This Packing List is designed to cover varying weather conditions. Note: We will schedule a group zoom meeting to go over packing list recommendations.

FOOTWEAR:

• 1 pair of lightweight hiking shoes or boots. Make sure they have room for your feet to swell from day-after-day of walking; we recommend ½ size larger than usual
• 1 pair of comfortable walking sandals or shoes, such as athletic shoes or Chaco sandals
• 3-4 pairs of hiking socks, synthetic or wool blend, not cotton

CLOTHING:

• 2 pairs of comfortable synthetic quick dry hiking pants; zip-off shorts are a good option
• 1 – 2 pairs of shorts/capris 
• 2 lightweight, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts to protect you from the sun
• 3-4 hiking t-shirts or sleeveless shirts
• 1 polar fleece jacket or wool sweater 
• 1 rain jacket and/or durable poncho* (mandatory no matter what the weather forecast predicts!)
• Underwear/nightwear
• 1 wide-brimmed hat or baseball hat for sun
• 1 – 2 changes of casual clothes and scarf to wear at end of day and to dinner (we are VERY casual)
• 1 or 2 bandannas (useful for a variety of things like cooling your neck or as a washcloth, as many hotels in Spain do not provide them)

EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS:

• 1 day pack, 24-36L, with a pack cover or large plastic bag to line backpack for waterproofing. Please check your day pack and make sure it is an appropriate size!
• Hiking poles with rubber tip covers (highly recommended for this trip)
• At least 1.5 liters water carrying capacity (water bottles or hydration system) 
• Passport and a photocopy of your passport
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Sunglasses (100% UV blocking) with retention strap 
• Watch, travel alarm
• Small stone from home (symbolic of a burden you carry on the pilgrimage) 
• Earplugs and eye mask (for plane and in case of street noise or roommate snoring :))
• European electrical plug adaptor (Type F) for phone and other charging.

TOILETRIES (small everything):

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, contact lens paraphernalia (bring extras), sanitary supplies, etc. If you have personal preferences for soap, shampoo, conditioner, you can bring them, otherwise provided in hotels.
• Personal first aid supplies: Band-Aids, safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen/aspirin/tylenol, any personal medications. Blisters are very common on this trip, even for people who don’t typically get blisters.   
• N95 or KN95 masks, several 
• 1 Covid rapid test
• 2 Epi-pens, if you have a possibility of anaphylactic shock. Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, foods or medications must bring epi-pens. Please consult your physician and tell us!

OPTIONAL:

• Fanny/hip pack
• Camera
• Small sandwich container and reusable “spork” (useful to carry leftovers from lunch during the day or buy food at a grocery store along the way)
• Favorite snacks, especially important for people with dietary restrictions
• 10 ft light cord, 4-6 clothespins, or lightweight hangers and laundry detergent
• Vest for layering (fleece or down) and/or down puffy jacket
• Wind or rain pants
• Travel umbrella for rain or sun while in towns/creative layover days
• Headlamp/small flashlight
• Favorite art supplies, pens, notebook (we provide a travel journal, art tool kit, watercolor palette, water brush, pens, glue stick in a quart sized ziplock bag)
• Travel immersion water heater and instant coffee or tea, since the hotel rooms do not have coffee makers (be sure to read the instructions and never take it out of water while plugged in!)

More About Packing for this Trip:

Our packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, the weather may be rainy or sunny, so you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, packing as small and light as possible is essential for this trip.

Luggage: We strongly  recommend carry-on luggage size for several reasons: You will have to carry your own luggage up and down stairs and down cobblestone streets, and our luggage transfer van is small. We do not dress up for dinner; an extra scarf will make even the grungiest clothing “clean up” for dining!

Laundry Service & Handwashing in your Hotel Room: Laundry services are available at the hotels on the days we have lay-overs. Handwashing is a pilgrim standard and we are glad to do a tutorial of washing and drying your synthetic hiking clothing and underwear.

Day packs: Your day pack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1.5+ liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sunscreen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, and personal items such as camera, journal, art supplies, etc.  We recommend a day pack with a capacity of 24-36 liters (or more) with a hip belt and padded shoulder straps. Line your day pack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snugly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that your pack has sufficient space for all your items and is comfortable to wear all day while fully loaded. Note: Fanny-packs and small hydration packs are NOT large enough to hold all the items you will need for the day!

Footwear:  Roomy, yet well-fitting, footwear is very important to your safety and enjoyment.  For the Camino, most people use hiking or trail running shoes that are lightweight and provide good traction. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, you may need boots that come above the ankle for more support in uneven or slippery terrain. It can be hot in early September and while walking all day, you will need room in your footwear for your feet to swell. If buying new footwear when preparing for this trip, consider getting ½ size larger than normal and be sure to wear them on pavement and trails well before your trip.

Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need such as: blister and foot remedies like moleskin, blister bandages, a small roll of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will also have well stocked first aid kits and we will be walking through towns with pharmacies.

Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for its versatility for layering. It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body because adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity.

Rain/Wind Gear: You definitely need reliable rain wear! Galicia, the part of Spain where we are walking, is known for rain throughout the spring, summer and fall. A jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric is essential. Each brand seems to have its own name of fabric, but look for something like Goretex that protects from wind and water. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head.  Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood.  Put on your day pack; can you still raise your arms? 

A sturdy nylon poncho is great for the Camino, but an inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily. In addition to the poncho, a windproof jacket is practical.

Although optional, wind/rain pants are a great addition.  They should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots.  

Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a hydration system such as Osprey, CamelBak, Platypus, or other bladders, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bag fits in your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. You will need a bladder that holds at least 1.5 liters of water. It is important to only put water (not Gatorade or other drinks) in your hydration bladder; you can wash off the end of the tube daily.

Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are highly recommended for this trip. Make sure your hiking poles have rubber tips because we walk on ancient cobblestones and pavement and the tips provide better grip and sound absorption on those surfaces.

Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by reducing stress on your hips, knees and ankles. Unfortunately, trekking poles are not allowed in carry-on luggage, so you will have to check them on the plane.

Hair dryers Most rooms will have hair dryers, but not all. If a hair dryer is important to you, we recommend bringing a small, dual currency appliance. Better yet, leave the hair dryer at home and embrace your “pilgrim hair!”

Convertor/adaptor for my electronics/chargers/hair dryer: The electrical current in Spain is 220 volts and 50 hertz. If you are bringing anything you need to plug in (e.g. chargers, cellphone, hairdryer) you need to bring a plug adapter. These are small and easy to lose, so if you rely on them, bring a few. Adaptor needed: European adaptor F. Most of our electronic devices are built for dual currency but check your own to be sure. Many travel hair dryers are dual currency. If you are bringing one that is not dual currency, then you will need a converter in addition to a plug adapter.