Camino Packing Checklist
Items to pack for the Camino de Santiago

The Camino packing list below was made with the Camino Frances in mind (the most popular route) but many of the items will be on most other packing lists as well. Consider this a basic and suggested checklist. Add or takeaway items as you please, it's your Camino after all. I've broken the list down into 5 sections, they are...

What you'll be wearing when walking:

(Important note: This is assuming you are walking on a sunny day. Wet and cold weather gear is included in the following section.)

• Backpack - 30 to 40L (smaller if you're packing ultra light)
• Hiking Boots/Shoes
• Hiking Socks
• Shorts or Pants (quick dry)
• Underwear 
• T-shirt (quick dry)
• Sunglasses
• Hat 
• Walking Sticks/Poles

What's in your backpack:

• Rain Cover for bag (or poncho) 
• Sleeping Bag (small/lightweight unless walking in winter)
• Rain Pants (water proof) 
• Rain Jacket (water proof) 
• Extra Hiking Socks x1 
• Warm/Woolen Socks x1 
• Extra Underwear x3 
• Extra Pair of Pants/Shorts (quick dry)
• Jersey 
• Thermal Top and Bottoms
• Water Carrier (1.5L) (bladder for your bag or bottles)
• Beanie (woolen hat)
• Extra T-shirt (quick dry)
• Long Sleeve Shirt
• Sunscreen 
• Extra Footwear x1 (hiking sandals or flip flops or lightweight shoes)
• Quick Dry Towel 
• Sports Tape
• Passport
• Money and Bank Cards
• Pilgrim Passport
• Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush and paste, floss, soap, small shampoo/conditioner)
• Pen and Paper/Diary 
• Earplugs (!!!!) 
• Camino Guidebook
• Camera + Charger (lightweight)
• Phone + Charger 
• Small Torch/Headlamp
• Basic First Aid Kit/Blister Kit (bandages, plasters, tweezers, antibacterial cream, sewing needle, rubbing alcohol/iodine, small scissors, aspirin or paracetamol)

Health/Medical items: 

Do you wear glasses? Take medication? Use asthma inhalers? Maybe you want cream to help with your feet? Or you need to use knee bands on your knees. These items will be unique for you, so make a list of the things you definitely NEED. Your health is the number one priority, but be wary of taking things with you “just in case”.

Handy and light weight things to consider:

• Swiss Army Knife (multi tool)
• Extra Bag (small, light weight, water proof)
• Safety Pins
• Sock Liners
• Warm Gloves (depending on the time of year)
• Money and Document Belt/Pouch
• Ice Cream Container Lid 
• Small Clear Zip Lock Bags
• Reflectors (light/thin) (put on backpack and clothes) 
  
• Spork 
• Exfoliating Glove
• Small Plastic Bowl
  
• Small Laundry Soap or Powder
• Elastic Line (for hanging clothes)

Extra/Luxury Items:

• Book 
• E-reader 
• Ipod 
• Multi Seasoning Container (salt, pepper, paprika etc) 

Summary & Free Download...

Although a lot of the items on the Camino packing list above will be common for everybody, some of what you take really does depend on you and your plans. The handy/lightweight list and the extra/luxury items list were added to give you further ideas on what to pack. But again, this Camino packing list is not a list that you must follow 100%, apart from wearing some clothes of course!!

It is also very important to note that if you are traveling to your starting point on a plane and you want to have your bag as carry on luggage, you might have to leave some things behind and purchase them when you land (scissors, multi tools, shampoo and other creams etc will not be allowed as carry on luggage). So pack accordingly and write down anything you need to purchase on arrival.

Finally, remember the Camino de Santiago is not a race, it's not about who has the fanciest gear or looks the best. It's about you and your Camino. It's also a community, and 99% of your fellow pilgrims are extremely supportive and will help you if you ask.

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