What to pack for the Camino de Santiago
The gear you'll actually use, the services worth having for peace of mind, and how to get around before and after each stage.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
One single guide for the whole Camino
This page brings together the gear, services and transport options we recommend on any stage of any route of the Camino de Santiago: whether you walk the French Way, the English Way or the Vía de la Plata, the core gear and useful services stay the same.
If you're after something specific to one stage (where to sleep, where to eat, what to see), you'll find it on that stage's own page. Here's everything else: what you prepare before leaving home and what solves the day-to-day of the trip.
The gear that makes the difference
An honest selection, built for any stage: only what you'll actually use. These are affiliate links; it costs you nothing extra and helps us keep the guide running.
🥾 Hiking boots / trail shoes
Comfortable and already broken in before you leave. The most important gear decision after the backpack itself.
🧦 Blister-resistant technical socks
Seamless with good ventilation. The most avoidable blister on the whole Camino.
🦯 Trekking poles
Ease the load on knees and ankles on long descents, whatever the stage.
🧥 Rain jacket
Light, breathable and always within reach: rain doesn't announce itself on any route.
🔋 Power bank
So you don't run out of battery in the middle of nowhere, far from an outlet.
What we wish we'd known
Test everything before you leave
Boots, socks and backpack should get at least a couple of practice walks before your first real day.
Activate your eSIM before landing
eSIMs can be installed before the trip and only activated on arrival: you have data from minute one.
Combine luggage transfer with the essentials
Even if you use a luggage transfer service, carry water, a rain layer, snacks and documents in a small day pack.
Book insurance before anything else
It covers everything from an injury on the trail to a cancelled flight — one of the cheapest decisions with the biggest impact if something goes wrong.
Don't make these mistakes
Breaking in new footwear on the Camino
Any new boot or shoe needs breaking in beforehand. Never for the first time on real terrain.
Packing extra weight "just in case"
Every extra kilo shows up on your back from day three onward. Only bring what you know you'll use.
Not checking roaming before traveling from outside the EU
An eSIM costs far less than last-minute airport roaming.
Leaving travel insurance for the last day
Some cover (like cancellation) only applies if you take out the policy far enough in advance.
Sort this out before you leave
🛡️ Travel insurance
Medical and luggage cover built for pilgrims and travellers, for any route.
📱 eSIM (Holafly)
Unlimited data with Spanish-language support. Handy for short stays.
How to get around before, during and after
🚆 Trains and buses
Compare schedules and prices to reach your starting point or head home.
🎫 Train (Renfe)
Renfe and AVE tickets to and from anywhere in Spain.
🚗 Car rental
If you want to explore on your own before or after walking.
🎒 Backpack transfer (Correos)
Correos' Paq Mochila service picks up your backpack at your accommodation and drops it off at the next one, stage by stage, on most routes.
🎒 Backpack transfer (Jacotrans)
A company specialised since 2006 in backpack transfer along the French Way, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles to Santiago or Finisterre.
Common questions about gear and services
Does this gear work for any Camino route?
Do I need travel insurance if I'm from the EU?
eSIM or physical SIM card?
Can I buy gear in Santiago if I'm missing something?
Is luggage transfer between stages worth it?
How do I get to my route's starting point?
Quick comparison for pilgrims
| Product | What it does | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical socks | Prevent blisters and keep feet dry | ★★★★★ | Amazon |
| Foldable trekking poles | Reduce load on knees on descents | ★★★★☆ | Amazon |
| Lightweight rain jacket | Rain without carrying extra weight | ★★★★★ | Amazon |
| 10,000 mAh power bank | Charge your phone on the trail | ★★★★☆ | Amazon |
| Blister plasters | Treat and protect your feet on the go | ★★★★★ | Amazon |
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, Guía del Camino de Santiago may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy