Hiker on an open road jumping up in the air with hiking poles and hands up

Women’s Ultimate Packing List for the Camino de Santiago

ByMikala Whitaker Posted on Updated on
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Packing for the Camino de Santiago can be a little overwhelming at first. It’s also the most important thing to research ahead of your pilgrimage. I hiked almost 500 miles over 33 days along the Camino Francés last June, and here’s my recommended packing list for the Camino and tips.

How much should my pack weigh?

Many folks say your pack should be no more than 10% of your body weight. I call BS on that. Sure, it might be ok to consider as a general guideline, but as a 5-foot 2-inch woman, it felt impossible to hit this. My pack ended up weighing closer to 20 pounds with water, and I don’t weigh 200 pounds.

My advice is to keep your pack as light as possible, carrying only the essentials and keeping what you have to the bare minimum knowing that you can do laundry every day.

Do I have to carry my pack on the Camino every day?

The good news is if you need to carry a little more, there is an option to transport your pack ahead to your albergue each day.

For instance, I had friends do this on days they had really bad blisters and wanted to lighten the pressure on their feet. I also had a friend who was a content creator and had to work some while doing the Camino, so she had a laptop with her that she transported ahead each day as it would’ve been too much to carry.

On the Camino Francés, the companies Jacotrans and Caminofácil do this, typically for around 7 euros per day. You generally should book your next albergue in advance if you’re going to do this, and it’s a good idea to book your bag transfer in advance online as well (but it’s not absolutely necessary).

Female hiker holding hiking poles and smiling in front of a deep valley and mountains
Smiling through the pain somewhere along the Camino de Santiago, Spain.

Do I need to buy everything in advance? Can I buy things I need in Spain?

Know that you absolutely can buy critical items once you start the Camino. Do your best, but if you forget something on your packing list for the Camino, you can likely buy it when you arrive.

Many towns have at least a pharmacy where you can buy first aid and medical essentials, sunglasses, body wash, hand sanitizer, etc. Some towns will also have some stores catered to pilgrims, selling shoes, Buffs, clothes, and more.

I had issues with my shoes and was able to buy a new pair in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, but I didn’t have access to a post office to ship my old boots home until I reached Burgos.

That said, not every town will have stores like this or even ATMs. While you’re hiking, It’s important to think a few days ahead and do some research on the towns to come so you know when you can stop. I recommend using the Wise Pilgrim and/or Buen Camino apps.

What should be on my packing list for the Camino?

Here’s my comprehensive packing list for the Camino de Santiago based on my experience last June. Know that if you hike in spring or late summer, you may need to bring a sleeping bag and some warmer clothes.

Hiking Gear

Clothes and Shoes

Toiletries and Medical Supplies

  • Toothbrush
  • Travel toothpaste
  • Travel deodorant
  • Small sunscreen
  • Sunscreen lip balm
  • Regular lip balm
  • Travel shampoo
  • Travel conditioner
  • Travel body wash
  • Razor
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Body glide
  • Extra hair ties
  • Mascara
  • Small makeup wipes
  • Regular bandaids
  • Compeed blister bandaids
  • Blister prevention tape
  • Small vaseline
  • Ibuprofen
  • Allergy medications if you need them
  • Any other medications
  • Nail clippers
  • Hairbrush
  • Hair ties
  • Two packs of travel tissues

Miscellaneous

Read More About the Camino

Hiker on an open road jumping up in the air with hiking poles and hands up and text that reads, "Women's Ultimate Packing List for the Camino de Santiago"

Mikala Whitaker is owner and founder of The Unanchored Passenger. She focuses her blog on providing information and inspiration to help others travel more. She provides tips for solo travel, resilience after heartbreak, and unconventional living. When she's not writing, she's traveling and enjoying time with her greyhound, Carson.