LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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THE SUPREME CAMINO PACKING LIST: All your Camino packing list questions answered.

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A successful pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago starts with packing. It may not sound important, but it is vital. We call this the supreme Camino packing list, because it really is. Our Camino packing list has been tried, tested and refined. We’ve made packing blunders in the past and we want to make sure you don’t do the same.

We hope this Camino packing list answers all your questions. Buen Camino!

Our Camino packing list ethos

There are many Camino packing lists out there. What’s different about ours? Our Camino Packing List is designed to balance the requirement for a lightweight backpack with the needs of a modern pilgrim. Yes, it’s important that you’re backpack is light. But, you don’t want to leave anything that’s really essential for you at home. We believe that it’s possible to walk the Camino with a light backpack and still feel good!

We always stick to the principle of “one to wear and one to wash” but with the added “extra undies and socks for luck,” when it comes to our Camino packing list clothing choices. More on that in the section below on laundry!

The supreme Camino packing list female

Here’s a summary of the ultimate women’s Camino packing list for summer 2023. You can find more detailed information below in the FAQs section. We also include our recommendations for hiking apparel below.

Item	Optional (O) or Required (R)	Quantity
Backpack	R	1
Quick Dry Shorts	R	2
Quick Dry T-Shirts or sleeveless gym tops	R	2
Underwear	R	3
Sports Bra	R	2
Evening Bra	O	1
Socks	R	3
Swimsuit or bikini (If walking the Norte, Finisterre or Portuguese Coastal)* a bikini top can double up as an evening bra if needed	O	1
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
Something to wash laundry with (see note on laundry below)	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, kindle, sandwich bags, wet wipes, bottle opener, clothing pegs.)	O	1
A fanny pack or canvas bag to keep your belongings in on evenings out	O	1
Plastic bag (to keep soiled clothing separate)/ Packing cubes are also helpful	O	1
Passport	R	1
Mobile phone and headphones	R	1
Cash and ATM Card	R	1
Pilgrim Passport/ Credential	R	1

This packing list is based on walking during the peak summer period from June to September inclusive. If you plan to walk in the fringe seasons, spring and autumn, we would also recommend packing leggings or hiking trousers. We would also suggest a warm hat and a warm top layer.

Camino packing list: Toiletries for women

There’s more detail below in this article on laundry, hair styling and cosmetics. But I wanted to share a bit more detail on the toiletries that I pack on every long-distance hike, including the Camino.

Here are the essential toiletries on my Camino Packing List.

1. All in one soap – an excellent thing. You can get it on Amazon. Soap that washes you, your hair and your clothing. It’s marvellous. Pack it in a plastic zip lock bag (not a heavy soap dish!)
2. Sachets of Conditioner OR a leave in conditioner – a bottle of conditioner may be too heavy, but a few sachets of conditioner or an intensive hair mask are easier to carry. Next time, I’m going for a leave in conditioner spray that I can also use as a serum.
3. Mooncup – carrying tampax or sanitary towels is heavy, a mooncup is not. I’d also recommend this for ease as sometimes the toilets on the trail are infrequent. (Find out more about bathrooms on the Camino here.)
4. Moisturiser for body and face – an all in one moisturiser will save space and weight in your bag, for me this as non-negotiable especially to moisturise my feet. (Find out more about foot care on the Camino here).
5. Sunscreen – goes without saying. I find a spray easier to use on the trails and lighter to carry too. In addition to a large bottle of sunscreen, which I normally buy in Spain, love this Le Roche Posay sun stick for my face as it’s lightweight, easy to put in your bag and is a solid stick (meaning it doesn’t count towards your liquid allowance on the plane.)
6. Bug Spray – during the night in hostels, you may not be control of whether windows or doors are open. If you don’t want to get bitten then I’d suggest taking a small spray. Mosquitos in Italy can be mean!
7. A trek towel – this will come in super handy along the way. A quick dry towel is a necessity. (see more on that below)
8. A small medical kit – allergy tablets, Ibuprofen, rehydration sachets and blister plasters.
9. A little makeup for the evening – mascara and a lip balm that also acts as a cheek tint
10. Cleansing wipes – a lightweight packet of cleansing wipes
11. Deodorant – something under 100ml and lightweight
12. Toothpaste and toothbrush/ dental care

The supreme Camino packing list male

Here’s a summary of the definitive men’s Camino packing list for summer 2023. You can find more detailed information below in the FAQs section. We also include our recommendations for hiking apparel below.

Item	Optional (O) or Required (R)	Quantity
Quick Dry Shorts	R	2
Quick Dry T-Shirts	R	2
Underwear	R	3
Socks	R	3
Swimming shorts (If walking the Norte, Finisterre or Portuguese Coastal)	O	1
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
Something to wash laundry with (see note on laundry below)	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, kindle, sandwich bags, wet wipes, bottle opener, clothing pegs.)	O	1
Plastic bag (to keep soiled clothing separate)/ Packing cubes are also helpful	O	1
Mobile phone and head phones	R	1
Passport	R	1
Cash and ATM Card	R	1
Pilgrim Passport/ Credential	R	1

This packing list is based on walking during the peak summer period from June to September inclusive. If you plan to walk in the fringe seasons, spring and autumn, we would also recommend packing leggings or hiking trousers. We would also suggest a warm hat and a warm top layer.

All your Camino packing list questions answered

Camino Packing List: How much should your backpack weigh for the Camino de Santiago

Your Camino packing list has to start with the backpack. It’s very important to pick the right one for you and to ensure that it does not weigh too much. But how much should your backpack weigh for the Camino de Santiago and how big should it be?

What size backpack do you need for the Camino de Santiago?

Most people walking a long distance hike such as the  Camino de Santiago will carry a backpack of between 30 and 40 litres. This should be sufficient to carry all of your essentials on the Camino, including a sleeping bag or sleep sheet.

If you are planning to camp on the Camino de Santiago, you may need a larger bag. Perhaps 40 to 70 litres, depending on the size of your tent and weather you are travelling alone. Side note, we don’t recommend camping on the Camino.

However, for most people, anything bigger than 40 litres would be too much. The risk of carrying a larger bag, is that you will star to fill it with non-essential items.

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How much should your backpack weigh on the Camino de Santiago?

As a guide, your backpack for walking on the Camino de Santiago should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight. So, if you weigh 80kg, the backpack should weigh no more than 8kg.

There may be exceptions, if for example you are very strong or used to carrying weight whilst exercising. However, it’s important to remember that you are likely to be walking long distances every day on the Camino de Santiago. Any extra weight on your back is likely to put unnecessary strain on your body and could lead to injury, or at least discomfort.

Best backpacks for the Camino de Santiago in 2023

There are a few important things to look for when you are trying to find your backpack for the Camino de Santiago:

1. Correct fit – backpacks come in different sizes to suit different heights, pick the correct one and find a backpack with adjustable straps
2. Backpack weight – check the weight of your pack when it is empty
3. Backpack size – look for something between 30 and 40 litres that you can also carry onto an airplane
4. Pockets and sections – look for a bag with hip compartments, side pockets and other zipped sections
5. Hip and chest straps – ensure that your backpack has hip and chest straps to take the weight off your shoulders

Finally, don’t forget to try it before you walk the Camino de Santiago and return it if it doesn’t feel right. And of course, don’t forget to train with the backpack on.

Here are six of our favourite backpacks for the Camino de Santiago in 2023.

1. Best for women – Osprey Sirrus 34 Women’s Hiking Backpack

Available in the US (as a 36 litre version) for $240 here and the UK here for £141.

2. Best for petite women – Osprey Tempest 30 – available in Small Size to suit a petite frame

Available in the US here and in the UK here for £139.99.

3. Best if you need to pack camping equipment – Osprey 65litre backpack

This larger backpack is available in the US here for $190 and in the UK for £149.

4. Most stylish backpack – Fjällräven Kaipak 38 Backpack 55 cm

Available in the UK here for £179.95 and the US here.

5. Best for men – Osprey Talon 33 litre requiring different sizes

Available here in the UK for £109 or the US for $185. This bag also comes in different colours.

6. Best unisex option – Deuter Unisex Futura Pro 36 Backpack

Available in the UK here for £145 and $195 in the US here.

If you’re looking for a more budget option, you can find our guide to budget hiking here.

How to pack your backpack for the Camino

It may sound silly, but packing your backpack efficiently can make your trip much easier. Here are our top tips:

Firstly, it is extremely helpful to separate the items in your backpack so that you can get quick access to anything you need when you arrive at your albergue. This would include your toiletries, your power cables, trek towel, and anything you need for sleeping. You can use a carrier bag to separate everything or use packing cubes. Having a separate toiletries bag can also speed things up when you need to get access to your toiletries and jump in the shower.

Secondly, try to keep your dirty clothes and walking clothes separate to your fresh evening clothes. When walking every day, especially in the summer, your walking clothes can get quite pungent!

Next, think about what you might need to get access to during your walk. Look for a backpack with handy pockets for these items. You may want somewhere to stash your phone, sunscreen, lip balm and anything else you want during the walk. Finally, I love using a water platypus which slots into a pocket at the back of my bag. This means I can access my water as I walk.

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Camino packing list: Hiking outfits for women

There are far more important things about walking the Camino de Santiago than what you wear. But, I do think I always enjoy hiking more if I’m comfortable in my choice of outfit. As I plan my next Camino de Santiago later this year, I am starting to think about my Camino packing list and as part of that, the best hiking outfits for me and choosing what sort of look to go for. I’m not about “fast fashion,” but my current clothing is threadbare after our recent walk through Norway and it’s time for a revamp. As part of a Camino packing list female version , here are my ideas for the best hiking outfits for women on the Camino in 2023.

Camino packing list female: The sporty hiking outfit

Muscle vest – a muscle vest can be great on the Camino as it keeps you pretty cool. I also am a fan of the black top and black top outfit combo, which I think gives a sporty look. Just be sure to check that your backpack doesn’t chafe if you choose a sleeveless top on the Camino.

Perfect black shorts – I call these the perfect black shorts, because they are the right length, not too tight and comfortable. Great for keeping cool on the Camino.

Camino packing list female: The boho hiking outfit

Pink Cross Back Tee – I love this tee, not just the colour but the style of the back too. Plus, the sleeves are great to keep the sun off your shoulders.

Cute grey shorts – these are the same as the black shorts above, but in a nice light grey colour. Light colours are better to deflect hot sun too.

Camino packing list female: The yogi hiking outfit

Loose Tank Tops – I love a baggy tank top on the Camino. The main reason is that you have to wash them less because they aren’t getting too smelly! Plus, they feel super airy.

Yoga shorts (4 inches) – I tend to always pack a pair of yoga style shorts when I go hiking. Partly because they are comfortable, but also because I can stretch in them easily if I’m doing some yoga before or after hiking. Tight shorts are great for hiking too as they can minimize chafing.

Camino packing list female: The sun protection hiking outfit

The long sleeve tee – with the extreme heat in Europe over the summer, this top may not be the best. But if you’re very concerned about sun protection, it could be an option.

The longer shorts – Longer shorts will help to keep the sun off your legs, but be careful not to overheat in these.

Camino packing list female: The sun seeker hiking outfit

The cropped vest – this vest is great for women looking for a top with a built in bra. And of course, perfect if you’re trying to tan as you walk.

The short short – I love the pattern on these yoga shorts. A fun alternative to a plain colour. And for me, a great length for hiking.

Camino packing list female: The classic hiking outfit

Sleeveless Vest – a classic sleeveless vest is a great option for walking long days in warm weather.

The classic hiking short – sometimes you can’t beat a classic hiking short, especially in the sun.

Camino packing list female: The cargo hiking outfit

White Tee – I love this tee shirt, a classic white tee but with a fun twist.

Cargo shorts – these are a bit like the classic hiking shorts, but a bit shorter and a more fashion forward cut.

Camino packing list: Hiking clothing for men

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.

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.

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Camino packing list: What to wear on the Camino at night for women?

What are the evenings like on the Camino?

Before we jump into what to wear on the Camino, it’s worth a few words on what you can expect the evenings to be like. If this is your first time walking, you may be wondering.

In the evening, after a shower and perhaps a nap, most people will either cook dinner in their albergue or head out for some food and drinks. The evenings can be as social or as low-key as you want them to be. Most of the stops on the Camino are in small towns and villages. But, across the different Camino routes, you will also stop in some fabulous cities.

Find out more about the different Camino routes here.

What to wear on the Camino in the evening?

We suggest packing a clean change of clothing to wear on the Camino in the evening. Our preference is to wear “civilian” rather than “hiking” clothing in the evening, but that is a personal choice. Some people do choose to wear clean hiking clothing in the evening. Here are some suggestions if you want to wear something a little more leisurely:

What to wear on the Camino in the evening for women?

A jumpsuit or playsuit/ romper – like this one. A lightweight cotton or linen jumpsuit can be a great idea for women. These garments pack up small and it doesn’t matter if they are creased. Plus, they are comfortable and can be useful in warm and cooler weather.

A light t-shirt dress – like this or this. A lightweight cotton t-shirt dress is great for the Camino in the evening. These are comfortable, easy to wear and throw on at the end of the day. Plus, they are great if the evenings are a little cooler.

Linen shorts or pants – like this. Linen is great to travel with, it is a light fabric and doesn’t object to being scrumpled in your Camino backpack. Try a pair of shorts or trousers with a vest top or t-shirt.

Camino packing list: What to wear on the Camino in the evening for men?

A linen shirt – like this one. A casual button down, made from linen, is a great choice to wear in the evening if you’re planning to look a little “smart” at dinner.

Casual shorts – like these. A pair of lightweight casual shorts are great to wear in the evening in Spain, especially in the summer. These are great as they don’t crease easily and look smart, even though they are comfortable.

T shirts – like this. These are quick dry, so can be worn for hiking and in the evening (so long as you have a clean one!)

What shoes to wear on the Camino in the evening?

Believe us, you will definitely want a change of shoes in the evening. It is such a relief to take your hiking boots or trail shoes off. Especially if you can replace them with something light and airy at the end of the day!

What shoes to wear on the Camino in the evening for women?

For women here are some ideas for shoes to wear on the Camino in the evening:

Flip Flops – like this for around $15. These are great if you’re walking in the summer and also double up as shoes you can wear in the shower

Toms Shoes – like this, which retail at around $40. These are great if you’re walking in spring or autumn, or if you want something a little smarter than flip flops

What shoes to wear in the evening on the Camino for men?

And for men, here are some ideas for shoes to wear on the Camino in the evening:

Flip Flops – like this for $19.99. These are great if you’re walking in the summer and also double up as shoes you can wear in the shower

Toms Shoes – like this, which retail for around $39 to $49. These are great if you’re walking in the spring or autumn or want something smarter than flip flops

Camino packing list: Can you walk the Camino de Santiago in trainers?

You can walk the Camino de Santiago in trainers. We would recommend trainers as the best choice for walking the Camino de Santiago. Many people also choose walking sandals in the summer. But rarely are walking boots the best solution.

Trainers are comfortable and lightweight, plus they cope well with the varied terrain of the Camino. But, we recommend choosing a good pair of trainers specifically made for hiking and walking. They must be robust enough to last for one month.

The most important thing about trainers is that they provide enough support and protection for your feet. Many of the Camino routes include road walking and your feet can quickly become sore, if you don’t have the right footwear.

Do I need any other footwear for the Camino de Santiago?

It is a great idea to pack flip-flops, sandals or lightweight canvas shoes to wear in the evening on the Camino de Santiago. Not only will this give your feet a break, but you probably won’t want to wear your smelly hiking shoes to explore town or visit restaurants!

The two brands that we swear by when travelling are Haviana Flip Flops and Toms. Both are great footwear brands making quality footwear that lasts. Case in point, I have one pair of Haviana Flip Flops that have lasted since 2006! Toms are also super lightweight and easy to pack.

How to choose the best trainers for the Camino de Santiago?

Choosing the right trainers is one of the most important decisions on the Camino de Santiago. Based on our experience of walking the Camino, here are some tips for choosing the right shoes for you.

• The trainers should fit well and be comfortable. This means that you should be able to wiggle your toes and they should not be touching the end. Remember, your feet will probably swell on the Camino, so you need enough room in your shoes for this.
• Find trainers that have good cushioning and appropriate arch support for your feet. You will walk on some road and after some time the impact of this can be painful without good support and cushioning.
• You may want to consider trainers with a trail shoe grip, especially if you are walking in spring or autumn when there could be a little bit of mud.
• If you plan to walk in the height of summer, you may wish to choose trainers that are breathable. Some waterproofed hiking shoes keep your feet warm, which may be great in autumn, but less good in summer.

For more information on training for the Camino, you can find our guide here. You can also find more information on managing blisters here.

Best trainers for the Camino de Santiago in 2023?

The right footwear is really important, but it’s also a personal choice. Depending on your feet width, size and arch, you may find that some trainers fit you well and others don’t suit you. Here are five that we think are some of the best options for the Camino de Santiago in 2023:

These are popular choices as they provide support, comfort, lightweight functionality and traction.

Hoka Speed Goat

We both opted for Hoka Speed Goats when we walked the Via Francigena recently. We loved them. The Speed Goat is a trail shoe with good grip under foot and some light water resistance too.

The main selling point of a Hoka shoe is that they come with extreme cushioning. This pair has a thick layer of foam in the mid sole, making it a good choice for anyone who is prone to sore heels or ball of feet pain when walking.

Although they are an expensive choice, ours are still going very strong after 600km of walking so far.

Hoka Speed Goat is available for women here and men here. Remember to size up as Hoka’s come up quite small.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080

The New Balance Fresh Foam trainer is another great choice if you want more cushioning. Emma chose this shoe to walk our first Camino and found that the cushioning helped to relieve knee pain and provide support.

The New Balance Fresh Foam is also a great looking shoe, with a simple design. Plus, it has a grippy sole that helps to walk on any surface.

Find the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 here for men and here for women.

Altra Lone Peak 6

The Altra Lone Peak 6 is different to the New Balance Fresh Foam and Hoka options in that it’s more like a bare foot shoe. If this is what you’re after, then an Altra Lone Peak 6 is a good choice.

The shoe even won the Runners World runners choice award in 2022. The toe box is wide, so this is a good option if you like extra space for your toes.

Available for women here and men here.

Brooks Cascadia 16

TheBrooks Cascadia 16 is a less expensive trail shoe than some of the others on the market in 2023. But, this is still a suitable shoe for the Camino de Santiago as it is versatile, durable and supportive shoe.

Providing support in all terrain, yet they retail at under $100. Find them for women here and men here. The Brooks Cascadia 16 is also available in wide fit.

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Camino Packing List: 12 things to pack for the Camino that you may not have considered

There are 12 things that we pack to walk the Camino and other walks, that many people are surprised by or may not have thought about. Here they are:

One: Blister Plasters

Your feet are quite literally doing the walking on the Camino de Santiago. And for some people blisters are an inevitability. No matter how much moisturizing you do, or what kid of socks or shoes, you may still get blisters. We always travel with Compeed Blister Plasters. We think these are the best when it comes to protection, but they’re also incredibly sticky and stay put on your foot for a few days.

Whether you choose these plasters, or an alternative, remember to think about foot care for the Camino and put something for your precious feet on your Camino packing list!

And whilst you’re at it, we recommend throwing in a needle (in a clean and sanitized sealed bag) that you can use if you absolutely have to pop any blisters. Find out more about blister care on the Camino here.

Two: Ibuprofen or pain killers

You can of course buy Ibuprofen and other pain killers in Spain. There are plenty of pharmacies and shops on the Camino de Santiago. But, do note that pain killers are quite expensive in Spain. Especially if you are traveling from the UK, the comparative price of buying pain killers in Spain is quite significant.

Why would you need pain killers on the Camino? A whole host of reasons. Whether you’re suffering with a sore head after too many Sangrias, foot pain, muscular pain. You name it. It’s super helpful to have a stash in your pack for the Camino just in case.

Three: Pop Socks

Sticking with the foot theme, one thing we always pack for the Camino de Santiago, is pop-socks. Many people we talk to online haven’t heard of pop socks. Apparently they are quite a British phenomenon.

Pop socks are stockings, but just for your feet. For hiking, they act as a thin and protective layer to help prevent blisters for anyone who is prone to blistering. Other methods are available, but this is the one we tend to choose especially when walking in the heat.

Four: A deck of cards

Whether you’re walking solo, with friends or in a couple , we suggest packing a deck of cards between your group. This means that you will always have a few fun games that you can play during lunch breaks or in the evening in your albergue. Asking others to play a game is also a great ice-breaker and a good way to make some Camino friends.

Five: A couple of clothes pegs/ pins

Why would you take clothes pegs /pins on the Camino I hear you ask? Well, the short answer is, you will need them! On the Camino, you will inevitably have to wash your clothes regularly, unless you want to carry 4 weeks worth of underwear on your back.

Stashing a couple of clothing pegs in our backpack, means that you can hang your laundry in your albergue easily in the evening. But, if it still hasn’t dried, then you can attach it to your backpack in the morning and let your clothes dry as you walk.

Can you do your laundry on the Camino and what are the best travel detergents to use? Find out here.

Six: A bottle opener

Most wine in Spain is in a corked bottle and not a screw top one. If you enjoy a wine or two, then having a bottle opener with you can be very handy. Often, there are some wonderful gardens and chill out spaces in Albergues where you can enjoy a drink at the end of the day. Sharing a bottle of wine with company in the Camino can be one of the most wonderful and social parts of the walk too. Why not include a bottle opener on your Camino packing list.

Find out more about some of our favorite Albergues on the Camino del Norte here.

Seven: Sandwich bags

Sandwich bags are a very helpful addition to your Camino backpack. When hiking, we use sandwich bags for a number of things. Firstly, they are great for storing a packed lunch on the Camino, which we regularly did.

Secondly, they are handy for collecting small items of trash. For example, left over lunch or snack packaging. But they can also be useful to collect any toilet roll/ wet wipes that you may have used on the way during the day. It’s so important to leave no trace when you walk!

Finally, sandwich bags can be used to store dirty laundry and keep items separate from your clean items in your bag, until such a time as you can get to a sink/ machine to clean it.

Eight: A sunscreen stick

I’m sure you’ve considered that you will need sunscreen when you walk the Camino. But you may not have thought about packing a specific facial sun stick. The reason that we never hike without one of these, is that it’s so important not to allow your face to become sun burnt when you hike.

As well as keeping the sun off your face with a hat , we recommend having easy access to a sun stick so that you can reapply sunscreen to your face at regular intervals throughout the day.

I also find that facial sun sticks are much less greasy than regular sunscreen. Which prevents my face from getting gross and spotty during the hike. A must add to your Camino packing list.

Nine: Wet Wipes

Wet Wipes are a super handy item to have on any travel adventure. Even more so when you are walking the Camino. We think that these are a great item to pack for the Camino as they are so multi-purpose. We recommend putting them on your Camino packing list.

When we walk, we use wet wipes to wipe our hands before or after lunch breaks, I sometimes use them to remove makeup too. But, wet wipes are also super handy for toilet breaks too. Often, you may find that bars/ restaurants in Spain don’t have any toilet roll in the bathrooms, or of course you may have to partake in a “nature wee” on the way.

Should you pack cosmetics when you walk the Camino? Find out here.

Ten: A Journal and a pen

On the Camino, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect and think. This can be a really great opportunity to self-reflect and record your thoughts in a journal. Plus, you may want to keep a diary of your daily walks, including highlights and places you’ve been to or memorable people that you have met.

We recommend packing a lightweight travel journal and a pen on the Camino. Lotus Eaters Travel have created a journal that serves two purposes 1. Self-Reflection 2. A diary of your daily adventures. You can find it here on Amazon.

Eleven: Ear Plugs and an Eye Mask

Ear Plugs and an Eye Mask are absolute must on your Camino packing list if you plan to stay in albergues. Ear Plugs can protect you from even the most dastardly of snorers, or the loudest dorm room. Eye Masks also help you to sleep when lights are going on and off, which they often are during the night and early in the morning in albergues on the Camino. Don’t head out on the Camino without yours.

Find out more about albergues and etiquette here.

Twelve: Tiger Balm or Muscle Rub

After walking long-distances every day, you’re likely to find that you get one or two muscle pains or twinges. Even if you’ve trained really well for the Camino.

This is why we recommend putting some muscle rub on your Camino packing list , such as Deep Heat. My preference is Tiger Balm, which feels like a much more natural muscle pain relieving cream.

Camino packing list: How much water should you carry on the Camino de Santiago?

Staying hydrated on the Camino is really important. This is especially true if you are walking in the heat and sweating a lot. But, how much water should you carry to stay hydrated on the trails?

Personally, we aim to carry 1.5 to 2 litres of water each. However, many people only carry around 1 litre and manage fine. On the Frances particularly, water stops can be found frequently. But in our experience of other routes, particularly the Norte, there are some days when facilities are sparce. On these days, I would aim to carry 2 litres (70 fluid ounces) at least, preferably a little more.

If you know that you’re walking a daily stage with plenty of facilities, then 1 litre (35 fluid ounces) may be enough. Check the facilities in advance so that you can plan accordingly. Also, if it’s particularly hot, we would suggest planning to carry more water on the Camino than you would normally.

Where can you fill up water on the Camino de Santiago?

On the Camino de Santiago, there are generally plenty of places to fill up your water bottle. These include some drinking water fountains that have been specially placed for walkers.

You can also rely on cafes and bars along the way to buy water, or to ask to fill up your bottle with tap water. We often filled our bottles up in bathroom sinks in cafes and bars too. Supermarkets are frequently found on the route to buy water too if you’d rather avoid taps and fountains. Finally, all the albergues you stay at will have drinking water readily available.

Just look out to avoid any water fountains in rural areas that may not be for drinking water – “potable” means drinkable in Spanish, so look for any signage that suggests it is not drinkable!

Top tips for staying hydrated on the Camino de Santiago

Here are our top tips for staying hydrated on the Camino de Santiago.

1. Carry plenty of water with you and make sure it’s accessible in your bag
2. Keep track of how much water you are taking in and notice if you’re not drinking enough
3. Know the signs of dehydration – look out for these
4. Make a point of drinking water in the morning before you set off, during every break and when you arrive at your albergue in the morning
5. If you’re drinking alcohol in the evening, punctuate this with a glass of water
6. Check your route in advance so you can plan how much water to carry

Best water bottles to carry on the Camino de Santiago?

Here are some of the best options for water bottles and receptacles available on the market in 2023.

Water Bladder

A water bladder/ reservoir is a great option if you want to make sure that you can access water throughout the day without removing your backpack. This is an especially helpful option if you have a backpack, like the Osprey Tempest, which has a slot to put a water bladder in. This one also holds up to 3 litres.

Best for cold water

If you can’t stand the thought of tepid water, it’s best to go for a stainless steel insulated bottle that will remain cold all day as you hike the Camino de Santiago. Something like this one is great and comes in different size options to suit your needs on the Camino.

Best for keeping track

A bottle like this fun one is a great way to keep track of how much fluid you’ve consumed during the day. This great bottle is BPA free and shows you how much of your daily target you’ve hit.

Camino packing list: Do you need a towel for the Camino de Santiago?

The majority of walkers or cyclists on the Camino de Santiago will need a towel. If you plan to stay in albergues, hostels and even basic pensions you will need to bring a towel. This type of basic accommodation will not supply towels to guests on the Camino de Santiago. And, you will most definitely need a towel when you shower!

If however, you are planning to solely stay in hotels or more up market accommodation, you will not need a towel as you will be provided with fresh towels in your hotels.

Want to know more about the different accommodation on the Camino – find our guide to albergues here.

Do you need a beach towel for the Camino de Santiago?

If you are walking the Camino del Norte or the Camino Portuguese coastal route, you might wonder whether you ought to pack a beach towel. We would strongly advise you not to pack a beach towel in addition to a shower towel. Carrying two towels, even if they are lightweight, is likely to make your backpack too heavy.

Best towels for the Camino de Santiago in 2023

In our experience, the best type of towel to take on the Camino in your backpack is a trek towel. This is because trek towels are lightweight, small and dry quickly. On the Camino de Santiago quick dry is important because you will use your towel every day and will need it dry and ready to pack by the morning.

1. Best large towel – this best selling towel is a great option if you want a larger towel for the Camino. Great if you’re a taller or larger person, or just prefer to keep your modesty!
2. Best small towel – if you’re a petite person, a medium sized towel may be a better option than a large. This will pack up nicely into your backpack.
3. Best colourful towel – if you want a trek towel to make you stand out on the Camino, or just bring some cheer to shower time, then try one of these patterned and brightly coloured trek towels.

If you don’t like using a trek towel, there are also some great alternatives.

1. A sarong – a sarong is a great lightweight alternative to a trek towel. The texture is completely different and may feel better on your skin. Sarong’s can also double up as something you can wear to the beach, or use a beach towel on the coastal Camino routes.
2. Hammam style towel – a Turkish style hammam towel is another alternative to a trek towel. Many people prefer this style of towel as the texture is different. This towel is 100% cotton too.

Camino Packing List: Best hats for the Camino de Santiago in 2023

When packing for the Camino de Santiago, you will probably be wondering about the best hats for the Camino. If you’re walking in the summer, a hat is essential. There are few sections of Camino that will be shaded from the sun and without a decent hat, you will put yourself at risk for sun burn and even sun stroke.

Here’s our pick of the best hats for the Camino de Santiago in 2023.

Best wide brimmed hat for the Camino de Santiago

Probably the best option if you want to shield from the sun entirely is to pack a wide brimmed hat. Here are three of the best wide brimmed hats for the Camino de Santiago in 2023:

A hat to cover your neck:

This wide brimmed hat has a neck flap to cover the back of your neck when you walk. Not only will the sun be off your face, but also off your neck and avoiding sun damage. If you burn easily, or want to be careful, this is a great option for you. Available for £18.99 in a variety of colours.

A hat to accommodate pony-tails:

This wide brimmed hat has quite an attractive feminine look. There’s a gap in the back of the hat to accommodate your pony-tail and a handy chin strap to stop the hat blowing away. Available in a range of bright colours foe £11.99.

Most stylish wide-brimmed hat:

This wide-brimmed hat is a safari style number. We think it’s one of the most stylish available, especially in the khaki or stone colours. It covers your neck nicely, especially if you wear your hair down, and keeps the sun off your face. Available now for £22.

Best baseball caps for the Camino de Santiago

If you’re going for a sporty look for your Camino outfits, then a baseball cap might be your ideal option. A cap can keep the sun off your face effectively, but be sure to keep your sunscreen topped up!

Here are three of the best:

Most versatile cap

If you want to keep your hat choice simple, this may be the best one for you. A versatile stone-washed looking cap, available in many different colour choices for £9.

Cutest baseball cap

I’m a sucker for a cheery design feature and love this cute baseball cap with a smiley face. Bound to make you and other walkers smile as you walk the Camino. Available in lots of colours for £8.99.

Customised baseball cap

This may not suit everyone, but if you’re looking for a fun way to wear a hat on the Camino, why not try a customised cap? Maybe you’re walking as a group of friends and want something to make you stand out? This customised cap is available in many colours and with your own personal design for under £10.

Best headband for the Camino de Santiago

We don’t recommend packing only a headband or buff. It will not really shade you from the sun. But, packing a headband or buff can be handy in addition to a hat. If you have a hat that does not cover your neck, then you can use a buff. A buff can also be used as a sweat band, or if you run it under cold water and pop it on your head, it will cool you down significantly.

Here are two of the best:

Japanese headband

One of the simplest and most versatile items on the market, this Japanese headband is perfect to keep hair out your face when you’re walking. It can be worn in several ways and comes in different colours for £11.99.

Most colourful headband

If you want a buff with a bit more colour, you could try one of these jazzy patterned ones. Available in different eye catching designs for £8.99.

Camino de Santiago packing list: Should you pack beauty products and cosmetics for the Camino de Santiago?

When you are walking the Camino de Santiago, you will want to ensure that your bag weighs as little as possible. But, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to leave all your creature comforts behind. As a woman, even when walking the Camino, I still prioritise packing some beauty products and cosmetics.

That said, I believe that the answer to whether or not you should pack cosmetics for the Camino de Santiago is entirely personal. You may be somebody who does not use beauty products at home, in which case it would be unnecessary for you to take them on the Camino. Or, perhaps you’re someone who prioritizes beauty products at home and travelling anywhere without them would be alien to you.

Ultimately, you will have to carry whatever you choose to take! This is part of the challenge of the Camino and part of the fun. So choose wisely!

To offer a personal perspective, I like to take some beauty products with me when I walk a long distance trail. This will include some make up and cosmetics to keep my hair and skin healthy. However, I prioritise products that are multi-purpose and lightweight.

Camino de Santiago packing list for women: Best beauty products for Camino de Santiago

When packing for the Camino, or any long-distance trail, I try to find lightweight products that have several functions. Here are my best beauty products for the Camino de Santiago.

Leave in conditioner

Diamond Dust by label M is the best leave in conditioner I have found. In my experience it helps to restore sun damaged hair on the road. The reason that I love it for walking the Camino, is that you can simply spray and go. It means spending less time in the shower, plus you can use it instead of a serum and to refresh hair between washes which makes it multi-purpose. Decant into a travel size spray bottle.

Dry shampoo

Anyone who has ever backpacked has no doubt used Dry Shampoo. This is a great option on the Camino if you want to avoid washing your hair too much whilst walking. I use this in-between washes to freshen up. It comes in a very small handy travel size option too and is lightweight.

All in one soap

A shampoo soap bar is a great packing hack for the Camino. What’s more, the shampoo bars are getting better and better, with some even offering conditioner too. I buy a shampoo bar that I can also use to shower and wash clothing – more on laundry on the Camino here. A bar will last you for a whole month if you use it carefully.

Lip and cheek tint

Lip and cheek tint is excellent to add a little colour to your face in the evening, without the need for much make up. This benefit lip and cheek tint is the best I’ve tried for a long-lasting colour. But, I also use the Dr Paw Paw tint which is a cheaper option and still good.

Facial SPF

Realistically, you will get through a lot of sunscreen when walking the Camino de Santiago. I recommend buying a large bottle when you arrive. But, you may want to consider a separate facial SPF.

I always travel with this Le Roche Posay sun stick. It’s lightweight, feels really nice on my face and covers well. Plus, as it’s a stick rather than a liquid, it is easy to carry onto the airplane in hand luggage. Elta MD is another great option in a similar stick.

Cleanser

It is hard to find a cleanser to fit well in a backpack, especially if you want something that is kind to your skin. When I’m hiking, I swear by Simple facial wipes. These are suitable for sensitive skin, exfoliating and lightweight to pack. Although I wouldn’t want to use them all the time, they are great for a hike like the Camino and come in handy packs of 25 wipes.

Moisturiser

For a lightweight moisturiser that can be used for face and body, I really like Simple moisturiser. This product is also very inexpensive. Although it comes in a large bottle, I tend to decant it into a smaller plastic bottle and carry 100ml which will last for the whole trip if used sparingly.

Vaseline is an alternative option if you prefer your moisturiser to be thicker. It’s also better for moisturising sore feet too.

Travel size bottles

Travel size cosmetic bottles are great for cosmetics on the Camino de Santiago. These mean that you can decant any of your favourite products into handy sized bottles. I can’t think of any products that you would need more than 100ml of for the Camino.

Camino packing list: Do you need cash or card on the Camino de Santiago?

One important question you might have when preparing for the Camino de Santiago, is whether you need cash or card on the Camino?

Do you need cash on the Camino de Santiago?

In Spain and Portugal, the currency is Euros. It is advisable to carry some cash with you when you walk the Camino de Santiago. The main reasons you will need some cash are to pay for accommodation and to pay your bill in some cafes.

On the Camino de Santiago, some albergues will accept card, but this tends to be the private ones that are bookable via Booking.com. Municipal albergues, donativo albergues and convents or monasteries will all expect guests to pay with cash. Also, some albergues have bars which are likely to operate on a cash only basis.

We noticed that a number of cafes would only accept cash too. So it’s advisable to carry some, or else you might be deprived of your morning coffee fix!

Supermarkets and most restaurants will accept credit card, especially in the larger towns.

Are there ATMs on the Camino de Santiago?

On all routes of the Camino de Santiago, ATMs are generally available and easy to find. However, we would advise that you take out cash in the larger towns and cities. As you get into more remote villages and hamlets, you will find that some do not have ATMs. We advise that you plan ahead and check that you always have a little bit of cash.

Do ATMs charge fees on the Camino de Santiago?

In Spain, many of the ATMs may charge you to withdraw money. This will be in addition to any charges from your own bank too. In our experience, chargers ranged from 3 Euros to 5 Euros, but in one town on the Camino we found an ATM with charges of 8 Euros!

The ATMs with the lowest fees tended to ATMs attached to local or regional banks, rather than the large national banks. Santander charged more than 5 Euros! Fees were also high with Euronet cash points.

ATMs that charge no withdrawal fees included IberCaja and UniCaja, as well as ABANCA. BBVA charged a small fee.

Which card to use when walking the Camino de Santiago?

We always travel with Revolut cards. This is a debit card, but with no transaction fees when withdrawing Euros or paying for anything in Euros. There are many similar cards on the market.

Another option is to use a pre-paid travel card. These may have spending limits and take a few days to add cash, therefore we prefer to use a debit card when walking the Camino de Santiago.

Can you use American Express on the Camino de Santiago?

Generally, American Express will not be accepted in hostels, albergues, restaurants, cafes or bars on the Camino. Best off leaving this at home!

Camino packing list: Do you need hiking poles for the Camino de Santiago?

The question of whether you need hiking poles for the Camino de Santiago, is something we frequently get asked. It’s also a topic of great debate. Let’s dive in and settle this once and for all!

Do I need hiking poles for the Camino?

Firstly, in the interest of full disclosure, we are not currently hiking pole users. When we walked our first Camino, we weren’t even sure what hiking poles were. And now, we are established hikers without them! That said, we are due to walk from Oslo to Trondheim this year and are considering hiking poles for that occasion.

Are hiking poles necessary for the Camino? It’s a completely personal choice. Whether or not you need hiking poles will depend on which route you are walking and the terrain, your walking experience and your body! For some people, hiking poles will provide huge benefit. For others, they are not necessary and will just feel like extra weight on your back.

What are the advantages of using hiking poles?

There are three main advantages to using hiking poles:

1// Hiking poles can help your balance and stability

Having the two poles to lean on can help you maintain balance and stability. This is particularly useful if you’re walking up or down slippery or difficult terrain. There are some steep ascents and descents on the Camino Norte and the Camino Primitivo too, but other Camino routes are flatter and you may not find your balance is challenged enough to warrant the use of hiking poles.

2// Hiking poles can take pressure of your lower body

The joints and muscles in your legs can take a battering when you’re walking long distances every day on the Camino. Using hiking poles can take pressure off your lower body. If you have lower body injuries, then hiking poles could be of benefit to you.

3// Hiking poles can help to maintain pace and rhythm

A bit like skiing with poles, hiking poles can help you find a nice rhythm. In turn, this can also help to maintain or increase your pace of walking.

What are the disadvantages of using hiking poles?

The main disadvantage of using hiking poles is that you will have to carry them! Hiking poles are extra weight to carry when you’re not using them, including on the plane. As noted below, you will also have to put them in the hold on the plane, which can be costly.

The second disadvantage of using hiking poles on the Camino, is that it’s an extra thing to keep an eye on. This may sound silly, but we really enjoy the minimalism of hiking with less. This is the main reason we don’t use poles, because it just feels like something else to think about! Plus, people frequently leave them behind in albergues or restaurants and have to retrace their steps to find them!

On the Camino, particularly the North Route, there can be a lot of walking on road and walking through towns. Hiking poles don’t really provide much benefit on this sort of terrain.

There is some research suggesting that using hiking poles can take up more energy than not using them. I don’t know how accurate this is, but there seems to be some logic to the argument, given that using hiking poles requires you to use your arms more.

Finally, you may find yourself at the end of quite a few (gentle and good natured) jokes about hiking poles if you use them.

How much do hiking poles cost?

There is a range of hiking poles on the market at various price points.

A budget set of hiking poles can be found for around £25. Mid-range hiking poles retail at £60 ish. More expensive carbon fibre poles are in the region of about £150.

How much do hiking poles weigh?

The weight of hiking poles will depend on what type of pole you choose as as well as the size of the poles. Carbon fiber poles are likely to weigh a little less than aluminium.

Budget aluminium poles are likely to weigh about 250g, whereas carbon fibre are more like 200g.

Can you use just one hiking pole?

The original pilgrims walking the Camino likely walked with just one “staff”, which is a bit like a modern day hiking pole. You could use just one hiking pole to walk the Camino. The advantages of this would be that one pole is less weight to carry than two. If you have an injury or weakness on one side, then there are indications that one pole could help.

Using one hiking pole will likely provide a bit of stability and may be beneficial particularly if you’re hiking down or up difficult terrain. But you won’t reap the same benefits that you would by using two poles.

Can you take hiking poles on the plane?

Yes, you can take hiking poles on the plane. But you cannot take them in your hand luggage into the cabin. Most airlines specify that hiking or climbing poles must go into the hold. If you’re just travelling with a hiking backpack and poles, this might be tricky as you may not wish to put your backpack (your Camino treasure) into the hold.

Where to buy hiking poles for the Camino in Spain?

If you decide not to take them on the plane, you could buy them when you arrive in Spain to start the Camino. There are a few options.

Either, find a trekking store in Irun, Porto, Oviedo, Saint Jean Pied de Port or wherever you are starting. There are a number of Decathlon stores in Spain, France and Portugal. This store is always a great bet if you’re looking for any sort of hiking gear, including poles. Check the latest Decathlon locations, but at time of writing there is one on the outskirts of Porto and Irun. Stores can also be found at various points on the route, including Gijon on the North Route.

Another option is to order them on Amazon to an Amazon Hub locker near to the start point of the Camino. We have done this many times if we need something overseas and can’t get it onto the plane. It can work out to be much cheaper than paying for luggage on a plane.

Camino packing list: Do you need a sleeping bag for the Camino de Santiago?

This was something that we really didn’t know the answer to during our first time walking the Camino de Santiago. It’s obvious when wild camping , that you always need to pack a sleeping bag, but do you need a sleeping bag for the Camino de Santiago? Walking the Camino is not the same as walking a rough trail, the infrastructure on the Camino is really good with Albergues set up just for Pilgrims. Nonetheless, it’s important as part of your preparation to consider what equipment you need carefully.

What do you sleep in on the Camino?

On the Camino unless you are on a fancy tour, you are most likely to either stay in hostels (albergues) or in basic guest houses.

If you plan to stay in an albergue dormitory room, you will invariably be sleeping on a bunk bed. The bunk beds will vary from luxurious, like in some of our favourite Albergues on the Camino Portuguese, to darn right basic. Many municipal albergues have bunk beds with old mattresses.

Most tend to provide you with a plastic disposable sheet that you can put over the mattress, as well as a plastic disposable pillow case.

In our experience, guest houses, pensions or basic hotels will all have sheets and blankets. If you’re planning to stay in these and not in albergues, then you won’t need a sleeping bag.

Not sure what an albergue is? You can find out more here.

Do albergues have blankets on the Camino?

Albergues on the Camino do mostly tend to have blankets. You will either be provided with a blanket on your bed, or you will be able to find one in a cupboard or ask the hostel manager. On one or two occasions during the three times we have walked the Camino, we have been told that we need to pay a small fee (1 Euro) to borrow a blanket or a duvet.

The blankets tend to be very thick woollen blankets. If you are walking the Camino in the off-season, or you get cold in the night, then you might use this blanket. But, if you are walking during the summer, it is most likely going to feel far too hot to use the blanket.

Do you need a sleeping bag for the Camino de Santiago?

If the idea of sleeping under a heavy woollen blanket that hasn’t been washed frequently freaks you out – then yes, you will need a sleeping bag or a sleep sheet on the Camino.

In theory, you could probably go without. Most Albergues have blankets, but it doesn’t feel very pleasant to have this as your only option if it’s very hot in the night, or if you don’t like the idea of using a blanket that somebody else has used the night before.

If you’re not planning to stay in Albergues, then I would suggest you do not need a sleeping bag.

Is a sleeping bag or a sleep sheet/ sleeping bag liner better for the Camino?

The debate about whether to pack a sleeping bag or a sleep sheet (otherwise called a sleeping bag liner) is an interesting one!

Personally, we opt for sleep sheets – these are like thin sleeping bags made out of sheet material. They don’t have the same padding as a sleeping bag, but tend to have a hood area which will cover your pillow nicely.

If you want a less expensive alternative to this, you could actually make a sleep sheet yourself out of a normal sheet by sewing the seems together and making a little sheet envelope.

For us, Emma has a “homemade” sleep sheet and J bought his, rather luxurious one, from Amazon (link here – it’s a nice one!)

Another option is to pack a lightweight sleeping bag like this one. But just be careful that you go for something that really is light weight and folds up into your bag easily.

Do you need a pillow for the Camino de Santiago?

We would recommend that you do not pack a pillow for the Camino de Santiago. We don’t think you will need a pillow, unless you’re planning to wild camp of course. All albergues and guest houses will have pillows.

You may want to ensure that you have something to cover your pillow with, for personal hygiene/ peace of mind, but we don’t think it’s essential to take your own pillow.

Does it depend on the time of year that you walk the Camino?

The time of year that you choose to walk the Camino de Santiago may influence your decision as to whether you pack a sleeping bag or not.

If you are walking in off-season, any time before March or after September, then you may wish to carry a lightweight sleeping bag rather than sleep sheet. This will mean that you can sleep in the sleeping bag, and take advantage of the blankets in albergues if you are very cold. However, we walked the Portuguese route in October and we were warm enough with a sleep sheet and using the blankets in albergues.

If you are walking the camino de santiago in summer, we would caution against carrying a sleeping bag. Instead opt for a sleep sheet, which is much more lightweight and weather appropriate.

Best sleep sheets for the Camino de Santiago in 2023

If you decide to follow our advice and go for a sleep sheet (or sleeping bag liner) here are some of the best on the market in 2023.

1. Easy to pack – this lightweight sleep sheet packs up really small into a handy little sack. Retails at less than $20 too.
2. The best seller – one of the best sellers on the market, this one is durable and comfy too as well as lightweight.
3. Best double option – if you want a bit more space when you sleep, you could go for a double sleep liner. Still light weight, but more spacious.
4. Best fancy sleep liner – if you want something really luxurious, you could go for a mulberry silk option. A little pricier, but is it worth it to slip into silk sheets at the end of the day?

Best lightweight sleeping bags for the Camino de Santiago in 2023

You may decide to take a sleeping bag on the Camino, but chances are you will need a lightweight one. Here are some of the best on the market in 2023.

1. Flannel comfort – this model is a warmer option, but comes with cosy flannel lining. It weights 1.8kg, which is a little heavier than you may want, but if the weather is cool this could be a good choice.
2. Goose Down – we really like these goose down sleeping bags and recently used them to walk the Via Francigena in Italy. They can be quite warm, but are super light and comfortable.
3. Budget light option – this sleeping bag weighs only 600g, making it one of the lightest on the market, especially at this price tag. A great option for walking the Camino de Santiago, especially when the weather is warm.

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Camino packing list: Can you style your hair on the Camino de Santiago?

Are there bathrooms on the Camino de Santiago?

First off, yes there are bathrooms on the Camino de Santiago. You will find bathrooms in all albergues and hotels along the different Camino routes. The standard of bathrooms will vary, especially in albergues.

Many will have a few basic showers and toilets. Others, especially the private albergues and the ones listed on sites like booking.com tend to have better facilities. With many albergues even having quite fancy bathrooms. We visited some of the Portuguese route and some on the North route with excellent bathroom facilities.

What is an albergue? Find out more here.

Can you style your hair on the Camino de Santiago?

Can you stye your hair on the Camino? The answer to this probably depends on a few factors. Firstly, will you find hair dryers – see below on this! Secondly, should you pack hair tools or straighteners – see below! But probably the most important question, is will you want to style your hair on the Camino?

Honestly, when I first walked the Camino, I thought that I would want to dress up in the evening. Style my hair and apply a little makeup. Within a few days I realized that this ideal was far from reality. Whilst I do sometimes still apply a little lip gloss, I’m unlikely to be found styling my hair. There are so many things that I’d prefer to do in the evening, enjoying a few drinks and tapas, chatting to others, or writing in my journal.

As for the mornings, well with early starts and long-days ahead, I’m far more likely to wash my hair and go. Or, just put a hat on and hope for the best!

If you want to, you could style your hair on the Camino, but in my experience the less personal maintenance you have to do on the Camino, the more time you have for fun!

Will you find hair dryers on the Camino de Santiago?

If you stay in private pensions and hotels, you are very likely to find hair dryers in your room or bathroom. However, if you stay in albergues, you cannot expect to find hair dryers. I can think of one or two exceptions, during the three Camino’s that we have walked, when I did find a hair dryer in an albergue.

Should you pack hair straighteners for the Camino de Santiago?

On my first Camino, I genuinely was not sure whether or not to pack straighteners. For context, I have curly hair that turns to frizz in hot environments. Subsequently, the prospect of not traveling with my hair straighteners filled me with dread. After much pondering, I did indeed pack a large pair of straighteners in my backpack. Within a matter of days, I came to regret it. My backpack was too heavy and the straighteners were one of the first things to go!

On balance, I was far too tired to bother with styling my hair on the Camino. Most days, it went up into a top knot and that was it!

If you are considering packing hair straighteners for the Camino, here are a few things that you may want to consider:

• How much do your hair straighteners weigh – will this make your backpack too heavy to carry comfortably?
• You are likely to be very tired at the end of the day – are you likely to want to style your hair on the Camino at the end of a long day?
• Hair dryers are not easy to come by – see above
• Albergues do have plug points, but not many. You may have to prioritize charging your phone above anything else.
• You may feel once you’re on the Camino that you want to style your hair more naturally. Certainly this was true for me.

If on balance you do decide to pack straighteners, I would strongly recommend packing a lightweight travel pair. I now travel with a pair like this (although not on the Camino!)

Camino packing list: Can you do laundry on the Camino?

Before we walked our first Camino de Santiago, this was one of the questions on our mind. Surely it’s not possible to carry enough clean clothing for one month? No, it’s not! So, can you do laundry on the Camino de Santiago?

You can, and will have to, do laundry on the Camino de Santiago. There are three ways that you can do laundry on the Camino.

1. Handwash clothing in albergues
2. Use the laundry machines that are available in some albergues
3. Visit a laundrette on the Camino de Santiago

How to hand wash clothes on the Camino de Santiago?

Handwashing is likely to be the quickest and easiest way to wash your clothing on a daily basis. If, like us, you go for the “one to wear, one to wash,” rule, then you will be handwashing clothing every evening when you arrive at the albergue.

Before you head off on the Camino, you will want to think about how you will handwash your clothing and what detergent to use. It is possible to pack a handwash detergent, but you will want to consider whether this is too heavy in your backpack. We always use all-in-one soap to wash our clothing. This is soap that can be used to wash your body, hair and clothing. For me, it’s a great packing hack to save space and weight in your backpack. Find out more about the best detergents for washing clothing on the Camino below.

We also recommend that you pack one or two clothing pegs. You can use these to hang your clothing at the albergue in the evening or on your bag the next day.

Next, when you arrive at an albergue, be sure to use the handwashing sink and not do your laundry in the bathrooms. Most albergue owners will explain this to you. But it’s basically a hygiene rule. Normally the handwashing sinks are outside or in a separate room. You may find there is a bit of a queue for the sink.

Finally, you can hang up your laundry. Sometimes there will be a washing line or rack to hang out clothing. If it’s raining, you may be able to hang clothing on your bunk bed (as long as it’s not dripping wet) or somewhere else indoors.

Don’t forget to collect your laundry in the morning! I sometimes set an alarm to remind myself to collect it. It’s easier than you might think to leave it!

If the laundry is still not dry, you may want to hang it on your backpack. If the weather is sunny, it should dry quickly in the morning as you start walking. Just make sure you tuck away your smalls before you get to a town or stop for coffee!

How to do laundry in albergues?

Some of the albergues you will visit on the Camino de Santiago will have washing machines and sometimes tumble driers. The majority of the albergues will charge you to use the machines, normally a couple of euros. The exception is the donativo albergues, like Guemes on the Norte route, which does not charge a set rate for machines (but consider this as part of your donation.)

Using the Buen Camino app, you can find out which albergues have laundry facilities before you arrive. Although this is not 100% accurate, it is generally right in our experience. If you really want to be sure, you could contact an albergue in advance.

Often there will be queue to use the machines in an albergue. We recommend getting their as early as possible if you want to be sure that you can use a machine. Of course, you could also buddy up with a friend or someone you meet in the albergue to share the machine. You’re unlikely to have a full machine load on your own!

Where to visit a laundrette on the Camino de Santiago?

Laundrettes are very easy to find in Spain and you are unlikely to need to queue for a long time to use a machine. Whilst you will not find laundrettes in small villages, you will find them easily in large towns or cities. Just look them up on google maps and you will find one.

If you decide to take a rest day during the Camino, this can be a good time to take care of all your laundry. For example, when walking the Norte we stayed in Gijon for an extra day (roughly half way along the route) and did our laundry whilst there.

You will want to make sure you have some coins for the laundrette. Although some laundrettes are card operated, most require cash. Most laundrettes have built in laundry detergent, so you don’t need to worry about carrying it around with you!

Find out more here about travelling with cash or card for the Camino.

Top tips for doing laundry on the Camino de Santiago

• Plan ahead so that you know when you will be doing laundry and how long your clean clothing will last
• Pack two of everything needed for walking – one for wearing, one for washing
• Pack one or two pegs to hang laundry in albergues and to hang it onto your bag the next day if required
• Pack all-in-one soap that you can use to handwash clothing – like this one
• Deal with your laundry straight away when you get to the albergue for the evening – don’t let it fester
• If you plan to use machines at albergues, get there early
• Buddy up with a walking friend to share a washing machine if required
• Make sure you have some euro coins for laundry machines
• A plastic bag can be handy to separate your clean clothing from your worn bits and to carry laundry to a laundrette

Camino packing list: 5 Best Detergents for Washing Clothing on the Camino de Santiago

1. Dr Beckmann Travel Wash Detergent – Retailing at under $10/£10, this travel detergent is perfect if you want a dedicated hand washing detergent. At under 100ml, you can also take this onto a plane in your hand luggage, or save on space in your Camino backpack.
2. Sea to Summit Trek Laundry Sheets – if you’re planning to predominately use laundry machines in albergues, then laundry sheets are the perfect solution for you. These lightweight sheets are handy to pack and can go straight into your machine.
3. 2 in 1 cleaning brush – if you’re planning to handwash clothing but you want to ensure that it is scrubbed clean, this product is ideal. Offering a 2 in 1 functionality, with a scrub brush and detergent included.
4. Foaming travel soap – these tiny soap bars and a great option for handwashing. They foam up well to allow for a thorough clean of your clothing. Plus, they are super small so you can pack a few and use them as required.
5. All in one soap – finally, if you really want to save space in your backpack, you can take an all in one soap. This can wash your body, your hair and your clothing. The ultimate backpacking hack!

A bit about us and our pilgrim experience

This Camino packing list has been tried and tested by us on our pilgrimages:

• Camino del Norte 2022
• Camino Portuguese 2022
• Camino Finisterre 2022
• Via Francigena 2023
• Camino Ingles in England 2023
• St Olav’s Way 2023
• Camino Frances 2023

Find more Camino resources

You can find our full Camino resources here including route plans and further advice.

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