The full guide
How heavy should your backpack be?
The common rule is no more than about 10% of your body weight, including water. Every extra kilo hurts by the second week. A 30 to 40 litre pack with a hip belt and a rain cover is enough for albergue-based walking.
The packing list
Category | What to pack |
|---|---|
Footwear | Broken-in trail shoes or light boots, sandals or flip-flops for evenings and showers |
Clothes | 2 to 3 quick-dry tops, 2 pairs of walking trousers or shorts, 3 pairs of walking socks, underwear, a warm fleece |
Weather | Rain jacket or poncho, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen |
Sleeping | Sleeping bag liner or light sleeping bag, earplugs, eye mask |
Hygiene | Quick-dry towel, travel-size toiletries, a bar of soap that doubles for laundry |
First aid | Blister patches, tape, painkillers, antiseptic, any personal medication |
Gear | Headlamp, 1 litre water bottle, walking poles (optional), safety pins for drying laundry |
Documents | Passport or ID, credencial, health card and travel insurance, some cash |
The credencial and the Compostela
The credencial, or pilgrim passport, gives you access to pilgrim albergues and records your route with stamps (sellos) from albergues, churches and bars. To receive the Compostela certificate at the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago, you must walk at least the last 100 km, or cycle the last 200 km, and collect at least two stamps a day on that final stretch. On the Camino Francés, Sarria is the classic starting point for the last 100 km.
Foot care
Blisters end more Caminos than anything else. Wear shoes you’ve already walked in, use proper walking socks, deal with hot spots immediately and air your feet at breaks. Pharmacies along the route sell everything you need.
What to leave at home
Heavy boots you haven’t worn in, jeans, more than one book, full-size toiletries and “just in case” extras. You can buy almost anything along the way.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a credencial?
From pilgrim associations in your home country, the Pilgrim’s Office, or churches and albergues at popular starting points.
Do I need to book albergues?
Public albergues usually work on a first-come basis. In peak months, many walkers book private albergues a day ahead.
When is the best time to walk?
May, June and September balance weather and crowds. July and August are busy and hot; winter is quiet but some albergues close.
Related reading: How Heavy Should Your Camino Backpack Be?
