One of the advantages of booking your walking or cycling holiday with UTracks is luggage transfers. Every morning you leave your big suitcase at your hotel reception and our transfer van will collect it and transport it to your next destination. This means you only have to carry a day pack each day. 

 

 

We recommend a small backpack with hip straps to keep the weight off your shoulders and evenly distribute weight. The rule of thumb for pilgrims who don't get luggage transfer services is to carry a maximum of 10% of their body weight - this total includes all the clothes and belongings the pilgrim needs. Because you have the benefit of luggage transfer service, you can comfortably be well under this 10% rule.

 

Hot tip: buy a day pack with a waterproof cover to protect your belongings in case of rain.

 

 

What should I carry in my day pack?

Try to keep items in your day pack to a minimum – it may seem light at the start of the day but after a long day of walking you may regret bringing your hardcover copy of War & Peace. Essential items include:

• A drink bladder or reusable water bottles – there are many places you can refill your water bottles each day, so reduce your impact on the environment by going plastic free
• Sunscreen
• A pocket knife for cutting up food
• Snacks
• A Tupperware container for keeping your snacks fresh (especially fruit)
• Maps and route notes (for self guided trips)

 

What should I wear while walking the Camino de Santiago?

Regardless of the time of year you are walking or cycling the Camino de Santiago, we recommend playing it safe and layering your clothes. Don’t leave home without:

• Collared, quick-drying and breathable shirts – include at least one with long sleeves for sun protection
• A lightweight scarf or buff - great for keeping your neck, head or ears warm. You can even use it as an eye mask!
• A hat for protection from the sun and rain
• Sunglasses
• Quick-drying walking trousers and shorts
• Warm fleece jacket or sweater
• Wind jacket and long waterproof jacket with a hood, zipper flap and storm cuffs – must be waterproof, not water resistant or showerproof
• If you're cycling, padded bike pants will be your favourite piece of clothing for the duration of your trip!
• We recommend good quality hiking boots for all of our walking holidays, preferably ones with ankle support; if you’re cycling, opt for joggers or cycling shoes
• Good quality seamless socks with insulation to prevent sweat and protect your feet, especially if you’re wearing hiking boots
• Walkers should consider trekking poles, which take a lot of stress off your knees, legs and ankles and help you to maintain balance on uneven or slippery terrain
• Gloves are also recommended to prevent blisters from poles

What else should I pack for the Camino de Santiago?

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys listening to music while you walk, you might consider loading music onto your phone or an MP3 player in advance. Other essential personal items include:

• Universal adaptor
• Camera, extra memory cards and charger
• Flashlight
• Toiletries – you’ll be able to buy essentials in bigger towns, but if you’re a one brand kind of person then BYO from home!
• Sunscreen, after sun cream and lip balm
• Blister protection eg. Band-aid strips
• Small pack of wet ones or hand gel: very useful for cleaning hands
• Reading material or playing cards
• Ziplock bags to keep electronics dry

Camino Walking and Cycling Tours