What to Pack for the Camino de Santiago as a Woman: Tips & Check List

Walking the Camino de Santiago is one of those rare adventures that manages to be both deeply personal and delightfully communal.

You spend your days following ancient yellow arrows, meeting pilgrims from every corner of the globe, and discovering just how little you actually need to get by.

Packing for the Camino is less about cramming everything in and more about striking that sweet balance between comfort, practicality and weight.

After all, your bag becomes your closest companion for days, weeks or even over a month, depending on your route.

This guide shares what I packed as a 40 year old, solo female traveller tackling the Camino for the first time in October.

It’s full of personal advice from someone whose been there and done it, plus top tips about how to get your packing right depending on the season, whether you’re carrying your own backpack or using a luggage transfer service, and how long your pilgrimage will be.

Think of it all as a friendly nudge from someone who has made the mistakes so you don’t have to!

Luggage Transfer or Carrying Your Own Pack?

Your packing list will shift quite a bit depending on whether you plan to carry everything or send your main bag ahead each morning.

Both options are very normal on the Camino, and neither makes you any less of a pilgrim.

If you’re carrying your own backpack, weight becomes your gospel.

The rule of thumb is that your bag should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight. For many women, that lands somewhere between 6-8kg once water is added.

It sounds harsh, but your knees will thank you after the first 20km day!

This means choosing quick drying clothing, limiting spares, packing small toiletries and really interrogating whether you’ll use each item.

With luggage transfer, you suddenly have breathing room.

You can pack a more generous post walking outfit, a slightly fuller toiletry bag and even an extra pair of shoes if you fancy.

The transfer services run across every major Camino route through spring, summer and autumn.

You still need a daypack, but it carries only the essentials, including your passports (pilgrim and regular).

Just remember that your suitcase or larger rucksack still gets carried around by someone else, so avoid the temptation to bring half your wardrobe – the Camino is a casual affair and no one is expecting a fashion show!

Consider the Season: Difference Between Spring, Summer & Autumn

Spring

Spring on the Camino can be wonderfully green, but also famously unpredictable.

Galicia is notorious for rain showers, and northern Spain doesn’t entirely trust the concept of stable weather.

This means you’ll want layers, a lightweight fleece or mid layer, a packable waterproof jacket and perhaps even thin gloves and a beanie if you feel the cold.

Temperatures can swing from 5°C at dawn to 20°C by lunchtime, so versatility is key.

Summer

Summer can be scorching, especially on the Meseta stretch of the Camino Francés and the plains of Navarra.

You’ll need sun protection, UV shirts or breathable tees, a wide brimmed hat, and electrolyte tablets so you don’t wilt on the long, exposed trails.

Evenings stay warm, which keeps your clothing list wonderfully simple.

You can get away with lighter layers and far fewer warm items.

Autumn

Autumn is similar to spring but with slightly cooler, not to mention darker, mornings.

It’s one of the loveliest times to walk thanks to the warm colours and quieter trails.

You’ll still want waterproof kit, and a some warm layers, like a beanie and a fleece, as well as a headlamp if you plan to set off early in the morning.

Consider the Duration of Your Camino

1 Week Camino

A 1 week Camino, such as Sarria to Santiago or the last section of the Portuguese route, lets you be a little more relaxed.

You can pack 2-3 walking outfits, one evening outfit, and not overthink it.

Laundry can be done quickly and cheaply in most albergues and guesthouses.

2-3 Week Camino

On a 2-3 weeks Camino journey, such as the León to Santiago stretch, or the full Camino Portugués, durability matters.

Your clothes will be worn repeatedly, often washed by hand and hung to dry overnight.

Quick drying fabrics become essential and you’ll need to pack items that won’t lose shape or comfort after days of use.

4 Weeks+ Camino

If you’re walking the Camino for a full month or more, like starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port, the Pilgrim Olympics begin!

Every gram counts and you’ll be living out of your bag for a long stretch, so your kit must be comfortable, practical and functional whether it’s the 5th wear or the 15th.

The lighter you go, the happier you’ll be.

If you want to experience the magic of the Camino, then I highly recommend Follow The Camino who can help you organise every part of this incredible journey.

Get 10% off your Follow the Camino adventure with discount code: Steph10

Clothing to Pack: Your Camino Wardrobe

Regardless of route or season, the principle for your Camino clothing is the same: repeat, rinse, rotate.

The classic formula is 2-3 x walking outfits and 1 x evening outfit.

For warm weather walks, bring…

3 lightweight hiking tops. Choose breathable, moisture wicking fabrics
2 pairs of quick drying leggings or shorts
A sports bra or 2, ideally high comfort for long distances
3-4 pairs of moisture control walking socks. Many women, myself included, swear by toe socks to prevent blisters
1-2 long sleeve mid layers
A packable waterproof jacket

For spring or autumn, add…

1-2 fleeces or warm mid layer
Thin gloves, a beanie and a buff for chilly mornings
Lightweight waterproof trousers if the forecast looks wet

Your evening outfit should be light and comfortable.

Many hostels are warm inside, so a simple dress or soft trousers and a top are perfect.

The trick is choosing something you won’t resent wearing every night.

And don’t forget some pyjamas!

Footwear: Make or Break Item

Comfortable, well broken-in trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots are the Camino gold standard.

Trail runners are fantastic for summer, while boots can help in wetter seasons.

Make sure they’re worn in before you arrive – nothing ruins the magic quite like rogue blisters.

For evenings, bring flip flops or lightweight recovery sandals. Your feet will adore you.

I loved my Birkenstocks Arizona for evenings – very fetching paired with socks too!

Toiletries and Washing Kit

If you’re carrying your own bag, keep toiletries small.

Decant everything into travel bottles and bring only what you’ll realistically use.

Many pilgrim hostels and guesthouse have basic washing machines or sinks for hand washing.

If you’re hand washing, pack biodegradable laundry soap, a small universal sink plug and a travel washing line that you can hook anywhere.

If you know you’ll stay in private rooms or hotels with washing services, you can be more relaxed and pack slightly larger items.

Still keep the spirit of minimalism – every unnecessary bottle feels twice as heavy by day 5!

Women’s specific needs also matter.

Sanitary products are easy to find in Camino towns.

If you use a menstrual cup, the Camino is actually a great time for it because it saves space and waste.

First Aid and Health Extras

A small first aid kit is non-negotiable.

Blister care items are your main priority – compeed, second skin, blister plasters and tape.

Add painkillers, antihistamines, ibuprofen gel, nail clippers and any personal medication.

Women prone to chafing should pack anti chafe balm.. It’s miraculous on long, sweaty days.

Electrolytes are brilliant for summer walking, and a small tube of hydration tablets takes up no room.

Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a tiny tub of moisturiser are all useful too.

The sun, wind and dust do a number on your skin after hours outdoors, so come prepared.

Daypack Essentials

Whether you carry your main bag or not, your daypack holds the real essentials…

Water: ideally 1.5-2 litres a day. Try a Water-to-Go bottle as you can safely refill these from any freshwater source.
Snacks: nuts, fruit, energy bars
Pilgrim passport: essential for stamps to earn your Compostela
Phone with an eSIM or roaming plan. A Holafly eSIM helps you stay connected without hunting for local SIM shops. Get 5% off yours with discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS
Travel insurance details saved on your phone – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world
Lightweight waterproof
Hat and sunglasses
Tissues and hand sanitiser
A small, portable power bank and cable
A foldable cup if you enjoy drinking from public fountains or want café con leche anywhere enroute

Sleeping Items

If you’re staying mostly in albergues, a lightweight sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner is useful.

Summers can be warm enough for a sleeping bag liner alone.

Spring and autumn can be chilly, so a 1 or 2 season sleeping bag works well.

Remember to bring PJs if you’re staying in communal rooms too.

Private rooms normally provide full bedding so you can skip this if you plan to stay exclusively in hotels and guesthouses.

Documents and Basics

Your pilgrim passport is the heart of your Camino admin. You pick up stamps along the way to certify your pilgrimage, and you’ll need 2 stamps per day in the final 100km.

It’s also important to have access to travel insurance with medical cover. The Camino is safe, but sprains and strains happen.

Bring a debit or credit card plus a little cash. Most cafés take cards, but some small places prefer cash.

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Tech and Safety Items

A phone with a data plan or eSIM keeps navigation smooth.

Many women walking solo find comfort in sharing their live location with a friend, especially on the quieter autumn routes.

Holafly offer unlimited data eSIMs for France, Spain and Portugal. Get 5% off yours with my exclusive discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS.

A head torch is useful if you start walking early. Choose a dimmable one so you don’t blind fellow pilgrims.

Ear plugs and an eye mask are worth their weight in gold in shared dorms. Trust me on that!

If you want to experience the magic of the Camino then I highly recommend Follow The Camino who can help you organise every part of this incredible journey.

Get 10% off your Follow the Camino adventure with discount code: Steph10

Camino Packing Checklist

Clothing

3 quick drying walking tops
2-3 pairs of walking leggings or shorts
1-2 long sleeve mid layers
2 fleece or lightweight warm layers
1 pair of lightweight waterproof trousers
1 evening outfit (dress, leggings and top or soft trousers)
3-4 pairs of moisture wicking walking socks
1 pair of lightweight everyday socks
3 pairs of underwear
2 sports bra
1 buff or neck gaiter (great for wind, dust or chilly mornings)
Thin gloves and beanie hat (spring and autumn)
Wide brimmed sun hat or cap (summer)
Packable waterproof jacket

Footwear

Trail runners or lightweight hiking boots, fully broken in
Flip flops or recovery sandals for evenings
Optional: second pair of lightweight trainers if using luggage transfer

Toiletries

Small travel bottles of shampoo and shower gel
Travel sized deodorant
Toothbrush and small toothpaste, plus floss
Moisturiser
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Sanitary products or menstrual cup
Biodegradable laundry soap
Travel washing line
Universal sink plug
Microfibre travel towel

First aid and health

Compeed or blister plasters
Zinc tape or second skin
Ibuprofen or paracetamol
Antihistamines
Anti chafe balm
Electrolyte tablets
Nail clippers
Any prescription medication
Small packet of tissues
Antibacterial hand gel

Daypack essentials

1.5-2 litres of water per day (bottle or hydration bladder)
Snacks for the trail
Phone with roaming data plan or an eSIM
Portable power bank
Charging cable
Lightweight waterproof jacket (if not already wearing)
Sunglasses
Hat
Packable warm layer
Pilgrim passport
Travel insurance details saved on your phone
Small purse or wallet
Foldable cup (optional but handy)

Sleeping items

Sleeping bag liner or silk liner (summer)
1 or 2 season sleeping bag (spring and autumn, dorm stays)
Ear plugs
Eye mask
Pyjamas

Documents and admin

Passport
Pilgrim passport
Debit or credit card
Small amount of cash
Booking confirmations for private rooms (if applicable)
Insurance details
Travel tickets

Tech and safety

Phone with an eSIM or roaming
Head torch
Earbuds or small headphones
Tiny padlock for hostel lockers
Copies of documents stored in cloud storage

Optional extras depending on luggage transfer

Small foam roller or massage ball
Second evening outfit
Slightly larger toiletry bag
Extra jumper
Lightweight book or Kindle

Camino Quick Tips

When to Hike the Camino?

I recommend Spring or Autumn for the best Camino weather, lowest crowds and reasonable prices.

eSIM

Holafly offer unlimited data eSIMs for France, Portugal and Spain that are perfect for staying connected on the Camino.

Insurance

World Nomads offer simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Travel Money

Spain, Portugal and France use the Euro.
I always travel Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees – grab yours here.

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Female Packing Guide for the Camino de Santiago

Packing for the Camino de Santiago is a lesson in simplicity.

Everything you carry should earn its place and everything you bring should make your days on the trail more enjoyable.

Once you’re walking, you’ll realise how liberating it is to live with so little.

Whether you choose the freedom of luggage transfer or the more traditional approach of carrying your own backpack, you’ll quickly find your rhythm.

The Camino is generous.

Towns are well spaced, gear is easy to replace, and camaraderie is everywhere.

Pack smart, pack light, trust the weather forecasts only half the time, and embrace the adventure.

Walking the Camino is about the joy of the journey, not the contents of your bag.

This list keeps things realistic for women walking 1-3 weeks in the main Camino seasons.

It trims the unnecessary bits, keeps comfort in focus and still lets you pack light enough to enjoy the journey rather than haul it.

My Camino trip was gifted by Follow the Camino but, as always, all views are my own.

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