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Decathlon backpack

Paul Wilson

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2019
I’m having a look at the Decathlon FH500 ultra light backpack 20L does anyone have any experience of this bag I am looking at it as a small (airline friendly) alternative for my shorter trips ie two weeks or so 👍
 

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If it fits, and has features which suit you, I'd go for it. Over the years I've had loads of decathlon gear, and I have never felt let down once. At 20l, it's unlikely to carry a lot of weight, which is in my mind a good idea for many reasons. I've got two decathlon rucksacks, two karrimor and one Berghaus, and the decathlon gets used most.
On another tack, a friend met at sjdp two years ago had an osprey daypack, which she walked with. My better half had a cheapy daysack costing less than a tenner.
Before we got to Sahagun, guess which was wearing through in places. Perhaps far too much emphasis is spent on getting the 'right brand', most gear will do the job , as long as it has features which you regard as important, such as useful external pockets etc, and of course, that it fits comfortably. Everything is a compromise!
Buen Camino ✌️
 
I own this pack (men's version) and use it for day-hiking. The main compartment is rather small, so for a multi day trip you should be VERY smart about your packing or else it wont fit.
Build quality is decent. Comes with a bladder and a rain cover. Hipbelt pockets are rather small (my 6" phone fits, but just so). The zipper on the mesh pockt is kind of a questionable design choice, but unzipped i can fit a second pair of shoes or a volleyball in there. Unfortunately no means on the shoulder straps to attach stuff.
So again, i like it for day hikes or other sports, but i guess theres better packs for the camino. The one I'm currently using weighs less than 100g more, is waterproof, has around double the space, has a daisy chain and bigger belt pockets as well as a way larger mesh pocket.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Certainly doable, especially if you are a petite person. Extra pair of shoes takes up a lot of space, but that can fit in that back pocket. If you are walking in the summer and don’t need a sleeping back, rain gear, etc, it could work. Definitely would be a challenge, but not impossible.
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
For what you are carrying that pack should work fine and you can clip the sandals to the outside of the pack.
Most pilgrims (myself included) carry more than they need on the Camino.
 
For what you are carrying that pack should work fine and you can clip the sandals to the outside of the pack.
Most pilgrims (myself included) carry more than they need on the Camino.
Likewise thanks to previous caminos I’ve realised that
1. The Camino is not a fashion show and I don’t need evening wear to get tapas and a bottle wine
2. I don’t need to carry a full trauma kit because it would seem Spain has medical supplies everywhere 🤣🤣 so this is me looking at a happy medium between minimalist 2kilo pack plus water and extravagant 8kilo pack plus water plus this bag is soft so fits Into the category of small bag for airlines thus saving me around £120 on my return flights (bloody miserable Scots 🙄🤣) so this may be my option and I’ve tried it on in store and it feels good on…btw the reason for the “women’s” option is I prefer the colour instead of the black “male” version
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
thus saving me around £120 on my return flights (bloody miserable Scots 🙄🤣)
I say ‘good for you ‘. This will mean you’ll be better placed to be generous on the camino… to yourself and to donativos. Much more worthy recipients than airlines.
Buen camino.

Ps. Hat off to you getting your weight low. It’s always difficult not to take ‘just in case’… 🤪🤪.
 
I say ‘good for you ‘. This will mean you’ll be better placed to be generous on the camino… to yourself and to donativos. Much more worthy recipients than airlines.
Buen camino.

Ps. Hat off to you getting your weight low. It’s always difficult not to take ‘just in case’… 🤪🤪.
I spent 30 years in the fire service breaking the habit of “just in case” hasn’t been easy…on my first camino I pretty much carried a trauma pack just in case 🤦🏼‍♂️🤣🤣
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I bought the 30 litre Decathlon, because I thought the 20 a bit small. The 30 fits all my Camino gear with room to spare, which is good for winter caminos.

Then I flew Ryanair ... They waved me through. So far so good 😬
My “big bag” is actually a Lowe alpine airzone trail 25 but I’m just thinking eventually the airlines will tighten the rules 🙄1d2a3873-9d12-4c25-88f1-ed0a102f6f2c.jpeg
 
Likewise thanks to previous caminos I’ve realised that
1. The Camino is not a fashion show and I don’t need evening wear to get tapas and a bottle wine
2. I don’t need to carry a full trauma kit because it would seem Spain has medical supplies everywhere 🤣🤣 so this is me looking at a happy medium between minimalist 2kilo pack plus water and extravagant 8kilo pack plus water plus this bag is soft so fits Into the category of small bag for airlines thus saving me around £120 on my return flights (bloody miserable Scots 🙄🤣) so this may be my option and I’ve tried it on in store and it feels good on…btw the reason for the “women’s” option is I prefer the colour instead of the black “male” version
I like your aproach, but let me recomend a different pack:

- lighter
- slightly bigger
- waterproof(er)
- imho more practical
- cheaper
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I like your aproach, but let me recomend a different pack:

- lighter
- slightly bigger
- waterproof(er)
- imho more practical
- cheaper
Yes, but no waistbelt = all the weight on your shoulders.
 

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