Category Archives: Camino de Santiago

Packing for Camino

Posted on by under Camino de Santiago, Europe, Uncategorized

A few months ago I was lucky to be able to take five weeks off from my work as a nurse to walk the Camino de Santiago.  For those of you who have never heard of the Camino, you can find some information here.  Also known as the Way of St. James, it began in the middle ages as a pilgrimage to the burial place of the Apostle.  Although people walk it for various reasons now, it still follows the same paths pilgrims have been walking for hundreds of years.  Several years ago a movie, The Way, was made about the Camino.  It is fairly entertaining and a pretty accurate description of life on the Way.

There are several routes, but all end in Santiago de Compostela, España.  I walked the Camino Francés, or the French Way.  It begins in St. Jean, France and follows a 500 mile trail across Northern Spain.  It took me 30 days and was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.  I plan to share more of my experience later, but first I thought I would share my packing list.  I do not pretend to be an expert packer.  However, unless you plan to camp, this basic list should include everything you need.

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My packing list:

  1. Backpack.  Don’t skimp on this item!!  Be sure to purchase this from a place with knowledgeable staff (REI) who can help fit you to the correct size.  Important things to look for include a thick, adjustable waist band to help take pressure and weight off of your shoulders.  My pack is a Deuter, and I loved it!!  360x500-5949--act-lite-45l-plus-10-sl-purple
  2. Hiking shoes.  This is probably the most important thing you will bring – another area where you don’t want to skimp.  When trying on shoes, be sure to allow for some room for swelling.  Trust me, after 500 miles your feet will not look the same as they did when you left.  I wore Salomons and ended up with fewer blisters than most people.
  3. Several pairs (2-3) of thick, high quality socks.  This is important for preventing blisters!
  4. Walking poles.  These were a life saver!!! I don’t think I would have made it without them.
  5. Flip flops/shower shoes
  6. Quick dry hiking shirts.  I brought 2 short sleeved and 1 long sleeved.
  7. 1 tank top
  8. 3 sports bras
  9. 2 pullovers/sweatshirts.  The Camino Francés covers several areas of higher altitude. This means temperatures may be cooler than expected.  I only brought 1 pullover initially and ended up buying a second about a week in.  (This will depend greatly on the time of year you are walking.  I was there in May and early June).
  10. Hiking pants.  Try them out before you go – make sure they are comfortable and durable!
  11. 1 pair of shorts
  12. I brought 1 hiking skort.  This was a great option for me, because it didn’t ride-up under my pack like athletic shorts would have.
  13. Undergarments.  There is some debate as to what type of underwear is best for the trail.  Most of my hiking options had built-in underwear, which was good for ease and comfort.
  14. Hat
  15. Sunglasses (cheap pair)
  16. Poncho – I actually never used mine
  17. Rain jacket.  I opted for this on rainy days rather than the poncho.
  18. Backpack rain cover.  This is essential in keeping your things dry.  Most backpack brands sell one to fit their specific sizes.
  19. Sleeping bag.  I opted for a “sleeping sack”.  They are lighter weight and less bulky, making them easier to pack and carry.  However, if you are traveling during cold weather, they do not provide as much warmth as a traditional sleeping bag.
  20. Inflatable pillow – while most albergues offer a pillow, some do not
  21. Bug spray.  This includes both spray for your body once you get there and bug spray for your clothes and gear.  Unfortunately, bed bugs are not uncommon on Camino.  I sprayed all of my clothes, sleep sack, and bag with Permethrin spray before leaving home.  Screen Shot 2016-08-17 at 10.47.16 PM
  22. Band aids
  23. Ibuprofen
  24. Neosporin
  25. Blister pads
  26. Ibuprofen
  27. Moleskin
  28. Anti-itch cream (ahem, bed bugs)
  29. Tweezers
  30. Did I mention Ibuprofen?
  31. Basically all first-aid equipment.  Especially Ibuprofen!  You WILL hurt at some point (probably more often than not).  Whether it be your muscles, joints, hangover headaches; you will need ibuprofen.  Also, everything to prevent and/or treat blisters.
  32. Sewing kit.  Not what you would think:  The best way I have found to treat a large blister is to sew a thread through it.  Leave the thread in place over night so the blister can continue to drain and eventually dry-out.  I know this may sound a little gruesome, but it’s better than suffering through miles and miles of walking with blisters.
  33. Nail clippers
  34. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant, etc.
  35. Hair brush (travel size)
  36. Tooth brush and tooth paste
  37. Razor
  38. Quick-dry towel and washcloth.  The quick-dry part is a must.
  39. Hand sanitzer
  40. Wipes and/or toilet paper.  Side note:  You will likely have to go somewhere along the trail where there is no bathroom.  What you hike in, you must hike out.  Do NOT leave toilet paper along the trail.
  41. Chap stick
  42. Some sort of laundry soap/detergent
  43. Sunscreen.  Since you are walking in the same direction everyday, one side of your body will get very burnt.
  44. Earplugs.  While I never wore earplugs, some people swear by them.  That being said, I used a fan app on my phone to create background noise for sleeping.  Dorms are big, with large numbers of people; and large numbers of people mean possible guaranteed snoring. If you want to get any sleep at all, come prepared.
  45. Plastic baggies.  You never know what you might need these for.
  46. Phone (to take pictures if nothing else)
  47. Extra-long phone charger.  Sometimes you may have to fight for an outlet.
  48. Go pro
  49. Headphones.  I enjoyed listening to music on days where I was walking for long periods of time by myself.  This may not be for everyone.  That being said, when you are around other people, put the headphones away and get to know everyone – that’s what Camino is all about!
  50. Outlet converter
  51. Portable battery
  52. Camino Guide.  I used Hiking the Camino de Santiago by Anna Dintaman.  Most English speakers carried the guide by John Brierley.  I found Dintaman’s to be much more practical and with better maps.
  53. Journal.  By far my favorite souvenir is my journal.  Every time I read it I get to relive different moments from my walk.  I also left spaces to insert photos, so others enjoy reading through and seeing the visuals from my trip.  Screen Shot 2016-08-17 at 7.39.38 PM
  54. Pen
  55. Clothes line and pegs.  While most albergues offer a place to hang wet clothes, there is usually not enough space for everyone.
  56. Flashlight – I just used the one on my phone
  57. Hair ties
  58. Packing cubes.  These made my life sooo much simpler.  I highly recommend investing in some!Screen Shot 2016-08-17 at 7.38.05 PM
  59. A rock.  There is a point along The Way where pilgrims leave a rock which they have been carrying from home, “alleviating their burden both literally and figuratively.”
  60. A smaller bag/purse to carry things around town in the evening
  61. Pilgram passport.  You can get this prior to leaving home or at the Camino office in St. Jean.  You must carry this passport to be able to stay at albergues along the way.  Also, if you want credentials to prove you walked The Way at the end, you must get your passport stamped along the way.
  62. Shell.  The shell is a traditional symbol of pilgrims following the Way of St. James.
  63. Passport – like the one to get you on the plane
  64. Cash.  Cash is king on Camino.
  65. Credit card, drivers license, insurance card (basic travel 101)
  66. Book.  You will have lots of down time in the evenings
  67. Water bottle vs. water bladder.  I brought both and it worked well for me.  I used the bottle in the evenings and the bladder during the day while walking.  (Side note: if bringing a water bladder, be sure your pack has a designated place for it)

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I hope this list has been helpful.  Like I said, it is what worked for me.  If you have any questions or suggestions I would love to hear them.  Buen Camino!