Backpack - Petite person

[Mmgomez4]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

 

[Tincatinker]

Go to an outfitter and get fitted.

 

[trecile]

Backpacks are sized by your torso length, not your overall height. If you have an REI near you go there to get fitted and try on packs. A Youth sized pack may work for you. Capacity depends on what you plan to carry. If you have your gear selected take that to the store with you to try out the backpacks. Or wait until you have your gear to buy a backpack.

 

[Robo]

Good advice already.
My wife is your size and carries a 22L pack, but all depends on what you plan to put in it!

 

[jungleboy]

Good advice already.
My wife is your size and carries a 22L pack, but all depends on what you plan to put in it!

How does she fit the rice cooker into a 22L pack?

 

[Anamiri]

How does she fit the rice cooker into a 22L pack?

She doesnt, Robo does.

 

[Anamiri]

I’m Pettit 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

Im not that much taller than you. I bought a new pack for my second Camino. I went to 3 outdoor specialists (they had different pack brands) and had them fit me. I had them put 6 kgs of stuff in the pack, and walked around the store, and they made adjustments. I already knew what I wanted to put where, eg waist pockets etc. One outfitter was a lot better than the others. Allow yourself plenty of time.
That's how I ended up with my Osprey which I love.
Poles are adjustable.

 

[C clearly]

A small person needs a backpack that has the correct size frame/torso length, and straps and belts that can be adjusted to fit properly. The capacity of 20 L, 30L, 40L, etc. refers to the size of the "container/bag" attached to the frame and straps. So, you can find a small-fitting backpack with different capacities. If you are carrying a sleeping bag, etc., you'll probably want something around the 30L capacity, but you want it in a small-fitting size. If you don't need the sleeping bag, you might get away with 20-something.

Many backpacks, including some Ospreys, come in two sizes. Further, some of them have an adjustable internal "frame", but it can be hard to know how to do the appropriate adjustments. That's why it is important to find someone who knows how to fit you properly.

 

[Robo]

How does she fit the rice cooker into a 22L pack?

She doesnt, Robo does.

Correct,
Along with the hair dryer

 

[Mmgomez4]

Good advice already.
My wife is your size and carries a 22L pack, but all depends on what you plan to put in it!

I will pack the essentials as many piligrims have advised. I’m thinking to go mid March I don’t want to hit there during the catholic holidays.

 

[Mmgomez4]

Im not that much taller than you. I bought a new pack for my second Camino. I went to 3 outdoor specialists (they had different pack brands) and had them fit me. I had them put 6 kgs of stuff in the pack, and walked around the store, and they made adjustments. I already knew what I wanted to put where, eg waist pockets etc. One outfitter was a lot better than the others. Allow yourself plenty of time.
That's how I ended up with my Osprey which I love.
Poles are adjustable.

Thanks for the advise, I will do the same What size you ended up buying? And what types of poles you got ?
Thanks

 

[Mmgomez4]

A small person needs a backpack that has the correct size frame/torso length, and straps and belts that can be adjusted to fit properly. The capacity of 20 L, 30L, 40L, etc. refers to the size of the "container/bag" attached to the frame and straps. So, you can find a small-fitting backpack with different capacities. If you are carrying a sleeping bag, etc., you'll probably want something around the 30L capacity, but you want it in a small-fitting size. If you don't need the sleeping bag, you might get away with 20-something.

Many backpacks, including some Ospreys, come in two sizes. Further, some of them have an adjustable internal "frame", but it can be hard to know how to do the appropriate adjustments. That's why it is important to find someone who knows how to fit you properly.

Thanks so much for the detail explanation, I clearly understand capacity vs body frame. Thanks so much.

 

[dbier]

I will pack the essentials as many piligrims have advised. I’m thinking to go mid March I don’t want to hit there during the catholic holidays.

Just as a note...Roman Catholic Easter is March 31st next year. Semana Santa (Holy Week) will be the week before. So unless you're doing a one week Camino, you will indeed be there over the holidays.

 

[lovelyshell]

Gregory brand has women’s backpacks in small and medium which is not the capacity per se but rather the length of the frame. Obviously the small is shorter. I used a medium but I’m 5’4” and my mom who is 5’1” used it as well with no problems.

 

[ratherbefollowingflechas]

Hello. I am 5'2' and weigh about 110lbs. I have used the Osprey Kyte 36L in the extra small size (makes it 34L) for all of my Caminos. But for my last Camino, it was not quite full, so I started researching a smaller option. Osprey makes a Tempest 30L model that in the xs makes it 28L. The pack is only 2.35lbs and comes with a water reservoir and gear straps to stow your poles through town.

If you are going in March, you may have heavier items that require more room, so you might want to take that into account. You can carry the bag less full, but you can't add more space if you need it. As stated above, gather your gear and then get the pack, or get several and take them home to see if your stuff fits.

My poles are adjustable to include the 100-130cm( 39"/51") range and I keep them between 103-110cm, depending on uphill vs downhill terrain. I purchased Forclaz 500's from the Decathlon in Oviedo for 34 Euro for the pair.

Hope that helps from someone (maybe) more your size.
Buen Camino!

 

[Anamiri]

Thanks for the advise, I will do the same What size you ended up buying? And what types of poles you got ?
Thanks

I think its a 30-L. Its not to hand, so my memory may be failing me. I am particular about the size of the waist pockets, as I use them a lot.
Poles I bought in Leon, they're very light weight, were cheap and I love them. They fold down small to fit in pack, and I use them extended to quite long. They're the twist type.

 

[Mmgomez4]

Hello. I am 5'2' and weigh about 110lbs. I have used the Osprey Kyte 36L in the extra small size (makes it 34L) for all of my Caminos. But for my last Camino, it was not quite full, so I started researching a smaller option. Osprey makes a Tempest 30L model that in the xs makes it 28L. The pack is only 2.35lbs and comes with a water reservoir and gear straps to stow your poles through town.

If you are going in March, you may have heavier items that require more room, so you might want to take that into account. You can carry the bag less full, but you can't add more space if you need it. As stated above, gather your gear and then get the pack, or get several and take them home to see if your stuff fits.

My poles are adjustable to include the 100-130cm( 39"/51") range and I keep them between 103-110cm, depending on uphill vs downhill terrain. I purchased Forclaz 500's from the Decathlon in Oviedo for 34 Euro for the pair.

Hope that helps from someone (maybe) more your size.
Buen Camino!

It couldn’t be clearer !!! Very helpful much appreciated for taking the time to explain it and for the poles info

 

[LindaH]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

I’m a bit under 5 feet, petite, with a short torso. I’ve walked the CF x3 carrying an Osprey Kyte 32/34 L in size extra small with approx 7 kg of gear. I always walk in spring so include a fleece and a pair of warmer hiking pants. This pack is super comfortable for me and has plenty of room for additional snacks. I was fitted at a hiking store by an extremely helpful sales assistant who had various shaped parcels/weights to pack the bags and masses of patience!

 

[Mmgomez4]

I’m a bit under 5 feet, petite, with a short torso. I’ve walked the CF x3 carrying an Osprey Kyte 32/34 L in size extra small with approx 7 kg of gear. I always walk in spring so include a fleece and a pair of warmer hiking pants. This pack is super comfortable for me and has plenty of room for additional snacks. I was fitted at a hiking store by an extremely helpful sales assistant who had various shaped parcels/weights to pack the bags and masses of patience!

Thanks so much for the info very helpful as well.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

How does she fit the rice cooker into a 22L pack?

I don't think we will ever let Robo will ever fully live down his idea to bring a rice cooker for his wife. I always get a new chuckle whenever it is mentioned.

 

[williamlittig]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

Wash often , pack less, layered look!

 

[JabbaPapa]

The 10% rule is good for most smaller people, i.e. don't go beyond 10% of your own body weight.

The "rule" stops working if you get big enough that 10% of your own weight is a bad idea ...

I'd say that, in the ideal, a pack weighing ~ 8-10 kilos or less is a good target. 6 kilos if you can manage it !!

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Gregory’s Maya 25 has an adjustable torso - I’m 5’1” and found it to be the best option for me.

 

[Kiparri]

I am 5'4" but have a short torso. Be sure to get one that comes in specific sizes (XS, S, etc) and not just S/M or L/XL because they may not go as small as you need. I think an XS Gregory Facet is the one I'm going to choose. Also try frameless packs such as Osprey Tempest 30L (XS/S size).

 

[Pepper_E]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

Take a look at Ospreys Tempest 30, Xs/Sm - this pack tends to fit short torso, petite figures well. For those with short torsos and a larger waist, they also make this model with an extended fit hip belt. The Tempest/Talon series are great lightweight Camino packs. See a good outfitter for help with pack fitting.

 

[Mearls]

Backpacks are sized by your torso length, not your overall height. If you have an REI near you go there to get fitted and try on packs. A Youth sized pack may work for you. Capacity depends on what you plan to carry. If you have your gear selected take that to the store with you to try out the backpacks. Or wait until you have your gear to buy a backpack.

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

Small woman here who just finished her first Camino: if lead time and location work for you, head to REI or a comparable outfitter and get measured. In my case they had to order the appropriate size so don’t delay if you’re headed out soon. I would add that REI not only fitted me but provided great advice on adjusting the pack, appropriate weight to carry and packing tips.

 

[Mmgomez4]

I have a REI store close to home

 

[JoEllen]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

I am also petite with a small frame. True that backpacks are sized by measuring from your top neck verterbra to your waist. An outdoor store or outfitter can help with that. I do a lot of multi-day backpacking trips and have walked the Frances twice. My go-to line for backpacks is Osprey. They fit small women very well. I used an Osprey Kyte 36 for my Camino walks. Has a hydration reservoir (if you use a hydration bag, nice side pockets for a water bottle (if you don't), small pockets in the hip belt for your phone and other sundries, and just enough room inside so you don't pack too much. Check out what's available. REI is fantastic for outdoor gear - I have been a member since 1995.

 

[Philtration]

My first camino I used an Osprey Talon 42. It was adjustable to my individual torso length and was fitted at the REI. I had tried several packs and spent some time wandering around the store carrying a dummy load. Ultimately, it was not good for the long haul. With the suspension system and the air flow webbing to allow cooling, it hung too far off my back. I'm leaving for my second camino next week with a non-adjustable REI Trail 40 that fits closely to my back. I no longer feel like I'm tipping over backwards. We'll see if it's significantly warmer without the air gap.

Another pack tip - my Osprey pack was top opening only. It always seemed that the thing I needed was at the bottom of the pack, and I ended up having to pull everything out almost every night. For my replacement pack, a requirement was that it have side zippers so the entire pack contents can be accessed without pulling everything out. There are several packs that have this feature, Gregory and REI are two main ones.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

For my replacement pack, a requirement was that it have side zippers so the entire pack contents can be accessed without pulling everything out. There are several packs that have this feature, Gregory and REI are two main ones.

My Osprey 22 has a side zip as well as a top opening. I use dry bags inside my backpack and so finding things at the bottom of the pack are simple and easy.

 

[Jo H]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

I'm not much taller and use an Osprey Tempest Pro 28L pack for my caminos. I love it as it is lightweight, has great hip pockets/belt and is very comfortable carrying 7-8 kgs. I will be taking a small sleeping bag instead of a liner on my next camino too but will still have some space for food. You just need to check that everything fits in for smaller capacity and it does for me.

 

[rschiera]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

I am almost the same size as you and have done the Camino Primativo twice--both times with an XS women's Osprey Aura AG 50 L. It had more than enough space in it for what I needed. The general advice is to carry about 10% of your weight in pounds (USA recommendation--hope you can work in pounds!). More important than how many liters it is is how well the frame fits your body. Be sure you buy a bag that has an adjustable frame and try it on loaded before you start the Camino. I use Osprey because they are great for shorter women. Deuter also does a nice bag for shorter women.

Poles are generally adjustable. We got regular poles from Decathlon and adjusted them by sliding the pieces to the appropriate length.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[littlegreen60]

I’m Petite 5 feet so I need some help in deciding the most comfortable backpack for my Camino starting maybe 9 or 12 days, 30L would be too big for me?
Many would say any as long you are comfortable but those that may be the same high could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

could better advise . Forgot to ask the size of the poles to buy Thanks for any advise.

I am 5 '1 and after fittings and much searching, got the Osprey Mira 32L-it even came with a water bladder. It was perfect for the CF this past June. Got it at REI which does a great job with fittings. Good luck

 

[trecile]

The general advice is to carry about 10% of your weight in pounds (USA recommendation--hope you can work in pounds!).

The 10% "rule" works whether you are using pounds, kilos, or ancient Roman minae.

 

[Optimistic Traveler]

I am about your height and also got the Osprey 36L Kyte in XS (for my short torso length). I really liked this pack. REI was great in helping me find the best fit, and the clerk also adjusted the torso length on the actual pack I bought.