Ultimate Camino de Santiago Packing List: What I Actually Used on 776km"

After walking 776 kilometres from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, I learned exactly what gear is essential for the Camino—and what you can leave at home.

This packing list is based on real experience, not internet research. Everything I recommend, I actually carried and used on the trail.

The Golden Rule: Pack Light

Your backpack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight. Trust me on this—every extra kilogram matters after day three.

Essential Gear

Backpack (40-50L) I used a 45L backpack with good hip support. This is your most important purchase. Make sure it fits properly and transfers weight to your hips, not your shoulders.

Hiking Boots or Trail Runners: Break them in BEFORE you go. I wore lightweight hiking boots and had zero blisters. Many pilgrims swear by trail runners instead—choose what works for your feet.

Sleeping Bag Liner Most albergues provide blankets, but a silk or cotton liner keeps you clean and comfortable. Mine weighed almost nothing.

Quick-Dry Clothing

• 2 hiking shirts

• 2 pairs of hiking trousers/shorts

• 3-4 pairs of merino wool socks

• 3-4 sets of underwear

• 1 warm layer (fleece or down jacket)

• 1 rain jacket

• 1 pair of sandals or camp shoes

Everything should be quick-dry synthetic or merino wool. Cotton takes forever to dry.

Walking Essentials

• Trekking poles (saved my knees on descents)

• Water bottles or hydration bladder (2L capacity minimum)

• Non-toxic sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

• Hat or buff for sun protection

• Headlamp or small torch

• First aid kit with blister treatment

• Earplugs (albergues can be noisy!)

Navigation

I used the Ninjia app for navigation, and it was excellent. Highly recommended for tracking your route and finding albergues along the way.

Budget Tip

Expect to spend around £25-35 per day including accommodation, food, and the occasional café stop. Albergues cost £8-15 per night, and a pilgrim menu (three-course meal) is usually £10-12.

What I Wish I'd Left Behind

My heavy guidebook. I used the Ninjia app for navigation instead, and it was perfect—lightweight and always up to date.

Final Advice

Do a test walk with your fully packed bag before you leave. Walk 10-15km and see how it feels. Adjust accordingly.

Remember: you can buy almost anything you need along the Camino. When in doubt, leave it out.

Buen Camino!

Ross Laird

**Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually used on my 776km Camino journey. Thank you for supporting this blog!