Quick answer
The 2027 Compostela Holy Year is expected to bring more than 700,000 pilgrims, nearly double a normal year. Prepare now: 40-50 L backpack, broken-in boots, light sleeping bag, quality rain jacket, filter bottle, credencial and albergue reservations in advance. Complete list below with real brands and prices.
The Holy Year or "Xacobeo" happens when July 25th, Saint James's day, falls on a Sunday. The next one is 2027. In Holy Years, pilgrim numbers nearly double: in 2021 (the last edition) 178,000 arrived; the previous record of 2010 was 272,000. For 2027, more than 700,000 are expected according to official Xunta de Galicia projections.
That means: full albergues, peak-season prices, queues in Santiago to collect the Compostela. Preparation starts now.
The essential list
1. 40-50 L backpack (~€100-180)
Not more, not less. Under 40 L forces sacrifices; over 50 L tempts you to overpack and punishes your back.
- Osprey Kestrel 48 — the standard, lifetime warranty, ~€180
- Deuter Aircontact Lite 40+10 — great ventilation in summer, ~€150
- Quechua MH500 50 L — good value, ~€100
2. Broken-in trekking boots (~€120-200)
Golden rule: never wear new boots on the Camino. Buy them 3 months ahead and walk at least 100 km in them.
- Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX — the pilgrim standard, Gore-Tex, ~€170
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX — durable and comfortable, ~€160
- Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX — for pronator gait, well cushioned, ~€200
3. Light sleeping bag (~€60-120)
Needed even in albergues: many require your own bag for hygiene. Comfort temperature 10 °C is enough all year except Meseta winter.
- Vaude Sioux 800 — 1,150 g, ~€90
- Deuter Orbit 5 — pure summer, 900 g, ~€60
4. Technical rain jacket (~€60-150)
In Galicia it rains. Full stop. Don't skimp here — a cheap rain jacket soaks you in 20 minutes and ruins 3 stages.
- Vaude Escape Light — 100% waterproof, breathable, ~€100
- Berghaus Deluge Pro 2.0 — more resistant for persistent rain, ~€130
5. Filter bottle or hydration system (~€50-60)
With Galician village fountains and dry Meseta stretches, a filter bottle saves you €60-100 in bottled water over the complete Camino Francés. Also brings your plastic footprint to zero.
Recommendation: 0.2 μm filter with activated carbon, 800 ml, like GoPure by LittlestForest (~€60). Grayl GeoPress is more expensive (€120) and overkill for Europe.
6. Pilgrim's Credencial
The official book you stamp at each stage. Bought at Santiago Cathedral (€5), at Roncesvalles at the start, at León and Burgos cathedrals, or online at the Cathedral's official site. Without it, no Compostela.
7. Clothing (2 changes + 1 in the pack)
- 2 technical shirts merino or synthetic (~€30 ea)
- 2 convertible pants with knee zippers (~€40 ea)
- 3 pairs of socks anti-blister Injinji or Bridgedale (~€15 ea)
- 3 underwear technical (~€15 ea)
- 1 light fleece (~€50)
- Flip-flops for albergue (~€10)
8. First-aid kit (~€30)
- Compeed and blister patches (essential)
- Ibuprofen + paracetamol
- Band-aids and elastic bandages
- Antiseptic and chafing cream
- Rehydration salts
9. Phone + power bank (~€40)
Not just for photos: for reserving albergues, GPS for alternate routes, WhatsApp with family. Power bank 10,000 mAh minimum for 3 days without a plug.
10. Microfibre towel (~€20)
Dries in minutes, takes no space. Home towels won't fit.
Total gear budget
| Range | Budget-tight | Recommended | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | €450 | €750 | €1,200 |
The recommended version lasts 5-10 years of Caminos. Amortised on the second.
Book albergues in advance (critical in Holy Year)
In 2027 municipal albergues (which don't normally take reservations) will fill up. Alternatives:
- Private albergues via Booking — bookable, €12-25 a night. In Holy Year, reserve 6+ months in advance.
- Rural houses — more expensive (€40-70) but guaranteed and real rest. Good for tough stages.
- Early daily start— 5:30-6:00 AM. Those who leave at 8 hit "full" signs from km 15.
When to go in 2027
Best dates:
- April / May — deep green, pleasant temperatures, fewer people than in summer
- September / October — mild weather, many stages walked in solitude after the summer rush
Avoid if you can:
- July and August — extreme heat in Meseta, overcrowded albergues
- Easter week — traditional pilgrim peak
- July 25th (Santiago's day) in Santiago — the city saturates at 400% capacity
The advantage of preparing now
We're more than a year from Xacobeo 2027. You have time to:
- Buy gear in phases and catch sales
- Break in boots with weekend walks
- Train 3 months with loaded backpack
- Reserve key albergues calmly
- Learn some Galician basics (it opens doors)
Holy Year 2027 will be one of the Camino's most significant moments in decades. Prepare with time, enjoy with calm.
Ultreia et Suseia — onward and upward.