The Camino de Santiago: What Women Should Pack to Hike the Camino del Norte in the Spring

4. A Camino del Norte guidebook to plan the route

One of the first things I did planning this route was purchasing the “Camino del Norte: Irún to Santiago along Spain’s Northern Coast” guidebook. While apps and online resources are helpful, nothing beats having a small guidebook. This updated 2025 version includes a village to village map guide, with 37 full-color stage maps and over 100 city maps including accommodations for each budget. Get yours here.

5.  Battery pack, phone, adapter, charger and eSim

Whether it’s staying connected on a mobile phone, using online maps or apps or taking photographs, it’s essential to stay connected with an eSIM (electronic SIM card) like one from Airalo (Use code JOURNEYWOMAN for 15% off) or Saily (use code JOURNEYWOMAN FOR 5% OFF). Make sure you have a battery pack. Anker battery packs are recommended by many women. Make sure yours doesn’t have a lithium battery or you won’t be able to pack it in your carry-on, according to new regulations from the TSA. In Spain, you can use a European travel adapter. Put everything in a plastic bag just in case to protect it from the rain. 

6. A puffy jacket to stay warm

Combined with my poncho, my puffy jacket should give me enough protection from the wind and rain. I have a blue Helly Hanson puffy jacket, but also like the Patagonia ones which are even lighter than mine.

7. A Camino Credential

Camino credentials (pilgrim passports) can be obtained for about €2–€5 from local, official associations (Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago), parishes or hostels at the start of most routes. I ordered mine in advance for $5 from the Canadian Company of Pilgrims, which has a sister organization in the US called the American Pilgrims on the Camino.

8. Travel insurance

With so much disruption and unexpected events in the world, having travel insurance is a necessity. Make sure you’re covered for trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel medical expenses, baggage and personal effects, and emergency medical evacuation. Check prices with Insuremytrip.com or Wanderwell, a certified B Corporation, for U.S. residents.