Camino Preparation: General Planning & Packing List
Packing List
Packed this way so I don’t need to do laundry daily. I tend to share the cost with 1 or 2 other pilgrims and use the washer & dryer (on rainy days) instead of hand washing
List includes what I wear
Technology
iPhone
iPad
Apple Watch
Power bank
Garmin inReach
AirPod
Headlamp
Charging cables
Toiletry
Deodorant
Lotion
3 in 1 bar soap
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Sunscreen
Laundry sheets
Misc
First-aid Kit
Backpack Raincover
1 x Hiking pole
Lightweight umbrella
2x 1L water bottle
Sleeping bag
Hero clip carabiner
Shoes
Columbia trail runner
Flip flops
Clothing
4x T-shirt
2x Shorts
1x Long pants
5x Underwear
4x Sports bra
1x Rain jacket
4x Socks
1x Gloves
1x Rain poncho
1x Hat
Backpack
Osprey Talon Pro 30L
2.5L crossbody (goes into my main bag)
Documentation
Passport
Wallet (credit card/cash)
Camino Credetial
Cash vs Credit Card
I only carry around €600 when I did Camino. I paid with credit card as much as possible (A lot of the bars and albergues accept credit card now). There are occasions where I paid with Visa and other pilgrims gave me their cash. AMEX isn’t widely accepted in Europe, with that in mind, I had €320 left when I came home.
Cellphone Plans
Many carriers offer roaming plans (mine was C$16/day), but costs add up quickly. To save money, I compared eSIMs vs. physical SIMs and found eSIMs to be the better option since they can be set up before landing.
eSIM Pros & Cons
Pros:
Set up in advance using a QR code—just toggle it on upon arrival.
Similar in cost to a physical SIM, with many competitive options.
Can be used alongside a physical SIM or another eSIM—great for two-factor authentication and keeping your home number active.
Cons:
Your phone must be unlocked.
Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
You won’t get a local number, but you can still call using apps. I use Viber if not on FaceTime or WhatsApp.
The eSIM I went with is Airalo 20GB for 30days for C$33 (x2 as I was in Europe for 2 months)
Training
Regardless of elevation, I walk a few kilometres every day and gradually increase the distance. This helps get my legs used to walking. By the end of my training, I do about 10 km a day.
I also do strength, core, and HIIT training to help strengthen muscles as well as improve cardio
When time allows, I hike the local mountains
Useful Apps
Google Maps: For transportation info and navigation around town
Google Translate: Helps communicating with locals and miscellaneous translation needs.
Camino Ninja: I use this app for route distance, elevation, and albergue details
Buen Camino: Similar to Camino Ninja except I used this mainly for albergue details
AllTrails: Trail info app
Gaia GPS: Imported GPX onto this app for offline access
TripIT: Organized my itinerary
Agoda/Booking.com: Accommodation booking apps
AlertCops: Safety app, connects you to Spainish authorities.
Useful Links
Accommodations list for Camino Francés, Camino Portuguese Coastal, Camino Finisterre/Muxía