the feet and thus significantly reduce the chance of blisters
Footwear
Shoes
Flip-flops or sandals are very important when going to the shared showers in hostels and all the time after you take off your shoes after walking
Shoes
Flip-flops or Sandals
In the summer seasons the sun can be strong and walking for hours can lead to burns, a little sunscreen will help you a lot
General
Sunscreen
Hiking poles are important for anyone who is prone to knee problems or needs extra support when walking. Please note that in order to pass with the walking sticks at the airports you usually must send them in a checked bag. If necessary, there is an option to purchase them along the way.
General
Hiking Poles
You can take a simple sports pants that can be used in the evening and while sleeping
Sleeping
Sleeping Shorts
Small kit for minor repairs if needed
General
Sewing Kit
Sometimes there aren't enough clothespins in hostels, it's a good idea to bring some from home and mark them so they know they're yours
Laundry
Clothespins
To protect your important documents, it is recommended to use Ziploc bags
Storage
Ziploc Plastic Bags
In your bathing bag make sure to put only the most necessary products, you can always buy cosmetics etc. at pharmacies along the way
Bathing
Bathing
A very basic first aid kit, there are medicines and medical equipment in every pharmacy along the Camino. Be careful to take enough of any special medicines you consume
General
First Aid Kit
If you plan to sleep in hostels, it is recommended to bring earplugs to avoid hearing the snoring and noises
General
Earplugs
A wide hat is preferable to protect the back of your neck as well
Clothing
Hat
The Camino de Santiago is an ongoing journey that provides you with options of accommodation, food and comfort unlike other hikes or treks Accordingly, your equipment should be packed so that the bag is of the lowest possible weight, that because you will spend hours with the bag on your back.
What gear to take to the Camino de Santiago?
For the Camino you need the most basic equipment - clothing, toiletries and a sleeping bag or blanket.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, it is recommended to make do with only 2 or 3 sets of clothes.The Camino has the option to do laundry at every stop, whether by hand or by machine, so there's no reason to carry extra clothes. In addition, most Camino travelers walk between May and October, when the weather is nice and not too cold, so there's no need to carry heavy winter clothes.
It is important to remember that since you do not have many hours to dry your clothes after washing, it is recommended to bring clothes that are not cotton but polyester (dri-fit) or any material that dries quickly.
You can also bring light evening wear, a sleeping garment, a swimsuit, gloves, a hat and a bandana.
It is recommended to use the 3-layer principle: a base layer that includes sweat-wicking shirts, a middle layer that is a coat or thin sweater, a top layer that is a windbreaker/rain jacket.
Shoes
The shoes you take with you are perhaps the most important item of clothing you will have on the Camino. After days of walking dozens of kilometers, your body, especially your legs, will feel the effort. The shoes you choose should first and foremost be comfortable for you and suitable for the Camino trails - trails that combine flat roads and uphill sections.
It is recommended not to take heavy mountain shoes which are not necessary for the Camino trails. The recommendation is to take light hiking shoes, sneakers or hiking sandals. If you can, look for wide-cut shoes that will reduce friction between your foot and shoe and help prevent blisters from forming.
However, if you bought new shoes before going to the Camino, it is very important to walk with them for at least a few months on different walking trails in order to get used to the shoes.
If necessary, you can also bring a pair of sandals with you to use for walking around the towns after the day of walking and/or for the walk days, if you suffer from blisters or feel pain or a problem with the hiking shoes.
Backpack
Your backpack, while walking on the Camino, is on your back most of the time, so it is important to choose a quality bag with a high level of support, padding and ventilation. Since we try to take the minimum amount of equipment, a bag of 35-50 liters should definitely be enough for you. Please note that there are bags suitable for women and men separately, so choose accordingly. In any case, it is better to have another small bag (up to 20 liters) for walking around the cities and towns or for walking time if you sent the large bag to the next destination. (Those who prefer to use the bag transfer service and usually sleep in hotels and guest houses can take a suitcase instead of a backpack) It is also recommended to have rain cover and/or a rainproof poncho for rainy walking days.
Sleeping gear
Most Camino hostels (Albergues) don't have blankets and some don't even have disposable sheets, so a sleeping bag is important for the Camino. Remember that if you go to sleep in hostels and if you do not travel in winter then you will not be very cold, so it is best to bring with you a thin sleeping bag or just a liner that will do the job and will not take up a lot of space in your bag. If you are not sensitive to cold at night, you can also bring a simple cotton sheet.
It is also recommended to bring earplugs for the night, a blindfold and an inflatable hiking pillow. (Those who choose to sleep only in guest houses and hotels will often not need additional sleeping equipment)
Toiletries
In your toiletries bag it is recommended to put only the necessary toiletries for you, you can always stock up on pharmacies along the Camino. It is recommended if you replace the large bottles with small travel-sized bottles that can be brought on airplanes. Also bring a microfiber towel (dries quickly) and flip-flops for the shower. If you plan to do laundry by hand, it is recommended to bring a laundry soap bar.
Additional gear
You can also bring additional equipment to the Camino that can help you along the way:
-
Hiking poles (note that not all airlines allow them in hand luggage)
-
Portable charger
-
Reusable bottle or hydration pack
-
First aid kit