Summer on the Camino in Spain can be a hot affair. We’ve created a check list of things you should bring if you are taking on this epic walk. Here is my definitive men’s Camino packing list for the summer 2023. This is my 4th Camino so I have slimmed down a lot of things I would have taken. Hope it helps! All these items can be found easily on Amazon.
What backpack do I need for the summer Camino?
Let’s start with the object that will be attached to your back for the next 4 weeks. It must most importantly be comfortable across your shoulders and back. Have enough space to hold your supplies. As the Camino is long distance walk which doesn’t step into true wilderness one of the larger backpacks (60 litres plus) is unnecessary. As you will not need to carry a huge amount of supplies and no camping gear. We therefore recommend some of the following backpacks for being the most comfortable and the correct size. For a longer article about how much a backpack should weigh read our article here.
Osprey Rook 50 Men’s Backpacking Backpack | Ospreys backpacks seem very popular recently with the quality and comfort. They are however on the pricey side.
Esup 50L Hiking Backpack Men Camping Backpack with rain cover 45l+5l Lightweight Backpacking Backpack Travel Backpack – a middle of the range 50 litre backpack. Comfy and sturdy.
Russel Molly Hiking Backpack, 50l Camping Lightweight Bag for Outdoor – a more budget option but no less reliable.
What shoes do I need for the Camino?
Without a good pair of shoes to walk the Camino your feet may end up in terrible difficulty. The Camino does not have tough terrain and therefore there can be a lot of roads to walk. It’s important the footwear we wear is reasonably light and able to dry easily if it does rain.
While lots of people swear by walking in sandals or just the favourite pair of trainers ,if you do buy something new remember to wear it pre-walk. This will help you to identify any issues, such as blisters before you embark on your walk. Consider these options for the definitive Camino packing list 2023. We have written a more extensive article about footwear on the Camino here.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Shoe – a solid type of shoe that won’t let you down. But, do keep in mind that waterproof shoes can get a little warm during the summer.
Merrell Men’s Alverstone Hiking Shoe – a more slimline modern type trail shoe
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Shoe, US – These brightly coloured trail shoes are becoming a common sight on the Camino. Comfortable and lightweight, they also look damn good! We both walk in Hoka’s, most recently on St Olav’s Way. If you want a trail shoe, then the Speed Goat range is great. But the Hoka One is ideal for road walking.
What walking clothes do I need for the Camino?
Let’s cover all things clothing that will be needed for summer Camino. I found that for ease of washing and drying it was best to wear quick dry t-shirts and shorts. They are are also extremely light and don’t show sweat marks or cling to you like cotton gear.
A quick note on quantity of items – we tend to go for the “one to wash” and “one to wear” rule. Meaning, you should have no more than two items of each clothing type. Two t-shirts, two shorts etc. The exception is, that we always pack three pairs of underwear and socks. “The one to wear, one to wash and an extra pair or pants,” rule.
Find out more about doing laundry on the Camino here.
5 Pack Men’s Active Quick Dry Crew Neck T Shirts | Athletic Running Gym Workout Short Sleeve Tee Tops Bulk
COOFANDY Men’s 2 Pack Shorts Quick Dry Bodybuilding Weightlifting Pants Training Running Jogger with Pockets
Pauboland Men’s Cushioned Anti Odor Blister Proof Quarter Crew Compression Running Trekking Socks – these socks are not ankle length but even in hot weather I preferred the longer ones are the didn’t slip down.
Even if walking in the summer, Spain can be chilly in the morning and evening, especially if you are walking the coastal routes. We suggest taking a layer, such as a light windproof jacket, a light sweater, or a flannel shirt as a cover up for when it’s cooler.
You will also want to protect your belongings from rain. One option is to pack a poncho. Another is to take a waterproof backpack cover like the below.
In addition, don’t forget quick dry underwear (three pairs is ideal).
What should I wear on the evening on the Camino in 2023?
Plus, a change of clothing for the evening and something to wear at night. For men, a men’s camino packing list should include a light weight shirt, or clean t-shirt with some casual shorts. This is great option for the evening.
Find out more here about what to wear in the evening on the Camino.
What accessories do I need for the Camino? | Hat, Sunglasses & Accessories
Away from the main items there are many smaller things you should consider in order to make sure you have everything you need. We’ve written a more extensive article on hats for the Camino here.
Nike Legacy 91 Tech Swoosh Hat – I know it doesn’t protect your neck, so use sunscream for that, but this hat just looks fantastic going up those hills.
KUGUAOK Polarized Sports Sunglasses for Men Driving Cycling Fishing Sun Glasses 100% UV Protection Goggles – make sure to have sunglasses in Spain during the summer, range of colours for this one.
CETAPHIL Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body , 0.5oz , 100% Mineral Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide , Broad Spectrum SPF 50 , For Sensitive Skin – factor 50 is essential.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free, 24-oz – you could have a special water bottle for the route. Many just buy a plastic bottle and use that. For a more a longer read about drinking water on the Camino read our other article here.
Power-Bank-Solar-Charger – 42800mAh Power Bank,Portable Charger,External Battery Pack 5V3.1A Qc 3.0 Fast Charging Built-in Super Bright Flashlight (Light Black) – can recharge and smart multiple times. Useful thing to have at the bottom of your bag.
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles – One Pair (2 Poles) – Collapsible, Lightweight, Quick Locking, and Ultra Durable – personal preference with a lot of people, I personally don’t use myself but many do. Find out here whether trekking poles are needed for the Camino.
Dr. Scholl’s Blister Cushions, Seal & Heal Bandage, 8 Cushions – it may or not happen but useful to have these around when it does. We have a longer article about footcare on the Camino here.
What do I need for the Albergue on the Camino?
Sleeping Bag Liner – Adult Sleep Sack & Travel Sheets – Travel Sleep Sack for Backpacking, Hotels & Hostels – Lightweight Single & Double Camping Sleeping Bag Liners – in summer you’ll unlikely to be using a sleeping bag, this sleep sheet will act as a barrier between you and the ‘sheet’ provided.
ECOOPRO Warm Weather Sleeping Bag – Portable, Waterproof, Compact Lightweight, Comfort with Compression Sack – Great for Outdoor Camping, Backpacking & Hiking-83 L x 30″ W Fits Adults – if you don get cold even on balmy nights then consider this sleeping bag.
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports &Beach Towel. Fast Drying – Super Absorbent – Ultra Compact – Albergues are unlikely to always have towels, get a qucik dry one that will fit easily in your bag. Consider also reading our longer article about towels for the Camino.
Albergues can be noisy and bright places, making sleep a little difficult. For my men’s camino packing list, I always pack a face mask and ear plugs to help with sleeping.
You can read more about albergues and what to expect here.
In addition, don’t forget your toiletries. Whilst this is personal for men, you will need your dental care items, shampoo, deodorant, soap, razor and any other items.
On my men’s packing list for the Camino, I always opt for a soap bar that can be used as shampoo and laundry. Something like the below is great.
Miscellaneous items on the men’s Camino packing list
In addition, no men’s camino packing list is definitive without reference to a few miscellaneous items that you may wish to pack. This may include a pack of cards, a bottle opener, sandwich bags and wet wipes.
We’ve written here about 12 things to pack for the Camino that you may not have considered.
You will also need your passport, your pilgrim passport, perhaps a travel journal or notebook and pen, your mobile phone and your cash/ ATM card.
Do you need cash for the Camino? Find out more here.
Hope you found this definitive men’s summer packing list for the Camino useful. If you are would also like to read a ladies packing list we have one right here.
Definitive men’s Camino packing list
Here’s a summary of the definitive men’s Camino packing list for summer 2023.
| Item | Optional (O) or Required (R) | Quantity |
| Quick Dry Shorts | R | 2 |
| Quick Dry T-Shirts | R | 2 |
| Underwear | R | 3 |
| Socks | R | 3 |
| Trail shoes, trainers or hiking shoes | R | 1 |
| Pajama or something to sleep in | R | 1 |
| A change of clothing and shoes for the evening | O (but recommended) | 1 |
| Hat | R | 1 |
| Sunglasses | R | 1 |
| A windproof/rainproof layer | R | 1 |
| A rainproof bag cover | R | 1 |
| Sunscreen | R | 1 |
| Insect repellent | O | 1 |
| First aid kit including painkillers, required medication and blister plasters | O | 1 |
| Water bottle or reservoir | R | 1 |
| Trekking Poles | O | 1 |
| Toiletries – deodorant, razor, shampoo/ soap bar, dental care (pick travel sized bottles and lightweight items) | R | 1 |
| Phone charger with adaptor (for Europe) and ideally a long cable | R | 1 |
| Power Bank/ Battery Pack | O | 1 |
| Trek Towel | R | 1 |
| Sleeping Bag Liner or Sleeping Bag | O | 1 |
| Face Mask and Ear Plugs | O | 1 |
| Other miscellaneous items (deck of cards, travel journal, sandwich bags, wet wipes, bottle opener, clothing pegs.) | O | 1 |
| Plastic bag (to keep soiled clothing separate) | O | 1 |
| Passport | R | 1 |
| Cash and ATM Card | R | 1 |
| Pilgrim Passport/ Credential | R | 1 |
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