Camino packing list: What you really need

The weight of your backpack plays a crucial role in your well-being on the Camino de Santiago. The lighter and more thoughtfully you pack, the more enjoyable your pilgrimage will be. With this packing list for the Camino de Santiago, you'll be optimally prepared—light, practical, and reduced to the essentials. So you can begin your Camino relaxed and well-organized.

Tried and tested packing list for the Camino de Santiago

This packing list was tested by me on the Camino Portugués – with a 45-liter backpack and a total weight of about 10 kg. It contains everything I personally needed. However, I recommend considering your individual conditions, such as weather, trip length, and personal needs, to be optimally prepared!

piece of luggage

  • travel backpack
  • Rain cover
  • Protective cover if necessary (to protect the backpack on the bus/plane)

Organization/Sleeping

  • packing cubes
  • laundry bag
  • sleeping bag
  • pillow if necessary

Clothing / Jackets / Footwear

  • Short functional shirt (1-2x)
  • Long functional shirt (1-2x)
  • Trekking pants with zipper
  • loose trousers / jogging pants (for evenings at the accommodation)
  • underwear
  • Underpants
  • socks
  • fleece jacket
  • rain jacket
  • Sleeping things
  • sweater
  • Tops
  • comfortable shoes

hygiene

  • toothpaste
  • toothbrush
  • Deer tallow cream (for blister prevention)
  • blister plasters
  • Shampoo & Shower Gel (Recommendation: 3 in 1)
  • Deodorant
  • travel comb
  • Hand disinfectant
  • handkerchiefs
  • if necessary magnesium
  • travel first aid kit
  • sunscreen
  • pocket knife
  • razor
  • nail care set

Technology

  • cell phone
  • Mobile phone charging cable
  • power bank if necessary
  • camera

accessories

  • Headgear (hat / cap)
  • sunglasses
  • headband
  • Multifunctional scarf
  • fanny pack

Documents

  • Pilgrim's passport
  • Protective cover for pilgrim's passport
  • wallet
  • some cash
  • identity card
  • passport if necessary
  • EC card
  • credit card
  • health insurance card
  • Pilgrimage guide
  • Emergency numbers
  • Postal address of friends / family
  • phrasebook

Miscellaneous

  • quick-drying towel
  • Flip flops / slippers
  • earplugs
  • water bottle
  • clothesline
  • Hand wash detergent

Optional

  • Hydration bladder
  • headphones
  • Backpack hook
  • scallop
  • Headlamp
  • Diary & Pen
  • Provisions (e.g. muesli bars)

Everything in a 45 liter backpack

In the picture, you can see my gear for about 10 days of hiking on the Camino de Santiago. At around 10 kg in total, my backpack was definitely not the lightest (as a woman), but it was manageable and just about comfortable for me.