Updated: January 2026
What to pack in your backpack for the Camino de Santiago
If you’re planning your Camino de Santiago, one of the most important decisions after choosing your route is what to take in your mochila (backpack).
Unless you hire a luggage transfer service, you’ll be carrying your backpack for hours every day. That’s why it’s essential to pack only what you need. A general rule of thumb is to carry no more than 10% of your body weight.
But what should you pack? Partily, it depends on your route, the season, and your personal needs, but there are some essentials every pilgrim should bring. I’ve asked other experienced pilgrims for advice and this is what they came up with:
Clothing
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Pantalones (trousers), camisetas (T-shirts), underwear, and calcetines (socks ), as well as a jacket and rain gear.
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Quick-dry, lightweight clothing is best.
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For spring or summer, a long-sleeve light shirt can protect against sun and chilly mornings.
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Merino wool clothing is very popular among pilgrims: it dries quickly and doesn’t get smelly.
Pilgrim advice: Don’t overpack clothes. Two changes of clothes are usually enough, plus one extra outfit for going out in towns or while doing laundry.
Footwear
Whether you choose hiking boots, shoes or sandals, don’t start your Camino with brand-new footwear. Break them in before your walk.
Many pilgrims also bring sandals to let their feet rest in the evenings.
Good socks are essential. Some prefer merino, other toe socks, or 2 pairs or socks… find out what works best for you.
Other items
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Toalla (towel): lightweight and quick-dry
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Plasters/bandages: to prevent blisters and treat small injuries
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Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
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Mobile phone: for communication, GPS, and photos
Highly recommended by pilgrims
The most popular item, by far, among the ladies is a pareo (sarong), as it serves multiple purposes: it can be used as a sheet or towel or worn as a skirt or dress while washing other clothes; it provides privacy around your bed, acts as a pillowcase or extra layer for warmth and protects against sun.
Safety pins and earplugs are both small but essential.
What should you not pack
What people regretted the most was packing too much stuff. I love Beth’s piece of advice:
Don’t take anything on the Camino you aren’t willing to leave behind to lighten your load. I left toiletries and clothing at every albergue for the first 10 nights. I walked with people who carried way too much weight but were unwilling to ditch their items. Not being attached allowed me the freedom to let go, lighten my burden, and walk free!
Most pilgrims I asked said they packed too many clothes. A Swiss Army knife was another item that many pilgrims packed and didn’t use.
Some took a guía (guidebook) and didn’t use it, but some others did use their guidebooks, so just think about it: do you think you will use it? Or can you manage without it?
When in doubt, follow this pilgrim’s advice:
No “just in case” stuff. You can buy what you need in Spain.
In summary
Pack light, prioritize essentials, protect your feet, and choose multipurpose clothing and items. A well-packed backpack will make your Camino more comfortable and enjoyable.
Minimal, multipurpose items are better than heavy, single-use items.
Buy or replace items as needed along the Camino instead of carrying extra weight from the start.
Today’s Spanish words
Mochila
Pantalones
Camiseta
Calcetines
Pareo
Toalla
Guía
¡Buen Camino!
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