1 Backpack

My choice was an internal frame top loading “weekend” style pack made by Gregory and I was very pleased with the quality and support it provided.

2 pair of convertible trail pants

Convertible pants have zippers at the knees and can “convert” to shorts, which negates having to pack a separate pair of shorts! There are several varieties of convertible pants – my choice was a lightweight “fishing” pant made by Columbia Sportswear. I was pleased with their performance, especially the easy to clean and fast drying qualities.

3-4 pair of polypropylene underwear

I chose the “boxer brief” variety that protected my inner thighs from rubbing together. The said material wicks moisture away from the body and also dries quickly after washing. With respect to underwear I would strongly advise against cotton material – I tried cotton boxer briefs during my prep hikes and my inner thighs were rubbed raw as a result – very painful! The decision on how many pair to buy depends on how often one plans to wash laundry. This underwear is very lightweight and occupies relatively little space; I brought 4 pair.

2-3 pair of polypropylene shirts

Again, unlike cotton, polypropylene wicks moisture away from the body and the material dries quickly after washing. I took only 2 such shirts on my journey but recommend 1-2 more, which will offer more flexibility in washing laundry. With only 2 shirts, I had to wash one everyday.

4 pair of “smart wool” socks

“Smart wool”, so called because it tends to return to its original “shape” after each wear is a wonderful invention! Not only does the material provide padding for the feet, but it (like polypropylene) wicks moisture away from the skin. On most days, I wore only one pair of these socks, but occasionally (when my feet were particularly sore), I wore two pair for extra padding. Smart wool is not as quick drying as polypropylene but washing a pair every other day and “hanging” them out to dry on the backpack during a day’s hike will do the trick.

Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants

My choice was Marmot brand but there are other high quality manufacturers as well. Don’t discount the value of remaining dry while hiking – one encounters several days of rain on the Camino.

The popular option for repelling rain is the poncho; beware, ponchos are cumbersome at best. Also, one will often encounter high winds on the Camino which will render the poncho virtually useless – spend the extra money for waterproof and breathable material. Waterproof is self explanatory, breathable means you will not sweat unnecessarily during those slightly warmer days of rain. Also, this jacket and pants come in handy on particularly cold days as they perform well as wind breakers.

Waterproof back pack cover

Initially, I viewed this item as a frivolous purchase; however, at the first sight of rain on the Camino, it became invaluable. Backpacks are not typically waterproof; moreover, wet clothes and sleeping bag can be unbearable after a harsh day of hiking. I chose a simple no name cover that contained form fitting elastic for easy off and on – highly recommended!

1 fleece

Depending on the time of year one hikes the camino, weather temperature can become cold at times. I chose to include a lightweight pullover fleece for such days.

1 pair of hiking shoes or boots

The Camino is comprised of a variety of geographic terrain including several mountain and hill ranges; therefore, I suggest a pair of lightweight and waterproof boots as opposed to hiking shoes. I chose hiking shoes – which held up well on the Camino; however, my ankles were not adequately supported during some of the more strenuous inclines and declines. Try several pair of boots or shoes to find the one that best fits your individual foot type. I would advise against the heavy military combat style boots – I observed some pilgrims wearing these types of boots; they were frequently combating blisters or other foot ailments.

1 pair of auxiliary shoes or sandals

With 500 miles of hiking, one’s feet need variation. One’s primary boots or shoes also need time to dry out after each days hike. I suggest a lightweight pair of sandals to wear after completing the day’s hike. Without variation, the constant rubbing from the shoe or boot can result in painful tendonitis or blisters. Sandals or lightweight tennis shoes will suffice – Crocks are also a good option.

Shower shoes

My choice was a lightweight, inexpensive thin pair of rubber flip-flops available at any discount retailer. These were invaluable for use in refugio showers!

Sleeping bag

Most refugios offer a mattress and wool blanket but if one prefers a barrier and extra warmth, a sleeping bag is imperative. My bag was mummy style of average thickness and weighed around 3 pounds. Avoid sleeping bag liners (as a substitute for a sleeping bag) unless traveling in the summer, as nights in the refugio can be cool at times. Also note the sleeping bag can easily be the largest and heaviest item in the backpack; make sure to choose a bag that rolls up tightly so as to minimize the space it requires. Utilize makeshift ties if need be to ensure the bag does not expand inside the pack.

Trekking pole

This is an optional piece of equipment but I found mine invaluable. Aside from doubling as a weapon of sorts (in case of an encounter with a stray dog, etc), it assists on steep inclines and declines – acting as a third leg of sorts. I chose a telescoping and shock absorbing pole by Leki which was made of a lightweight but sturdy material. Many pilgrims did not use a trekking pole and there were some who used two. I found one sufficient.

First aid kit

Any basic inexpensive first aid kit will do. At minimum, the kit should include band-aids, gauze, ointment, Tylenol, and some sort of anti-diarrhea medication at least. A needle and thread for triaging blisters is also a good idea.

Thankfully during my journey, I did not make use of anything from my first aid kit but I was glad to have one just in case.

2 water bottles (1 quart sized)

Most water bottles will suffice. I used two 1 quart bottles made by Nalgene and I found them sufficient.

1 Small water bottle and clip (optional)

While my two Nalgene water bottles were sufficient, I often encountered difficulty reaching them from the side mesh pockets of my back pack. I could usually retrieve the bottle while walking, but had to take my pack off to put the bottle back into the pocket. To alleviate this issue, I would recommend a third and smaller water bottle and clip that can be attached to the chest or shoulder strap of the backpack for easy access.

1 camera (optional)

The Camino passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. While a camera is not mandatory, it helped me to capture memories. I took a digital camera, two batteries, and a couple of memory sticks. Note, camera supplies are available along the Camino in most cities and villages.

Sunglasses

The sun can be intense, especially along the meseta portion of the Camino. I used inexpensive lightweight plastic “wrap around” type sun glasses which were highly effective.

Headband

A simple sweatband for my forehead was one of my favorite items. Not only did it keep my hair out of my eyes, but it absorbed perspiration throughout the day.

Sunscreen

The sun can be intense; a small tube of sunscreen for the face is a healthy idea.

Floppy hat

My choice was a simple fishing hat with a small brim all the way around. A hat not only helps protect the face from the sun, but I found it particularly useful during rain showers – if used in tandem with the waterproof jacket hood.

3-4 safety pins (optional)

These are particularly helpful if you wash socks and they do not dry over night. On more than one occasion, I pinned my socks to the outside of my backpack to allow them to dry during the day’s hike.

Eye glasses and contact lens (if required)

I brought several pair of disposable contact lenses and a small bottle of saline solution. I found contact lens very helpful, especially during rainy days when eye glasses can be cumbersome to wear. Contact lens solution is available from the pharmacies along the Camino. However, the selection of solution brands is not as broad as in the US so if one requires a special brand of solution, consider bringing a larger bottle along.

Toiletries

My small kit included a toothbrush, small tube of tooth paste, a deodorant stick, a small can of shaving gel, a razor, a couple of razor blades, and a bottle of shower gel. The only item I had to purchase along the trail was shower gel, which I used not only for cleaning myself, but also as an effective detergent for hand washing my clothes.

1 flashlight

My choice was a small plastic light; I found it very useful when searching for items in my pack.

1 wristwatch

My choice was an inexpensive digital watch with an alarm.

Scallop shell (optional)

The scallop shell has apparently been the symbol of the Camino de Santiago since the medieval period. The shells are roughly the size of your palm and can be purchased at many shops on the Camino route. Pilgrims typically pin the shell to the outside of the backpack for others to see.

1 guidebook

There are several guidebooks available and the choice is one of personal preference. I used a very basic, inexpensive (and light!) guidebook called the Camino Frances, available from the Confraternity of St. James – a London based non-profit organization. The guide is updated annually by pilgrim feedback. Although it does not contain fancy graphics, maps, or exact distances, I found it quite adequate and useful. Order it far in advance from the Confraternity’s website and determine if it will suffice.

Passport/drivers license/credit cards/ATM card

The passport is essential when traveling abroad. A driver’s license however, is necessary only if one plans to rent a car at any point. Note that public transport is very well developed in Spain and throughout Europe. In terms of money, I suggest carrying 1-2 of credit cards (Master Card, Visa or AMEX) and an ATM card. ATM’s are widely available throughout Spain even in the smaller villages. Be ware of travelers checks as they can often be difficult to cash and many merchants do not accept them. I typically used my credit cards to pay for hotels. Otherwise, I used the ATM card to pull small amounts of cash out of my checking account every few days along the Camino. Regardless of what one decides to take, it is advisable to leave a photocopy of the passport and all credit and ATM cards with a friend or family member back home. In case of loss or theft, one will have immediate access to this information.

Journal/pen (optional)

I kept a daily journal of my Camino experience; indeed it formed the basis for this book! A journal is a good idea for the Camino as a typical day brings so many aspects – too many to possible remember. Journal writing is also a great way to relax at the end of the day. 

1 medium plastic zip bag

This item was used to keep my journal and other documents dry and clean in the backpack.

Rosary Beads (optional)

The Holy Rosary is a series of meditative prayers reflecting on the life of Christ. The Rosary has increased in popularity in recent years among Catholics and non Catholics alike. I found the Rosary comforting and I recited it several times during my journey, most often just before going to sleep.

Cell phone (optional)

Communicating with friends and relatives while on the camino is not difficult as there is an abundance of pay phones and internet café’s along the way. Most Europeans however brought their own cell phones with them, which I thought to be a good idea.

Most US wireless carriers have international roaming agreements with European / Spanish carriers. Check with your local provider first to ensure coverage in Spain and to determine roaming costs. The cell phone itself must also be compatible with the European system – many providers will rent such a phone and charger for a nominal fee. Check with your service provider for additional details.

Earplugs (optional)

Refugios can be quite noisy with 30+ people packed tightly in bunks. Snoring is the most frequent heard sound but other bodily sounds coupled with noise from a near constant stream of bathroom goers in the night are all realities of communal life. I did not carry earplugs with me; there were several night I wished I had!