What to pack for the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is much more than a walk; it's a transformative experience, full of unique moments and deep reflection. Each stage represents a physical and spiritual challenge, giving you the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

So that you can experience this journey with peace of mind and make unforgettable memories, we've put together this practical checklist with everything you need to bring. Follow these recommendations and take the first step with confidence, lightness and an open mind to what the Camino has to offer!

In this article you will find:
1. Essential documents
2. The ideal backpack
3. Clothes
4. Footwear
5. Hygiene and Personal Care
6. Extra equipment
7. Food and Energy
8. Final Tips

1. Essential documents

Having the right documents with you is essential to avoid unnecessary worries during the Camino. These items not only make your experience easier, but also ensure that you have everything you need to enjoy the albergues and get the Compostela at the end of the journey.

Make sure you have everything you need before you leave:

• Pilgrim's Credential (to be stamped at the hostels and obtain the Compostela).
• ID card or passport.
• European Health Insurance Card (if applicable) or travel insurance.
• Cash (not all hostels and cafés accept cards).
• Digital copies of documents (stored on your phone or in the cloud).

Our suggestion: Credential Kit + Pilgrim's Shell

This is our essential kit for setting off on the right foot. For us, the Way really begins with this gesture: holding the Credential in our hands and hanging the Pilgrim's Shell on our backpack. More than objects, they are symbols of commitment, belonging and everything that the Camino represents. The Credential will record every step with stamps and memories - and in the end, it will be one of the most valuable souvenirs of the journey. The Shell, visible on the backpack, is the universal sign that you're on your way, and opens up many conversations, smiles and gestures of mutual help along the way. We've put the two together in a practical and beautiful kit, ready to accompany anyone preparing to live this transformative experience. Order yours here.

2. The ideal backpack

Your backpack will be an extension of your body during the Camino. Take only the essentials to keep the weight down, but make sure it includes quality items that fit your body well.

Your backpack will be your best companion, so choose well:

• Lightweight backpack (30-40L) with lumbar support and comfortable straps.
• Tip: Keep the total weight of your backpack to 10% of your body weight.

Our suggestion: Mountain hiking backpack - MH500 38L

We tried it out recently on a long walk and we were fans.
The 38 liters capacity turned out to be perfect: more than enough space for everything essential on the Camino - no excesses, no unnecessary weight. O ventilation system on the back made all the difference on the hottest days, keeping us dry and comfortable. And the foam padding on the shoulder straps and waistband helped distribute the weight evenly, lightening the load considerably over the kilometers. Another point we valued was the numerous compartmentsThey make it easy to organize and avoid the chaos of a backpack where you can never find anything. All this with a excellent value for money. Check out this backpack here.

3. Clothes

Choosing the right clothes is crucial for your comfort. Lightweight, functional and quick-drying clothes ensure that you can walk without worrying about the weather or excessive weight.

Opt for light, functional and quick-drying clothes:

• 2-3 t-shirts or technical shirts.
• 2 light pants (one that can be transformed into shorts is ideal).
• 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (without seams to avoid blisters).
• Hat to protect you from the sun.
• Thermal clothing (if you're hiking in colder seasons).
• Waterproof for rain that also covers the backpack

Our suggestion: Yellow Arrow Cap

Our yellow arrow cap is light, comfortable and made for long days on the Camino. In washed brushed cottonIt has a soft touch, pre-formed visor, discreet ventilation e brass effect buckle adjustment - all designed to be worn comfortably throughout each stage. A yellow arrow embroidered on the front in cotton thread is the detail that makes the difference: a discreet but powerful symbol that reminds you at every step that you're on the right track. Order yours here.

Our suggestion: Hiking Polar

If there's one question we all have before packing our backpack, it's: "What do I take to keep warm?". Before you start stuffing your backpack with heavy sweaters and jackets, take a look at these essentials: the walking polar. Lightweight, breathable, stretchy and with a lined hood, it's the only jacket we take with us - whether it's a thin version (ideal from April onwards) or a thicker one for the cold months. They may look thin, but believe me: as soon as you start walking, your body warms up and you realize you've chosen the right jacket. What's more, they take up very little space in your backpack. A real essential on the Camino. Models available:
Women - slim version e hot version
Men - slim version e version hot

Our second suggestion: Rain cover with backpack protection

If there's one item that's never missing from our backpack, it's this one raincoat with backpack protection included. É waterproof, lightweight and long-sleevedprotecting you from your wrists to your knees - and best of all: includes integrated backpack protectionThis makes the process much faster and more efficient, even when the rain catches you off guard. Although it is designed for backpacks up to 60L, we always recommend this version, even if you're carrying a smaller backpack - it's easier to put on and take off and offers more freedom of movement. And when the sun comes out again? It folds up easily, takes up little space and is practically weightlessThat's why he's always with us. You can find it here.

4. Footwear

Your feet will bear the brunt of the journey, so choose quality, tried and tested footwear. Taking good care of your feet during the Camino is essential if you want to reach your destination without pain or injury.

Your feet are your greatest treasure on the Way!

• Hiking boots or sneakers (already worn and comfortable). For complete information on how to choose the best footwear, taking into account the type of foot and the time of year, check out this comprehensive article.
• Slippers to wear in hostels or to rest.
• Tip: Test your shoes with your socks before you set off to avoid surprises.

Our suggestion: MH500 waterproof hiking shoes

These hiking shoes surprised us positively from the very first step. O comfort is immediate and remains so even after long hours of walking - which, on the Camino, makes all the difference. You always feel safe thanks to the excellent ground gripeven on uneven or sloping areas. But what really won us over was the fact that they were waterproofOn the days when the rain took us by surprise, our feet stayed dry and protected - and that's gold on the Camino. If you're looking for reliable, comfortable footwear that's ready for any conditions, these sneakers are a safe bet. You can see the sneakers for man and to woman.

5. Hygiene and Personal Care

Keeping yourself clean and comfortable is an important part of your Camino experience. Having a compact and effective hygiene kit can make all the difference at the end of each stage.

Small but indispensable items:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Biodegradable soap (you can use it to wash clothes and body).
• Compact, quick-drying towel.
• Sunscreen and lip balm.

First aid kit (includes the following essential items):

• Band-aids for small cuts or scratches.
• Disinfectant or alcohol gel to clean wounds.
• Sterile compresses to cover larger wounds.
• Painkillers (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen) for pain or fevers.
• Anti-inflammatory ointment to treat sprains or minor muscle injuries.
• Anti-friction cream
• Antiallergic drugs (such as antihistamines) in case of allergic reactions.
• Small scissors or scissors for cutting bandages or adhesive tape.
• Adhesive tape (such as adhesive plaster) to fix bandages or compresses.
• Tweezers for removing splinters or thorns.
• Saline solution to wash wounds or moisturize eyes.
• Disposable gloves to treat wounds without contamination.

This compact kit can be stored in a small bag or case and will help you deal with unexpected situations along the Way.

Our suggestion: Decathlon anti-friction cream

On the Camino, there are little things that make a big difference - and this is one of them.
This anti-friction cream has been developed to protect the skin from overheating, irritation and blisters during long walks. We apply it to the most sensitive areas before leaving in the morning and we really notice the difference after many kilometers. This cream is one of those discreet but indispensable items in your backpack. Find out more here.

6. Extra equipment

The smallest details can transform your experience on the Camino. This extra equipment is optional, but often becomes indispensable at crucial moments.

These little extras make all the difference:

• Head flashlight (essential if you want to go out early in the morning).
• Small notebook or diary to record your memories.
• Power bank (to keep your phone charged).
• Multifunction pocket knife.
• Reusable water bottle or hydration system. I recommend that the bottle has a capacity of 0.5 liters so that it doesn't weigh too much, remembering that you can refuel along the way at fountains and cafés along the way.
• Writing pen.
• Clothes pegs, useful for hanging up towels or drying clothes.

Our suggestion: Our "My Camino de Santiago" Guide

If there's one thing we've learned to manage with passion over the years, it's our Portuguese Camino de Santiago community - today with more than 100,000 pilgrims sharing their experiences, doubts and achievements. It was based on this collective knowledge that we created the My Camino de Santiago" guide: a real travel companion for those who want to walk the Central Way in 10 days. We've put together practical and detailed information for each stage, dynamic maps, recommendations for sleeping and eating, a complete list of what to bringand even reflections and questions for personal writingbecause we believe that the Way is made with the feet... but also with the head and the heart. You can order yours here.

7. Food and Energy

Staying hydrated and energized is essential for tackling the stages of the Camino. Take light, nutritious food that you can eat easily while you walk.

• Small energy snacks (nuts, cereal bars, etc.).
• Sufficient water for each stage (check the water points on the route).

8. Final Tips

These final tips are a reminder to make the most of the Camino. Traveling light, being prepared and keeping an open attitude are the main ingredients for an unforgettable experience.

• Travel light: The golden rule is simplicity. Only take what you're really going to use.
• Train beforehand: Walk with your backpack and shoes to get used to it. For detailed tips on how to prepare yourself physically for the Camino, check out this complete article on physical preparation.  
• Connect: The Camino is as much about the people you meet as it is about the destination. Join our Facebook community of over 90,000 pilgrims, where you can answer all your questions, share experiences and find inspiration for your journey. Click here to join the group.