Walking boots, staff, gourd and shell. What to pack for the Portuguese Way of St. James. Camino packing list

Exactly which clothes and equipment you need to pack for the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, or any other multi-day walk, will depend on things like the weather and your personal needs. The most important factor is whether you will be carrying it around with you all day or opt have your luggage transferred between stages.

When I walked the Portuguese Camino I went for the pampered pilgrim option of hotels and luggage transfers so I was able to pack for various eventualities but however you’re transporting your gear for a multi-day hike, there are certain essentials you’ll need.

My Camino packing list is useful for any of the Camino routes as well as other multi day hikes and walking holidays.

Read on for detailed explanations or jump to the summarised packing lists

Feet first on the Camino Portugues

First and foremost, you need to look after your feet.

If they hurt, your experience will be tainted by pain and potentially miserable. I saw some poor souls hobbling along in agony and thank my lucky stars that I didn’t get a single blister in over 400 kilometres.

Best walking shoes for the Camino de Santiago

One thing I learned after experiencing wet feet, sore toes and tingling soles from my first 4-day stint on the Coastal Way of St. James was the importance of decent walking shoes so I bought new ones as soon as I got home.

Both the Central and Coastal Camino in Portugal involve time on tarmac roads and uneven granite cobblestones as well as rough dirt tracks so you’ll need good cushioning and shock-absorbing footwear. I did consider getting walking boots but the terrain on the Portuguese Camino isn’t rough enough to require heavy-duty boots and walking shoes tend to have more flexible soles.

Whether you choose hiking boots or shoes, make sure they’re waterproof and preferably lightweight, breathable and not too tight.  If you’re walking in cooler weather, you may be wearing two pairs of socks and in hotter weather your feet are likely to swell so they will need space.

Something like these would be good:

Merrel Women’s Siren Edge Hiker shoes have fatigue-fighting cushioning and good grip on rugged terrain.

I’ve got big feet anyway (European size 42) and ended up buying a pair of Columbia Men’s Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes in a 43 as even the men’s 42s were too snug a fit.

They may not be pretty but they stood up to the test of 19 days on the Camino plus all the preparatory training and I love them for that. When they finally showed signs of wear and tear after thousands more kilometres, I managed to replace them in a slightly less butch colour.

My well-worn Colombia Redwood breathable, waterproof walking shoes
My well-worn Colombia Redmond breathable, waterproof walking shoes

Colombia Redmond breathable, waterproof walking shoes

Or click on an image for more details of these hiking shoes:

What type of walking socks are best for the Camino?

Between Dori and I, we probably tried every combination of sock available during our Camino. The days were fairly warm and I found my wool walking socks made my feet too hot, although you can get ones that are designed for warmer weather.

Dori liked her Wrightsock double layer walking socks but they take a long time to dry if you have to wash them en route.

Both of us got on well with the trail socks that have cushioning in places where blisters or hard skin usually form and mesh on the top. They dry fairly quickly and kept my feet cool and comfortable so I’ll be sticking to these in future.

Check out these hiking socks on Amazon: 

Foot care for multi-day walks

I made sure to trim my toenails and give my feet a good scrub before setting off on my Camino. Despite this, areas of hard skin formed on the side of my big toe and under my little toes after a few days so I found it necessary to keep scrubbing them during the walk.

A word of advice – check that your chosen scrubber works well before you set off. The one I took with me on the Central Camino Português was metal and almost useless. Not a patch on a pumice stone or abrasive file scrubber.

Striking the right balance between having feet that are too soft or too hard is key so after a few days, when my heels were aching, I plastered them in Sudocreme before going to bed but put nothing on during the day. You can also get decent walking shoes(see above) to avoid or cure cracked heels.

I have two toes that tend to squash together and will forever be grateful to Jan for giving me a tube of Medline Remedy Olivamine Clear-aid Skin Protectant gel which I used during the day to reduce friction and avoid blisters – it smells lovely to boot.

On the stage between Balugães and Ponte de Lima, I felt soreness at the base of my little toe and feared I had athlete’s foot. Luckily, I didn’t and a gel blister plaster provided enough relief for it not to become a problem. You may want to take some relevant treatment or preventative measures with you in case you’re prone to developing athlete’s foot.

Choose your rucksack or backpack with care

Whether you need a rucksack that’s big enough to hold all your clothes and equipment or just a daypack for your essentials, it’s important to make sure it fits comfortably and is waterproof or has a raincover.

Choose one that has breathable cushioning for your back and adjustable straps for your shoulders, waist/hips and chest otherwise you’ll soon be in pain. On the practical side, upper and side pockets will help you store things you want easy access to. My latest daypack has a mesh and frame that separates me from the pack as well as a sturdy hip belt to distribute the weight. And a built in hole for my camel pack.

Note: Emily Luxton has some great tips on choosing the best backpacks for women.

Don’t be tempted to overload your pack

If you’re carrying everything with you each day, the total weight of your pack and its contents should not exceed 10% of your body weight, including the water you need for the day. Pack heavy stuff at the bottom of your pack and distribute the weight so that you’re not lopsided.

Practice walking with a loaded pack before you start the Caminho to see how you get on and remove anything that’s not vital.

If you do decide to carry everything yourself, check out these tips for using packing cubes to maximise space and keep your gear organised. You can buy a set of packing cubes from Amazon here.

Camel packs help you stay hydrated

I noticed lots of people using camel packs – refillable water bags with a tube that comes over your shoulder, making it much easier to drink on the go and stay hydrated. Although not an essential piece of equipment, I bought one and used it on my most recent excursions and I find them really convenient.

If your daypack doesn’t come with a camel pack, make sure it has a separate section and a hole, e.g. for headphones, that the tube fits through.

If you’re buying a new pack, consider getting one that comes with a camel pack like this one.

Do you need hiking poles for the Camino?

I’d say yes.

I took one walking pole with me on the central route, which I found helpful for balance and rhythm. However, the first thing I did when I got home was to buy another one to match. I used two poles when I went back to do the remaining 5 stages of the Camino and the difference is remarkable.

Click to see these other options on Amazon;

I found trekking poles to be super useful and helpful during long walks and hikes. By moving a pole with each step, I can really feel the forward propulsion and the work my upper body contributes. It’s easier to stand straight and I’m confident that I’m supporting my body evenly. Using both poles, my hips hardly hurt at all after 115 km and there was far less pressure on my back and knees than I’d experience with just one pole.

You’ll need some rubber pole tip protectors for walking on tarmac otherwise the tapping sound will drive you crazy. The ones I’ve got have a flared tip, which was actually quite annoying although they’ve worn into a slight curve now and are already easier to deal with. Next time, I think I’ll try the rounded ones that are designed for Nordic walking.

Pilgrim paraphernalia, Santiago de Compostela
Pilgrim paraphernalia in Santiago de Compostela. A bit late to be of much use to you!

What clothing to wear on a multi-day hike

This will obviously depend on the time of year, the predicted weather and whether or not you have luggage transfers to transport changes of clothes.

Your walking tops should be thin, lightweight, breathable and wick sweat away from the skin so you don’t end up with cold wet T-shirts clinging to your body. Make sure they’re quick-drying if you need to wash them along the Way.

Here are some examples:

Thin layers will provide insulation and keep you warm. You’ll also need a fleece jacket for evenings and chilly mornings.

Like these:

Again, your trousers or shorts should be lightweight and quick-drying in case you need to wash them or get caught in the rain. If you are expecting heavy rain, take a pair of waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket or poncho.

Quick dry trousers with zip-off legs help solve the shorts or trousers dilemma; I find ones that zip below the knee more comfortable (and flattering).

If following the Coastal Camino or the Camino Espiritual, you’ll want to pack a swimsuit.

Sun protection for long hikes

Unless you’re unlucky enough to be doing the Camino de Santiago in weeks of solid rain, you’ll need some form of sun protection as there are many unshaded kilometres ahead of you.

Choose a sun hat that won’t get blown off your head in a breeze – the adjustable chin strap and headband on mine came in very handy.

I always carry sunglasses with me in Portugal, even in winter, and I think you should too.

Unless you have very dark skin, I’d use a sweat-resistant sun screen that offers at least factor 50 protection and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day.

Portuguese Camino guide books and information

The central Portuguese Camino de Santiago is well marked and the coastal route is mostly clear (with one or two nasty exceptions!). If you go through a tour operator to arrange luggage transfers and hotels, you will probably get a ‘roadbook’ with descriptions of the stages, places of interest and clarification of confusing directions. A good roadbook will also suggest rest stops and places where you can get refreshments and supplies.

I also used John Brierley’s A Pilgrim’s Guide To The Camino Portugués which is essential if you haven’t got a roadbook or accommodation lined up and nice to have to complement other information. Cafés on and close to the Way of Saint James are listed, as are accommodation options.

The stage maps are clear and helpful; they show the main route and possible detours if you have time to explore. I particularly like the elevation profile with cafés marked. Can you tell where my priorities lie?

The book covers both the coastal and central Portuguese Camino routes to Santiago de Compostela as well as the Variante Espiritual.

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Other guide books to consider for the Portuguese Camino:

Essential packing list for the Camino de Santigao

As a minimum, you will need to bring the following items for your Caminho de Santiago:

    • ID card or passport
    • Health card/insurance details

Nice to have, especially if you have luggage transfers

Get help organising your Portuguese Camino

 

Pin this for later

Camino de Santiago packing list and tips
Camino de Santiago packing list and tips
Camino Packing guide - what to take on a multi-day hike and why
Camino Packing guide – what to take on a multi-day hike and why
Way of St. James packing list
Way of St. James packing list
 

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8 Comments

  1. As a woman who identifies as butch, i can’t figure out what you find offensive about the word and it’s use here. It wasn’t being used as an epithet or insult. No butch I know (and I know a lot of butches) objects to being described as butch. It’s actually a point of pride. I’m more offended that you would call this writer out for using it in context than anything else.

  2. Hi Julie, I appreciate your list and links to the products to give us a good idea of what to look for. About your Redmond hiking boots, I have worn those boots and really liked them. One thing I did not like about your article was your statement that you were glad when your boots finally wore out so you had the chance to get a less ‘butch’ color. For many people myself included, that word is considered offensive when it is used to describe those women (and the clothes they choose) who tend toward the masculine side. It is as offensive as if a man who had been wearing pink or lavender boots would like to get a pair that were less queer or (insert your favorite epithet here) . The word masculine would have served very well instead of butch. Just saying.
    Thanks for the Packing list info.
    Mar

  3. Hi! Thanks for good tips. Am planing to walk the coastal way. Is it possible to camp whit a tent on the way?

    1. Hi Benjamin, I don’t know anything about camping on the Camino, I’m afraid. There are some campsites but whether there are enough to make it feasible, I couldn’t say. Also not sure how close they are in relation to the Camino.

  4. Hi Julie. thanks for a terrific list. I’ve pretty much got everything already, so to have a list to check against is brilliant. I have enjoyed reading your blog and will be ordering the book. I’m walking the coastal route from Porto to Caminha, then heading along the river to Valenca and over to Tui and on to Santiago. That way I get a taste of both coastal and inland route. thanks again for all the info. Cindy

    1. Author

      Hi Cindy, that sounds like a great way of getting the best of both worlds. Enjoy, and Bom Caminho!

  5. One of the best walking kit lists that I’ve seen in recent years. Spent a few years as an instructor and gear writer on various publications here in the UK and this is almost a reflection of what I’d take on such a venture. Merino wool base layers work well in both warm and cool conditions and can be worn for days on end without needing a wash! Travel towels are great too – for use after a bath or shower and as a means of getting more water out of any wash and wear clothing. Wash the clothes then roll them up in the travel towel to get the water out. GF wears Rohan Ultra Silver Camisole and Briefs whilst on holiday – both dry in 2-3 hours when handwashed and the silver content allows for extended wear too (silver used in wound dressings to neutralise smell from wounds – GF is a nurse!).

    1. Thanks for the extra tips, Keith, especially about using the towels to dry clothes faster on the road. Must check out the underwear you mentioned…

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