What to bring (and what not to bring) for the Camino de Santiago by bicycle
The definitive guide to avoid carrying too much – based on the Bicigrino gear list (classified by Obligatory (O), Necessary (N) and Recommended (R)) and our daily experience on the road.
It’s one thing to know what you might need and quite another to carry it all for hundreds of kilometers. Here we help you choose wisely to go light without missing anything.

How to read this guide (and the list)
The original list distinguishes between:
O – Mandatory: what must be included.
N – Necessary: highly recommended in most scenarios.
R – Recommended: useful in certain cases, but dispensable if you are looking for lightness.
Based on this classification, we explain why you should take each item (or why you should leave it at home) and add decision criteria for your reality: climate, dates, type of bike and logistics.

1) The bicycle and its assembly
Essential (O)
Bike: best rigid (hardtail) with front suspension: more efficient with panniers and easy to maintain. The list marks it as a travel base.
Reliable drivetrain and brakes (Shimano XT/LX, Shimano brakes): reliability above all else.
Pedals with cleats or mixed: mixed pedals (one flat side and one SPD side) give you security when starting and versatility in the city.
Mixed tires (trail/asphalt) and, if possible, tubeless with anti-puncture sealant to reduce downtime.
Necessary (N)
Rear pannier rack and waterproof panniers: absolute priority in cycle touring; better with “roll” closure and waterproof.
Front and rear lights: sunrise, sunset, fog… Don’t go out without them.
Inflation pump and jerry cans (best 2): hydration and basic self-sufficiency.
Recommended (R) for long routes or variable weather.
Front rack (if >1,000 km on the road), waterproof map holder, rain covers for saddlebags (if your bags are not 100% waterproof).
💡 If you rent with Bicigrino, much of this is already included: luggage rack, waterproof saddlebags, padlock, top tube bag, water bottle, guide and credential, tool kit with chain tool trunk, etc. This allows you to travel with less volume from day 1.

2) Footwear and clothing
Essential (O)
Helmet, gloves, goggles, shorts with good padding (1-2), short jersey (1-2), socks (3), technical underwear that dries quickly (2-3). The list includes clothes that wash-dry in one night.
Necessary (N) according to season.
Long bib shorts and long jersey, Gore-Tex Packlite wind/rain jacket, waterproof pants, light fleece lining: onion combinations for spring/autumn.
Recommended (R) for comfort at the end of the day.
Sandals or lounge shoes, shower flip-flops (mushrooms: no thanks), street shorts, neckerchief and cap in summer.
🎒 2×2 rule: 2 culottes + 2 jerseys + 2 technical jerseys. You wash one in the evening; in the morning it’s dry. More than that is ballast.

3) Sleeping: yes or no?
Ultralight bag with compression (N) and/or sheet-sack (R): in spring-summer, many shelters only use a sheet-sack; you reduce weight and volume. Pillow cover (R) for hygiene and comfort. Mat (R) only if you foresee naps in meadows or full hostels.
🪶 Criterion: if your route is in warm season and you sleep in lodges, sleeping bag-sheet + pillowcase is usually enough. Carrying a full sleeping bag “just in case” adds hundreds of grams that you will use 0-1 nights.

4) Eating and grooming
Multipurpose knife + lighter (N): snacks, fruit, small arrangements.
Compact toilet kit, microfiber sports towel, paper/tissues and wipes (N). Norit travel detergent in a tube is handy and light.
🍞 Don’t carry a kitchen: stoves, cups and cutlery become dispensable on the Camino; every few kilometers there are bars and stores.

5) Tools and spare parts that do compensate
Essential (O)
Multi-tool with chain tool, chain cutter, chain removers, inner tubes (2) and patches + glue, oil, spoke wrench (or included in the multi), cable ties, duct tape, spare bolts (especially for the luggage rack).
🛠️ Knowing how to change an inner tube and join a chain solves 90% of the incidents. The Bicigrino guide has steps and tricks for both.
Recommended (R)
Spare chain or quick links, small wrench, screwdrivers (if not on the multi).

6) Documentation and “miscellaneous”
Essential (O)
ID card/passport, health card, credit card, cell phone with charger.
Necessary (N)
Cash (≈25 €/day minimum for food and sleep, if you don’t have everything booked).
Adapter/multiplug if coming from outside the EU.
Alarm clock (mobile app) and road map if you alternate tracks and asphalt.
Recommended (R)
Pilgrim’s badge, shell, Iron Cross stone, fanny pack for documentation (comfort and tradition also count).

7) Energy in motion (without overdoing it)
Isotonic bars/drink: carrying 2-3 servings/day is reasonable; the rest you replenish daily in stores and bars on the Camino. Carrying 10 days of bars only adds dead weight.

8) First aid kit: the essentials, without a “piggyback pharmacy”.
It carries:
Basic analgesic, antidiarrheal, muscle cream, throat lozenges, plasters/gauze/staples, sunscreen + aftersun, lip balm, petroleum jelly (chafing), povidone iodine or similar.
Allergies and insects:
If you are allergic to stings, yes: take an oral antihistamine and cream from day 1.
If you are not, remember that you pass through towns with pharmacies almost daily; you can buy an antihistamine ointment when you need it, instead of carrying an oversized first aid kit the whole trip.

9) Things that are usually left over
Dedicated GPS: “better to follow the arrows” (and the cell phone with offline maps is enough for doubts).
Double or triple change of clothes: a technical change of clothes + sandals is enough.
Heavy sleeping bag and thick mat if you sleep in lodgings: change for a light sleeping bag-sheet.
Food for several days: replenished daily.

10) Tips to go light (and happy)
The 80/20 rule: 20% of the material solves 80% of the situations. Prioritize O and N; leave R for clear cases (Basis: O/N/R categories from the list).
Wash every evening: technical clothes that dry in hours = half the number of garments.
Replenish > carry: snacks, sunscreen, handkerchiefs… purchase en route.
Duplicities out: your multitool with chain cutter does almost everything; avoid carrying a full set of wrenches in addition to the multi.
Logistics that lightens: if you rent a bicigrino you already have panniers, padlock, water bottle, kit, guide, credential… less things to pack.

Ultra-compact final checklist (by category)
O (yes or yes): bike in good condition + mixed tires; helmet; lights; 2 waterproof water bottles; waterproof panniers + luggage rack; multi with inner tube, 2 inner tubes, patches, pump; gloves/goggles; 2 culottes + 2 jerseys; light raincoat; documentation, cell phone and money.
N (highly recommended): long cycling shorts/ jersey and thermal layer (depending on the weather), pocket knife, microfiber towel, travel detergent, rest shoes, sunscreen/aftersun/vaseline, bars/isotonic for the day.
R (optional): sleeping bag (or UL bag if you are cold), sleeping mat (if you plan to sleep outside), paper map, fanny pack, quick links, extra spare parts.

Close the saddlebag with criteria
Traveling light is not about giving up: it’s about choosing well. With this guide, the O/N/R classification and the reality of the Camino (constant services en route), you’ll have everything you need… and nothing left over. ¡Buen Camino! 🚲🟨🟦
(Guide elaborated from the Bicigrino material list and the Bicigrino Guide, with service notes and equipment included in rentals).