Whether you're a believer or not, the Camino de Santiago is a unique experience. This pilgrimage lasting several weeks allows you to find yourself, while also discovering breathtaking landscapes, historically rich sites and making unforgettable encounters. To reach the tomb of Saint James, there are five different routes, four of which start from France. To prepare well for your long hike, it's important to know how to dress for the Camino de Santiago.
Dressing for the Camino de Santiago in good weather
Spring and summer are the most favourable seasons for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The days are longer and far more pleasant for hiking.
Upper body
When dressing for the Camino de Santiago, go for lightweight, breathable clothing. Short- or long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts (which protect your arms from UV rays) are perfectly suitable. It's also worth packing a fairly lightweight fleece jacket and a warm, compressible down jacket just in case. Weather can be unpredictable — especially in spring, with cooler mornings and evenings.
Packing a windproof jacket, a waterproof jacket or a rain poncho is also a good idea when heading out on a multi-week hiking trip. The poncho has the advantage of covering your whole body and backpack, while the jacket is far more breathable and comfortable. For sun protection, a hat or cap is essential, as are sunglasses. The hat has the advantage of covering the back of the neck and ears.
Lower body
For exploring trails in the sun, 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 hottest days.
You can also pack slightly warmer or waterproof trousers for cooler days, particularly when crossing the Pyrenees. A legging is also a good option and comes in handy at rest stops. For socks, lightweight hiking socks are perfectly suited.
Dressing for the Camino de Santiago in colder weather
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 opt for more insulating and weather-protective clothing.
Upper body
For the upper body, you can use the three-layer system with warm, 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 swap the fleece for 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 a thermal legging for better insulation from the cold. You can also pack lined or brushed trousers, which are perfect for winter. As the Camino de Santiago is very long, bring several different pairs of trousers so you can alternate them. For optimal protection, you can take a waterproof overtrousers that will shield you perfectly from the rain.
Finally, it's important to protect your extremities with a beanie, a neck gaiter, a balaclava, liner gloves, gloves or warm hiking socks.
Walking the Camino de Santiago is an incredibly enriching experience that requires relatively few items of clothing — but quality is key. Whether you hike in summer or winter, you need to wear clothing that adapts to both the weather conditions and your environment, as well as the length of the pilgrimage.
