What to pack for the Camino de Santiago

Choose your backpack wisely

First things first: the backpack itself. Look for one between 35 and 45 litres with good lumbar support and padded straps. Try it loaded before buying: what feels comfortable empty in the shop can become torture after 25 km on the trail. Total weight should not exceed 10% of your body weight.

Invest in a good waterproof cover. Rain can appear any day, especially in Galicia, and there is nothing worse than arriving at the albergue with all your clothes soaked.

Clothing: the three-layer rule

Apply the layering system: a breathable technical t-shirt as a base, a fleece or softshell as a mid layer, and a lightweight rain jacket as the outer layer. Bring two or three changes of technical underwear, two pairs of trekking socks (merino wool ones are unbeatable) and a pair of convertible trousers. Do not fall into the temptation of packing clothes "just in case" — every gram counts when you walk 8 hours a day.

Footwear: the most important item

Your boots or trekking shoes must be perfectly broken in before you start. Never wear new footwear on the Camino. Many pilgrims prefer trail running shoes for their lightness, but if you have weak ankles, mid-cut boots will give you better support. Also bring lightweight sandals for the albergues.