This is a detailed packing list and discussion on packing for the Portuguese Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. We have walked thousands of kilometers on all seven well-known Camino de Santiago routes and have walked all three variants of the Portuguese Camino; the Coastal route, Central route and the Litoral Way. See what we recommend you pack based on our experience walking from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela.
Here we discuss specifically what to pack for the Portuguese Camino and how this is affected by walking season, whether you carry everything with you or use a backpack transport service, if you are planning to stay in private accommodation or public albergues and off course if you are a man or a woman.
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Backpack for the Camino Portuguese
Walking the Camino you will likely be carrying all your belongings for most of the day. You want a comfortable backpack of the right size, as light as possible. The backpack size mostly used on the Camino is a 30 to 40L backpack (this is the inside measurement of the pack). This is a large daypack, so it seems very small, but we have learnt how heavy small things become if you carry them all day!
The best way to be sure a pack fits is by trying it on. Either buy in-store with the help of a professional or order through a store like Amazon where it is easy to return your purchase.
The Osprey Stratos 36 Hiking Backpack (36 L) is a fantastic backpack, it comes with a rain cover and what I really like is that it has access through a top flap and a side opening. Most good hiking packs open with a top flap design (like this one). The side zip vertical access into main compartment is extremely helpful, you do not have to unpack everything if you want to get something inside your backpack. Water bottles are easy to reach and the trampoline back is great for minimizing sweating while you walk. The zippered hipbelt pockets is great for quick access to small items while you are walking. Other features that we do not really use that pilgrims might really like are the internal hydration sleeve and trekking pole attachments.
Ladies model – Osprey Sirrus 36 L
We find carrying a bigger backpack is in general not a good idea, if you have the space you tend to fill it! To walk with a bigger pack and not fill it all the way you have to be very disciplined. I sometimes have to use a bigger pack, the Osprey Kestrel 48, it is a great, light bigger backpack if you need the space.
Many pilgrims have their luggage transferred every day, walking with a small daypack. The transport service collects your luggage at your accommodation and drops it at your destination. In this case you can use a larger backpack or even a suitcase. We use the Osprey Daylight Plus daypack for day hikes. This is a very comfortable 20 L backpack, perfect for carrying a snack, water, raingear and whatever you might need for a day hike. See our detailed article on choosing the right backpack for the Camino de Santiago.
Choosing Shoes for the Portuguese Camino de Santiago
Shoes are a very important choice when planning to walk the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. The wrong shoe choice can result in terrible blisters, tired feet, and other injuries that can even end your Camino.
Cobblestone on the Camino Portuguese
The walking surface on the Portuguese Camino is a mix of asphalt, footpaths and cobblestones. We found walking on the cobblestones to be very tiring and tough on your feet.
I measured the distance walked on different kinds of walking surfaces on each variant of the Camino Portuguese.
Distance on cobblestones on different routes of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago -Central Route – 42 km/26 mi, Coastal Route 29 km\18 mi, Litoral Way – 19 km/11,8 mi.
We have walked with boots, hiking shoes and trail runners on the Camino Portuguese and hiking shoes worked the best for us. The stiffer sole performs very well on the cobblestone surfaces of the Portuguese Camino. I am currently walking in Merrell Moab 3 (Merrell Moab 3 Ladies) shoes, a fantastic, stable shoe with good support and protection a wide toe box. The non-waterproof version is well ventilated and it drains and dries quickly.
Trail runners are a very popular option for walking the Camino Portuguese. Trail shoes are similar to road running shoes, but they are built more rugged to protect the shoes and your feet from objects like rocks, and sticks, so they are light and tough. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 (Speed Goat 5 Ladies) is a very common trail shoe on the Camino Portuguese with a lot of cushioning.
See our detailed article on best shoes for the Camino de Santiago.
Best Socks for Walking the Portuguese Way
We have tested and compared several different kinds of socks while walking the Camino and now only walk with Merino wool socks. Testing and comparing various sock brands we found our feet to sweat more in all synthetic socks, even synthetic socks specifically designed for hiking. Doing our own ´smell tests´ were very funny.
We were amazed at how dry thicker wool merino wool socks are after a long day of walking and that we can walk with them for several days without smelling bad. I use Danish Endurance socks and have several pairs. It is a medium-weight sock (so it is fairly thick) with 38% merino wool content. These socks are magic. Campbell walks wearing Darn Tough Micro Crew Medium Weight socks (63% merino wool). His feet sweat more, so he prefers socks with a higher merino wool content. The Darn Tough Socks are unconditionally guaranteed for life! If they get a hole in you can send them back. For an extensive discussion on socks see our Socks for the Camino de Santiago article.
Sock Tips to Prevent Chafing
- Always carry a clean dry pair of socks on the top of your backpack, halfway during the day take a break and put on fresh dry socks.
- Use different kinds of socks and alternate them to prevent rubbing and hot spots.
Women’s clothing for the Camino Portuguese
Since you can not carry a lot of clothes, you will wash your one or two sets frequently. Quick dry sport and hiking gear is the way to go. To stay warm we do layering wearing several thin layers of clothing that you can add to or remove as needed.
Trekking pants
Quick dry, hiking pants are nice for walking in all conditions you will meet on the Portuguese route. I actually prefer to walk in stretchy yoga pants (tights) that are very light and pack small. I always walk in long pants, in summer it offers sun protection. In summer many people walk in hiking shorts.
Hiking shirt
Your hiking shirt should be thin, lightweight, breathable and quick dry. The material should wick sweat away from your body. Cotton clothes do not work well, the material gets wet from sweat and the wind makes it freezing cold in a wet shirt.
I usually pack two running T-shirts; one with long sleeves and one short-sleeve. In summer you might rather only pack short sleeves. I will recommend your shirts offer enough sun protection for long days in the sun.
Fleece
A soft and warm fleece is a very comfortable item that we pack al year round. It is great on chilly mornings or in the evenings.
Rain jacket
We always pack a rain jacket walking the Camino. In northern Spain you can get rain year round. A rain poncho is light to carry and using a poncho that covers your backpack works quite nice. In summer months you will most likely not get much rain, but a rain jacket is also great if it is windy. We have walked on some very windy days on the Coastal Route and a wind/waterproof jacket was a life saver.
Underwear and changing clothing
For hiking sports bras are just way more comfortable. I usually pack two pairs of running bras and three or four pairs of light, moisture wicking underwear. These soft, comfy no odor Merino Wool Bikini Briefs are excellent for walking. I wash my underwear and socks every day, it doesn’t take long and it dries quickly.
Clothes for Sleeping
I always pack a cotton T-shirt and shorts for sleeping and changing after a shower. In winter long sleeping pants are worth packing.
Pack a pair of flip-flops to wear in albergues and around town, we have ended up walking kilometers on the Portuguese way in our flip flops and were happy we packed ones!
Men’s clothing for the Camino Portuguese
Rain jacket
A rain jacket is important for us on the Camino. Even if there is little rain it is handy when the wind blows in summer months. If you do not pack a rain jacket I will recommend bringing a rain poncho for the unpredictable rainy days in the north of Spain all year round.
Trekking pants
Campbell prefers to walk in Portugal wearing a pair of quick-dry light pants all year round. On hot days in summer it is nice to walk in shorts. A pair of convertible pants with zip-off legs are a great space saver in summer. There is no need for carrying short and long pants.
Hiking shirts
Columbia hiking shirts are quick drying and good for sun protection and Campbell walks wearing these most of the time. Short sleeve running T-shirts are; light, comfortable, breathing, dry very quickly, and easy to wash.
Fleece jacket
It’s nice to have a soft fleece to wear in albergues or if you go out in the evening.
Underwear
Pack 2-3 pairs of underwear for the Portuguese Camino. These Premium Wicking No-Odor Merino Wool Classic Boxers are great. You can handwash at the albergues. If you prefer a tighter fitting boxer these quick-drying 100% merino wool underwear are great.
Clothes for sleeping
Pack a comfortable sleeping outfit like a pair of light cotton shorts and a T-shirt.
Light Quick Dry Towel
A towel is an essential thing to carry. Public albergues do not provide towels, in private accommodation you will get towels. Micro Fiber towels take almost no space, are light, and dry easily so that they won’t get moldy and start smelling. Light Quick Dry Micro Fiber Towel.
Trekking poles
The majority of pilgrims swear by trekking poles and will swop them for nothing (we do not use them on the Camino). Trekking poles are great if you have knee or hip problems, shin splint, etc. Remember they are not allowed in hand luggage, so check them in or they might get confiscated by airport security!
Sun Protection
We always try to wear clothing that protects us against the strong Portuguese and Spanish sun; long sleeves, legs, a hat, buff and sunglasses. Sun cream is off-course also fine, but long days in the sun and some very funny sun tans has us wearing protective clothing.
Cap/hat
A cap or a hat is a must-have item on the Camino all year round. I like to wear a cap and Campbell prefers this wide brim Colombia hat for sun protection.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must have item for the Portuguese Camino. We like the Polaroid sunglasses we are currently using. Polaroid Men’s Sunglasses and Polaroid Sunglasses for Ladies
Buff/Neck Gator
A neck gator or Buff is great to protect your neck and face from sun, wind and weather.
Do You Need a Sleeping Bag on the Camino Portuguese?
Since it is a bulky item and you want to carry as little as possible, pilgrims often ask us if they really need to pack a sleeping bag on the Camino Portuguese. We always carry a light summer sleeping bag.
If you are staying in private albergues and hotels, carrying a sleeping bag is not necessary you will receive bedding. Public albergues sometimes provide blankets but usually, without covers. We prefer to use a sleeping bag, and if it’s cold I use a blanket over it. A light sleeping bag with a comfort temperature limit of +12°C/55°F will be good enough.
Water bottle or Hydration Bladder
In summer you can use a silk liner instead.
Carrying enough water is very important. I prefer to use a water bottle, but many pilgrims love using a hydration pack bladder. Tap water in Spain and Portugal is drinkable we usually don’t use filters.
Headlamp
A headlamp is useful to read or find something in your backpack after lights out or if you are going to start walking before the sun comes up. Use a headlamp with a red light not to disturb pilgrims trying to sleep. A rechargeable headlamp is useful and lasts a couple of nights on one charge. PETZL, ACTIK CORE Rechargeable Headlamp. Your USB charging block for your phone will work for charging.
Some Extras to carry to Santiago
Since we always try to keep our backpacks light there is not much space for extras, but we usually do fit these for walking on the Portuguese Way.
Earplugs
If you are staying in albergues earplugs will help you to sleep through all the snoring!
Neck bag
Having a neck bag is very handy to keep your documents, phone, money, and credit cards together. Easy to take everything with you when you leave an albergue, since most albergues don’t have lockers.
Tote Bag
We always carry a strong, light tote bag that takes little space. Works well to go shopping and walking around town.
Travel lock
Some albergues have lockers, we usually carry a small travel lock.
Kindle E-Reader
It is nice to carry a book with you for reading at night, I usually fall asleep after two or three pages. A Kindle Paperwhite is great for reading in the dark.
First aid kit
There are plenty of pharmacies on the Camino Portuguese. We carry a very basic first aid kit. Here are some items that we pack.
Documents to pack for the Caminho de Portuguese
A passport or an ID is necessary for traveling and checking in to albergues and hotels.
The Credential referred to as the Camino passport is a paper book in which you collect stamps at facilities like albergues, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and churches on the way to Santiago. You need the credential filled with a stamp per day and two stamps for each day along the last 100 km to to get your Compostela certificate in Santiago.
The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
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