Camino de Santiago Preparation: Planning and Packing List
Packing List
Clothing & Shoes
- Columbia trail runners
- Flip flops
- 4x T-shirts
- 2x Shorts
- 1x Hiking pants
- 5x Underwear
- 4x Sports bras
- 4x Socks
- Gloves, Rain jacket, Rain poncho, Hat
Backpack & Documentation
- Osprey Talon Pro 30L
- 2.5L crossbody bag
- Passport & Wallet
- Camino Credential
Technology
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple Watch
- Power bank
- Garmin inReach
- AirPods
- Charging cables
Toiletry
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- 3-in-1 bar soap
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Laundry sheets
Misc
- First-aid kit
- Backpack raincover
- Headlamp
- 1 x hiking pole
- Lightweight umbrella
- 2x 1L water bottle
- Sleeping bag
- Hero clip carabiner
Preparation & Planning
Cash vs Credit Card
I brought €600 to the Camino and pay with a credit card whenever possible. Many bars and albergues now accept cards. Occasionally, when dining with a group, I pay with Visa and other pilgrims give me cash. AMEX is not widely accepted in Europe; I returned home with €320 remaining.
Cellphone Plans & eSIM
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 more convenient since they can be set up before arrival.
eSIM Pros:
- Set up in advance via QR code — just toggle on upon arrival
- Similar in cost to a physical SIM, with many competitive options
- Can be used alongside a physical SIM or another eSIM (good for 2FA and keeping home number active)
eSIM Cons:
- Phone must be unlocked
- Requires an eSIM-compatible phone
- No local phone number (calls via Viber, WhatsApp, FaceTime)
The eSIM I used: Airalo 20GB / 30 days for C$33 (x2 for my 2-month trip)
Training
- Daily walks, gradually increasing distance (up to ~10 km/day)
- Strength, core, HIIT exercises
- Hike local mountains when possible
Useful Apps
- Google Maps: For transportation info, navigation, and finding local services.
- Google Translate: Helps communicate with locals and translates menus/signs.
- Camino Ninja: Track route distances, elevation, and albergue details.
- Buen Camino: Mainly for albergue availability and route info.
- AllTrails: Trail information and reviews for hiking side trips.
- Gaia GPS: Offline navigation with GPX import.
- TripIt: Organize your itinerary and reservations in one place.
- Agoda / Booking.com: Quick access for accommodation bookings.
- AlertCops: Safety app connecting to Spanish authorities.
Useful Links
- Google Maps: Navigation & local info
- Agoda: Accommodation booking
- Booking.com: Accommodation booking
- TripIt: Organize your itinerary
- AllTrails: Trail maps & hiking info
- Gaia GPS: Offline GPS navigation
- AlertCops: Safety & emergency reporting
- Airalo: eSIMs for international travel
- Monbus: Bus schedules & tickets in Spain
See the Accommodation & Expenses report for Camino Francés, Camino Portugués Coastal, and Camino Finisterre Muxía.
Full day-to-day breakdown for Camino Francés, Camino Portugués Coastal, and Camino Finisterre Muxía.
Interested in doing both the Camino and Kumano Kodo? Check out my Dual Pilgrim Program Blog Post.