Preparation for the Camino de Santiago
Packing Suggestions for Walkers on the Way of Saint James
Sep 3, 2009
People from all over the globe travel to Spain yearly with one goal in mind: to reach Santiago de Compostela. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of history's most renowned and well-known pilgrimmages, and today the tradition of the journey is carried on. Pilgrims travel the age-old path by foot, by bicycle, on horseback, or in cars for religious, spiritual, emotional, cultural, or educational reasons. Regardless of mode of or reason for travel, proper packing and preparation are absolutely essential.
The most important thing to remember while planning for the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, or Way of Saint James, is that pilgrims must carry all their belongings with them at all times. Over-packing can cause injury and stress, while under-packing can result in inadequate protective clothing or a shortage of essential supplies. The Camino Frances, or French Way, leads from the French Pyrenees to the northwest corner of Spain, and is over 780 kilometers long. The key to pilgrim endurance is lightweight packing.
Choosing the Right Rucksack for Backpacking
The capacity of a pilgrim's empty pack should be 35-45 liters. If within this range, the rucksack itself should not be too heavy once the essentials are packed inside. A pilgrim's rucksack can be his best friend or worst enemy, so bring one that is comfortable and appropriately adjusted to weight and height.
Preparing for Seasonal Circumstances and Knowing What to Bring
The number one pilgrim preparation priority for the Camino de Santiago is quality, well broken-in, tried and trusted hiking boots. In July - September one can afford to wear lighter trail runners or low-cut hiking shoes, but waterproof leather is much more desirable in spring when the ground is saturated.
It is important to remember that even in the hottest summer months on the Camino Frances in northern Spain, the weather can fluctuate dramatically, from the daytime heat of the meseta to the torrential rains and consistent mist of Galicia. The trick for weather preparation in this case is dressing in and packing layers, including a lightweight rain poncho and a warm jacket . Parts of the Camino have even proven deadly to walkers during certain months out of the year, so researching the season of travel and its past weather patterns will be nothing but beneficial in the long run.
Packing List for the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Camino Frances)
The following item list is built to accommodate walkers in the warm summer months. Packing lists prove to be different for everyone, so pilgrims should use this as a guideline and individualize their rucksacks before beginning their journey. This list includes the clothes the walker will be wearing.
- 35-45 Liter Rucksack
- Broken-in Boots
- Several Pairs Comfortable Socks
- 2 Pair Pants/Shorts
- 2 Lightweight T-Shirts
- 1 Lightweight Long Sleeved T-Shirt
- 1 Pair Pajamas or Other Sleepwear
- 1 Pair Light and Comfortable Lounging Pants (ie. sweats)
- 1 Warm but Lightweight Jacket (Fleece works wonderfully)
- 1 Lightweight Rain Poncho/Coat
- 1 Waterproof Cover for Rucksack
- 1 Pair Flip-Flops or Sandals (for shower and the end of the day)
- Personal Toiletries
- 1 Bandana (can serve as a washcloth, hairband, pillow cover, etc.)
- 1 Quick-Dry Lightweight Towel
- 1 Light Sleeping Bag
- 1 Water Bottle (metal, can be refilled on the trail)
- Basic First-Aid Requirements (Band-Aids, iodine, elastic bandage)
- Basic Sewing Kit (for clothing repair and blisters)
- Any Necessary Medications (prescriptions, allergy medication, ibuprofen)
- 1 Swim Suit
- 1 Hat (preferably with a wide brim)
- Important Documents (passport, pilgrim's passport)
- Small Money Belt (with credit card and small amount of cash)
- Walking Stick (if desired)
- Small Pocket Knife (handy for fruit or chorizo on the trail)
- Mobile Phone and Charger (pay-as-you-go cell phones are easily found in Spain)
- Lightweight Guide Book
- Sunscreen
- 1 Small Flashlight (head lamps are not necessary)
- Insect Repellent (if sensitive to bugs)
- A Few Clothespins or Safety Pins for Laundry
If there is leftover space, a small camera, a book, a journal and pen, an iPod, a pack of cards, a small pillow, or any other small extra item maybe appreciated. Remember chargers and batteries!
Make-up, hair styling products, and other beauty related items will only weigh a pilgrim down. Generally walkers will be more concerned with their blisters and sore muscles than their appearance. Likewise, it is important when packing to account for the food and water that will eventually be carried inside the rucksack. The general rule of thumb for packing is if it is not absolutely necessary, do not bring it.
Find Out Others' Good Ideas for Camino de Santiago Packing and Preparation
Visit the Camino de Santiago forum to read about firsthand pilgrim experiences, ask questions, and share stories.
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