What I’m packing for the Camino de Santiago

With my Camino de Santiago journey less than six weeks out, I am getting serious about addressing the all-important question of “What should I pack for my Camino pilgrimage?”

As a reminder, I am walking the final 126 km of the Portuguese Way over six days and am using a luggage transfer service. Obviously, if someone is walking farther and/or carrying all of their belongings on their back, the packing list is going to look vastly different from mine.

With that disclaimer, let’s jump in. 

What to wear on the trail

Working from the inside out, top to bottom, I am taking a mix of BRANWYN wool bras and Harper Wilde bralets. I find both more comfortable than a traditional sports bra. The wool bra has the benefit of not holding odor, so it can be worn more than once. I find the bralets the most comfortable, but they do hang on to the sweat more. Again, because I have the advantage of packing a suitcase that someone else will be transporting, I have the luxury of bringing more bras than I would if I was trying to carry everything in a backpack.

When it comes to underwear, I also really like the BRANWYN wool underwear. When I think wool, I think scratchy, but these are not at all scratchy, and they stay in place without binding or cutting into my thighs. I will also be bringing my old standbys, simply because I don’t feel the need to buy all new underwear.

Moving down to my feet, I love my Injinji toe sock liners, covered by Bombas wool blend ankle socks. I’m taking 3 pairs of the sock liners, which I can rinse out between uses, and 3-6 pairs of the outer socks.

As for my outerwear, again starting at the top, I chose the Solbari wide brim beach hat. It is lightweight and breathable, with UPF 50+; the size is adjustable; and there is an opening for my ponytail. It also has a removable chin strap, in case of wind. What I really love about this hat is the customizable brim shape, which means you can shape the back so it doesn’t bump your pack.

As for shirts, since I plan to wear a clean shirt each day, I opted to go with inexpensive Real Essentials work out tops from Amazon. I got five for under $35. If I were going to reuse the shirts on multiple days, I would have splurged on wool.

In addition, I will bring a couple of wide-strap tank tops and one long-sleeve shirt. And, of course, a rain jacket. I chose the 33,000ft packable rain jacket. It’s lightweight, has an adjustable hood, zippered pockets, and underarm zippered vents.

Moving on to my lower body, I’m going with my much-loved Constantly Varied Gear leggings and shorts, as well as one pair of water-resistant Title Nine Recycled Clamber Cargo Pants, just in case we get some heavy rain.

And finally, one of the most important decisions of all, the shoes. I chose Brooks Cascadia 19 trail runners. For me, they are the perfect blend of support, grip, breathability and lightweight. In addition, I am bringing these UBFEN hiking sandals just in case my feet need a break at some point. I can also put these to use in the evenings off the trail.

What to wear off the trail

Speaking of evenings, for off-the-trail clothing, I am packing a travel-friendly wrinkle-resistant sundress, as well as a pair of shorts and t-shirt, which can double as sleep wear. And, of course, my trusty flip-flops. And a swimsuit, just in case the opportunity arises.

What to carry on the trail

Moving on to other essential Camino gear, starting with my daypack. I decided to go with the Osprey Daylite Plus, mostly because it’s a trusted brand and had good reviews, especially from Camino pilgrims. It’s lightweight, durable, and water resistant, and it has a waist strap to help distribute the weight. I’ve tested it out and everything I need for a full day of walking fits in it, including a side pocket for my water bottle. 

Speaking of my water bottle, it is a 25-ounce Yeti. I have been assured that the path I am taking provides plenty of opportunities to refill my bottle, so this should be sufficient for my purposes without adding a lot of weight.

In addition to water and snacks, I plan to carry my sandals, a small first aid kit, some ibuprofen, sunscreen, lip balm, Body Glide, eye drops, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, and my prescription medications. 

Of course, I will also carry my iPhone, a power bank, my passport, a small amount of cash, and a credit card. If there’s any chance of rain, I will have my raincoat and a poncho, as well as a dry pair of socks. 

I’m thinking I will also carry a couple of Ziploc bags, a notebook, and a pen. If you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments. 

What to leave in the transferred bag

Beyond that, in my bag that is being transferred from hotel to hotel (40-pound limit), I will have my extra clothing, a Kindle for reading, various chargers, as well as a power adapter, my vitamins, and of course, any necessary toiletries and a minimal amount of makeup…I’m thinking foundation mascara, and lip gloss.

And that I believe is that. If you can think of anything I’m missing, please let me know. 

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Your turn

1. Do you have any suggestions for my packing list?
2. If you’ve ever been backpacking, what is one thing you wish you hadn’t carried (wasn’t worth the weight) and one thing you’re glad you did or wish you had?
3. Do you have any fun trips planned?
4. What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.