What to Pack for the Camino de Santiago: The Essential Guide for Pilgrims 🎒

If you’re preparing for your pilgrimage, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask yourself is what to pack for the Camino de Santiago. Packing your backpack properly is essential to enjoy each stage comfortably, avoiding unnecessary weight while making sure you don’t forget any important items.

If you’re also planning to walk the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, you’ll enjoy an even more memorable experience by completing the Ruta Traslatio, the only official maritime stage of the Camino de Santiago. This unique combination of hiking and sailing makes it important to bring practical, lightweight equipment suited to the journey.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you really need to walk comfortably and make the most of one of Galicia’s most spectacular pilgrimage routes. 🌿

Your Footwear Will Be Your Best Travel Companion 👟

If there’s one item that deserves your full attention, it’s your footwear. You’ll be walking many kilometres over several days, and unsuitable shoes can lead to blisters, chafing, and discomfort that could affect your entire pilgrimage.

The best choice is a pair of hiking or lightweight trekking shoes that you’ve already worn before. Never wear brand-new boots or trainers on your first day of the Camino.

It’s also worth investing in good technical hiking socks, as they help reduce moisture and minimise the risk of blisters.

A Lightweight Backpack Will Make Your Camino Much More Enjoyable 🎒

It’s common to pack too many things “just in case”, but experience shows that the lighter your backpack is, the more enjoyable your pilgrimage will be.

As a general rule, your backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10% of your body weight. A backpack with a capacity of 20 to 30 litres is usually sufficient for those walking the Spiritual Variant.

Only pack what you’ll genuinely use. Every extra kilogram becomes noticeable by the end of the day.

Always Carry Water and Something to Eat 💧

Although you’ll find bars, restaurants, and drinking fountains along most stages of the Camino, it’s always a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle and some snacks to keep your energy levels up.

Nuts, fresh fruit, or an energy bar are practical options that take up very little space while providing the fuel you need to keep walking.

Staying properly hydrated is especially important during spring and summer.

Dress in Layers to Adapt to Galicia’s Weather 🧥

The weather in Galicia can change within minutes. You may start the morning feeling chilly, enjoy warm sunshine at midday, and finish the stage under a light shower.

That’s why dressing in layers is the best option.

Your backpack should include:

• Breathable technical T-shirts.
• Comfortable hiking trousers.
• A lightweight fleece.
• A waterproof rain jacket.
• A cap or sun hat.
• Sunglasses.

This way, you’ll be prepared for any change in the weather.

A Small First Aid Kit Can Prevent Bigger Problems 🩹

There’s no need to carry a full medical kit, but bringing a few essential items is highly recommended.

The basics include:

• Adhesive bandages.
• Blister plasters.
• Antiseptic.
• Your usual pain relief medication.
• Lip balm.

These small essentials will help you deal with the most common issues without interrupting your pilgrimage.

Don’t Forget Sun Protection ☀️

Many people associate Galicia with cloudy weather, but UV radiation is still present even when the sky is overcast.

Always carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.

If you’re taking the Ruta Traslatio, sun protection becomes even more important, as the reflection of the sunlight on the water increases your exposure during the boat journey.

Your Documents Are Part of Your Packing List Too 📱

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

• Your Pilgrim Passport (Credential).
• Passport or national ID.
• Mobile phone.
• Charger.
• Power bank.
• Bank card and some cash.

If you’re still planning your journey, you may also find it useful to read our guide on how to organise the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, where we explain each stage and offer practical planning advice.

You can also visit the Pilgrim’s Office website for up-to-date information about the Compostela Certificate, pilgrim credentials, and other useful details before you begin your journey.

What Should You Bring for the Ruta Traslatio? ⛵

One of the highlights of the Spiritual Variant is the Ruta Traslatio, the only official maritime stage of the Camino de Santiago.

For approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, you’ll sail along the Ría de Arousa and the River Ulla, following the tradition that tells the story of the transfer of Saint James the Apostle’s remains to Galicia.

For this boat trip, you’ll only need:

• A lightweight jacket, even during summer.
• Sunscreen.
• Water.
• A mobile phone or camera.
• Comfortable footwear.

At Barco Variante Espiritual, we operate daily departures between April and October, always adapting our schedules to the tides. Once the first departure is fully booked, we open additional departures to make it easier for more pilgrims to continue their Camino. During the rest of the year, we also offer the crossing for pre-booked groups, allowing visitors to enjoy this unique experience throughout the year.

If you haven’t discovered this stage yet, we also recommend learning why the Ruta Traslatio is the only official maritime stage of the Camino de Santiago, an experience that combines history, spirituality, and some of Galicia’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Start Your Camino on the Right Foot 🚶‍♂️

Packing your backpack is about much more than making a checklist. It’s about travelling with peace of mind, walking comfortably, and focusing on what truly matters: enjoying the experience.

Every pilgrim experiences the Camino differently, but they all agree on one thing: the simpler and lighter your backpack is, the easier it becomes to connect with your surroundings, the people you meet along the way, and yourself.

If you’ve chosen to walk the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, complete your pilgrimage by experiencing the Ruta Traslatio, a unique boat journey that follows the legendary route of Saint James across the Ría de Arousa and the River Ulla.

You can check our departure calendar, choose the schedule that best suits your itinerary, and book your ticket online. To help you plan your trip even better, we also recommend visiting the Galicia Tourism website, where you’ll find useful information about the Camino and many other attractions across the region.

We look forward to welcoming you on board and helping you experience one of the most exciting and unforgettable stages of the Camino de Santiago. ⛵✨