WHAT TO PACK FOR THE CAMINO PRIMITIVO: A COMPLETE GUIDE.
We’ve walked so many long-distance hikes now that I’ve lost count, and this year we walked the Camino Primitivo for the first time. Of course, I have my “go-to” Camino packing list—but every Camino is slightly different, and packing needs to be nuanced.
Packing for the Camino Primitivo is a careful balance between bringing everything you need and keeping your backpack manageable. With the terrain and regular climbing, I decided to err on the side of keeping my backpack light.
The route is challenging, often remote, and the weather can be unpredictable—even in August, we found ourselves reaching for waterproof trousers. Layers are key, and flexibility in clothing will make your pilgrimage much more comfortable.
Here’s my complete Camino Primitivo packing list, based on our experience.
The Right Backpack
The first part of any packing list, is choosing the right backpack.
Size: For this route, a 30–40 litre pack is ideal. You want enough space for layers and a few creature comforts, but nothing so big that it encourages overpacking.
Brand: We both use 30L Osprey packs (comfortable, durable, lifetime guarantee).
Extras: Bring a rain cover. Even in summer, rain is common in Asturias and Galicia, so waterproof protection for your pack is absolutely essential.
Tip – I always pack for a long-distance hike using packing cubes. Honestly, this just transforms how quickly I can pack and unpack the backpack. I use one cube for “albergue stuff” – pjs, towel, toiletries bag, phone charger etc. And then one cube contains my clothing (I roll each item, rather than folding.)
Footwear
We gave some serious thought to wearing hiking boots – I’ve always heard that the Primitivo is one route that requires them. But, having researched further, we decided to stick to what we know and wear Hokas instead.
Trail shoes/trainers: Lightweight, breathable, and supportive are the priorities. I wore HOKA Challengers and John Speedgoats. Perfect for the long days on uneven paths.
Hiking boots: Optional, but if you need ankle support or extra grip for muddy sections, they’re worth considering.
Socks: 2–3 pairs of good hiking socks. Wool blends work best. Rotate, wash, and always keep one dry pair as backup.
Clothing
It might seem simple, but choosing the right clothing to pack is probably the most important Camino packing decision. With this route, we were really keen to keep our bags as light as possible and so ensured that we had nothing unnecessary. I can safely say that I wore every single item in my bag at least five times.
Tip – If you’re considering packing an extra/ unnecessary layer – remember this – keep the kit light, and you’re less likely to curse your decisions as you climb each hill!
Hiking Clothes
Stick to quick-dry, sweat-wicking fabrics. One set to wear, one to wash is a good rule, as daily washing is almost a necessity.
That said, I think it’s possible to get away with just one pair of trousers and one pair of shorts. For longer Caminos, I tend to pack two pairs of shorts, but for a two week walk, one should be enough.
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pairs of lightweight hiking trousers
- 2 quick-dry t-shirts
- 2–3 pairs of underwear (plus sports bra and a bra for the evening)
- 2–3 pairs of hiking socks
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (lightweight but essential) – you can also go for a poncho. Personally, I find a jacket with trousers more comfortable to hike in and more useful (you can wear a jacket in the evening heading out to dinner when it’s cooler but a poncho looks a bit silly off the trails!)
- A mid-layer – a thin fleece or sweater is ideal
- Hat for sun protection
- Optional woollen hat for cooler mornings/evenings
Tip – Don’t wear cotton. It gets heavy, stays wet, and chafes. And, whatever you do, pack the waterproofs! Even in August, we had days where waterproof trousers were totally necessary. I met one pilgrim who go so cold wearing shorts in the rain that she had to take a taxi.
Afternoon/Evening Clothes
After a day of walking, we always appreciate fresh, comfortable clothing for albergues or nearby towns.
- I packed a dress and a sweater, paired with Birkenstock sandals.
- John brought lightweight trousers, a t-shirt, a sweater, and flip-flops.
This gave us flexible clothing for towns like Lugo or Oviedo, for sightseeing, and for evening meals. I also tried to keep my hiking trousers (leggings) dry, so that I could wear them if the evenings were cooler.
You don’t need swimwear, but it’s handy to pack something you could wear to swim, if you book albergues with pools (there are a couple on the route).
Sleeping
There are a few sleep essentials that you will want to consider packing:
We stayed in albergues for the entire route, so I also packed a loose fitting pair of pjs that I could feel comfortable wearing in a shared space.
For comfort, I always pack a sleep mask and ear plugs – shared spaces are typically noisy.
Finally, a lightweight sleeping bag. When we have walked Camino routes in the summer, we’ve always packed sleep sheets (sleeping bag liners) instead of sleeping bag. For this route, I’d really recommend a proper sleeping bag if you plan to stay in albergues. The nights can be chilly, even in summer.
Sun Protection
Even if the weather is changeable, sun exposure is strong in Asturias and Galicia.
- Sunscreen: waterproof SPF 50
- Hat: wide-brimmed or cap
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight sun layer for very sensitive skin
Optional Extras
Kindle, notebook/journal, or a pack of cards—perfect for relaxing in rural albergues.
A small canvas shopper bag – this folds up super small in my backpack and I can use it for going out in the evening.
Head torch – only really required if you plan to walk in the dark. We don’t do tend to do this, so I never pack one.
Hiking poles – of all the Camino routes, the Primitivo is the one that is most likely to require hiking poles. We don’t use them, but we saw that the majority of hikers on this route did.
Toiletries & Personal Items
Keep it minimal. But keep ensure you have all the basics – unless you’re staying in hotels, don’t expect toiletries and towels to be provided.
Here’s everything I packed:
- Travel shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
- Soap bar – I pack something that I can use to handwash my clothing and cleanse my face and body.
- Moisturiser for body and face
- Small makeup kit if needed (mascara and a lip stain/cheek are my luxuries.)
- Sunscreen – I pack a small stick for my face, then a larger sunscreen for everywhere else.
- Hair ties, maybe a comb or small travel brush.
- My trusty trek towel – required for every albergue.
Electronics & Documents
Here’s all the essential electronics and documents that I packed.
- Battery pack / power bank
- Phone + charger + European adapter (I recommend a longer cable for albergues)
- Headphones
- Passport
- Camino credential
- Debit/credit card + a little cash
First Aid & Health
I don’t tend to pack a lot of first aid items, but I find it useful to have a few things to hand, just in case they are required on the trail. Spain has plenty of pharmacies, so you should never be too far from the chance to stock up.
- Plasters
- Compeed (for blisters)
- Painkillers
- Antihistamines
- Diarrhoea/ stomach pain relief
Finally – I like to carry a refillable water bottle. Normally, something between 1.5 and 2 litres, is ideal.
Don’t see something you were planning to pack?
We’ve also written a guide on the 23 items NOT to pack on the Camino. Over the years, we’ve seen some unusual things in peoples bags!
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Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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