Summer is by far the most popular time to walk the Camino de Santiago. The days are long, the weather is usually good, and thousands of pilgrims from all over the world take advantage of their vacations to walk one of the Camino routes. However, precisely because it’s the busiest season, it’s also when the most questions arise about what to pack and how to prepare your luggage.
At Pambre Tours, we’ve been organizing the Camino de Santiago for years for travelers seeking to enjoy this experience with peace of mind, comfort, and the assurance of having a team that knows every stage, every lodging, and every detail of the route. Many of our clients come from Mexico and other Latin American countries to discover Galicia and the Camino for the first time, so we know exactly what questions come up before they set out on their journey.
One of the most common questions is, precisely: What do I need to pack for the Camino de Santiago in the summer?
The answer isn’t to make an endless list of items. In fact, one of the most common mistakes is thinking that “just in case” you should pack an extra piece of clothing, another pair of shoes, or some extra accessory. In the end, that “just in case” turns into an uncomfortable backpack full of things you’ll never actually use.
Our advice is always the same: pack only what you need, but choose wisely.
Furthermore, the answer depends on how you plan to walk the Camino. A pilgrim who sleeps in a hostel every night and carries their entire backpack for hundreds of kilometers is not the same as a traveler who takes an organized tour, with luggage transported between stages and stays at boutique hotels, rural guesthouses, pazos, or carefully selected accommodations.
In this guide, we want to help you pack your backpack wisely, so you can travel light, comfortably, and without forgetting anything important.
What You Need to Know About Summer on the Camino de Santiago
When we think of summer, we usually imagine sunny days and high temperatures. It’s true that July and August are the warmest months of the year, but it’s worth remembering that the Camino de Santiago passes through very different regions and that the weather can change significantly from one day to the next.
In Galicia, especially in the early morning hours, it’s common to start a stage with cool temperatures, even after a summer night. As the day progresses, the heat can become noticeable, especially in more open areas and during the middle of the day.
Furthermore, the weather in northern Spain has a characteristic well known to those of us who live here: it can change quickly.
It wouldn’t be unusual to start a stage under clear skies, encounter a light rain by mid-morning, and then enjoy the sun again before reaching your lodging.
Far from being an inconvenience, this is part of the Camino’s charm. It simply means you should pack your bags with this variability in mind—and not just based on the high temperatures listed in the weather forecast.
The Philosophy of Smart Luggage
There’s a widespread misconception: the idea that the more luggage we bring, the better prepared we’ll be. Our experience tells us exactly the opposite.
At Pambre Tours, we recommend packing your backpack with comfort in mind throughout the entire trip. Although our travelers don’t have to carry their main luggage between stages, the sense of order and simplicity makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Before you start packing clothes, it’s worth asking yourself a very simple question: Am I really going to use this on the Camino? If the answer is uncertain, you probably don’t need to bring it.
Well-planned luggage offers several advantages:
- It’s easier to find any item of clothing when you need it.
- You avoid carrying unnecessary items while traveling.
- You leave room for small souvenirs or purchases you might make during the trip.
- You enjoy a greater sense of organization from day one.
Ultimately, it’s about traveling smart, not excessively.
Appropriate Clothing
One of the things people worry about most before setting out on the Camino is what to wear. The good news is that you don’t need to completely revamp your wardrobe to enjoy the experience. The important thing is to choose comfortable, lightweight clothing that’s suitable for walking for several hours.
We recommend opting for technical fabrics or breathable garments that allow sweat to evaporate and help maintain a comfortable body temperature even on the hottest days.
It’s also a good idea to forget about the notion of wearing brand-new clothes on the Camino. A new T-shirt or a pair of freshly purchased pants might seem like a good option, but any garment that hasn’t yet been worn on long walks can cause chafing or turn out to be less comfortable than expected. Ideally, you should travel with clothes you’re already familiar with and feel comfortable in.
Generally speaking, we usually recommend bringing:
- Three to four breathable T-shirts.
- Two pairs of comfortable walking pants, preferably lightweight and quick-drying.
- A pair of pants or a more casual outfit for evenings or dinners.
- Enough underwear.
- A thin fleece or a lightweight jacket for the early morning hours.
- A lightweight raincoat or a foldable waterproof jacket.
This last point often surprises those visiting Galicia for the first time in the summer.
Although temperatures are pleasant, a sudden shower can appear at any moment, and having a lightweight waterproof garment allows you to keep walking as usual.
If there’s one piece of advice we constantly repeat to our travelers, it’s this: dress in layers. Not because you’ll be cold the entire way, but because the Camino is constantly changing.
The early morning hours are usually the coolest. Later, as you cover more kilometers and the temperature rises, you’ll probably want to take off a layer. If a light rain starts or the wind picks up at a higher elevation, you’ll be glad to put it back on.
Dressing in layers allows you to easily adapt to these changes without having to carry heavy clothing. It’s a simple, comfortable system—and much more practical than relying on a single thick jacket.
Footwear: The Most Important Decision
If there’s one thing that can make the difference between enjoying the Camino and suffering unnecessarily, it’s your footwear.
Every year, we see pilgrims arrive wearing brand-new boots or sneakers they’ve barely worn before the trip. It’s one of the most common mistakes—and also one of the easiest to avoid.
Our advice is always the same: the best footwear is the kind you’ve already walked many kilometers in and know is comfortable for you.
During the summer, most travelers find lightweight hiking sneakers or footwear specifically designed for long-distance walking to be particularly comfortable. They offer a good balance of stability, breathability, and comfort, without the weight of a traditional hiking boot.
Just as important as your shoes are your socks. A good pair of technical socks helps wick away moisture, improves comfort, and significantly reduces the risk of chafing and blisters.
In our experience, it’s much more worthwhile to invest in good shoes and good socks than to fill your backpack with accessories you’ll probably never use.
Accessories That Really Make a Difference
Once you’ve decided on your clothing and footwear, the next step is to think about those small items that don’t always get much attention but can greatly enhance your experience on the Camino.
At Pambre Tours, we emphasize one important point: it’s not about bringing a lot of things, but about bringing the right ones. Summer encourages simplicity, but it also requires some foresight, especially when we’re walking several hours a day under the sun.
One of the most useful accessories is a cap or lightweight hat. It may seem obvious, but prolonged exposure to the sun on certain stages makes it practically essential. Ideally, it should be breathable and easy to stow in your backpack when not needed.
We also recommend bringing a pair of good-quality sunglasses, not only for comfort but also for protection. The Camino sometimes passes through open stretches where sunlight can be intense for several hours.
Another very useful item is a lightweight scarf or buff, which can serve both to protect from the sun and to provide some warmth in the early hours of the day or even against the wind.
In many cases, especially on hilly stages or longer routes, hiking poles can also be a great help. They help reduce the strain on your knees, provide stability on uneven terrain, and make the walk more manageable, especially when you’ve been on the trail for several days.
Sun protection: a detail that shouldn’t be underestimated
Although the Camino de Santiago isn’t usually associated with extreme conditions, summer can be challenging in terms of sun exposure, especially when walking for several hours at a time. That’s why one of the most important items in your backpack is high-SPF sunscreen.
It’s not just about applying it at the start of the day, but also reapplying it frequently as needed, especially on your arms, face, and neck.
In our experience guiding travelers, this is one of the aspects that’s most often overlooked… and also one that’s most appreciated in the long run. A small gesture at the start of the stage can make a big difference by the end of the day.
Basic First Aid Kit
You don’t need to bring a complete or complicated first-aid kit. In fact, the simpler, the better. The important thing is to have the essentials for minor ailments that may arise during the Camino, especially during the first few days as you adjust to the walking pace.
Among the most common items, we recommend:
- Band-Aids or dressings for chafing
- Foot care gel or cream
- Basic pain relievers commonly used by travelers
- Any specific products if you already know you have a sensitivity (for example, in your knees or ankles)
In most cases, you’ll hardly ever use these items, but it’s reassuring to know they’re available if you need them.
Tecnología: lo justo para estar conectado El Camino es también una oportunidad para desconectar, pero eso no significa prescindir por completo de la tecnología.
A cell phone is a very useful tool while traveling—not only for communication, but also for checking directions, taking photos, or simply staying in touch with family.
Our recommendation is simple: bring only what you need and avoid overloading your backpack with devices that don’t add real value to the experience.
A lightweight charger is a must, and in some cases, a small portable battery pack can be useful, especially on long stages or days with limited access to charging stations.
On trips organized by Pambre Tours, the accommodation arrangements make these aspects much easier, as travelers have comfortable spaces to rest and charge their devices at the end of each stage.
Documentation and the Essentials
Although it may seem obvious, it’s important to remember that all documentation must always be accessible and secure. This includes your ID or passport, health insurance card (if applicable), and any travel-related documents.
For international travelers, especially those arriving from Latin America, we recommend keeping everything organized in a safe place inside your daypack, not in your checked luggage.
Small details like this help avoid unnecessary complications during your trip.
What NOT to Bring on the Camino de Santiago in the Summer
Just as important as knowing what to bring is understanding what to leave behind. One of the most common mistakes is overpacking your backpack with items you won’t use or that serve the same purpose.
In our experience, here’s what typically doesn’t add value during the Camino:
- Excess clothing “just in case”
- Extra shoes you won’t use
- Unnecessary valuables
- Large or impractical toiletries
- Electronic devices you don’t use in your daily life
Traveling light isn’t just a matter of physical comfort, but also mental comfort. The less you have to manage, the more you can enjoy the journey.
A Different Approach When the Camino Is Organized
On trips organized by Pambre Tours, the approach to luggage differs slightly from that of the traditional pilgrim.
Although each traveler carries a daypack with essentials, the main luggage is transported between accommodations. This allows travelers to focus on what really matters: walking comfortably and enjoying the surroundings without unnecessary burdens.
Furthermore, by staying in boutique hotels, rural guesthouses, pazos, or paradores, the level of comfort at the end of each stage is significantly higher, which also influences how travelers pack their daypacks.
The Camino for International Travelers
At Pambre Tours, we regularly work with travelers arriving from Mexico and other Latin American countries to experience the Camino de Santiago for the first time. This significantly changes the way you pack.
Packing a backpack for a local getaway is not the same as planning an international trip where the Camino is just one part of a broader experience in Spain and Galicia.
That’s why we always recommend thinking about your luggage in two categories: what you need during the Camino and what you need for the trip as a whole. In practice, this means prioritizing comfort, functionality, and adaptability.
Many of our travelers discover something important upon arrival: there’s no need to bring “everything,” because everything is already organized to ensure that the Camino is smooth, comfortable, and worry-free.
A Different Way to Experience the Camino de Santiago with Pambre Tours
The way you experience the Camino varies greatly depending on how it’s organized. On our trips, the focus is clearly on a premium experience. It’s not about walking the Camino in the spirit of a traditional pilgrim, but rather about enjoying it in an exclusive, tailor-made way, while staying true to its essence. This directly influences how you pack your daypack.
Although travelers continue to walk each stage, their main luggage is transported between accommodations. This allows the daily backpack to be light and contain only what is necessary for the day’s journey.
The selected accommodations (boutique hotels, rural guesthouses, pazos, or paradores) also provide a level of comfort that reduces the need to carry additional items “just in case.”
The result is a more seamless experience, where luggage ceases to be a concern and becomes simply a support.
Final Checklist for Your Summer Backpack
To help you prepare, here is a summary of the essential items we recommend bringing on the Camino de Santiago in the summer:
Clothing and Footwear
- Breathable T-shirts (3–4)
- Comfortable, quick-drying pants (2)
- Lightweight clothing for the evening/night
- Lightweight jacket or thin liner
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hiking shoes that have already been broken in
- High-quality technical socks
Accessories
- Lightweight cap or hat
- Sunglasses
- Buff or multipurpose scarf
- Comfortable, lightweight daypack
Protection and Personal Care
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Basic first-aid kit for chafing
- Adequate hydration during each stage
Technology and Documentation
- Cell phone
- Charger
- Power bank (optional)
Organized and easily accessible personal documents
This set is more than enough to enjoy the Camino in comfort during the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Pack for the Camino in Summer
Do I need to bring a lot of clothes for the Camino?
No. In the summer, less is more. The key is to bring comfortable, lightweight, and functional clothing, and to be able to reuse items throughout the trip.
Do I need to bring hiking boots?
Not necessarily. In many cases, comfortable hiking shoes that you’ve already broken in are sufficient.
Is it cold on the Camino during the summer?
During the day, usually not. However, the early morning hours can be cool, so it’s a good idea to bring a light extra layer.
Can I do laundry on the Camino?
Many accommodations offer laundry facilities, though on organized tours this is usually less necessary thanks to the luggage logistics.
Is it difficult to hike any of the routes in the summer?
The Camino in the summer is perfectly manageable. With good planning, hydration, and the right gear, it’s a very enjoyable experience; however, we can offer recommendations based on your age and fitness level.
Travel Light to Enjoy the Camino More
Packing your backpack well for the Camino de Santiago in the summer isn’t about carrying more things, but about making better choices. Every item you put in your backpack should serve a clear purpose. If it doesn’t, it’s probably not necessary.
Travel Light to Enjoy the Camino More Fully
Packing your backpack properly for the Camino de Santiago in the summer isn’t about bringing more things, but about making better choices. Every item you put in your backpack should serve a clear purpose. If it doesn’t, it’s probably not necessary.
At Pambre Tours, we believe that the true essence of the Camino is experienced when everything else is taken care of: logistics, accommodations, transportation, and the little details that make the trip flow effortlessly.
That’s why we design experiences where travelers can focus on what matters most: walking, enjoying the surroundings, and experiencing the Camino at their own pace.
If you’re thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago this summer, we can help you design an experience completely tailored to you.
A comfortable, well-cared-for, and meticulously organized trip, where every stage is planned so that all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself.
Request your personalized proposal and start planning your Camino de Santiago with Pambre Tours.
