What Should I Pack for the Camino De Santiago?

This is a compressed version of the original beginner article found here. This article will cover the basics to pack as well as the nuances compared to other thru hiking trails. Here is a basic (minimalist) pack list for men and women for the Camino de Santiago during the summer. 

Weather

In Spain the days are long, hot, and with harsh sun, but the nights get very cold, for most of the northern part of Spain this is going to be the case.  Mostly it will be dry, but when it rains it pours, so you will need rain gear. 

Female

• 2 synthetic shirts
  (Preferably short but can add a long sleeve for good measure)
• 2 synthetic shorts or leggings
  (alternatively can bring a pair of convertible pants with a pair of shorts)
• 2 pairs of socks
• (optional) sock liners
• 2 quick dry underwear 
• Hat/cap
• Beanie (optional)
• Trail runners or hiking shoes
• Sports bra
• Thermal layer (down or fleece)
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Backpack
• Bag weather cover/dry sack
• Dress or shirt and pants
• Socks
• Underwear
• Flat bottom shoes/Sandals
• Swim suit (optional)
• hiking poles (optional)
• Sun screen
• Bug spray
• Tooth brush
• Tooth paste/powder
• Wallet
• Phone
• Multi-port usb charger
• Soap
• Quick dry towel
• Simple first aid kit 
• Menstrual as well as extra hygienic items if needed
• Silicon ear plugs
• Hair ties (optional)
• Scallop shell
• Pilgrim passport

Male

• 2 synthetic shirts
  (Preferably short but can add a long sleeve for good measure)
• 2 synthetic shorts
  (alternatively can bring a pair of convertible pants with a pair of shorts)
• 2 pairs of socks
• (optional) sock liners
• 2 quick dry underwear 
• Hat/cap
• Beanie (optional)
• Trail runners or hiking shoes
• Thermal layer (down or fleece)
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Backpack
• Bag weather cover/dry sack
• Nice shirt
• Jeans/long pants
• Socks
• Underwear
• sandals/loafers
• Swim suit (optional)
• hiking poles (optional)
• Sun screen
• Bug spray
• Tooth brush
• Tooth paste/powder
• Wallet
• Phone
• Multi-port usb charger
• Soap
• Quick dry towel
• Simple first aid kit 
• Silicon ear plugs
• Hair ties (optional)
• Scallop shell
• Pilgrim passport

Stuff you should know.

You will be staying at hostels which are aptly named albergues. Plan your trip carefully as the best albergues will be better than any motel you every stayed at. They will provide clean sheets, pillow, and blanket. Some albergues will have full kitchens and even washing machines. Albergues can fill up if you do not get to town early enough or you might stumble into the first albergue you see and end up sleeping poorly.

Camping is not allowed in Spain unless in designated areas so do not bring camping gear. You wont find camping sites near the places you are traveling either. Open flames are illegal in Spain so do not expect to be making camp fires.

Cost of living is cheap in the north part of Spain, so super markets will be your friend.  Maybe I am miss leading by using the word "super" as most of the food markets will be little family owned stores (tiendas). Be on the look out for 'menu of the day' at restaurants. They will serve you basic but plentiful food for as little as 5 euros.

Water is plentiful and not an issue. Many towns will have fountains built and paid for by the towns so that the towns people can get free, clean water. On top of that water is cheap. In a store you can buy 2 liters for less then 15 cents.

The Camino is an easy hike through and through with only a few hard climbs. It is recommend wearing something light like trail runners. Even hiking poles are optional.

The trail is littered with people, towns and cities, so do not be afraid to pack light. You can buy everything on this list at your destination if you wanted to. If i remember correctly, the most time i spent without seeing a town or bar may have been 2 hours or less.

If you are not familiar with Europe (im talking to you my American friend) then do not be afraid of entering bars. Bars in Spain are social places filled with kids, food, soda, water, coffee, and ice cream (usually). It is not uncommon to go and eat at a bar to have some quality tapas or eat breakfast.

You will be walking through some of the most touristy and beautiful towns in Spain so i strongly recommend you bring some casual cloths to walk in. You might want to check out the beautiful city of Santiago, go check out the castle of the Templar in Ponferrada, or roman aqueducts in Segovia.

Balance out your luxury items so that you can cut on weight. Most importantly plan your trip, pack light, and have fun. Buen Camino!