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When you start searching for a Camino Portuguese packing list, you’ll quickly notice that there are endless travel gadgets and accessories that can make packing feel truly overwhelming.

If you’re looking for a realistic and budget-friendly Camino Portugués packing list, you’ve come to the right place.

Like any Camino packing list, it’s not complete without some controversy: trail runners versus boots, rain jacket versus poncho, sleeping bag versus sleeping bag liner, hiking pants versus joggers, and more.

If you want to scan through and just look for the product links, I put them in yellow boxes to make it easy for you.

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Have a question? Leave a comment at the bottom and I’ll reply right away 🙂

Packing List Overview

A note on my recommendations: I recommend products based on my own personal experience with them. If I don’t have direct experience, then I research and look for the best suggestions I can find. Nothing was included here for affiliate commissions, though I may make a small amount of money if you purchase from one of my links.

I’m going to go into each item in detail, but here’s the entire packing list at a glance. Consider saving this on Pinterest so you can easily find it later!

Quick Tips

1. Luggage transfer services are available. You don’t have to carry your backpack yourself on the Camino Portugués. You can have your bag forwarded from one hotel to the next, called a luggage transfer. This takes the pressure off of choosing the right bag and not overpacking.

You can learn more in this detailed guide: Camino Portugués Luggage Transfer.

2. Need to grab something last-minute in Porto? There’s a budget outdoors store called Decathlon less than a 40-minute walk from the Porto Cathedral.

3. Avoid Camino Frances packing lists. While all routes pointing towards Santiago de Compostela have similarities, the Camino Portugués is different from other routes like the Frances or Camino del Norte. It’s shorter and less challenging, which (yippee!) means you can get away with a lighter pack.

Backpack + Other Bags

Want help planning your entire Portuguese Camino? Read my step-by-step planning guide.

1. Main Backpack 

Hiking backpacks are measured in liters (L). The average pilgrim (who’s doing the Camino and then going back home, with no other travel) won’t need more than a 35L backpack. You might very well have a backpack in your home that would suit your Camino already.

Here are some qualities to look for:

• Size: While it may be tempting to go for bigger and bigger, remember that the weight will seriously impact your experience (keep reading for a guide on how much weight to pack).
• Hip belt: Having a hip strap and buckling it around your waste takes weight off of your shoulders.
• Access: If you’re traveling alone, it’s great to know that you can reach and grab your water or phone without taking your bag off every time.

Budget: Water-Resistant Packable Hiking Backpack ($20). I haven’t personally tried this brand, but the hip belt, water-resistant fabric and other hiking features make it look like a good fit for the Camino. Test it at home on a few walks before the return window closes to make sure it’s comfortable for you.
Splurge: Osprey bag (Women’s + Men’s). Great for a long-term investment – an Osprey backpack can easily last you 10 years. 

I travel full-time and don’t have an apartment, so I personally take a 65L back (the Osprey Aura) that has all of my travel gear in it for the Camino and beyond. 

2. Packing Cubes/Stuff Sacks

Packing cubes are a great way to save space in your bag. They organize your bag and save space by compressing the items in your bag.

Budget: Ziplock bags
Splurge: Waterproof Set Of 5 Stuff Sacks

3. Ziplock Bags

No long-distance walk is complete with Ziplock bags to keep snacks, documents, and beyond safe from rain damage. This is particularly important for your pilgrim passport (more on this next), which has no water resistance to it like a normal passport!

Ziplocks are a budget-friendly replacement for countless hiking items:

• Wallet
• Snack bag
• Toiletry bag
• Packing cubes
• Dry bag for your phone

My pick: Ziplock Variety Pack

4. Fanny Pack (Optional)

You’ll want to keep your phone, wallet, and passport on you at all times while on the Camino. A fanny pack (AKA a hip belt) is the easiest way to achieve this. This isn’t an essential item, but if you look around an albergue (pilgrim hostel) you’ll notice that almost everyone carries one thanks to the convenience. 

My pick: Water Resistant Hiking Waist Pack

I have one more bag suggestion, but it’s at the bottom of the “optional” section. 

5. Wallet

If your wallet has any weight to it, downsize it. Take out the excess items or swap it out for a Camino wallet. I used a leather wallet but swapped it out before my first Camino and I’ve never gone back. 

You can shed weight on the wallet itself and also the contents – most of your cards can be left at home.

Pro tip: This saves a potential headache: if the worst happens and your wallet is lost or stolen, it’s already annoying enough to replace your bank cards. Don’t make it worse by losing gift cards, membership cards, etc. as well.

Budget: Ziplock bag or thrift store find
Splurge: Travelon Compact Passport Wallet

My ultra-light, waterproof, trackable passport wallet (AKA a Ziplock bag with an Apple AirTag)

6. Passports (Regular + Camino Passport)

Your government-issued passport is essential for all international travel. However, it’s not the only passport you need on the Camino de Santiago.

Where to buy: The Porto Cathedral for €4, at the same desk where you buy admission tickets

You also need a pilgrim passport for two things:

1. Admittance to albergues – cheap shared accommodation made specifically for pilgrims.
2. Receiving your Compostella (certification of completion) at the end of your journey.

Learn more in my guide: Pilgrim Passport Guide.

Footwear

Shoes – the most contested Camino packing item. There’s no one RIGHT answer to the Camino shoes question, but there are a few wrong options. Don’t walk in shoes that are uncomfortable, brand new or too tight.

7. Hiking Shoes

Some people walk in expensive waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Others walk in trail runners or hiking sandals. Bert-Jan did his entire first Camino in flip-flops. I prefer a basic pair of Adidas sneakers.

Ankle support is not needed on the Camino Portugués for the average walker. People with weak ankles, previous injuries or injury concerns can consider the extra support. 

A good casino shoe should cover these bases:

• Minimize injuries: Blisters, foot soreness, hammertoe.
• Traction: Good grip on walking surface.
• Comfort: Walking shoes need to feel good for hours of walking per day.
• Space: Enough room to spread your toes, wear thick socks or experience some swelling.
• Waterproof (optional): Waterproof shoes are nice but you can also achieve this effect with waterproof socks (I wear these on rainy days).

Note: Air on the larger side with walking shoes. Many people buy shoes that are a half-size bigger in case their feet swell.

I (a woman) walked the Camino in a pair of men’s Adidas shoes that I had to buy spur of the moment in Greece. For our 3-month walk on the Via Francigena, Bert-Jan used in a pair of mid-range hiking boots from Decathlon (a European chain). 

Budget: Sketchers Summits (Men’s + Women’s) – recommendation made by RunRepeat
Splurge: Altra Trail Runners (Men’s + Women’s)

8. Sandals

It’s smart to bring a pair of lightweight walking sandals or flip-flops to give your feet a change of scenery in the evenings. These will be a hygiene saver when showering in albergues (and most albergues make you take your shoes off anyway). 

Budget: Unisex Flip Flops
Splurge: Unisex Crocs

9. Shower Caps (For Shoes)

Rather than sticking your dirty walking shoes or sandals inside your clean bag, use shower caps to cover them.

My pick: Free shower caps from hotels or $1 caps from the Dollar Store.

Clothes 

Thankfully almost NO one is worried about style on the Camino Portugués. Comfort and functionality are the most important characteristics of a good walking outfit. Consider these packing tips: 

• Avoid cotton. It takes forever to dry. Hikers will tell you that “cotton kills” because once it gets wet, it keeps you cold and wet all day, however that applies more to backcountry hiking where you can’t just duck inside at the end of the day to warm up.
• You don’t need to buy wool. Wool (merino wool specifically) is touted as the end-all hiking material, and yes, it’s great. But wool products are expensive and brands are often un-inclusive with their sizing. I personally only own one wool product and I don’t plan on buying more anytime soon.
• Quick-dry (and comfort) is the goal. This will prevent mildew growth and keep you from getting wet all day after a rain shower. Quick-drying fabric is a staple of exercise gear, so you can shop the athletics section of Walmart, Target, etc. for budget items. 
• Sun protection is a bonus. Especially in the summer when southern Spain’s famous heat kicks in!

Consider the following packing guidance when choosing your clothes. 

10. Two Walking Tops 

Two tops, two bottoms, two pairs of socks – you’ll notice a pattern here. The “wear one, wash one” routine is a familiar song and dance for many walkers. When you arrive at an albergue or hotel for the day, you shower and put on your clean top. Then, you immediately hand wash the top you just wore and hang it out to dry. 

Short sleeve t-shirts sound cool in theory, but if you’re walking in the heat of summer then you actually stay cooler by covering your skin with the right fabric. The shirts I find the absolute best for walking are loose button-down sun shirts.

They keep the sun off your skin and also have built-in SPF. You can also cuff the sleeves when you want less coverage, and if you wear a tank top underneath it’s great in cold weather.

I live in two of these REI sun tops – they’re the only shirts I travel with, year-round along with one tank top.

Budget: Women’s UPF 50 Long Sleeve UV Sun Protection Shirt
Splurge: Sahara Long-Sleeve Women’s Sun Shirt

11. Two Walking Bottoms 

Buying hiking pants can be frustrating. Accessibility isn’t equal across body types. Height and curves are not catered to, and if you fit into both categories (like me) you’ll have far fewer options at your disposal.

If this applies to you, don’t get discouraged. I personally forgo hiking pants for joggers. They’re loose, stretchy and breathable. Another popular choice is yoga pants. No thigh-strangling zippers to mess with!

Try not to overthink your pants. I’ve seen people do month-long treks in jeans. Just focus on being comfortable on your Camino walk.

My pick: Quick-Dry Hiking Bottoms (Women’s + Men’s)

12. Long-Sleeve Layer (Optional)

The regions of Portugal and Spain that you’re walking through have mild climates. For reference, here’s today’s weather in both Porto and Santiago de Compostela:

Unless you go in the off-season, you won’t need serious cold-weather gear. However, if you run cold, consider packing a lightweight (this is key!) long-sleeve layer. When you’re walking and you get cold, you’ll use layers to warm up instead of relying on one heavy jacket.

You’ll have your walking shirt, long sleeve layer then your rain jacket on top as a windbreak. Rain jackets are shockingly warm when layered!

My pick: Lightweight Quick-Dry Longsleeve Shirt (Women’s + Men’s)

13. Sleep Clothes/Evening Wear

Ultra-light hiking guides always scoff at pajamas and say to sleep in your walking clothes. I get that it’s not essential, but who can bear this?? Pajamas are a little bit of a pilgrim luxury.

Most people in albergues sleep in old t-shirts and athletic shorts. For sleeping, I wear a pair of $6 gym shorts from Decathlon and an Old Navy tank top.

My pick: Use what you have at home.

14. Socks 

Hiking socks cost a pretty penny; Bert-Jan was shocked when he saw the sock section at the outdoor store for the first time. “Socks are socks!” he said, but by the time we reached Santigo de Compostella, he was a changed man and swore to invest in quick-drying, breathable walking socks for the next camino.

Socks are one of the few items that are worth a little splurge. While merino wool socks are great, they’re not an essential packing item. Consider splurging for hiking socks but sticking to the generic store brand. Hiking socks are designed to be gentle on your feet: they have padding and reduce friction to prevent blisters.

Budget: Innotree Hiking Socks For Women and Men
Splurge: Darn Tough Tall or Ankle Socks

15. Multiple Pairs Of Underwear 

How many pairs of underwear you bring comes down to your laundry schedule. It’s very easy to do laundry on the Camino Portuguese, which we’ll talk about more in a minute. I personally travel with 8 pairs of underwear, which allows me to do laundry once a week. 

My pick: Use what you have at home.

16. Bras (2 Pairs, Optional)

The goal of your Camino bra is comfort. Sports bras aren’t necessary unless you’re running the Camino. The only bras I own are the True & Co bras, so that’s what I’ve done all of my long-distance walking in (you can shop online or in Target if you live in the US).

My pick: Use what you have at home.

Rain Gear 

When it comes to keeping your body and backpack dry on your Camino de Santiago, you have a few options at your disposal. The popular choices are a rain suit (rain jacket and rain pants, often bought together in a pack), a poncho and a pack cover.

Here’s how those options break down:

• A) Rain jacket + pain pants + pack cover (3 pieces)
• B) Poncho + pack cover (2 pieces)
• C) Poncho/pack cover combo (1 piece)

It’s worth noting that almost nothing is waterproof after enough torrential rain. This is why it’s wise to put your clothes and important belongings inside of Ziplock bags or waterproof stuff sacks.

This is true no matter how much money you spend. I’ve heard walking groups say at the end of a rainy day, every single person’s rain gear failed (no matter how money they spent).

17. Poncho Or Rain Suit

Here you can see options A and C walking side by side on a pilgrimage in Italy:

The two-in-one poncho/pack cover, while giving you a Quasimodo look, is the most efficient packing choice because it only requires one piece of gear. It’s also the most effective choice for keeping your bag dry.

My personal choice is a rain suit and a pack cover because it provides the most flexibility based on the conditions. I walk with option A and carry all three pieces of rain gear.

Backpack poncho: Waterproof Oversized Poncho
Rain suit: Frogg Toggs Rain Suit

18. Rain Cover For Pack

It’s easy to brush off a pack cover with the “it’s just water” mindset, but there are two things to remember while you’re walking the Camino. First, when rain soaks your pack, your entire bag becomes much heavier to carry. Second, you risk a mildew infestation.

A rain cover can prevent a lot of damage, even though they’re sadly not perfect. No pack cover can seal your bag off, which means that some water will still leak in from your backpack straps. In a long enough downpour, your bag will get damp. Protect your most important items by putting them inside Ziplock bags.

Anti-slip straps are a big plus, as well as a bright color for visibility while walking on the road.

My pick: Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover

Budget pick: IKEA bag. These bags cost less than $1 and are waterproof. Your bad needs to be big enough for it to be snug without leaving huge gaps, but this works very well.

Here’s a look at my IKEA bag in action on a pilgrimage in Italy:

19. Hat (Optional)

A hat is usually mentioned for its sun protection, but it’s also great for rain. A hat with a brim helps keep water off of your face (and glasses, if you’re likewise afflicted with poor vision).

Budget: Thrift store
Splurge: Classic Unisex Baseball Hat

20. Waterproof Socks (Optional)

Waterproof socks are for people who:

1. Hate being wet. If walking with wet feet will ruin your day (like me), then waterproof socks are a great solution to preserve your morale.
2. Heal slowly or have problems with their feet. Wet skin is weaker and blisters are faster to develop, so keeping feet as dry as possible is beneficial.

I wouldn’t call the below socks 100% waterproof, but they’re pretty darn good. I just walked X miles (27 km) today in an absolute downpour and my feet were only damp when I took them off. Bert-Jan’s feet, on the other hand, are pruney and soaked.

My pick: Fullsheild Waterproof Hiking Socks

Laundry 

Washing machines are common at albergues, and there are many laundromats, or lavanderias, along the Camino Portugues. They often come with laundry detergent built in and wash clothes in a convenient 30-minute cycle.

Many pilgrims will opt to hand-wash their walking clothes daily in the sink or albergue, but clothes will still need a proper wash at some point (and underwear should always be washed in the machine). 

21. Laundry Bag And Soap

You can hand wash your clothes in the shower, sink, etc. or take a laundry bag. The Scrubba Bag is my preferred way of handwashing, using Dr. Bronner’s multipurpose soap or Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets. The bag rolls up to stow away in your bag and is always clean (unlike hostel sinks). 

When you’re ready to wash, fill it with water from the tap, add your soap of choice plus your clothes, roll it up and then scrub. There’s a flexible washboard inside and you scrub your clothes clean. Drain the water, then refill for a rinse cycle and repeat. Take the clothes out, ring out some of the water, then hang to dry. It takes about 10 minutes to do laundry this way. 

Laundry bag: Scrubba Bag
Concentrated liquid soap: Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (multipurpose)
Detergent sheets: Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets (lightweight)

22. Dirty Laundry Bag

Between loads of laundry, you’ll need somewhere to store your clothes. You may already have a mesh laundry bag at home that was meant for washing delicates that can fill this role (that’s what I use). Putting dirty laundry in a mesh bag or even a pillowcase can help prevent mildew growth thanks to its breathability.

Budget: Pillowcase
Splurge: Mesh Laundry Bag

Toiletries 

The ole toiletries bag is one of the biggest weight culprits when packing. Men will probably have fewer items than women, and some women will struggle more than others. I won’t tell you what you should and shouldn’t bring, but I will share some opportunities to consolidate. 

23. Soaps/Toiletries

If you’re looking to cut down on the weight of your toiletries bag, soap is an easy place to do it. Opt for a multipurpose soap instead of individual soaps for every purpose. Multipurpose soap like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap can be used: 

• On your body. 
• As shampoo. 
• As toothpaste. 
• To do laundry. 

This is actually just the tip of the iceberg — this soap boasts 18 uses! Maybe using a multipurpose soap on your teeth is too far for you, but combining your laundry detergent with your shower gel should be more approachable.

If that’s still pushing your comfort zone, consider taking bar soaps instead of liquids. This reduces pack weight and leakage risk. I carry my bar soaps in a breathable soap bag similar to this one.

This little travel-size bottle of Dr. Bronner’s is a staple amongst hikers and travelers. If you look for it in stores, you can often find a hypoallergenic mix. 

Splurge: Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

24. Travel Towel

There are a lot of gimmicky travel products out there, but a travel towel isn’t one of them. Normal towels stay wet for much, much longer than microfiber travel towels.

This is important for pilgrims staying in albergues. If you’re staying in hotels, this is unnecessary because it’s typically provided for guests.

My pick: Microfiber Camping Towel

Blister Gear 

Forget the “what do you do?” question that you’re asked repeatedly when meeting new people — blisters are the common conversation on the Camino Portugues. Beyond breaking in your shoes, there are a few proactive items you can pack to help prevent some pain. 

25. Medical Tape or Blister Prevention Tape 

Blister tape helps you prevent blisters from occurring. When you feel a hot spot on your foot (an irritated area that’s red and in the process of becoming a blister), you put on a piece of tape so you don’t have friction anymore on that spot. It’s a real toe-saver! I burn through strips of this stuff at the beginning of a long walk.

At $10 a roll, this tape is a little pricey but each strip stays on my foot for up to a week. This exact time frame can change based on how much your feet sweat and the weather, but I think the price matches up the quality. 

Budget pilgrims can opt for normal medical tape. This still prevents friction, but it sometimes leaves adhesive on your foot and it needs changed more frequently.

Budget: Medical Tape
Splurge: Blister Prevention Tape

26. Compeed 

Compeed is the best way to treat a blister once one’s occurred. It both cushions the area (reducing pain greatly), but helps the blister heal.

You put a patch on and it sticks to your foot for days (even through showers), then it falls off when the area’s healed. 

Warning: Don’t put Compeed on an area that might be getting infected. Bert-Jan did this while walking the Via Francigena in France and the infection brewed under the patch and caused his toe nail to fall off. 

I’ll warn that this is also a pricey solution. The cost is $12 for a package, with only five patches inside. If you’re not prone to blisters, you can skip packing this ahead of time but seek it out at a pharmacy along the way if you have a problem. 

My pick: Compeed Blister Patches Mixed Sizes

27. Safety Pins

If you develop a blister that’s full of fluid, you can drain it with a safety pin. This is painless if you do it correctly. Sterilize the needle in hand sanitizer and then insert it parallel to your skin at the edge of the blister.

Have toilet paper ready to absorb the fluid. Put a bandage over the opening to minimize the risk of infection. 

28. Hand Sanitizer 

Use hand sanitizer to sterilize your safety pin and for under-kept bathrooms that don’t have soap. 

29. Assorted Bandaids 

A few assorted bandaids will be handy for your feet and any other general nicks.

Sleeping Gear 

This advice is just for pilgrims staying in albergues.

30. Sleeping Bag Liner 

In an albergue, you can either rent linens or bring your own sleeping bag liner. A liner is exactly like a sleeping bag, but made from bed sheet material instead of blanket material. It’s cooler and much lighter to carry in your backpack.

Splurge: Sleeping Bag Liner
Budget: If you have a sewing machine at home, DIY this. Buy a bed sheet from the thrift store, fold it in half, and sew two of the sides shut. Leave one short end open, just like the shape of a sleeping bag. Bonus points for making a matching little bag to pack it in. 

31. Ear Plugs (Optional)

If you’re staying in albergues, earplugs will be your friend. One pilgrim I met on encountered many loud people in albergues and swore by her eye mask with built-in Bluetooth where she played white noise. My personal favorite earplugs are the Loop brand. They’re really comfortable and work extremely well.  

Budget: Flents Foam Ear Plugs
Splurge: Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs

Essential Electronics 

Whether you’re doing the Camino de Santiago as a digital nomad or just packing the bare minimum, these are my suggestions for your electronics list.

32. Outlet Converter (Optional)

If you live outside of the European Union (EU), you’ll likely need to bring an outlet converter to charge your electronics. Here’s what a European plug looks like:

My pick: Global Power Travel Adapter
OR – if you’re just charging your phone, you can get a smaller USB wall plug.

33. Power Bank (Optional)

A power bank is a staple on many Camino packing lists, but it’s truly non-essential. In lieu of a power bank, you can:

• Put your phone in lower power mode all day (iPhone tutorial and Android tutorial)
• Prioritize charging as soon as you arrive at the albergue. There might not be an outlet next to your bed, so make sure to handle this before nighttime.
• Follow trail signage instead of using maps. The Portuguese Camino is very well-marked, and you’ll rarely need your phone to check directions. Rely on the yellow arrows and shells instead:

Optional Packing Items 

The point of this entire packing list is to help you realize that many “essential” items are unnecessary.

34. Trekking Poles 

Some people swear by trekking poles. Some people bring trekking poles on the Camino Portuguese but hardly use them. They’re very popular on the trail, from young walkers to retired pilgrims.

Fun fact: There’s an entire trekking pole graveyard at the Compostela office in Santiago where people ditch their poles. 

Trekking poles are meant to relieve some of the pressure from your knees, and they can make a difference if you use them correctly.

Here’s a video from a physical therapist explaining how to use trekking poles correctly:

Warning: Walking sticks are considered weapons by airport security and they must be put in a checked bag. If you try to bring them with your carry-on, they’ll be confiscated. 

Budget: Collapsible Trekking Poles Hiking Poles

35. Water Bottle

You’ll need something to carry water in, but it doesn’t need to be a fancy purchase. Any run-of-the-mill grocery store water bottle can suffice for your Camino. In fact, there are some advantages. 

Grocery store bottles are more lightweight than a Nalgene, etc. so they’re preferred by most ultra-light hikers. Plus, they’re only disposable if you decide not to reuse them.

36. Lock

A lock is ideal for pilgrims staying in shared dorm rooms in albergues. The pilgrim dorms often come with lockers where you can secure your belongings.

It’s prudent to always lock up your belongings when you have the chance. If you can’t lock things up, then keep your most valuable items with you at all times.

My pick: Double-Sided Cable Lock

37. Set Of Cutlery 

Who needs to bring their own cutlery? People who will avoid eating at restaurants due to dietary restrictions or their budget. You can eat supermarket meals for lunch and cook at albergues for dinner to avoid eating out, but you’ll need to be prepared with cutlery. 

Albergues can have strange kitchens — sometimes there are advanced cooking accessories but then not one single eating utensil. Bert-Jan and I have shared our bamboo cutlery with the other pilgrims when this has happened.

Avoid those dinky little spork gadgets – they’re terrible.

Budget: A set of disposable plastic cutlery
Splurge: Bamboo Travel Utensils With Case

38. Handkerchief

One of the most multipurpose items you can bring. I most commonly use my handkerchief to wrap up food and to eat on like a makeshift plate.

39. First Aid Kit 

I can’t believe I’m calling a first aid kit an optional item, but Bert-Jan convinced me to move it here (and he’s right). A first aid kit helps you be prepared when you don’t have medical supplies nearby, but you’re never far from a pharmacy on the Camino Portugues.

If you bring the blister supplies listed above, you’ve prepared enough for the Camino. 

40. Toilet Paper 

This tip isn’t specific to the Camino Portuguese, but I personally never travel anywhere without emergency toilet paper. It’s too easy to find yourself in an unkempt bathroom without any TP. This weighs almost nothing and will save you from urgent situations.

41. Buff 

A Buff is a simple multipurpose scarf that can be worn around your neck, ears, etc. It’s a staple in the outdoor community.

The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and has UV protection so it can keep your neck safe from sunburn. In the cooler weather, it also offers a surprising level of warmth around your neck.

My pick: BUFF Half Neck Gaitor

42. Electrolytes 

There’s no shortage of water along the Camino — tap water in Portugal is potable and you can buy bottled water very cheap (50 cents) at the grocery store along your walk.

Note: It might be worth knowing that you don’t receive free water at restaurants in Portugal or Spain.

Still, electrolytes are wonderful for days when you realize you haven’t had enough water and you’re feeling run down. I swear by electrolytes, specifically Liquid I.V.®, to help fight jet lag (most people get dehydrated on travel days).

Budget: A single tube of electrolyte tablets from the grocery store (they only come in multi-packs online)
Splurge: Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier

43. Shopping Bag 

A reusable shopping bag is great for taking your bathroom stuff to the shower in an albergue or going grocery shopping after walking.

My favorite shopping bag of all time (and as a bag fiend I’m guilty of trying them all) is the Notabag. The straps transition from shoulder carrying to back carrying, it has an enormous capacity and it weighs nothing. I take it everywhere with me and feel compelled to recommend it every time it comes up in conversation. 

Budget: Plastic grocery bag
Splurge: Notabag

44. Garbage Bag 

If you’re eating picnic-style meals, then you’ll end up sitting on the occasional wet grass or rained-soaked bench. A garbage bag is a simple and elegant solution to keep you dry while you squat for lunch. However, it isn’t necessary for people who will be eating at restaurants for every meal.

45. Bed Bug Stuff

You’ll occasionally see anti-bed bug products listed on Camino packing lists — this is unnecessary for the average pilgrim.

If you have an allergy, autoimmune issue, or another health concern that causes slow healing, then avoiding bed bugs at all costs is important. However, if encountering bed bugs would simply be an annoyance, then preventative products are unnecessary.

Prevention tip: Don’t place your backpack directly on the beds in albergues. Getting a few bites while sleeping is one problem, but getting an infested bag is another.

How heavy should your bag be for the Camino Portuguese? 

The standard advice about bag weight is that you should carry no more than one tenth of your body weight. What you’re actually able to comfortably carry will be personal to you, but here are a few exercises that will help you lower your pack weight: 

• For each item, ask yourself – will I fail without this? What will happen if I don’t bring this with me for two weeks? 
• Weigh every item. Use your kitchen scale to weigh every item that you’re packing. You’ll be surprised how a t-shirt, book, etc. add up to make your pack so much heavier. 
• Weigh your whole bag with everything in it. How heavy is it? 

The reality: The weight of your bag determines your experience. Packing light and not spending unnecessary money is the goal of this list.

Buying Camino Gear On A Budget 

I have a love-hate relationship with packing lists online. This feels scandalous to say as I’m sharing a list with you now! But there are too many bloated lists of “Camino essentials” that provide long lists of helpful but truly unessential (and pricey) items, probably scaring first-time long-distance walkers away from the trail.

At $30+ per pair, I can confidently say that Merino wool underwear will never be essential in my life. Yet, some packing lists insist you need this (and other expensive items) to complete your walk.

This attitude makes a Camino accessible to fewer people. You can walk the Camino Portuguese without spending tons of money on gear. There are four steps that you can take to spend as little money on gear as possible. Ask yourself: 

1. Can I use something I already have? 
2. Is it possible to borrow this from someone in my network? 
3. Can I find this used instead of buying it new? 
4. Is it possible to buy what I need from Walmart (or some other generic store)? 

If the answer to all of those questions is “no,” then you can resort to buying specific name-brand items brand new.

This is the most budget-friendly way to prepare (with a side bonus: you’ll reduce your carbon footprint if you buy new as a last resort). I want to be transparent that almost none of the gear you see online is truly necessary.

There are people who do the Camino barefoot and without wearing underwear. Yes, a pilgrim volunteered this information to me! She said she liked the fresh air. You won’t find me leaving my shoes or undergarments behind, but you get the point.

Accept Room For Error – You’ll Be Fine!

The way you pack for your first Camino is never the way you’ll pack for your next Camino. This is a natural part of the Camino de Santiago that will resonate with every single pilgrim who walks onto the square outside Saint James’ Cathedral.

Buen Camino.

My goal with this Camino Portugués packing list was to (of course) help you prepare for your Camino, but I also want to help break the stigma that you’re only ready for a long-distance walk once you’re armed with merino wool underwear and some cutting-edge waterproof hiking boots.

Walking right now on the Camino Portugués are pilgrims donning a spectrum of gear: some of it decades old, some of it cutting edge. One thing they all have in common? No one’s paying attention to what others have packed. Don’t worry about fitting in, dressing correctly or looking the part of a pilgrim. You already look like a pilgrim the way you are now.

Buen camino!