Walking the Camino de Santiago is a personal and transformative journey — and packing properly can make all the difference. With Fresco Tours, you don’t need to carry a heavy backpack every day. Thanks to our support vehicle and daily luggage transfers, you can walk with just a light daypack, focusing on the path ahead rather than the weight on your shoulders. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to pack for the Camino de Santiago with us — tailored to your comfort, safety, and the unique benefits of traveling with Fresco Tours.
What to bring to the Camino de Santiago
Your Main Luggage (Transferred for You!)
We’ll handle the heavy lifting — literally. Your main suitcase or duffel bag will be transported from hotel to hotel. This means you don’t have to follow the traditional “10% body weight” backpack rule. Still, we recommend keeping your luggage manageable and organized, as you’ll be moving accommodation almost daily.
Pack in your main bag:
- Comfortable clothing for walking and relaxing
- Extra layers depending on the season (see section below)
- Toiletries
- Casual evening wear for dinners
- Any medications or extra footwear
Camino daypack: how to pack it
Since you won’t carry your full backpack, your light daypack should only include essentials for the day’s walk:
- Water bottle (0.5-1L or 16-33 oz.) – We supply water refills on the trail!
- Snacks (ie. Energy bars)
- Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Personal items (camera, phone, wallet)
- Pilgrim credential (we provide this!)
- A small first aid kit or blister care items
Aim for something comfortable, breathable, and no larger than 20 liters — just enough for what you need between stops.
Clothing: Light, Breathable & Layerable
Since your luggage is transferred, you can afford to pack a bit more comfortably. However, you’ll still want to focus on lightweight, quick-drying, and versatile clothing:
Recommended Clothing for the Camino:
- 2–3 quick-dry shirts (synthetic or merino wool)
- 1 long-sleeve layer (light fleece or thermal)
- 2 pairs of walking trousers (one can convert to shorts)
- 3 pairs of socks and underwear (wool or synthetic)
- Lightweight jacket (fleece or insulated depending on season)
- Sleepwear and casual clothes for evenings
Packing According to the Season
While Fresco Tours takes care of the logistics, what you pack will also depend on the time of year you walk the Camino de Santiago. Northern Spain’s weather can vary greatly depending on the season — so layering and seasonal awareness are key to staying comfortable.
Spring (March – April – May)
- Mornings can be cold, especially in higher elevations like O Cebreiro.
- Pack a lightweight insulated or thermal layer, and a windproof/waterproof jacket.
- A light pair of gloves and a buff or scarf can make early starts much more pleasant.
- Trail surfaces can be slippery with rain — good grip on your shoes is a must.
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for joint support)
Summer (June – July – August)
- Expect warmer weather, particularly on more exposed parts of the trail.
- Bring breathable clothing, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and consider light, long sleeves to protect from the sun.
- A light fleece is still helpful for the cool mornings and/or evenings.
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for joint support)
Fall (September – October)
- Similar to spring, with variable temperatures and possible rain.
- Layering is essential: moisture-wicking base layers, a mid-layer for warmth, and a rain jacket.
- Trail surfaces can be slippery with fallen leaves or rain — good grip on your shoes is a must.
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for joint support)
No matter the season, layered clothing is the smartest approach on the Camino. And remember — with Fresco Tours’ luggage transfers, you can plan for all weather without having to carry it all on your back.
Footwear: The Most Important Decision
Footwear can make or break your Camino experience. With Fresco Tours, the daily distances are manageable, but comfortable, well-broken-in shoes are still essential.
Recommended:
- Trail runners or light hiking shoes for comfort and breathability. These can be ankle high if you prefer the support.
- Hiking boots are not necessary on most of our routes. However, some pilgrims prefer to walk in these, especially in spring and fall.
- Light sandals or recovery shoes for the evenings (Crocs, flip-flops, or Tevas work well)
Always break in your shoes before arriving — never start your Camino in brand-new footwear. Learn how to tie your footwear for the Camino.
Toiletries & Hygiene
Keep it light and practical. You’ll have daily access to showers and amenities, so there’s no need to overpack:
- Small bottle of body wash or shampoo
- Toothbrush and compact toothpaste
- Travel-size deodorant, razor, nail clippers
- Although we run a laundry service on most tours, some pilgrims find a small bar of laundry soap or detergent for hand-washing clothes useful.
Women may wish to bring specific personal care products, though most essentials are easy to find in towns along the way.
First Aid & Blister Care
Fresco Tours carries a first-aid kit in our support vehicle, but it’s wise to bring your own essentials for daily foot care:
- Compeed or blister bandages
- Antiseptic wipes or cream
- Moleskin or athletic tape
- Personal medications
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Rehydration salts or electrolytes
Spain has excellent pharmacies, so no need to pack an entire medicine cabinet.
Important: If you are taking prescription drugs, bring enough for the duration of the tour. Although there is wonderful health care in Spain and Portugal, our doctors will not accept prescriptions from abroad or from doctors who are not part of the national health system. Likewise, pharmacies will not dispense drugs without a valid prescription.
Electronics & Documents
A few essentials will help you stay connected:
- Smartphone & charger
- Plug adapter (Spain uses European Type C)
- Small power bank (optional)
- Headphones for music or audiobooks
Important documents:
- Passport
- Pilgrim credential (we provide this)
- Travel insurance info
- Credit/debit card and ~€100 cash in small bills (there are many ATM machines)
- Keep everything safe in a waterproof pouch or money belt
Optional Extras for Comfort
- Small notebook or journal
- Tote bag for evenings around town
With Fresco Tours, Travel Light & Walk Freely
Thanks to our fully guided tours, luggage transfers, and support vehicle, walking the Camino de Santiago becomes a truly enjoyable experience — without the burden of a heavy pack.
So, what should you pack for the Camino de Santiago? With Fresco Tours by your side, the answer is simple: just what you need for the day — we’ll handle the rest.
Buen Camino!
Camino Packing FAQ
What size daypack for Camino?
A 15–20 liter daypack is ideal. You’ll only need to carry water, snacks, sun protection, and a few personal items — the rest is taken care of by our support team.
Should I bring a pillow on the Camino?
No need! All accommodations on our tours provide comfortable bedding and pillows. Save the space in your luggage.
Should I bring a towel on the Camino?
Our hotels provide towels and swimming pool towels if there is one; however, having a compact one can be useful for spontaneous dips on the trail.
Why do people have shells on their backpack doing the Camino?
The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago. Historically used by pilgrims to scoop water, today it represents your participation in the pilgrimage and is a sign of fellowship on the trail.
We provide you with a scallop shell for your Camino.
