What to take on the Camino de Santiago

ByMoises Campos
what-to-bear-on-the-walk-to-santiago
Camino de Santiago / Pixabay

Every year, a large number of people make the decision to follow the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. An essential aspect in the planning of this journey is to define the materials and equipment that will accompany you during the route. To do this, below you will find a guide on what to take on the Camino de Santiago.

What to take on the Camino de Santiago

The minimum accessories, documents and equipment necessary to take on this pilgrimage route are listed below.

Backpack

The rucksack is perhaps the most important accessory that should be to the Camino de Santiago. Due to the distances to be walked each day (15 to 25 km) it is recommended that you choose one that is as light as possible. In most cases a rucksack of 30 to 45 litres will be sufficient. It is recommended that the contents carried in it should not exceed 10% of your own weight.

Sleeping bag

It is very necessary if you are going to sleep in hostels. Most of the sleeping bags available on the market are not the most suitable for the Camino de Santiago, as they are designed for mountaineering or alpinism. When selecting a sleeping bag, comfort levels should be considered. In the summer season, a sleeping bag of +15 (comfort level) is sufficient, the weight is generally around 700 grams. At different times of the year a +10 or +5 sleeping bag is required, but the weight should not exceed one kilo.

Documentation

On any trip it is recommended that you carry the minimum documentation and some money, so make sure that you have to take to the Camino de Santiago the following:

  • DNI, NIE or passport.
  • Health card or equivalent.
  • Some cash.
  • Debit or credit cards.

Pilgrim's Credential

It is a credential that will allow you to prove that you really did the Way of St. James. By using it, you can also access the various hostels that are located on the pilgrimage route.

First aid kit

Carry a basic first aid kit for the duration of your stay. the Way of St. James will ensure that you are prepared for any eventuality that may arise. What you should never be without in your basic first aid kit is the following:

  • Antiseptic.
  • Painkillers and medicines for daily use plus some basic ones.
  • Plasters, sticking plasters and gauze.
  • Scissors and tweezers.
  • Gel for the relief of muscle aches and pains.
  • Vaseline.

Toilet bag

The toiletry bag is one of the elements that varies the most, as each person has their own preferences as to whether they want to carry more or less of one thing or another. However, within the basics of a toiletry bag, the following can be mentioned:

  • Deodorant.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Shampoo and shower gel.
  • Towel.
  • Handkerchiefs.
  • Flip-flops (to avoid going barefoot in the shower in hostels).
  • Sunscreen (especially if travelling in summer).

Clothing

It is valuable to be very precise with the amount of clothing that you are going to to the Camino de Santiago, as it is the item that represents the most volume and weight for the backpack. In addition, laundry service can be found in almost all hostels and guesthouses.

In summer

In this case the weight of clothing to protect you from the cold is eliminated, and the basics you are advised to wear are:

  • A pair of breathable T-shirts.
  • A long-sleeved T-shirt.
  • A pair of shorts.
  • 2 or 3 changes of underwear.
  • Socks.
  • Windbreaker.
  • Swimwear (optional).
  • Poncho: to protect you from a summer storm.
  • Cap.
  • In summer, we recommend the use of trekking shoes or sandals, as they are the most suitable for this time of the year.

In winter

Doing the Camino de Santiago during the winter it is not very comfortable, because due to the amount of clothes you will wear, you will sweat a lot and the clothes do not dry as fast as in summer so your own perspiration will make your clothes feel cold.

The following is a list of the clothes you should pack in your backpack at this time of year:

  • A couple of thermal T-shirts and one or two cotton T-shirts for a few moments.
  • Thermal leggings to wear under trousers.
  • A couple of thick T-shirts.
  • A pair of trousers, waterproof or hiking trousers.
  • A thick fleece lining.
  • Thick jersey.
  • 2 or 3 changes of underwear that you can wash in the hostels.
  • Socks: 2 or 3, thick and, if possible, anti-blister socks.
  • A poncho to protect you from the rain.
  • Gloves and hat useful for keeping warm.
  • Neck brace.
  • Footwear: hiking boots (preferably not new to avoid chafing).

Water bottle

Throughout the Way of St. James you'll need to be drinking plenty of water frequently to stay well hydrated. To do this, you have a variety of models of water bottles and thermal bottles, ranging from the simplest to those specially designed for cycling.

Mobile charger and external battery

At the Way of St. James, your mobile device will be used as a camera, GPS and means of communication in case of an emergency. Therefore, you need to have a charger on hand that can quickly charge your phone and any other accessories you carry with you (camera, drone, etc.).

You can also take an external battery with you so you can charge your phone several times and not run out of power on the road. Some models of external batteries include a torch, so you don't have to charge a torch or use your mobile phone's torch.

Other accessories

The following are additional accessories that should also be taken into account more for to the Camino de Santiago.

  • Walking stick: Used to balance the effort between arms and legs. It also helps your knees by decreasing the impact against the ground on slopes.
  • Swiss Army Knife: This is a versatile accessory that will be useful all along the way.
  • Energy bars: Necessary for quick energy recovery.
  • Selfie stick: Useful for sharing images of your trip on social media.
  • Map: A map in your hand is never too much, you can download the latest versions of Google maps to your mobile phone so you will always know exactly where you are.

Conclusion

As you have seen, it is very important to choose the material strictly necessary for take to the Camino de Santiago and as light as possible. It should be noted that along the route you will find pharmacies and shops where you can buy other accessories.