Trail & Packing Guide

The Trail

Food and Drink Along the Camino

Meals are easy to find along the way, and many of our accommodations include breakfast. Affordable restaurants and bars are plentiful, so you can enjoy a meal or snack almost anytime. Supermarkets and stores are in every town, making it easy to pick up snacks, food, or health items as needed. Pharmacies are also easy to find, and the water along the Camino is safe and delicious to drink.

Accommodations

All of our pilgrimages include accommodations that are booked ahead of time, so you don’t need to worry about where you’ll sleep each night. If you plan to travel independently, there are still plenty of places to stay along the trail.

Trail Safety

The Camino is generally safe, with many fellow pilgrims on the trail and fairly easy terrain. However, common sense is important. Consider bringing a cell phone with an international plan, and know that first aid supplies are available in the towns along the route.

Shoes

Footwear is a personal choice. Some pilgrims prefer hiking boots, while others (like me) favor hiking sneakers. The key is to choose shoes that are comfortable for long, consecutive days of walking. Here is a link to my YouTube video, all about shoes. https://youtu.be/9mzEPiH04SI?si=djRCc0-Q892smr_K

Packing

Pilgrims often spend a lot of time worrying about what to pack. Even when you think you’ve packed the right amount, chances are you’ve packed too much. It’s very common for pilgrims to send items home or leave them at an albergue along the way.

One trend we’ve noticed is that long pants, including jeans or heavy cotton shorts, are often the first items to be left behind as pilgrims try to lighten their packs.

A good packing goal: 10% of your body weight, no more than 20 pounds.

Packing Tips

Clothes

Try to pack hiking clothes made from synthetic materials that are easy to wash and quick to dry. This makes evening laundry simple and helps keep the weight of your pack down.

Below is a suggested packing list to help guide your preparations:

• 2 pairs of shorts (wear one, pack one)
• 1 pair of pants (optional: zip-off style that converts to shorts)
• 2 short-sleeve shirts (wear one)
• 3 pairs of underwear (wear one)
• 3 pairs of socks (wear one; lightweight merino wool socks are ideal for travel)
• 1 long-sleeve lightweight fleece shirt or jacket
• 1 pair of hiking shoes (the ones you wear while walking)
• Rain poncho, rain jacket or umbrella
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Bandana or Buff
• Flip-flops or sandals (great for evening use to give your feet a break)

Sleeping

• For our pilgrimages, all bedding is provided at the accommodations.
• If you plan to do the Camino independently and stay in hostels, a sleeping bag liner is recommended from June through September. During cooler months, you might want to bring a full sleeping bag. In my experience, all hostels provide blankets, and using a sleeping bag liner along with a blanket during colder months is usually sufficient and keeps your pack lighter.

Medical

• Suntan lotion
• Antiseptic cream (e.g. Neosporin or similar)
• Lip balm (e.g. Chapstick or similar)
• Cloth tape for blisters (also good to use before the blister forms, for prevention)
• Compeed
• Pain killers/antihistamine: Take a minimum amount, you can always buy these on the pilgrimage.
• Any of your personal vitamins and medication

Toiletries

• Underarm deodorant
• Soap (Dr. Bronner’s is a good choice; many hikers cut a standard bar in half). Can be used for body, hair, and clothes.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Personal toiletries, lotion etc..
• Towels and washcloths are provided at our pilgrimage accommodations. If traveling independently and staying in hostels, a small hiking towel is recommended.
• Two packs of travel-sized tissues (useful as emergency toilet paper on the trail; always carry out used tissues to leave no trace).
• Comb or brush

Wallet

• Passport
• Pilgrims credentials – we will get at the beginning of the pilgrimage
• Credit card/ Debit Card (please let your bank know you are traveling out of the country) Only bring the ones you will use.

Pack

• Recommended Pack Size
• If you are carrying your own supplies, a pack of 30 liters for women and 40 liters for men works well. Make sure it has comfortable shoulder and waist straps.
• If your main bag is being transported, your day pack should still have good shoulder and waist support.
• Remember, the total weight includes the pack itself, so choose one that feels comfortable and suits your needs.

Miscellaneous

• Water bottle 
• Safety pins – For hanging things on clotheslines or your pack, for draining blisters, and for emergency clothes repairs.
• Pen, journal 
• Fanny Pack – this helps when you walk around for the evening. A place to keep your valuables.

Added Luxuries to carry

• Guidebook – Included with our pilgrimages, but essential if you plan to travel independently.
• 2–3 plastic bags – Useful for holding trash or protecting items from rain.
• Muscle creams and supplements (such as magnesium or vitamins) that help with soreness or fatigue.
• Small bottle of shampoo or body wash/shampoo combo.
• Digital camera with plenty of memory, charger, extra battery, and European power plug adapter.
• Mobile phone that works in Europe, plus charger.
• Travel-sized shaving cream and shaver.
• Deck of cards for downtime.
• One extra change of clothes – Handy to skip a day of washing, especially if it rains and you need a dry set for the next day.

You can look all over the internet for packing and helpful tips. We do recommend the book, To walk far, carry less.
Also visit REI’s website, full of information while you are there check out their outlet store.