September 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Camino de Santiago packing list for Americans
What to pack for the Camino de Santiago if you are flying from the US: carry-on only, plug adapters, weather by month and what you can buy in Spain.
The Camino rewards packing light. Everything below fits in a carry-on and weighs about 15 lb (7 kg). If your luggage is moved by the agency, you carry even less: a small daypack with water, rain jacket and phone.
Documents and money
- Passport, valid three months beyond your return. Photo of it in your phone.
- ETIAS authorization printed or saved (required for US citizens entering the EU).
- Two credit cards without foreign transaction fees, plus 50–100 € in cash from an ATM on arrival, not from the airport exchange desk.
- Pilgrim credential: get it in Sarria, Tui or Ferrol on the first morning, or ask your agency to include it.
Clothes (wear one, pack two)
- 3 merino or synthetic T-shirts, 2 hiking pants or shorts, 3 pairs of merino socks, 3 underwear.
- 1 fleece or light down layer. Galicia is cool at dawn even in July.
- 1 light rain jacket with hood. Galicia rains every month of the year.
- 1 set of evening clothes for dinner and the pilgrim mass. Nothing formal.
- Trail running shoes, not boots, worn on the plane. Sandals for the evening.
Gear
- 30–40 liter backpack with hip belt if you carry, or a 20 liter daypack if the agency moves your bag.
- Folding trekking poles: pack them in checked luggage or buy them in Sarria for 25–40 €. Some airlines refuse them in carry-on.
- 1 liter water bottle. Fountains are frequent; do not carry more.
- Microfiber towel, small toiletry kit, sunscreen 50, hat, sunglasses.
- Blister kit: anti-chafing balm, blister pads, small scissors, tape.
Electronics
- Phone with an eSIM for Spain bought before departure, or your carrier’s daily roaming plan.
- Type C/F plug adapter (two round pins). No voltage converter needed for phones and laptops.
- 10,000 mAh power bank and a short cable.
- Optional: earbuds for the long stretches of the meseta if you walk the full Camino.
Weather by month
- April–June: 50–75 °F, rain likely in Galicia. Best months.
- July–August: 70–90 °F inland, cooler on the coast. Start walking at 7 am.
- September–October: 55–75 °F, the most popular weeks. Book early.
- November–March: 40–55 °F, wet. Fewer people, some places closed.
Leave at home
Sleeping bag, cooking gear, more than one book, a second pair of walking shoes, and anything “just in case”. Every hotel in our guide provides bedding and towels; pharmacies sell what you forget.
Your Camino organized, with nothing to worry about
A room booked every night, luggage that travels on its own and someone on the phone. Free quote within 24 h, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the Camino with carry-on luggage only?
Yes. Seven kilos (15 lb) in a 30–40 liter pack fits airline carry-on limits and is all you need for a week or a month.
Do I need a plug adapter in Spain?
Yes, type C or F (two round pins), 230 V. Modern phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage; you only need the adapter.
Can I buy gear in Spain if I forget something?
Yes. Sarria, Tui, Pontevedra and Santiago have outdoor shops and pharmacies. Trekking poles, rain gear and blister care are easy to find.