Camino de Santiago - What to pack?

Packing for the Camino is about balance - bring what you need, but keep it light. Here’s what to pack for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

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So what are the must haves to pack for the Camino? Here are our answers:

Backpack

Your backpack is your home for the journey, so it needs to be comfortable and well-fitted. A 30-40L pack is ideal for most walkers.

🔹 Pro Tip: Keep your pack under 10% of your body weight.

👶 Baby: Go for either a backpack with a built in baby carrier, or a front carrier with wide enough straps so that you dont feel the pressure from both the backpack and the carrier.

🎒 Our Gear: Thule Alltrail 45L (Leon), Ortovox Traverse S 28L (Lucy), + Moyo front baby carrier.

Footwear & Socks

Your shoes can make or break your Camino. Choose well-worn, breathable hiking shoes or trail runners. The important part - They need to be comfortable. Bring also enough good socks to avoid blisters

🔹 Pro Tip: Break in your shoes well before your Camino. Bring also some footwear for "rest time"

👶 Baby Section: Baby needs comfy socks, and bring enough of them to keep the feet warm

👟 Our Gear: Lowa Renegade GTX (Leon), La Sportiva Blade GTX (Lucy), Sketchers slip-ins (Lucy), flip-flops (both). Socks - Merino wool socks.

Clothing

Think lightweight, quick-drying, and versatile. The golden rule? Pack for 3-4 days and wash as you go. 2-3 moisture-wicking shirts, 2 pairs of hiking pants/shorts, 1 fleece or lightweight jacket (mornings can be chilly!), 4 pairs of underwear & socks (merino wool is a great choice), Rain jacket or poncho (because rain happens!)

🔹 Pro Tip: Figure out your walk-to-wash-ratio. Pack enough to support that!

👶 Baby Section: Pack your walk-to-wash ratio of outfits + some warm clothes. To be honest - these don't add much weight so you can't go wrong by bringing one more.

🧥 Our Gear: Shirts, pants, underwear - washing every 4 days. Rain jackets, microfleece jackets. 5 baby outfits and 2 winter jackets for baby. Don't forget the hats for everyone!

Sleeping Gear

Most albergues do not provide bedding, so check the temperature and pack accordingly. Earplugs & eye mask for light sleepers.

🔹 Pro Tip: A silk liner is enough for warm months; consider a light sleeping bag for colder nights.

👶 Baby Section:  A cozy sleep sack + layers of clothes if cold.

🛏 Our Gear: Boll Karma Plus (both), and a cozy sleep sack for baby.

Toiletries & Hygiene

Go minimal: soap, toothbrush, sunscreen, and a fast-drying towel.

🔹 Pro Tip: A lot of places have some soap so you can save that weight.

👶 Baby Section: Baby wipes are a lifesaver for quick clean-ups.

🧼 Our Gear: Toothbrushes, sunscreen, and a fast-drying towel.

Tech & Documents

Credit/debit card + some cash, Phone, charger, pilgrim credentials, and a small notebook for journaling.

🔹 Pro Tip: Keep digital copies of passports & reservations in your email.

👶 Baby Section: Babies can have their own credentials and can get their own Compostela.

📱 Our Gear: Onyx Boox Poke 4 Lite, Anker power bank & random A5 notebook for journaling.

Extras

First aid, meds, travel hacks equipment, something against the rain, any small accessory that you find useful, water bottles (1L is a perfect size for refilling).

🔹 Pro Tip: There is no such thing as waterproof. Wrap your valuables and a set of dry clothes in a plastik bag so that you can have what to wear in case of getting wet.

👶 Baby Section: Anything.

🔪 Our Gear: Basic meds, 1L bottles of water, Iso-tape, shoe glue, pocket knife, picninc blanket and titanium cup to warm food for baby.

Final Thoughts

Packing light is the secret to a smoother Camino experience. Stick to the essentials, embrace simplicity, and remember—you can always pick up anything you’re missing along the way.

What was your must-have item on the Camino? Let me know!

Buen Camino! 🚶‍♂️🎒.