{"id":14813,"date":"2025-11-01T20:03:29","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T20:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/what-to-bring-and-what-not-to-bring-camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T14:55:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T14:55:11","slug":"what-to-bring-and-what-not-to-bring-camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/what-to-bring-and-what-not-to-bring-camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle\/","title":{"rendered":"What to bring and what not to bring, camino de santiago by bicycle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What to bring (and what not to bring) for the Camino de Santiago by bicycle<br\/><strong>The definitive guide to avoid carrying too much<\/strong> &#8211; based on the Bicigrino gear list (classified by <strong>Obligatory (O)<\/strong>, <strong>Necessary (N)<\/strong> and <strong>Recommended (R)<\/strong>) and our daily experience on the road.<br\/>It&#8217;s one thing to <strong>know<\/strong> what you might need and quite another to <strong>carry it all<\/strong> for hundreds of kilometers. Here we help you choose wisely to go light without missing anything. <br\/><br\/>How to read this guide (and the list)<br\/>The original list distinguishes between:<br\/><strong>O &#8211; Mandatory<\/strong>: what <em>must<\/em> be included.<br\/><strong>N &#8211; Necessary<\/strong>: highly recommended in most scenarios.<br\/><strong>R &#8211; Recommended<\/strong>: useful in certain cases, but dispensable if you are looking for lightness.<br\/>Based on this classification, we explain <strong>why you should<\/strong> 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.<br\/><br\/>1) The bicycle and its assembly<br\/>Essential (O)<br\/><strong>Bike<\/strong>: best rigid (hardtail) with front suspension: more efficient with panniers and easy to maintain. The list marks it as a travel base. <br\/><strong>Reliable drivetrain and brakes<\/strong> (Shimano XT\/LX, Shimano brakes): reliability above all else.<br\/><strong>Pedals with cleats or mixed<\/strong>: mixed pedals (one flat side and one SPD side) give you security when starting and versatility in the city.<br\/><strong>Mixed tires<\/strong> (trail\/asphalt) and, if possible, tubeless with anti-puncture sealant to reduce downtime.<br\/>Necessary (N)<br\/><strong>Rear pannier rack and waterproof panniers<\/strong>: absolute priority in cycle touring; better with &#8220;roll&#8221; closure and waterproof.<br\/><strong>Front and rear lights<\/strong>: sunrise, sunset, fog&#8230; Don&#8217;t go out without them.<br\/><strong>Inflation pump and jerry cans (best 2)<\/strong>: hydration and basic self-sufficiency.<br\/>Recommended (R) for long routes or variable weather.<br\/><strong>Front rack<\/strong> (if &gt;1,000 km on the road), <strong>waterproof map holder<\/strong>, <strong>rain covers for saddlebags<\/strong> (if your bags are not 100% waterproof).<br\/>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>If you rent with Bicigrino<\/strong>, much of this is already included: <strong>luggage rack, waterproof saddlebags, padlock, top tube bag, water bottle, guide and credential, tool kit with chain tool trunk<\/strong>, etc. This allows you to <strong>travel with less volume<\/strong> from day 1. <br\/><br\/>2) Footwear and clothing<br\/>Essential (O)<br\/><strong>Helmet<\/strong>, <strong>gloves<\/strong>, <strong>goggles<\/strong>, <strong>shorts with good padding<\/strong> (1-2), <strong>short jersey<\/strong> (1-2), <strong>socks<\/strong> (3), <strong>technical underwear that dries quickly<\/strong> (2-3). The list includes clothes that wash-dry in one night.<br\/>Necessary (N) according to season. <br\/><strong>Long bib shorts<\/strong> and <strong>long jersey<\/strong>, <strong>Gore-Tex Packlite wind\/rain jacket<\/strong>, <strong>waterproof pants<\/strong>, <strong>light fleece lining<\/strong>: onion combinations for spring\/autumn.<br\/>Recommended (R) for comfort at the end of the day.<br\/><strong>Sandals or lounge shoes<\/strong>, <strong>shower flip-flops<\/strong> (mushrooms: no thanks), <strong>street shorts<\/strong>, <strong>neckerchief<\/strong> and <strong>cap in summer<\/strong>.<br\/>\ud83c\udf92 <strong>2\u00d72 rule<\/strong>: 2 culottes + 2 jerseys + 2 technical jerseys. You wash one in the evening; in the morning it&#8217;s dry. More than that is <em>ballast<\/em>.  <br\/><br\/>3) Sleeping: yes or no?<br\/><strong>Ultralight bag with compression<\/strong> (N) and\/or <strong>sheet-sack<\/strong> (R): in spring-summer, many shelters only use a <strong>sheet-sack<\/strong>; you reduce weight and volume. <strong>Pillow cover<\/strong> (R) for hygiene and comfort. <strong>Mat<\/strong> (R) only if you foresee naps in meadows or full hostels.<br\/>\ud83e\udeb6 <strong>Criterion<\/strong>: if your route is in warm season and you sleep in lodges, sleeping <strong>bag-sheet + pillowcase<\/strong> is usually enough. Carrying a full sleeping bag &#8220;just in case&#8221; adds <em>hundreds of<\/em> grams that you will use 0-1 nights. <br\/><br\/>4) Eating and grooming<br\/><strong>Multipurpose knife<\/strong> + <strong>lighter<\/strong> (N): snacks, fruit, small arrangements.<br\/><strong>Compact toilet kit<\/strong>, <strong>microfiber sports towel<\/strong>, <strong>paper\/tissues<\/strong> and <strong>wipes<\/strong> (N). <strong>Norit<\/strong> travel detergent <strong>in a tube<\/strong> is handy and light.<br\/>\ud83c\udf5e <strong>Don&#8217;t carry a kitchen<\/strong>: stoves, cups and cutlery become dispensable on the Camino; every few kilometers there are bars and stores. <br\/><br\/>5) Tools and spare parts that do compensate<br\/>Essential (O)<br\/><strong>Multi-tool with chain tool, chain cutter<\/strong>, <strong>chain removers<\/strong>, <strong>inner tubes (2)<\/strong> and <strong>patches + glue<\/strong>, <strong>oil<\/strong>, <strong>spoke wrench<\/strong> (or included in the multi), <strong>cable ties<\/strong>, <strong>duct tape<\/strong>, <strong>spare bolts<\/strong> (especially for the luggage rack).<br\/>\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Knowing how to <strong>change an inner tube<\/strong> and <strong>join a chain<\/strong> solves 90% of the incidents. The Bicigrino guide has steps and tricks for both.<br\/>Recommended (R) <br\/><strong>Spare chain or quick links<\/strong>, <strong>small wrench<\/strong>, <strong>screwdrivers<\/strong> (if not on the multi).<br\/><br\/>6) Documentation and &#8220;miscellaneous&#8221;<br\/>Essential (O)<br\/><strong>ID card\/passport<\/strong>, <strong>health card<\/strong>, <strong>credit card<\/strong>, <strong>cell phone with charger<\/strong>.<br\/>Necessary (N)<br\/><strong>Cash<\/strong> (\u224825 \u20ac\/day minimum for food and sleep, if you don&#8217;t have everything booked).<br\/><strong>Adapter\/multiplug<\/strong> if coming from outside the EU.<br\/><strong>Alarm clock (mobile app)<\/strong> and <strong>road map<\/strong> if you alternate tracks and asphalt.<br\/>Recommended (R)<br\/><strong>Pilgrim&#8217;s badge<\/strong>, <strong>shell<\/strong>, <strong>Iron Cross stone<\/strong>, <strong>fanny pack for documentation<\/strong> (comfort and tradition also count).<br\/><br\/>7) Energy in motion (without overdoing it)<br\/><strong>Isotonic bars\/drink<\/strong>: carrying <strong>2-3 servings\/day<\/strong> is reasonable; the rest <strong>you replenish daily<\/strong> in stores and bars on the Camino. Carrying 10 days of bars only adds dead weight. <br\/><br\/>8) First aid kit: the essentials, without a &#8220;piggyback pharmacy&#8221;.<br\/><strong>It carries<\/strong>:<br\/><strong>Basic analgesic<\/strong>, <strong>antidiarrheal<\/strong>, <strong>muscle cream<\/strong>, <strong>throat lozenges<\/strong>, <strong>plasters\/gauze\/staples<\/strong>, <strong>sunscreen + aftersun<\/strong>, <strong>lip balm<\/strong>, <strong>petroleum jelly (chafing)<\/strong>, <strong>povidone iodine or similar.<\/strong><br\/><strong>Allergies and insects<\/strong>:<br\/>If you are allergic to stings, <strong>yes<\/strong>: take <strong>an oral antihistamine<\/strong> and <strong>cream<\/strong> from day 1.<br\/>If you are <strong>not<\/strong>, remember that <strong>you pass through towns with pharmacies almost daily<\/strong>; you can buy <strong>an antihistamine ointment when you need it<\/strong>, instead of carrying an oversized first aid kit the whole trip.<br\/><br\/>9) Things that are usually left over<br\/><strong>Dedicated GPS<\/strong>: &#8220;better to follow the arrows&#8221; (and the cell phone with offline maps is enough for doubts).<br\/><strong>Double or triple change of clothes<\/strong>: a technical change of clothes + sandals is enough.<br\/><strong>Heavy sleeping bag and thick mat<\/strong> if you sleep in lodgings: change for a light <strong>sleeping bag-sheet<\/strong>.<br\/><strong>Food for several days<\/strong>: replenished daily.<br\/><br\/>10) Tips to go light (and happy)<br\/><strong>The 80\/20 rule<\/strong>: 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).  <br\/><strong>Wash every evening<\/strong>: technical clothes that dry in hours = half the number of garments.<br\/><strong>Replenish &gt; carry<\/strong>: snacks, sunscreen, handkerchiefs&#8230; purchase en route.<br\/><strong>Duplicities out<\/strong>: your <strong>multitool with chain cutter<\/strong> does almost everything; avoid carrying a full set of wrenches in addition to the multi.<br\/><strong>Logistics that lightens<\/strong>: if you <strong>rent a bicigrino<\/strong> you already have <strong>panniers, padlock, water bottle, kit, guide, credential<\/strong>&#8230; less things to pack.<br\/><br\/>Ultra-compact final checklist (by category)<br\/><strong>O (yes or yes)<\/strong>: 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.<br\/><strong>N (highly recommended)<\/strong>: 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.<br\/><strong>R (optional)<\/strong>: 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.<br\/><br\/>Close the saddlebag with criteria<br\/>Traveling light <strong>is not about giving up<\/strong>: it&#8217;s about <strong>choosing well<\/strong>. With this guide, the O\/N\/R classification and the reality of the Camino (constant services en route), you&#8217;ll have <strong>everything you need<\/strong>&#8230; and <strong>nothing left over<\/strong>. \u00a1Buen Camino! \ud83d\udeb2\ud83d\udfe8\ud83d\udfe6   <br\/><em>(Guide elaborated from the <strong>Bicigrino material list<\/strong> and the <strong>Bicigrino Guide<\/strong>, with service notes and equipment included in rentals).<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What to bring (and what not to bring) for the Camino de Santiago by bicycleThe definitive guide to avoid carrying too much &#8211; based on the Bicigrino gear list (classified by Obligatory (O), Necessary (N) and Recommended (R)) and our daily experience on the road.It&#8217;s one thing to know what you might need and quite [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14816,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[326,324,325],"class_list":["post-14813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categoria","tag-bicigrino-list","tag-bill-of-material","tag-what-to-take-on-the-road-by-bicycle"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14813"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14817,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14813\/revisions\/14817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14816"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}