El Camino Packing List
A Hero’s Journey on Foot, Horseback & E-Bike
Below you’ll find all the essentials you’ll want to bring for this multi-modal pilgrimage through northern Spain. Your overnight luggage will be transported for you, so during the day you only need a comfortable daypack with the essentials.
Why these items?
This list is designed for a multi-activity pilgrimage — walking long distances, riding through varied mountain terrain, and cycling the final Camino kilometers. Materials like synthetic fabrics are ideal because they’re lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and durable — perfect for changing weather and activities.
Base Layers
The number one goal here is to keep your skin dry from both sweat and external elements. As mentioned above, we recommend non-cotton/moisture wicking clothes.
Cotton absorbs moisture and dries very slowly so it’s something we absolutely want to avoid. It is best left for town evenings and sleep, not for active parts of the day.
Non-cotton underwear: The rule of thumb is to pack one more than the number of days of your trip
Trekking socks (3+): Find a midweight sock that fits really well to avoid blisters. Midweight means that there's enough padding that your foot feels comfortable, but not so much padding that it makes your boots fit unwell. Lightweight socks usually don’t have enough padding. The goal when finding the right sock is to have no movement or rubbing between your foot, sock, and boot. This helps with blisters.
Pro Tip: Keeping feet dry is another key way to avoid blisters.
Leggings (1 for sleeping, 1- 2 for hiking): These would be your yoga pants, non-cotton base layer or shorts depending on the weather.
Pro Tip: Check the weather forecast for the day and dress accordingly. If it's cool in the morning, but predicted to warm up as the day goes on, you might consider wearing shorts as a base layer. As it warms up you then have the option to remove your outer layer and be comfortable in hotter weather.
Non-cotton or quick dry sports bra or tank top with a built in sports bra (2-3)
Pro-tip: Leave an outfit for sleeping that you ONLY sleep in, including socks. Do not hike in this set of clothes. It’s a great feeling when you can put on clean(ish), dry clothes at the end of a long day of hiking.
Cycling
Cycling shorts with padding (2)
Cycling-specific socks (2–3)
Comfort and Evening Clothes
These are what you’ll use after each day’s movement:
Casual pants or shorts
Comfortable shirt
Horseback Riding
Comfortable riding pants (1)
Comfortable shoes with a stable sole
Mid Layer
Non-cotton hiking pants or joggers (2): Think of these as something you could wear over your leggings or over your shorts that's breathable and in light colors to reflect the heat
Long sleeve non-cotton sun shirt (1-2): We prefer a button up shirt so you can use this both as a warm layer and/or for protection against the sun
Non-cotton, moisture-wicking T-shirt or tank top (3)
Non-cotton long sleeve shirt (1-2): For colder weather
Outer Layer
Breathable wind and rain proof jacket (1): You will likely use your rain jacket at some point everyday, even if there is not precipitation there is the potential for wind!
Lightweight fleece or sweatshirt (1-2): Opt for a thick fleece, sweatshirt or equivalent synthetic option. These are not often worn while hiking, instead they are meant to be a warm layer to put on when you’re stopped and/or at camp during the evening. You might even bring a couple of options to layer up at night.
Shoes
Hiking Boots
Waterproof boots are important for keeping feet dry and avoiding blisters. These help to ensure you can stay on trail to preserve the environment. In cases where there might be mud or puddles on the trail you can walk through them instead of going off trail trying to avoid them.
We also recommend over ankle boots. The high ankles help keep debris out of the shoe and may add a bit of ankle support.
Try to purchase your boots in advance and do practice hikes, walks, or even just walk around your house to break them in.
Pro Tip: Wearing them in advance can also help you discover how tight to lace them, thickness of socks, and where potential hot spots might form.
Lightweight shoes & sandals for use at camp and/or sightseeing
We love having a lightweight shoe or sandal for after hiking. After a long day on your feet and in hiking boots a change of shoes feels incredible.
Horseback Riding
You’ll just need comfortable shoes with a stable sole.
Accessories
Keep these readily available in your daypack to use as needed!
Sun hat: We provide a Root hat that you can clip to the outside of your backpack so you don’t necessarily need to bring one.
Sunglasses (with UV protection)
Buff: A buff is a very versatile accessory that helps protect you from the sun, wind, and many other elements. It can also be used as an extra warm layer for your head & ears, a neck gaiter, a pony tail holder or headband, and a face covering for very windy days. Click here to browse their website!
Snacks for walking/biking days
High-SPF sunscreen + lip balm
Gear
Daypack (~30 liters in size): We recommend a day pack that has a chest strap and waist strap
Main travel bag (duffel or soft-sided)
Large enough for all clothing and gear
Easy to load and transport with support vehicles or horses
Hydration Pack/Bladder and/or reusable water bottle (2+ liter capacity): A hydration bladder can be very useful as it allows you to stay hydrated throughout the hike without needing to stop.
Hiking poles, optional but recommended: Hiking poles come in handy on variable terrain and downhill hiking. Please keep in mind that you cannot carry them onto planes (you can check them, but we recommend carrying on all of your belongings.)
Headlamp/small flashlight (with spare batteries)
Kula cloth: We love the Kula Pee Cloth to keep you fresh on the trail. Click here to browse their website! You’ll also be receiving one from us!
A Note About Traveling with Your Gear
We highly recommend carrying on your luggage in case of scenarios of lost or delayed luggage.
Pro-tip: Wear your gear while traveling! Wearing your hiking boots not only saves packing space, but can also help break them in more.
Personal Items
ID/Passport
Copy of flight itinerary
Copy of travel insurance info
Copies of important documents (digital + print)
Some cash in smaller bills for any incidentals
Credit cards: We recommend using a card that has no foreign transaction fees to save money
Toiletries: Bring your preferred toiletries, below are a couple items to keep in mind
Accommodations throughout this adventure do have showers and all have bathroom facilities
We currently love shampoo and conditioner bars, they save space and are super easy to travel with as they are “solids”
Prescription medications (kept in original containers)
Travel Towel - We always love having a small super foldable lightweight towel while traveling, it comes in handy in all kinds of situations!
Personal first-aid kit:
including anti-itch cream for bites, pain medications, band aids, blister care, etc
Diaper rash cream or chafe cream — excellent for long days on foot, bike, or horseback
Pro-Tip: Pack some medical tape! At the slight formation of a hot spot you can apply the medical tape to prevent it turning into a blister. A hot spot is any spot on your foot that you can feel any type of rubbing or movement within your boot. If left untouched these spots can turn into a blisters.
Portable charger/Power bank
Travel adapter: 230 V, Type C/F plugs for Spain
Snacks - especially if you have certain dietary restrictions (gluten free, vegan, allergies, etc.)
Optional Items
Travel pillow
Camera (fully charged) and optional extra batteries
Swimsuit- you never know when the opportunity to take a soak will present itself!
Notebook and pen will be provided by Root
Paperback or digital book for down times. You can always download a book onto your phone to save space.