Lightweight foldable backpack
EssentialFoldable 20-25L backpack to carry water, food and raincoat. Mandatory if you spend several hours in the venue.
Approx. price: 12-20 €
See options on Amazon →Pilgrim kit: what to bring to the Pope’s visit
Complete checklist for outdoor massive events
Why this list
A papal event means 6-12 hours outdoors, queues, heat and crowds. This list is based on real pilgrim experiences from WYD Madrid 2011, Benedict XVI’s visit to Barcelona 2010 and major Vatican events. Grouped by priority and category.
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🎒Essentials
Cap or brimmed hat
EssentialEssential. June in Madrid and the Canaries exceeds 30°C. Better a 360° brim than a simple frontal cap.
Approx. price: 8-15 €
See options on Amazon →💧Hydration
750 ml insulated water bottle
EssentialFresh water for 12 hours. Can be refilled at water points inside the venue. Better than single-use plastic bottles.
Approx. price: 15-25 €
See options on Amazon →☀️Sun protection
SPF 50+ sunscreen
EssentialStick or cream. Midday UVA in the Canaries is extreme radiation. Reapply every 2 hours. Essential for children.
Approx. price: 10-18 €
See options on Amazon →UV400 sunglasses
RecommendedCheap shop ones don't cut it. Look for UV400 or CE category 3 label. Real long-term protection against cataracts.
Approx. price: 15-35 €
See options on Amazon →Sturdy foldable fan
RecommendedPractical when there's no air flow in the venue. Quality wooden ones last years; plastic ones break day one.
Approx. price: 8-15 €
See options on Amazon →🔋Energy and battery
Power bank 10,000-20,000 mAh
EssentialWith so many photos, videos and Maps usage, your phone won't last. 10,000 mAh charges a modern phone twice.
Approx. price: 20-40 €
See options on Amazon →USB cable 2-in-1 (Lightning + USB-C)
RecommendedTo share battery with anyone. Braided cables last much longer than flat ones.
Approx. price: 8-15 €
See options on Amazon →Energy bars / nuts
RecommendedQueues for food at a mass event are 40 minutes. Bringing your own prevents fainting.
Approx. price: 10-15 €
See options on Amazon →🪑Comfort
Folding chair / camping stool
RecommendedSaturday vigil means 4-5 hours of waiting. A folding stool with strap makes the difference between enjoying and suffering.
Approx. price: 15-30 €
See options on Amazon →Gel insoles for walking
RecommendedYou'll walk 6-10 km each day. Gel insoles inside your sneakers change the experience.
Approx. price: 12-20 €
See options on Amazon →✝️Religious items
Olive wood rosary
OptionalHandcrafted rosaries from the Holy Land in olive wood are the most used. Light, quiet, resistant.
Approx. price: 10-25 €
See options on Amazon →Missal with daily readings
OptionalFollow the liturgy in your language without Wi-Fi. The Roman Missal or basic Latin Church Missal.
Approx. price: 15-30 €
See options on Amazon →🛡️Safety
Foldable emergency raincoat
RecommendedJune in Madrid can drop a dry storm in 15 minutes. Hooded raincoat, not a "disposable poncho".
Approx. price: 10-25 €
See options on Amazon →Mini first-aid kit + plasters
RecommendedShoe blisters, allergies, headache. Most used: plasters, paracetamol, antihistamine.
Approx. price: 8-15 €
See options on Amazon →Hidden anti-theft money belt
RecommendedCrowds = pickpockets. Money belt under the t-shirt for passport, cards and cash. Not optional.
Approx. price: 10-20 €
See options on Amazon →Extra practical tips
- • Comfortable, breathable, long-sleeved light clothing: better sun protection than a t-shirt.
- • Broken-in shoes: never wear brand new trainers on the day. Bring blister plasters.
- • Light food: sandwiches, fruit, bars. Avoid meat or dairy that suffer with heat.
- • Store photos of your documents in the cloud in case you lose your wallet.
- • Prepare your phone: download offline maps before the event.
- • Fix a meeting point with your group: crowds collapse coverage and networks.