Break in shoes early
Start wearing your trail shoes on training walks at least 8–10 weeks before departure. Never bring brand-new shoes to the Camino.
Prepare for the Camino
Pack light, train steady, and arrive ready to walk with confidence and joy.
Luggage
On the Camino, less is more. We arrange daily luggage transfer between accommodations, so you only carry what you need for the day's walk.
- Main bag — carry-on size only. A small rolling suitcase or backpack that meets airline carry-on limits. This bag goes ahead each morning and meets you at that night's hotel.
- Daypack. A lightweight pack for water, snacks, rain layer, sunscreen, and small essentials while you walk.
- Crossbody or fanny pack. Keep your passport, phone, and wallet on your person at all times — never in transferred luggage.
Packing List
Everything you need for a comfortable week on the trail. Quick-dry fabrics and layers are your friends.
- Passport
- Pilgrim credential
- Phone, SIM card, charger, power bank, and EU adapter
- Rain jacket
- 5–7 quick-dry shirts
- Long-sleeve layer
- 3–5 pants, leggings, or shorts
- 3–5 hiking socks (Wrightsock or toe socks recommended)
- Underwear and sleepwear
- Trail shoes
- Sandals
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Blister kit, Compeed, and Leukotape
- Toiletries
- Laundry sheets
- Earplugs and eye mask
- First aid kit and pain medication
- Pen, notebook, and ziplock bags
Training
Our next French Way groups are May 1–8, 2027 (6 spots remaining) and May 30–June 6, 2027. May and September 2026 are sold out. The 16-week plan below builds you toward comfortable 4–5 hour walks with your pack, five days per week. Weeks 15–16 taper so you arrive fresh.
| Week | Focus | Walk Duration | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Establish routine — 5 days/week | 30 min | None |
| 2 | Build consistency | 35–40 min | None |
| 3 | Increase endurance | 45 min | Light daypack |
| 4 | Add gentle hills | 50–60 min | Light daypack |
| 5 | Longer weekday walks | 75 min | Daypack |
| 6 | Weekend longer walk | 90 min | Daypack |
| 7 | Approach 2-hour walks | 2 hr | Daypack |
| 8 | Maintain distance, add varied terrain | 2 hr | Daypack |
| 9 | Build toward half-day walks | 2.5 hr | Full daypack weight |
| 10 | Steady half-day effort | 3 hr | Full daypack weight |
| 11 | Long walk confidence | 3.5 hr | Full daypack weight |
| 12 | Peak volume week | 4 hr | Full daypack weight |
| 13 | Target Camino day length | 4–5 hr | Full daypack weight |
| 14 | Peak readiness — longest walks | 4–5 hr | Full daypack weight |
| 15 | Taper — reduce volume | 2–3 hr | Light pack |
| 16 | Taper — rest and short walks | 30–60 min | None or light |
Train on surfaces similar to the trail when you can — pavement, gravel, and gentle hills all help. Listen to your body and adjust rest days as needed.
Physical Prep Tips
Room in the toe box
Feet swell on long walks. Choose shoes with enough toe room and consider Wrightsock or toe socks to reduce friction and blisters.
Hike with pack weight
By week 9, train with the same weight you'll carry daily. Your shoulders and hips will thank you on day three.
Plan your siesta snack
Carry a small snack for mid-morning and after lunch — nuts, fruit, or an energy bar. Cafés may be sparse between villages, and steady fuel keeps spirits high.
Safety & Emergency
Spain uses a single emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Save these before you go:
- 112 — All emergencies (police, ambulance, fire)
- 062 — Guardia Civil (national police)
Share your daily stage plan with your travel companion, and keep your phone charged. Your coordinators are always a call away if you need support on the trail.