The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a pair of boots and a spare raincoat, we agree. But we also know that the best way to get ready to this adventure implies to meticulously prepare the trip, and this necessarily implies choose the best equipment to walk to Santiago de Compostela.

What to include in your backpack

That mostly depends on the general plan of the trip. It is not the same history to walk or cycle the Camino, or to have the possibility of package transfer between the stages.

In any case you should obey some recommendations, which could definitely mean the difference between the trip of your life, or a some day’s nightmare.

Here you have some of the “must” for any possibility of trip you decide to join:

– Do not purchase a backpack too big: Between 35 and 45 kg will fit well, remember that the bigger it is, the more things you will pack on it.

– Spare clothes and extra socks: Although in other circumstances could sound strange for you, in walking 8 hours per day, change your socks becomes a necessity.  

– Comfortable spare footwear: apart from some mountain boots, or specific cycling footwear, it is convenient to use some sneakers for your feet to rest after the walk.

– Raincoat easy to pack: No matter the season you decide to walk this Way, rarely this item won’t be used. An easy-to-pack raincoat can set the difference.

– Plastic bag: to pack food, clothes or your muddy boots, they will be so useful in different moments.

– Flip flops or waterproof sandals: Although the hostels and facilities in the Camino usually have high quality, it is convenient to bring with you waterproof footwear. They will be very useful in common toilets.

– Pilgrim first-aid kit: Your feet will be the most affected, so always take interest on them. Do not forget sticking plaster, needle for blisters, topical antiseptic and betadine.

Footwear, not any selection is permitted

We could merely dedicate a complete chapter to this topic. The best equipment to walk to Santiago de Compostela starts choosing a proper boot pair or sneakers.

Which ones are more convenient? It depends mostly on the kilometers you want to walk, and your personal preferences.

You should have into account that you will walk at least 20 km by day, and this is something new for everyone.

As the very first recommendation, please, do not wear a new pair of boots the first day of the Camino. They should be used at least twice or three times before.

Remember that soles should be semi rigid, and your ankles might be protected, so the calf-length walking boots will be the most convenient.

Be aware about the Way you choose. If you are planning to walk to Santiago de Compostela from Sarria (the last 100 km), you should better use walking boots.

There are plenty of streams and this is the best option for your feet to remain wet.

If your plan start the Camino de Santiago from Roncesvalles (part of the French Way), you will need a pair of boots as we describe above, because foot can suffer a little in some demanding stages.

Nevertheless, if you want to walk the way between Puente La Reina and the surrounding area of Galicia province, could be a better option to wear trekking sneakers, rather than walking boots, to endure the typical hot of that area.

Last but not least, if footwear is important, it is also crucial the type of socks you use to walk to Santiago de Compostela.

The recommendation of the blog Living the Camino is simple: technical ones, seamless and tight-fitting: no big ones, neither small.

Are you planning to walk the Camino de Santiago, but doubts about how to choose the best equipment to walk to Santiago de Compostela?

Do not hesitate to ask us. We advice pilgrim from all over the world, for almost 10 years! You can contact us on the social sites. We are in Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.