Pilgrim pack list

The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James) is a well-established network of ancient pilgrim routes which lead to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compestela in northern Spain. There are an array of starting points, but the 800km ‘Camino Frances’, starting on the French side of the Pyrenees, is by far the most popular. 

Despite the waning of modern religion, the Camino is in its heyday. In 2024, Santiago welcomed some half a million pilgrims – up 12% on the previous year. While many do go for religious reasons, just as many go for the adventure, the challenge, and the international community of walkers you meet along the way. 

The route takes just over 30 days to complete if you tick off the 20-30km stages outlined in most guide books. There’s a lot of infrastructure, so whilst the Camino does not offer the solitude and connection to nature that you’ll find on other long distance trails, it’s a great entry point if you’re new to multi-day hiking. 

If the Camino is your first long-distance trek, selecting the right kit can feel like a daunting task. Some people are scientific about it (here’s an example we enjoyed), but you don’t need particularly technical kit for this trail; it's more important to make sure you are comfortable carrying the weight in your pack before you set off. To help you out, we’ve put together some simple guidelines below. 

The basics

The first decision you’ll need to make is which bag to bring. The 30-40 litre Osprey backpacks are ubiquitous on the Camino – and with good reason. They’re the right size, although plenty of other brands make good packs if you want to look at other price points. Make sure you find one that feels comfortable for you. 

If you’re doing the full route in one go, consider picking up walking poles in St Jean Pied-de-Port so you don’t have to deal with them in your hand luggage. They will ease any pressure on your knees, and help with any descents. 

Look for a lightweight sleeping bag (aim for about 1kg) that packs down small. The albergues (hostels) give you a sheet, but it’s not enough to keep you warm if you’re walking outside of the summer months. Alongside that, bring a micro-fibre towel, which is quick-drying, small, and light. 

It’s a good idea to bring both a hydration bladder as well as a bottle. Water fountains are available at pretty regular intervals on a lot of the route, but you can get caught out. If you have a bottle, you have back-up. 

Bear in mind that, as a general rule, you don’t want to exceed about 10kg of kit in total. Your water can be counted on top of that.

Food 

It’s important to snack regularly, but only carry what you need for a day or two at a time. Sugary snacks are widely available, but don’t underestimate the value of savoury options such as nuts or dried meat – they contain protein and you’ll appreciate the salt content. 

Most pilgrims eat very well on the Camino, but consider carrying a dried meal for emergencies; particularly in the busier sections, you could end up staying slightly off the trail where the options are few and far between, or the opening hours of the local shops and restaurants don’t suit you. 

Firepot meals are filling, easy to prepare (all you need is water), take up very little space, and weigh no more than 135g. Take a look at our menu here.

Clothing

Pack two pairs of wool socks, two quick-dry shirts, a pair of shorts, and a pair of leggings or lightweight trousers. The hostels have washing machines, dryers, and lines outside. A loose-fitting long-sleeved top is also a good idea to shade from the sun, as is a fleece to keep warm in the mornings and in the evenings. If you have space for a luxury, pack a change of clothes for when you’re done walking. 

Bring waterproofs, and a waterproof cover for your backpack, particularly if you’re walking in the shoulder seasons. Getting wet will make you miserable and cause you all sorts of problems. 

Pack a hat, sunglasses, and suncream too; you can go from the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees to temperatures of almost 30C in a matter of days in the spring. 

Toiletries

There are plenty of travel toiletries on the market. You can cut corners (some people chop their toothbrush in half)to reduce weight, or opt for specialist supplies such as paper soap, or toothpaste tablets. 

Looking after your feet is one of the most important things you can do, so pack a kit to help you deal with blisters. Better still, anticipate them before they get bad. If you're prone to getting blisters on your toes, an old trick is to bring some loose sheep’s wool – it’s naturally antibacterial, moisture-wicking and can be as good as any blister plaster. Decant some talc into a little bag too. 

An eye mask and earplugs are your friends. You could be in a dormitory with up to a hundred others, many of whom wake very early, sometimes turning all the lights on with them. 

Footwear

Boots or trainers? This is a hotly debated topic and depends both on personal preference and the time of year. For most, the answer is probably something in the middle. You won’t need much ankle support (take some tubi-grip if you’re worried), but you’ll appreciate some grip, decent cushioning on the sole of your feet, and a boxy toe, which helps with the descents. Trail running shoes are popular, as are Hokas, or Nike Pegasus. 

One last bit of advice: take a pair of flip flops to wear in the shower and around the hostels, you’re expected to leave walking shoes at the door and your feet will need a breather after a day’s walking. They're light and can be tied to the outside of your bag to save on space. 

¡Buen Camino!

Checklist:

✔️ 30-40 litre rucksack

✔️ Walking poles

✔️ Lightweight sleeping bag

✔️ Hydration bladder

✔️ Water bottle

✔️ Savoury snacks

✔️ 2x pairs wool socks

✔️ 2x pairs quicky-dry shirts

✔️ 1x pair shorts

✔️ 1x pair leggings/trousers

✔️ 1x loose long-sleeved shirt

✔️ 1x layer to keep warm

✔️ Waterpoof jacket

✔️ Waterproof backpack cover

✔️ 1x sunhat

✔️ Microfibre towel

✔️ Blister kit

✔️ Talc

✔️ Suncream

✔️ Earplugs

✔️ Trail shoes

✔️ Flip flops