Kit Camino de Santiago for the pilgrim: 10 essentials

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The Camino de Santiago attracts more and more pilgrims, with thousands of people passing through the different routes year after year. Being quite a physical and sometimes mental challenge, there is no doubt that the pilgrimage also becomes a very enriching experience.

With perfectly marked routes and stages and different infrastructures for pilgrims, your main concern for the trip that awaits you should be to have all the necessary equipment, only then can you guarantee a comfortable and safe experience. The items you carry with you can make all the difference. At Vive Camino we have already answered the question regarding what to carry in the backpack, but what items or equipment we have to take into account from the start.

We are going to offer you a complete list of items that cannot be missing on your pilgrimage. A total of 10 essentials that you must introduce from your first stage and until the end of the trip.

Ten essential items on the Camino de Santiago

hiking backpacks

Hiking backpacks are the first basic item you will need to acquire. A fundamental piece of your equipment and in which you will introduce everything you need during your pilgrimage. From essential objects such as water, food, clothing, comfortable shoes or other items. These types of backpacks are generally made of resistant and durable materials, with different compartments. In short, everything you need for the various stages that await you ahead. Of course, a basic advice: we recommend that the total of the backpack be 10% of your weight.

Technical T-shirts

Technical shirts are another essential on the Camino de Santiago. Designed for those who take long walks, this garment is light and very resistant, which makes it perfect for a trip of several weeks. Unlike conventional shirts, such as cotton ones, for example, technical shirts are made of synthetic materials, allowing them to absorb moisture and keep the body dry during the walk. Another of the strengths of this type of shirt lies in its protection against UV rays or antimicrobial technologies that help prevent the accumulation of bacteria and bad odors.

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raincoats

The weather conditions are almost unpredictable on the Camino de Santiago, so it is important to be prepared for any moment, be it rain or heat. In case water is the protagonist during the trip, the raincoat is one of the accessories that you should always have on hand, even in the summer months! Comfortable, resistant to water and wind, in addition to helping us keep the body dry, there are plenty of reasons why any pilgrim should always carry one in their backpack.

Footwear

Choosing the right footwear is, without any doubt, the most important decision when it comes to preparing everything we need during the Camino de Santiago. It is important to choose a shoe that offers comfort, durability and protection to different weather conditions, as well as the terrain. In this sense, hiking or trekking shoes are the most appropriate and recommended since they are specifically designed for long-term trucks. In addition, trekking or hiking boots have a reinforced toe and ankle protection, something that never hurts.

Trekking sticks

Trekking poles are another accessory that you should not discard when preparing your backpack. Although their main function is to help reduce the load on the knees and hips, trekking poles can also become a great help when walking uphill or downhill, or maintain balance and reduce tension. in the joints.

microfiber towels

Hygiene is very important during the Camino de Santiago. Within this category, microfiber towels are ideal to add to the kit. Light and compact, microfiber towels have the main advantage of being much faster when it comes to absorbing than a cotton towel, therefore ideal for quickly drying sweat after walking or in rainy conditions.

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trekking socks

Forget conventional socks and bet on trekking socks. The main difference is that this garment is much more resident and comfortable for long walks than cotton socks. On the other hand, trekking socks quickly absorb moisture, essential if we want to avoid injuries such as blisters.

Sleeping bag

Whether you are going to opt for impromptu camping or accommodation, the sleeping bag is, together with footwear, a very important part of the equipment. It is the additional layer of protection and comfort that you will need at the end of your stage, being essential to keep the cold and humidity away. Make sure that the sleeping bag is of the best possible quality, always looking for insulating products to help maintain body heat during the night in case of cold. Another aspect that you should consider is its weight, a feature that will help you store it comfortably in your backpack.

hiking pants

Hiking pants are ideal for long walks, being very useful to resist the wear and tear of road conditions. Good hiking pants can be perfect for any weather, protecting us from the sun, rain or wind. We recommend that you opt for both a short and a long pants model.

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Mobile phone

Ballast or utility? There are all kinds of opinions regarding the use of mobile phones on the Camino de Santiago. The type of use that is going to be given depends on each one, although we will always be in favor of enjoying the experience as far away as possible from a screen. Of course, nothing prevents you from taking a mobile phone with you, simple and without much technological fanfare, to be of help in an emergency.