What to Pack for the Camino Frances (September)

“What to pack on the Camino” has to be one of the most frequently asked questions when preparing for the Camino. So don’t feel embarrassed if you’re at this stage of your journey and struggling with what to pack… because we’ve all been there.

All routes are different, with different levels of pilgrim infrastructure, and hence packing requirements differ between each. So I can only advise you on what I’ve learned from walking the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied du Port to Santiago de Compostella.

When packing, the most crucial thing you need to be aware of is to not carry more than 10% of your body weight (including water). For me that is around 6 kilograms, which doesn’t leave me with much room for, “things”. However, the Camino Frances is the most developed pilgrim route, meaning you can most likely bring half of what you’re currently planning to pack.

Leaving your extra baggage at home will have your body thanking you almost immediately.

To make it easy for you I’ve decided to keep this post simple, a packing list. A list I have considered after completing my first pilgrimage, tailored for September conditions I experienced. And gentlemen, this list has been tailored for women, so you can leave your sports bras at home if you like…

If you have any questions about any of the items, or an item I haven’t included, feel free to drop it into the comments section at the bottom of this page.

Camino Packing List

Clothing

• 1 x hiking shorts
• 1 x hiking pants – alternatively… zip off hiking pants
• 1 x t-shirt – make sure your shirt covers your shoulders so your pack doesn’t rub
• 1 x end of day clothes e.g. a maxi dress – lightweight and comfy
• 1 x lightweight sweater
• 1 x light weight windproof jacket
• 1 x sports bra
• 2 x comfy underpants
• 2 x good hiking socks
• 1 x sleeping outfit
• 1 x hat
• 1 x heavy duty rain poncho – make sure that your poncho covers you and your pack
• 1 x bikini

Warning! Swimming can soften your feet. For me, swimming after a hot day was was completely worth the risk of blisters. However, I had no blister issues… except the time I was lazy and didn’t remove a small stone that had entered my boot… but that’s another story.

Shoes

• 1 x good light weight hiking boots – don’t settle for just any pair!
• 1 x hiking sandals or flip flops

Toiletries / First aid

• 1 x small toothpaste
• 1 x toothbrush
• 1 x deodorant
• 1 x sunscreen
• 1 x box of band-aids

Travel Accessories / Knick Knacks

• 1 x scallop shell
• 1 x guide book / map book
• 1 x pilgrims passport
• 1 x passport
• 1 x spanish phrasebook
• 1 x small notebook
• 1 x pen
• 1 x big bag of earplugs
• 1 x sleep mask
• 1 x silk liner
• 1 x sunglasses
• 1 x padlock with loop chain
• 2 x waterproof pods / bags
• 1 x pair of hiking poles
• 1 x lightweight quick dry towel
• 1 x bar of laundry soap
• 2 x pegs – to dry any wet laundry on your pack e.g. socks
• 1 x headlamp
• 1 x power pack
• 1 x charger with adapter
• 1 x wallet (you have to pay for sangria somehow!)
• 1 x water bottle or small camel pack

I hope this packing list helps you prepare for your pilgrimage. Remember, if you have any questions feel free to comment below and I will get back to you. Buen camino peregrinos.