Camino de Santiago - get started with routes and packing list

The Camino de Santiago is a well-known pilgrimage, where many walk day after day towards Santiago de Compostela. Whether you choose a short distance or a longer route, the experience is often about simplicity: walking, finding a rhythm, and being able to function with what you carry on your back.

There are several routes under the umbrella of the “Camino de Santiago”, and the choice affects both terrain, logistics and how much flexibility you have along the way. Some start with a set goal of daily stages, while others go more intuitively and let the day's form determine. The common denominator is that it pays to have a realistic relationship with distances, breaks and recovery, so that the trip is stable rather than hectic.

Think in practical terms: How many days do you have, how much do you want to plan in advance, and how important is it for you to be able to adjust along the way? The clearer you are on that, the easier the rest will be.

When you’re walking the Camino, every extra kilo counts. That’s why it makes sense to pack according to a simple principle: less stuff, more function. Lightweight gear isn’t about sacrificing comfort, it’s about choosing items that serve multiple needs and dry quickly, so you can wash less often and still feel fresh. A good place to start is a quick-drying towel that takes up minimal space and fits into a tight packing strategy.

A suggestion for pilgrim use is the Adventure Smart Towel , which is treated with Polygiene StayFresh technology. The silver-based antibacterial treatment inhibits bacterial growth and can thus reduce odor and the need for washing, which can save both time and water on a longer hike. At the same time, there is no unnecessary wrapping, so you don't drag unnecessary waste with you in your bag.

On the Camino, hygiene is often a matter of small habits that are easy to repeat: airing, minimal washing of textiles, and a structure where you don’t have to constantly spend energy “getting up to date.” Textiles that stay fresher longer can make a tangible difference in everyday life because you can wash less often without feeling like you’re compromising.

If you wash something, hang it to dry instead of wringing it out hard. It's gentler and you avoid using extra effort on something that needs to dry anyway.

Accommodation can range from hostels to small guesthouses, and the rhythm between arrival, shower, wash and departure the next day quickly becomes your “daily routine”. Here it helps to keep your equipment streamlined: when things are easy to unpack and pack, the transition between walking time and resting is smoother. Many also prioritize equipment that can be used in multiple ways, so there are fewer loose ends to keep track of.

The Camino de Santiago may be simple in form, but it requires an honest balancing of expectations. It's a good idea to practice with the backpack you want to use and test your basic items beforehand so you know they will work in practice. When you strike a good balance between light packing, hygiene and realistic stages, you'll have more energy for what the Camino is ultimately about: walking and experiencing the journey, step by step.

• Camino de Santiago Packing List and Equipment Guide – REI
• Camino de Santiago Route and Map Overview – Wikiloc
• Packing list for the Camino de Santiago – Worldpackers
• Guidebooks and Pilgrim Tools – Wise Pilgrim Guides
• Accommodation along the Camino – Albergues España
• Guided Camino de Santiago Tours - Viator
• Blog and Experiences from the Camino – Nomadic Matt