When organizing the Camino de Santiago it is very important to carry a well equipped backpack to ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience. Forget about carrying "porsiacasos" because the less weight you carry, the better.
First of all, it is recommended to choose a backpack with a capacity of about 30 to 50 liters; the bigger the backpack, the more weight you will put in it and this will hurt you on the Camino. In general, it should not exceed 10% of your weight.
Here are some basic items you should consider taking with you:
- Comfortable footwear. You can choose mid-calf trekking boots, but always make sure you have worn them before, otherwise, if you wear them for the first time, they will chafe and blister.
- The socks that are breathable, seamless and fit you perfectly. It is better to invest in good socks because it will prevent chafing or blisters.
- A sleeping bag light to stay in hostels and you may need to bring a mat in case you want to rest in the open air during a stage.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for walking. Depending on the time of the year, you can include different items of clothing.
In summer you could wear:
- Three changes of breathable or quick-drying T-shirts.
- Two pants, one of them detachable and one short.
- Three changes of underwear, which can be washed in the hostels.
- Some clothes for the evening, for dinner or a walk in the area.
- A jacket in case it cools down.
- A raincoat to cover you and your backpack, because you never know if it will start raining.
- Flip-flops for the showers in the hostels.
- Swimming suit. In some areas of the road there are bathing areas and some swimming pools.
In winter, we would include thermal t-shirts and leggings, some polar fleece, hat, gloves and neck warmer.
- Towel single-use microfiber, so that it is light and easy to dry.
- Toiletry bag should include: moisturizer, earplugs, tissues, toothpaste and toothbrush in small travel size, laundry soap and hair accessories.
- A first aid kit first aid kit with bandages, painkillers, needle and thread for blisters, band-aids or insect repellent.
- A bottle of water reusable to stay hydrated during the Camino de Santiago. You can also bring something to eat or some snacks, light and energetic food such as nuts, energy bars, fruit or sandwiches. Anyway, along the stages there are bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or eat at affordable prices, many of them have a pilgrim's menu.
- A cap or hat, sunglasses y sun protection. It is essential to protect your head and eyes from sunlight to prevent heat exhaustion.
- Trekking poles. Many pilgrims decide to wear them for support in difficult terrain and on uphill and downhill slopes to reduce the impact.
- Some clothespins and string will be useful to hang the clothes we want to dry, since in some hostels there may be times when the clotheslines are busy.
- A knife multipurpose will be very useful in our stages in nature.
- We can also include a notebook and pen to note down any data that we find interesting by making a field diary, and a book with information or guide to the roadto learn more about the stages or history of the area.
- A small backpack with the essentials (wallet, sunglasses, sunscreen ...) will be very useful to take a walk in the afternoon and go light or also in case you use the backpack transfer service.
- Of course, don't forget to include your identification document. Be sure to bring it with you so you can check in at the hostels.
These are some basic items you should consider taking with you on the Camino de Santiago. However, keep in mind that the list may vary depending on the time of year you do the Camino and your personal needs.
Our Camino de Santiago Guide team will always be on the lookout for the group, for peace of mind and safety, with an assistance vehicle. So just enjoy the Camino.
Summary of What to take on the Camino de Santiago.
On the Camino de Santiago it is important to carry only what is necessary so as not to carry too much weight. Some essential items to bring include appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, a light backpack, basic first aid kit, personal hygiene items, flashlight, hiking stick, pilgrim's credential, cash, health card, and identification documents. In addition, it is advisable to bring a guidebook, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and a bag for dirty clothes.
Bon Camino, pilgrim!