Whether you're a believer or not, the Camino de Santiago is a unique experience. This pilgrimage spanning several weeks allows you to find yourself, as well as discover breathtaking landscapes, historically rich sites, and make unforgettable encounters. To reach the tomb of Saint James, there are five different routes, four of which start in France. To prepare well for this long hike, it's important to know how to dress for the Camino de Santiago.
Dressing for the Camino de Santiago in fair weather
Spring and summer are the most favourable seasons for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The days are longer and more pleasant for hiking.
Upper body
When dressing for the Camino de Santiago, opt for lightweight and breathable clothing. Short- or long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts (which protect your arms from UV rays) are perfectly suited. It's also worth packing a fairly lightweight fleece jacket as well as a warm compactable down jacket just in case. Indeed, the weather can be changeable, especially in spring, with mornings and evenings that can turn quite cool.
You should also consider packing a windproof jacket, a waterproof jacket, or a rain poncho when heading out for several weeks of hiking. The poncho has the advantage of protecting your whole body and backpack, while the jacket is far more breathable and comfortable. For sun protection, a hat or cap is essential, along with sunglasses. The hat has the advantage of covering the neck and ears.
Lower body
For walking in sunny conditions, lightweight hiking trousers or convertible trousers are ideal. They protect your legs while remaining breathable. You can also pack shorts or bermuda shorts for the warmest days.
You can also pack slightly warmer or waterproof trousers for cooler days, particularly when crossing the Pyrenees. Leggings are also a practical option and are handy for rest stops. For socks, lightweight hiking socks are perfectly suited.
Dressing for the Camino de Santiago in colder conditions
In autumn, winter, or early spring, temperatures are less forgiving and it's important to dress well on the Camino de Santiago. You'll want to prioritise more insulating and weather-protective clothing.
Upper body
For the upper body, you can use the three-layer system with warm and breathable technical base layers in long or short sleeves depending on the climate. We recommend merino wool garments, which have the advantage of being thermoregulating and odour-resistant; or synthetic fibres, which are highly breathable and dry quickly.
Taking two fleeces with different weights can also be a good idea. This allows you to wear more or less insulating layers depending on the temperature. You can also replace the fleece with a down jacket.
Finally, your third layer must be windproof and waterproof. Its Gore-Tex® or equivalent membrane protects you from wind, rain, and snow alike.
Lower body
For the lower body, you can wear lightweight hiking trousers paired with thermal leggings for better insulation against the cold. You can also opt for lined or brushed trousers, which are ideal for winter. As the Camino de Santiago is very long, bring several pairs of trousers so you can rotate them. For optimal protection, waterproof overtrousers will keep you fully protected in the rain.
Finally, it's important to protect your extremities with a beanie, a neck warmer, a balaclava, liner gloves, gloves, or warm hiking socks.
The Camino de Santiago is a deeply enriching experience that requires relatively few clothes, but of good quality. Whether you hike in summer or winter, you need to wear clothing that adapts to both the weather conditions, your environment, and the length of the pilgrimage.
