What to pack for the Camino de Santiago | Post-Camino Gear Review

In September of 2023, I walked 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago — more specifically the Camino Frances, from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela.

Not sure about your packing list? Naturally, one of the main questions in every pilgrim's mind is what to bring on the Camino. Getting ready to go was a huge undertaking as a first-time hiker, but after countless hours of research and prep, then putting it all to the test by relying only on what I had in my backpack for 34 days, I have opinions.

In this video (the first one of my channel, yay!), I will take you through everything that I packed for the Camino — the good, the heavy, and the ugly (quite literally).

Hope this information is helpful, and wishing you fellow pilgrim un buen camino!

LET'S CONNECT

WHAT I BROUGHT WITH ME:
3:26 Pilgrim's shell
4:06 Water bladder
5:19 Passport
5:23 Credentials
5:32 Cards and cash
5:35 Sunscreen
5:36 Sunglasses
5:37 Headphones
6:30 Ibuprofen
6:31 Vaseline
7:58 Hat
8:44 Sports bras and leggings
9:58 Dress
12:03 Deodorant
12:04 Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
12:07 Tinted sunscreen
12:28 Shampoo, hair mask, leave in conditioner
13:15 Voltaren gel
14:00 Soap
14:20 Wet wipes
15:05 Mini Tabasco
15:25 Stone from home
15:54 Phone
15:57 Apple Watch
16:07 Chargers
17:19 Snacks

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[CruisinwiththeColemans]

I (Michelle) loved my backpack for my first 4 Caminos but this summer I switched to a luggage service and it made my Camino so much better. I agree a water bladder is the way to go, it's so practical! I love that you carried hot sauce, that's awesome! Buen Camino!

[sera.takata]

❤ you are incredible!!! An inspiration. And a freaking badass.

[muk]

Thanks for sharing Vanessa! I am from North Spain and lived in Santiago for some years, so very familiar with some of the things you talk about. I am planning to do Camino Primitivo. Very much looking forward to watching more of your videos and follow the whole adventure!
I hope you enjoyed it and you keep a good memory from the experience.
All best!
L.

[Gettinglostonthetrail]

Great video. This will definitely help alot of future peregrino. Congrats on completing your Camino. Thanks for sharing your gear list. Buen Camino.

[Gustavo.almeida]

Such a great video, I’m glad you decides to share it, and hope you share more about this amazing adventure!!

[AmyDeerie]

Wow all that in a 22L bag?! You must’ve packed like a Pro! So cool. I’m packing my bag as we speak

[victoriataylorealdecocea]

💖💖💖 this is SO amazing! You are an inspiration to us all

[kimjelly.]

this was great! can’t wait to hear more about your journey!!!!

[victoriataylorealdecocea]

I can’t wait to see and hear more about your journey!

[notjessanyone]

awesome video, thank you so much for the info! im building my packing list now!

id love to hear about how you booked accomodation that is my biggest worry. I will be doing the same trek hopefully next spring!

[StefanieHurtado]

Ahh I just saw this in my mentions! You are sooo lovely! Very cool to see some familiar gear---especially glad the Chacos helped 🥰💖 Will you be sharing more about your Camino?

[shirleymatos]

I loved hearing about your journey! I hope you'll share more and more about it ❤❤❤

[andersphansson]

Great video 👍🏻 my turn in beginning of June, Frances!😎🇸🇪

[Paynefive.]

So good!!! I love seeing your beautiful face and hearing you talking to me!! Hi, Emmy! 😊

[loreeraine]

Thanks so much for the great video, Vanessa. You benefitted from other people's videos as you prepared for your first Camino and now you've added your own to help others, like me!! I'll be doing my first Camino (Portuguese) in two months and am a big researcher too, so I found you!

I'm curious what your pack ended up weighing. It seems like you had a LOT in there! And I'm also sorry to hear you had such a problem with blisters. It sounds like you did all the right things: vaseline and Injinji socks. You think it was because your shoes were too large?

Again, thanks for the informative and clearly communicated list and tips!

[mariejazz]

Hi Vanessa. I’ll be on the Camino for the 3rd time this spring starting in Logroño. I want to bring my drone but Im not sure about the security in the albergues. When there’s no lockers, you brought it with you everywhere? How many battery you had. I use to bring a little DSLR but I’ll leave it home, my iPhone pro does a really good job. Thanks for your answer.

[slingingsteve]

Excellent, thorough, informative video. Did you have any trouble with the airline to carry-on the backpack? I have an Osprey Stratos 34L which is about an inch longer than your Mira 32L and had assumed I'd have to check it flying American Airlines to Madrid.

[Lapinsky]

Спасибо, Ванесса, что поделилась своим опытом! =)
See ya at the Camino!🙌

[lovegodlovepeople]

Thanks for the video! I’m using the same bag for the Camino in about 2 weeks. Can I ask, do you know how much your bag weighed with everything packed? Thanks again!

[georgialittle]

How much did your bag end up weighing and also how expensive were the trekking pole to buy in Spain? :)