What to Pack for the Camino de Santiago
Short answer: a 28–40L backpack, three of every clothing item, one warm layer, one rain shell, trail runners plus sandals, a sleeping liner or light bag, a blister kit, and nothing else. Keep base weight under 10% of your body weight — about 6–8 kg for most pilgrims.
The complete pack list by category
| Category | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Backpack | 28–40L pack (women often 28–34L), rain cover, 2 dry bags |
| Footwear | Trail runners or light boots, camp sandals, 3 pairs merino socks |
| Clothing | 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 3 underwear, 1 fleece, 1 rain shell, 1 evening set, sun hat, buff |
| Sleep | Summer-weight sleeping bag or liner, earplugs, eye mask, silk/bug liner |
| Toiletries | Solid soap bar, small toothpaste, quick-dry towel, sunscreen, lip balm |
| First aid | Blister kit, Compeed, leukotape, ibuprofen, electrolytes, plasters |
| Tech | Phone, EU plug adapter, 5,000–10,000 mAh power bank, short cable, headlamp |
| Documents | Passport, credencial, travel insurance card, 2 debit/credit cards, €100 cash |
Pack weight targets
- Under 6 kg — experienced, warm-season, minimal pilgrims.
- 6–8 kg — the sweet spot for a first Camino in spring, summer or autumn.
- 8–10 kg — winter walking, camera gear, or larger body frames.
- Over 10 kg — post it ahead with a transfer service or send it home.
Weigh everything before you fly, then run the numbers again with our pack weight calculator.
What to leave at home
- Jeans, cotton T-shirts and cotton socks — they hold water and cause blisters.
- Full-size toiletries, hair dryers, heavy books and camping stoves.
- A second pair of walking shoes; sandals cover camp, showers and rest days.
- Anything "just in case" — pharmacies and outdoor shops line every major stage town.
Pack differently by season and route
Summer needs sun protection and more water capacity; winter needs insulation and full rain gear. See the summer packing list, the winter packing list, or pick your route on the routes hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Camino Packing List Team
Pilgrim-tested editors
We've walked the Camino Francés, Portugués, Norte and Primitivo. Every product on this site is field-tested or vetted against pilgrim feedback before it makes our list.