Tips for staying hydrated and carrying your gear on the Camino de Santiago

Let's start by talking about carrying water

1 - Carrying your water: a pilgrim's dilemma

You've probably heard the old saying, 'Every gram counts.' So why do so many pilgrims end up lugging around heavy water bottles? A common mistake is to simply grab a 1.5-liter bottle (only one ?) and stuff it in your pack. 😲

Not only does this add extra weight (about 1.5 kilos!), but it can also lead to an unbalanced pack. And let's face it, you're going to need to refill that bottle more than once during your hike."

First of all, we recommend using a suitable water bottle. There's nothing worse than drinking warm water (and if it's sunny, it can even be quite hot!). This is what happens with mineral water bottles. Today, there are insulated water bottles. Be careful, though. They're not coolers! But if you chill it in the morning, the water will stay at a pleasant temperature for several hours. If you refill it during the day with relatively cold water (from a fountain or spring), you'll have cool water for several more hours.

Also avoid aluminum water bottles with very small openings and screw-on caps. First, these bottles are difficult to clean (with an opening of only 2 cm), and every time you want to drink, you'll have to unscrew the cap (which takes a long time). In most cases, you'll have to stop. Not to mention that they are slightly heavier than those made of polypropylene, and as you know on the Camino, every gram counts! !
First tip : Start by getting a cyclist's water bottle (with a "sippy spout"). These bottles allow you to drink with one hand while walking, and if you don't like that, you can unscrew the cap in three turns, and you'll have an opening as wide as a glass!
We've tested (and approved!) Zéfal water bottles. This brand has been well-known for several decades. They are lightweight, insulated, and made of polypropylene (BPA-free), so the water tastes pure and stays fresh longer (for the Artica models). They come in various sizes, but for hiking, opt for a 550ml or 750ml. Just one? No way! Two is better!

For stages of 25 kilometers or more, especially on sunny days, you'll need at least 1.5 liters of water. On the Camino, water sources can be scarce, so it's important to be prepared. In France, most cemeteries have drinking water fountains (the law mandates that the water in cemeteries be potable), but this isn't always the case in Spain. However, many Spanish villages still have public fountains.

Tip number two : Carrying two full water bottles in your backpack can add a lot of weight. A better option is to wear them on a hip belt, one on each side. This distributes the weight more evenly and makes them easy to reach. You could also attach one to the shoulder strap of your backpack, but make sure it's secure.

If you prefer a hydration pack, opt for one with a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning. Keep in mind that it's harder to track how much water you have left, and the added weight can strain your shoulders.
Be aware that the water in the exposed tube, which you'll drink from, will be heated by the sun.

A pressurized hydration pack would be the best option, but they're pricey, costing about 150€

2 - How do you stay hydrated while hiking the Camino?

A longer-than-expected stage, no water refill since the last one, the blazing sun... these are all reasons you'll regret not having filled up your water bottle when you had the chance. Experience has taught us that walking under a scorching sun with an empty bottle is the worst.

Sipping small amounts of water frequently is more effective than drinking large amounts less often. Your body has a limit to how much water it can process, so drinking too much at once can lead to unnecessary trips to the bathroom and doesn't provide any extra hydration.

How to stay cool while hiking in hot weathers :
1 - First, get an early start, around 5 am, or even 4 am if you can (in which case, bring a headlamp). Leaving before dawn is sometimes a controversial topic on the Camino, as some people immediately assume you're trying to "win" by arriving at the hostel first. Let them say what they want... it's a waste of time trying to explain to someone who's already made up their mind. These are the same people you'll see arriving at 5 pm, dripping with sweat, their faces red from exertion, exhausted by the afternoon heat. Walking with a backpack in temperatures of 40°C or even 50°C (which is entirely possible in full sun during the summer) – is that really reasonable? How can you enjoy your day in those conditions? ?
There's nothing like walking at dawn. You'll experience nature in a whole new way – quiet, peaceful, and full of life. If you start around 4 or 5 am, you can get a good chunk of your walking done before the heat sets in. Imagine watching the sunrise, hearing the birdsong, and feeling the cool morning air on your face. And if you're walking in France, Portugal, or Spain during the summer months, you'll be so glad you got an early start. Believe me, you don't want to be hiking in the midday sun.

2 - Pack breathable and lightweight clothing to keep you cool and comfortable. For a detailed guide on what to wear on the Camino, visit our dedicated page. : What to wear for the Camino?

When the heat becomes too much, seek out a shady spot and take a brief 10-minute break. This is a great opportunity to remove your shoes and inspect your feet for any signs of blisters. Hot weather can accelerate blister formation, so it's important to check regularly. In the heat, short breaks are essential. Find a shady spot and take off your shoes for a quick 10-minute inspection. Checking your feet for blisters is crucial, especially in hot weather. : Foot blisters on the Way of St. James.