Featured image: The Camino del Norte is a coastal route on the famous Camino de Santiago, with stunning views of the ocean / Photo  by AlbertoCarrera via Envato.

Preparing for spring weather on the Camino del Norte

By Carolyn Ray 

For years, I’ve dreamed of walking the Camino del Norte, a spectacular coastal route on the Camino de Santiago along the north coast of Spain, with beaches, mountains, cliffs and stunning coastal views. The northern route is more rugged and isolated than the better known French Route (Camino Frances), which appeals to my inner explorer. However, both the terrain and weather will be more challenging and unpredictable, so it requires a different packing strategy that anticipates sunshine, rain and wind.

This is my second Camino and I plan to walk approximately 300 kilometres of the Camino del Norte, which will take approximately 28 days. I’ve booked a variety of accommodations, everything from hostels and albergues to hotels, monasteries and paradors. While some of my original Camino packing list still applies, there are a number of new items that I’ve had to consider in planning this route. Not only is this Camino twice as long as my previous one, I’ll also be carrying everything on my back.

The essentials for the Camino de Santiago

1. A backpack that keeps the rain out

For spring in the Camino, the recommended size is 30-35L, with some experts recommending up to 40L to include a tent or sleeping bag. Initially, I considered using my beloved 25L Gregory backpack, which has served me well on trips to South Africa, Spain, Morocco and Argentina. However, knowing I tend to pack for comfort, I settled on a dark blue Osprey Kyte 35L. It includes a raincover, which can be surprisingly expensive if purchased on its own. I also like that it meets bluesign® requirements, which means materials and components have been selected that adhere to rigorous third-party environmental and social criteria during production. This bag weights in at 3.08 lbs /1.4 kg. It was hard to find a lot of options in-store, so I ordered online and tested various bags until I found one I liked. You can find the Osprey backpacks and more options that suit your budget here.

2. Hiking poles for mountainous areas

Studies indicate that hiking poles help relieve pressure on the knee and hip joints by up to 30 per cent, while reducing back pain. Styles and prices can be hard to navigate, particularly in the ultralight category. The Trekkology brand’s Trek-Z hiking poles are well-rated, affordably priced around $50 and offer a collapsible design, folding down to a portable 15 inches (38 cm), with the mid-range size fitting most heights.  Find a pair here. 

 3.  Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots

There is an ongoing debate about whether sneakers are enough for the Camino, but they’re usually not waterproof. I’ve had my Merrell hiking boots for years, and find them much lighter and comfortable than sneakers. On my last Camino I used my Merrell Siren Edge 3 hiking boots, which weight in around 1 lb for the pair, and will wear them again. I also have a newer pair of Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots, which are slightly larger but still weight in under 2 lbs, far less than Keen hiking shoes which can be over 2 lbs.  Whatever hiking boots you choose, make sure to get insoles or foam inserts to make them more comfortable. Find some here!

4. A Camino del Norte guidebook to plan the route

One of the first things I did planning this route was purchasing the “Camino del Norte: Irún to Santiago along Spain’s Northern Coast” guidebook. While apps and online resources are helpful, nothing beats having a small guidebook. This updated 2025 version includes a village to village map guide, with 37 full-color stage maps and over 100 city maps including accommodations for each budget. Get yours here.

5.  Battery pack, phone, adapter, charger and eSim

Whether it’s staying connected on a mobile phone, using online maps or apps or taking photographs, it’s essential to stay connected with an eSIM (electronic SIM card) like one from Airalo (Use code JOURNEYWOMAN for 15% off) or Saily (use code JOURNEYWOMAN FOR 5% OFF). Make sure you have a battery pack. Anker battery packs are recommended by many women. Make sure yours doesn’t have a lithium battery or you won’t be able to pack it in your carry-on, according to new regulations from the TSA. In Spain, you can use a European travel adapter. Put everything in a plastic bag just in case to protect it from the rain. 

6. A puffy jacket to stay warm

Combined with my poncho, my puffy jacket should give me enough protection from the wind and rain. I have a blue Helly Hanson puffy jacket, but also like the Patagonia ones which are even lighter than mine.

7. A Camino Credential

Camino credentials (pilgrim passports) can be obtained for about €2–€5 from local, official associations (Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago), parishes or hostels at the start of most routes. I ordered mine in advance for $5 from the Canadian Company of Pilgrims, which has a sister organization in the US called the American Pilgrims on the Camino.

8. Travel insurance

With so much disruption and unexpected events in the world, having travel insurance is a necessity. Make sure you’re covered for trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel medical expenses, baggage and personal effects, and emergency medical evacuation. Check prices with Insuremytrip.com or Wanderwell, a certified B Corporation, for U.S. residents. 

Preparing for the weather

FrogTogg Poncho

I used a Frogg Togg lightweight poncho on my first camino. It’s 100% waterproof, lightweight and PFAS free, no forever chemicals in materials or production. Get yours here. 

Hiking umbrella

Hiking umbrellas are far more durable than a regular umbrella, but a bit more expensive. However, the hikers swear by them! The most highly recommended hiking umbrella I’ve seen is the EuroSCHIRM Swing Liteflex Ultra-Light Weight Trekking Umbrella.  Another brand recommended on Camino del Norte facebook groups is from Six Moon Designs. 

Rain cover for backpack

If your backpack doesn’t come with a rain cover,  having one is essential. Find some here. 

Microfibre towel 

A small towel can be used to dry items off but also dries faster than regular towels. 

Buff

A buff keep my neck warm, and I can pull over my face and head if needed. I purchased mine at MEC but also available on Amazon and other sports stores. Get yours here.

Hat with a brim 

I’ve taken my Tilley hat all over the world, from Egypt to South Africa. Amazingly, it’s the only hat I haven’t lost! Look for one here. 

Sunscreen

Even in the spring, protecting your skin is important. My preferred sunscreen brand is SunBum, which is vegan and doesn’t contain parabens. It’s also waterproof, which may be helpful. 

Clothing for the Camino

Merino wool layers

Since my merino wool shirts date back to my snowboarding days, I upgraded to a soft, grey, long-sleeved Merino.tech wool shirt  at a reasonable price. It’s comfortable and lightweight and dries quickly. I also plan to wear this for sleeping. Merino.tech also has thermal underwear tops and bottoms. Find them here. 

Pants and shorts

On my last few hikes in warmer weather, I’ve used bamboo shorts which are lightweight and cool. I plan to layer my yoga pants and long pants to stay warm and dry, and have a pair of lightweight rain pants just in case.

Fleece

Layers are the key to flexibilty! Over my merino wool top, I’ll wear a lightweight fleece. I’m partial to Patagonia but there are lots to be found depending on your preference.

Bra and underwear 

I haven’t worn a wire bra for years. I like the merino wool bras that dry quickly, like the Icebreaker Merino wool bra, or the racerback style. Merino wool boy shorts are appealing too! (For more bras recommended by women, read our Best Bras article).

Hiking Sandals

One of the best tips I’ve learned from my last Camino was to have a pair of hiking sandals for relaxing in the evening or if your feet are too swollen. My Teva open-toed sandals do the job (although they aren’t the prettiest!) 

Wool Socks

Wool socks keep your feet warm and dry. I’ve purchased two types – short and long from Darn Tough and Smart Wool. These are also super cosy with sandals. 

Camino sleeping bag

While a sleeping bag is optional, I’ve decided to bring one for my own comfort in albergues and hostels. Sleeping bags are rated by temperature and categorized by season. Although I’ll be staying in hotels, paradors and other well-equipped places, I want to have an extra layer of comfort. Most sleeping bags assume you will be wearing long underwear and using a mattress or sleeping pad. The Camino Traveller from Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) is a summer sleeping bag that weights it at less than one pound (515 grams) with a quilted side and a simple sheet. It packs into a small roll, and is on sale for C$58. You can find it here or look for other options here. 

Miscellaneous items

Blister Protection

Lamb’s wool will help to protect your toes and ankles from getting blisters. Buy it when you arrive or  find it here. On my first Camino, I used a stick of Vaseline every morning on my feet.  Happily, no blisters!

I love carabiners. You can hang wet or dirty shoes from your backpack, or attach any other item that doesn’t quite fit in. Always good for emergencies too. Find some here.

Apple air tags

Air tags have saved me more times than I can count. Make sure you also have some extra 2032 batteries and consider a case so that you can attach them inside your bags. Get your airtags here.

Rubber door wedge

My rubber door wedge is not pretty, but it’s practical and keeps me safe. These come in a pack of three and I often hand them out to other women on my travels. Find one here.

Travel lock

These TSA travel locks only require remembering three numbers. I like that they have a longer cable to thread through all standard sized zippers and have the flexibility to secure a backpack to a bed frame, etc. Get yours here. 

Headlamp or flashlight

This is my #1 essential item on all trips. You just never know when the power might be out, or you need to keep your hands free. Mine is a Woods from Canadian Tire but there are many varieties available. Find a headlamp here. I also like the idea of a LED flashlight that clips to your backpack. This Energizer one is waterproof and rechargeable. 

First Aid Kit

I’m a fan of making your own first aid kit, but if you like having a pre-packaged one with bandaids, gauze, Polysporin and more, there are some small ones here.  Bring kleenex, antiseptic wipes, contact lenses and fluid, and any other medications you need.

Discover More on the Camino de Santiago