How much weight did you actually carry?

[Ahhhs]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

 

[Mark Lee]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

Never actually weighed my pack on either Camino, but all I can recommend is keep it under 10 kilos, preferably around 7-8 kilos.
In retrospect on both Caminos I carried stuff I didn't use or didn't need. Don't carry stuff you think you "MIGHT" need.

 

[Jan_89]

I'm 180 cm / 80 kg. My backpack with everything, including 3 l of water was 12,5 kg. I can't complain. Everything was great for me!

 

[C clearly]

I'm 66, 5'4"and 125-130 lb, so I knew I had to be strict with my load. I aimed for 6 kg, which is just over 10% of my weight. In fact, I carried about 6.5 kg in a properly fitted backpack (Osprey Talon 33). Taking any less in November would have deprived me of comforts that I wanted. Significantly more would probably have given me physical problems. Thus, I agree with the 10% guidance as a good target. It was just right for me.

 

[thetravellingpen]

I weigh 56kg. Pack was 4.6kg in July/Aug last year. Really light, and didn't want for anything.

 

[mspath]

I am 172 cm./ 58 kg. For every camino since my first, when I learned the hard way what not to lug, I only carry 6.5 kg. So far so good.

 

[Heikki]

I'm 56 years old and weight 75 kilos and last time carried 12 kilos plus food and water and that made my vuoden less than 15 kilos. I had no problem with my kilos.

 

[ebrandt]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

Walked the Frances from SJPP in April 2o13 with an 17 lb pack not counting water and snacks. It was cold when we started with late snows so I had some warmer gear (long underwear, long sleeve fleece, fleece hat warm gloves....) and I carried a sleeping bag. I'm walking the primitivo this June and wanted to have a lighter pack! I've got it down to 12.25 lbs not including water and snacks! I am 58 and I'm 5' 3" and weigh 155. Lighter is better. I didn't have any real trouble with the heavier pack, but I just felt that I would be lass tired if I had a lighter pack. Liz

 

[Ahhhs]

I weigh 56kg. Pack was 4.6kg in July/Aug last year. Really light, and didn't want for anything.

Wow. Impressive. That seems really light.
Would you mind posting your pack list?
No sleeping gear needed for summer?

 

[Camembert]

1,80 mtrs tall, young athletic pensionado . Osprey Atmos 50 ltr backpack , 7 kgs excluded water but on the Portugese caminho is a bar at least at every corner of the street so more than 0,5 ltr of water is not in the camelbag.

 

[KinkyOne]

On my last year Camino (Madrid + Invierno) I started with 180cm/94kg (12kg less after I finished ). I have 45+10l backpack and without water and food its weight was 8,6kg. Seems a bit too much but I don't have any tech clothes apart from long trousers, one T-shirt and wind-stopper. Everything else was cotton. Plus 0,5kg sleeping bag. In addition I had a photo hip pack with DSLR camera & tele-lens (in this I also carry 0,5l plastic water bottle, cell phone, wallet etc.) - 2,6kg without water.
I guess that once on the Camino the backpack with food and water was up to 11kg and front photo pack up to 3,5kg. No big deal to carry that even on 30+kms stages but I did felt the difference when carried less water and food. Every kilo, especially on steep uphills

 

[Jo Jo]

I'm 6'1" and about 200lbs when I left (175lbs when I returned) and my pack (with water, but no food, and without all the first aid supplies I later acquired) was about 13lbs. My wife is 5'0" about 110lbs and her pack was about 6lbs (although she later made me carry her 8oz poncho, claiming it was too heavy). So glad I did not carry more.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm 5'3", I generally weigh around 155 and I try not to carry more than 15 pounds total.

 

[Sheesh]

My pack weighed in at a colossal 21 lbs, for the first few days in 2009 and that was before water and snacks! I quickly realized the error of my ways and jettisoned/posted home about 5 lbs of stuff.
In 2013 my pack was 14 lbs before water and snacks.
And next time (probably 2016) I am aiming for 10-11 lbs, before water and snacks.
I go in May, my height is 5'6" and my weight is all over the map.

 

[ranthr]

With water and food I guess my bp is between 10- 12 kg. It is OK to me. I carry what I know I will need on a camino and do not care about the 10% rule. It would be worse to my feet if I weigh 100-120 kg and then load 12 kg on top of that.So I still think the 10% rule is a bit silly. Meant to other circumstances than walking slowly on a camino. I am soon 67 and weigh less than my age.

 

[TangoBravo]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

After shedding stuff along the way. My pack weighed 22 lbs (including water). I still had an extra pair of boots and sleeping bag I could have got rid of along the way but by then I was used to the weight. My sister shed extra socks, bedroll, sleeping bag, vitamins, and cosmetics. Her pack weighed 17 lbs at the end.

 

[jgray4613]

Ahhs,

My daughter and I hiked from SJPDP in 2006. We used ultralight packs and including the weight of the pack, I carried 11 pounds (5 kg) and Caitling carried 12 pounds (5.5 kg). That was dry weight, with 3 L of water, that came to about 20 and 21 lbs. We were pretty brutal about what we carried.

It was great, just right, no extra weight and we didn't miss anything.

I weighed about 160 lbs ( 72 kg) and Caitlin maybe 120 lbs (55 kg).

Buen Camino

 

[MTtoCamino]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

18-20 Lbs depending on Lunch & water (I packed a full bottle of Wine once) I also found items on the road others had left because they felt weighed too much. None of it I used except a lighter for sterilizing a needle (blisters). But had a need here in the mountains of Montana (nice GPS)

 

[domigee]

I leave with a 5 kg pack max. but once there I add water and when necessary, a bit of food. (And cheese is heavy lol!) So easily 7kg + at times.
I weigh around 55 kg (before starting walking!)

Actually, there was an article in The Times a few months ago, which my walking companion MADE me read, which said something like ' women who don't weigh very much can comfortably carry much heavier weights than previously thought.... Bla bla ... ' Sadly I cannot find it as I don't have a subscription. It was very interesting although I pretended to ignore it as he was obviously suggesting I could carry some of his camping equipment lol

Here it is : http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/science/article4243654.ece
Only those who subscribe can read the rest, sorry

 

[rometimed]

5'9/195 lbs... I expect my final pack weight to be about 24 lbs (11 Kilos). Carrying 3 extra items as I'm doing a number of hikes over a number of months. Worst comes to worse i'll ship ahead but i'm training with the weight right now and am fine (so far) at 5 straight days doing 15 KMs/day with the whole weight.

 

[Mikel Olivares]

The magic number 10%.
A 80kg. person. A pack weigth only 8Kg. How?
A 50Kg. person. A pack weight only 5kg. And in winter too?
We have to carry everything strictly necessary (not more or less) the lowest possible weight.

 

[Kiwi-d]

I'm 5'4 and weigh about 60kg (56kg at the end of the Camino) and I carried about 9kg because I couldn't afford all the high tech gear mentioned. My pack was heavy, yes, but not unduly so. I found I didn't need to carry food, I'm not quite sure why everyone else seems to, although I did cart a can of tuna around for some days before depositing it in an albergue kitchen to get rid of it. I also only carried a 500ml bottle of water. I found there were enough bars along the way to stock up on coffee etc during the day.

 

[nalod]

I am 80kg, carry between 8 to 12 kg, depends on time of the year and which Camino route. I also wear a harness on the front of body that hold my 1.2kg camera. There are times I would love not to have that extra weight. I walked my first Camino without it, but now I suppose it is part of what I do.
In summer months I just use a sleeping bag liner, and on main routes just one water bottle.

 

[dougfitz]

The magic number 10%.

Indeed. Your assessment is correct. So far I can tell, it is magic and nothing more. Unfortunately it has gained credibility by being mindlessly repeated here and elsewhere.

And in winter too?

Hardly. 10% might work as a summer weight target (NOT a rule!) but for other seasons more will need to be carried. My personal working multipliers are 1.25x for spring/autumn, and 1.5x for winter.

 

[dougfitz]

At the end of the CF in May 2010, I was carrying about 8.5kg bare weight plus pack. Repacked into a smaller pack, this was just over 10kg. I had started with much more!

On the CI last year (Apr 2014) my pack weighed 11kg, including walking poles, so about 10.4kg, but I carried about 1 kg of 'toys' which I didn't weigh, so perhaps about 11.4 kg bare weight.

My ideal walking weight is about 80kg. I would love to be even close to that again!

 

[LesBrass]

Before I started I was scrupulous in my efforts to reduce pack weight... even limiting the number of pills, plasters and pins.

But I found I had a major mineral loss problem when walking and by the time I got to Burgos I needed to buy a big box of specialist mineral powders from the pharmacy... I reckon it weighed a kilo! I also bought moisturiser, some wonderful arnica cream, nail polish, more deoderant, more toothpaste, 2 tshirts and a sleeping bag en-route (my silk liner wasn't warm enough). I think I possibly added another 2-3kg to my pack but I never once felt it was a problem. After the first day or two of walking it just felt natural to have my pack strapped to my back.

I would say be strict on what you take but dont worry unduly... this time around I am certainly adding in a few little extras that I missed last time.

Have a great walk

 

[Al the optimist]

Over the years it has reduced. The first time was 9K plus water/food though I carry little food except where the stretch requires it. Now down to 4Kplus food/water in hot and dry weather (ie carrying soft shell and raincoat). Actually don't have a backpack any more.

 

[thetravellingpen]

Wow. Impressive. That seems really light.
Would you mind posting your pack list?
No sleeping gear needed for summer?

only a silk liner. Real silk, got it from a company in Vietnam... http://www.silkliners.com/ 150g and so comfortable... and really pretty! Hey, who says you can't have pretty things on the Camino?

I just bought well. Tech fibre is light. My fleece was 120g. Wind jacket even less than that. No guide book as I had my Samsung Galaxy Note, and downloaded a brilliant app, Wise Pilgrim, better than the books in my opinion. Heaviest thing was the external battery pack, but I never had to queue to charge my phone, and unfortunately I needed it as I HAD to answer work emails (or I wouldn't have been able to go)
Here's my list. Didn't weigh individual items, but weighed the pack as a whole. Poles are not in that weight, as I didn't feel they should be, as I used them all the time for walking so weren't really carry weight.

30L backpack, good fit

Waist pack to hold 2 water bottles and items used during walk/valuables

Clothing (both wearing and carrying)

Trail shoes – NOT BOOTS

3 x hiking socks
2 x thin sock liners (like nylon stockings)
2 x Quick-dry sports/T-back bras
2 x quick-dry underwear
2 x tech-fibre leggings
2 x tech-fibre quick dry sports vests
1 x light-weight rain/wind jacket
1 x light-weight fleece top
Keens sandals
1 x shorts
Light weight pants for evening
Vest top for evening
1 x sarong
1 x rain poncho (disposable)
1 x buff (many uses)
1 x cap
General:
1 x silk liner for sleeping
1 x quick-dry small travel towel
Water bottles
Passport with visa
Pilgrim’s passport
Euros
Debit card
Air-tickets
1 x Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and charger (photos, skype, email), guide book and apps
External battery pack
Safety pins (better than pegs for hanging washing)
Zip lock bags, various sizes (separated clothes for the day, put food for carrying etc)
Small plastic ‘spork’
Ear plugs
Toiletries (put all together in a zip lock bag)
Small bar soap
Travel size shampoo/conditioner
Sunscreen
toothbrush
Travel size toothpaste (replace on the way)
Stick-type deodorant, small size
Wet wipes
Insect repellent stick (only thing I brought that I didn't actually use!)
Medical: (put all in a zip lock bag)
ibuprofen (definitely used and replaced this A LOT!)
Tiger balm muscle rub (Hey, I live in Thailand... works for everything!)
imodium (didn't need, but weighs nothing)
Antiseptic cream
Rehydrate granules
Pinospore tape for hot spots. Best thing ever!

 

[Margaret Lynn]

only a silk liner. Real silk, got it from a company in Vietnam... http://www.silkliners.com/ 150g and so comfortable... and really pretty! Hey, who says you can't have pretty things on the Camino?

I just bought well. Tech fibre is light. My fleece was 120g. Wind jacket even less than that. No guide book as I had my Samsung Galaxy Note, and downloaded a brilliant app, Wise Pilgrim, better than the books in my opinion. Heaviest thing was the external battery pack, but I never had to queue to charge my phone, and unfortunately I needed it as I HAD to answer work emails (or I wouldn't have been able to go)
Here's my list. Didn't weigh individual items, but weighed the pack as a whole. Poles are not in that weight, as I didn't feel they should be, as I used them all the time for walking so weren't really carry weight.

30L backpack, good fit

Waist pack to hold 2 water bottles and items used during walk/valuables

Clothing (both wearing and carrying)

Trail shoes – NOT BOOTS

3 x hiking socks
2 x thin sock liners (like nylon stockings)
2 x Quick-dry sports/T-back bras
2 x quick-dry underwear
2 x tech-fibre leggings
2 x tech-fibre quick dry sports vests
1 x light-weight rain/wind jacket
1 x light-weight fleece top
Keens sandals
1 x shorts
Light weight pants for evening
Vest top for evening
1 x sarong
1 x rain poncho (disposable)
1 x buff (many uses)
1 x cap
General:
1 x silk liner for sleeping
1 x quick-dry small travel towel
Water bottles
Passport with visa
Pilgrim’s passport
Euros
Debit card
Air-tickets
1 x Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and charger (photos, skype, email), guide book and apps
External battery pack
Safety pins (better than pegs for hanging washing)
Zip lock bags, various sizes (separated clothes for the day, put food for carrying etc)
Small plastic ‘spork’
Ear plugs
Toiletries (put all together in a zip lock bag)
Small bar soap
Travel size shampoo/conditioner
Sunscreen
toothbrush
Travel size toothpaste (replace on the way)
Stick-type deodorant, small size
Wet wipes
Insect repellent stick (only thing I brought that I didn't actually use!)
Medical: (put all in a zip lock bag)
ibuprofen (definitely used and replaced this A LOT!)
Tiger balm muscle rub (Hey, I live in Thailand... works for everything!)
imodium (didn't need, but weighs nothing)
Antiseptic cream
Rehydrate granules
Pinospore tape for hot spots. Best thing ever!

I like your list. Very interested in the Weiss Pilgrim app too.

 

[judygilman]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

I grew up wilderness backpacking in the 1960's and never heard of the 10% idea until I walked the Camino Frances in 2013. I think any reasonably fit adult can easily carry 20 lbs without any problem, assuming you have a good backpack that keeps the weight mostly on your hips. On my Camino I carried about 22 pounds (about 17% of my weight) with no problems. I suggest you just go by what feels right for you and forget about 10%.

 

[Margaret Lynn]

I like your list. Very interested in the Weiss Pilgrim app too.

Spellcheck. Wise pilgrim. lol. I'm starting on April 26 at St. Jean. This is my first and I'm traveling solo. But I know I won't be solo for long. Buen Camino

 

[SYates]

12kg, food, water and tent included, but then I was on a longer pilgrimage ... SY

 

[rometimed]

only a silk liner. Real silk, got it from a company in Vietnam... http://www.silkliners.com/ 150g and so comfortable... and really pretty! Hey, who says you can't have pretty things on the Camino?

I just bought well. Tech fibre is light. My fleece was 120g. Wind jacket even less than that. No guide book as I had my Samsung Galaxy Note, and downloaded a brilliant app, Wise Pilgrim, better than the books in my opinion. Heaviest thing was the external battery pack, but I never had to queue to charge my phone, and unfortunately I needed it as I HAD to answer work emails (or I wouldn't have been able to go)
Here's my list. Didn't weigh individual items, but weighed the pack as a whole. Poles are not in that weight, as I didn't feel they should be, as I used them all the time for walking so weren't really carry weight.

30L backpack, good fit

Waist pack to hold 2 water bottles and items used during walk/valuables

Clothing (both wearing and carrying)

Trail shoes – NOT BOOTS

3 x hiking socks
2 x thin sock liners (like nylon stockings)
2 x Quick-dry sports/T-back bras
2 x quick-dry underwear
2 x tech-fibre leggings
2 x tech-fibre quick dry sports vests
1 x light-weight rain/wind jacket
1 x light-weight fleece top
Keens sandals
1 x shorts
Light weight pants for evening
Vest top for evening
1 x sarong
1 x rain poncho (disposable)
1 x buff (many uses)
1 x cap
General:
1 x silk liner for sleeping
1 x quick-dry small travel towel
Water bottles
Passport with visa
Pilgrim’s passport
Euros
Debit card
Air-tickets
1 x Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and charger (photos, skype, email), guide book and apps
External battery pack
Safety pins (better than pegs for hanging washing)
Zip lock bags, various sizes (separated clothes for the day, put food for carrying etc)
Small plastic ‘spork’
Ear plugs
Toiletries (put all together in a zip lock bag)
Small bar soap
Travel size shampoo/conditioner
Sunscreen
toothbrush
Travel size toothpaste (replace on the way)
Stick-type deodorant, small size
Wet wipes
Insect repellent stick (only thing I brought that I didn't actually use!)
Medical: (put all in a zip lock bag)
ibuprofen (definitely used and replaced this A LOT!)
Tiger balm muscle rub (Hey, I live in Thailand... works for everything!)
imodium (didn't need, but weighs nothing)
Antiseptic cream
Rehydrate granules
Pinospore tape for hot spots. Best thing ever!

My list is basically this except my pack is 50L and I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent (4 lbs), Vortex binoculars (3 lbs), + Compact Camera, Garmin GPS and a Solar Panel Charger kit... oh and a couple of pairs of wind gloves.

 

[KinkyOne]

@thetravellingpen
Hi! As much as I try I can't find the crucial "...but weighed the pack as a whole" in your post???

 

[dougfitz]

I grew up wilderness backpacking in the 1960's and never heard of the 10% idea until I walked the Camino Frances in 2013. I think any reasonably fit adult can easily carry 20 lbs without any problem, assuming you have a good backpack that keeps the weight mostly on your hips. On my Camino I carried about 22 pounds (about 17% of my weight) with no problems. I suggest you just go by what feels right for you and forget about 10%.

I often refer to the advice given in the US walking classic, The Complete Plain Walker (I have the fourth edition). It uses a from the skin out measure, and suggests that loads up to 20% will have minimal effect on walking speed and endurance. It also recommends not to exceed a total load of more than 30% FSO.

It is always good advice to reduce the weight of one's pack, and I do think that for a summer camino, using a 10% target is about right, but it is not some absolute rule. I wouldn't recommend it for other seasons.

 

[rometimed]

I often refer to the advice given in the US walking classic, The Complete Plain Walker (I have the fourth edition). It uses a from the skin out measure, and suggests that loads up to 20% will have minimal effect on walking speed and endurance. It also recommends not to exceed a total load of more than 30% FSO.

It is always good advice to reduce the weight of one's pack, and I do think that for a summer camino, using a 10% target is about right, but it is not some absolute rule. I wouldn't recommend it for other seasons.

Depends on how you want to Camino though. Some of us want to tent out sometimes

 

[domigee]

I found I didn't need to carry food, I'm not quite sure why everyone else seems to, although I did cart a can of tuna around for some days before depositing it in an albergue kitchen to get rid of it. I also only carried a 500ml bottle of water. I found there were enough bars along the way to stock up on coffee etc during the day.

You're absolutely right, no need to carry food on the Camino francés (unless you walk in Winter - I read that a lot of places are closed). I carried food however when walking in France (and other countries) when there were long stretches and no bars or shops available and more often than not, no breakfast either. I think I'll do the same on Via de la Plata this summer, on some stretches.

 

[thetravellingpen]

My list is basically this except my pack is 50L and I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent (4 lbs), Vortex binoculars (3 lbs), + Compact Camera, Garmin GPS and a Solar Panel Charger kit... oh and a couple of pairs of wind gloves.

With a good smart phone, you won't need the camera and the Garmin, as it has both. And won't need a guide book. I didn't need gloves, but then I walked in summer.

 

[thetravellingpen]

I didn't weigh individual items, but packed everything and then weighed it. So it included one set of clothes, as the other was being worn, if that makes sense?

@thetravellingpen
Hi! As much as I try I can't find the crucial "...but weighed the pack as a whole" in your post???

 

[dougfitz]

Depends on how you want to Camino though. Some of us want to tent out sometimes

Yes, and the advice to pack as light as possible and keep below 20% FSO if possible and definitely below 30% FSO still applies.

 

[KinkyOne]

I didn't weigh individual items, but packed everything and then weighed it. So it included one set of clothes, as the other was being worn, if that makes sense?

I understand that you weighed everything packed, but what was the result? How many kilos? I can't find it in your post...

 

[Ahhhs]

I weigh 56kg. Pack was 4.6kg in July/Aug last year. Really light, and didn't want for anything.

 

[Tia Valeria]

My pack weight has been around the 6.5kgs plus water (but Terry has carried my sleeping bag) That is 10% of my body weight, but only because it is comfortable not because of a 'rule'. I have some bits in my pockets and my camera case round my neck. This year I hope to get the weight down to 6.25kgs with the water as we are walking later and I am that much older too . Packing list posted on the Camino 2015 blog, but it isn't final as I am swapping some items for their lighter versions (which I already have). A difference of 10gms here and there soon adds up.

 

[MichaelSG]

I think the question is What did your pack weigh

....and I think the answer is....

I weigh 56kg. Pack was 4.6kg in July/Aug last year. Really light, and didn't want for anything.

There was confusion because thetravellingpen's answer came before the question was asked.

 

[KinkyOne]

....and I think the answer is....


There was confusion because thetravellingpen's answer came before the question was asked.

You got it right, Michael. The weight was in travellingpen's first post and my question was after her second post with all the details on packing list. But without the weight

Sorry for this confusion I've started...

 

[dougfitz]

At the end of the CF in May 2010, I was carrying about 8.5kg bare weight plus pack. Repacked into a smaller pack, this was just over 10kg. I had started with much more!

On the CI last year (Apr 2014) my pack weighed 11kg, including walking poles, so about 10.4kg, but I carried about 1 kg of 'toys' which I didn't weigh, so perhaps about 11.4 kg bare weight.

My ideal walking weight is about 80kg. I would love to be even close to that again!

To answer the topic question completely, I perhaps should have added that start each day with about 2li of water, and my worn clothing, boots and trekking poles weigh about 2.9kg. On the CI this year I didn't carry much food, mainly some dried fruit, muesli bars and some sweets. This would make my FSO weight about 16kg at the start of the day.

 

[Al the optimist]

If I was to discuss it with the Doctor I am sure that he would say I carry too much. Unfortunately he would not be referring to my pack. However he doesn't appreciate that if I was to stand upright I am over 8 foot! (slight exaggeration there). Seriously though, at over 95 kilos (on a good day) and only carrying 4 kilos I don't think I should be part of this thread.

 

[dougfitz]

I don't think I should be part of this thread.

I disagree. It is just as important to know about how you approach this as it is to hear from anyone of us who carry more.

 

[domigee]

4 kgs, WOW, and I thought I was doing well!
Very impressed

 

[naplesdon]

I return from the Camino every year and wonder to myself, why did I carry this or that for 45 days? Yeah, you might need Speedos for the two or three swimming pools you could find to get to cool off in and the moleskins I never use and share with injured pilgrims; make me feel good!
It gets to be a lighter load every year.

 

[Tia Valeria]

If weight on the feet makes a difference then check your boots/shoes. My practise pair weigh 120gms each more than my camino pair. So with 510gms on each foot instead of 630gms I should fly. Seriously it is 240 gms excess weight IMO.

 

[rlang290]

I'm carrying about 11 kilos and am having no problems.
It's all an individual thing.
Some are so concerned about weight that they cut their toothbrush in half! They might think "11 KILOS!?! That's insane!"
When I was in the Army I used to have to carry the receiver group of a .50 cal (approx 15 kilos) in addition to all my other kit.
Like I said earlier, it's all an individual thing. Trust me, an 11 kg rucksack is nothing for me!

 

[Bumble]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

On my 3 Camino's so far,...7/8 days each one....my pack weighed between 5-6 kg....I weigh Approx 90 kg...very comfortable weight for me ...for my next 3 Camino's this year I will have exactly the same in my pack.

 

[NualaOC]

I weigh around 55kg and I comfortably carry about 8kgs. However, I will take all of this great advice and aim for a much lighter load this year! Thanks @thetravellingpen for sharing your list.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Is anyone tallying these numbers to see if the 10% rule applies?

I for one think its nonsense because it doesn't take into account what one's weight is composed of (read fitness level) and then what is really needed in the bag.

Very curious to see answers.

 

[AJ]

On my first Camino, Mozarabe/VdlP, I carried 17kg plus food and water in a 25 year old 60 litre pack. I had no lightweight gear, everything was old and heavy rather like me.

I now carry around 13 kg plus food and water, but this includes tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag which are probably unnecessary on some routes. I could get this weight down further but choose not to as it doesn't bother me - yet.

 

[domigee]

http://news.sciencemag.org/physics/2014/10/when-backpacking-it-pays-be-small

Not sure where that leaves us

 

[NoQ]

When on the Frances, I got away with 7 kilos + water.

Last April I walked the Ingles and carried 23 kilos in a packed 90 litre backpack. I was absolutely bushed after the Betanzos - Bruma stage. I had gone back to the UK for my first week of hols and had bought lots of clothes (that actually are sold in proper sizes and are 3 times cheaper than in HK) and prezzies to take back, but I had to carry it all with me for 6 days on the Ingles first.

 

[hampshire!tim]

172cm height
90kg body weight
Pack 24kg plus water 2kg

Despite all the 10% stuff, I managed it fine.
It was rather heavy, but had reasons to carry so much on this trip (Camino Ingles)
And it's all about what you get used to.
On my previous Camino Frances, I estimated carrying about 12kg.
I found the Frances with 12kg harder than the Ingles with 24kg

I carried more because I am considering some "un-supported" walks in the future, and it was helpful to know what I could manage.
Lesson : I can carry bit more if needed.

For a someone who has not walked distances before, yes, carry as little as possible.
But it's not the weight which is the issue, it's how comfortable you are with it

Don't shoot me !

 

[peregrina2000]

http://news.sciencemag.org/physics/2014/10/when-backpacking-it-pays-be-small

Not sure where that leaves us

Well, what do you know, another myth (apparently) shattered. I do have to say, though, that it makes sense to me. I've seen lots of very fit pilgrims on the small side carrying larger packs with no apparent adverse consequences. And it never did make sense to me to think that if I just gained 20 more pounds of unwanted weight I'd be able to carry 2 more pounds on my back.

I do my best to keep the weight down, but usually weigh in around 8-9 kg. I've never had a problem and I think one of the most important factors in this equation is whether you've got a pack that works for you. Getting that weight properly to the hips is so important, IMO, whether it's a 4 kg pack or a 24 kg pack.

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Dutch]

Probably 11-12kg ex food and water. I tend to carry a lot of nonsense that you dont really need but are just fun to have. I bring a 200 gram (incl 1 x 18650 recharg batterie) flashlight that shines brighter then most cars. Who needs this, really, but its fun to use in the dark when outside
Or an e-reader that hardly gets used, but what if all of u sudden i want to read? Tadaaa...
2 lightweight towels. Why? Just because i can and also because i hate doing laundry every day. Rather spent my time not reading the ereader i brought or drinking cafe con leches with my new found vino tinto loving friends in the local bar.
ect ect....

 

[jpflavin1]

I am 185cm's (6'1"), 90kg's (200lbs). My first Camino pack was 12kg's and my last was 9kg's.

The right weight, imo, is different for everyone based on a variety of factors fitness, age, health, how well fitted the pack is, season you are walking, distribution of weight etc. There is no one rule or algorithm fits all. I like 10% as a guideline because it is simple. That said, the Camino will teach you that you need very little.

My suggestion is that an individual pack whatever they need to feel comfortable (personally) and a weight they have at least practiced carrying.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Melensdad]

http://news.sciencemag.org/physics/2014/10/when-backpacking-it-pays-be-small

Not sure where that leaves us

My interpretation of it is that the 10% rule actually doesn't mean much.

Get a pack that properly fits your body. Carry the lightest you can carry, while still carrying what you need to be comfortable. If that is 7kg or 15kg, so be it. Seems to me that people are too hung on the concept of the "10% rule" when it is nothing more than a guideline and probably should only be applied to the "average" size person.

People who are bigger/heavier than average should probably adhear to a 7%, 8% or 9% rule.

People who are smaller/slighter can probably easily manage an 11%, 12% or even a 13% rule.

Comfort on any hike is critical. Start with a well fitting lightweight pack that can properly carry/support your intended load and correctly transfer the weight to your hips. Oh, and then if you are walking with a partner who weighs less than you, give her the bottle of wine to carry in her pack

 

[SYates]

I tend do be more of 'normal light packer' than an ultra-light packer. The one thing I learned over the years is that it is more important that your bag fits you and its fell balanced over your hips than what the actual weight (within reason) actually is. So, ready to be hit over the head by the UL crowd now, I would say that anything between 3kg to 12kg is ok as long as you carry your bag comfortably and have all what you truly need with you. Buen Camino! SY

 

[froghollowgal]

I know we are all trying to keep our pack weight down to a reasonable level.
And lots of people are shooting for that magic 10% number.
The big weight vs. comfort question.

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

Thanks!

I am about 5 ft 6 in tall and was 63 years old on my walk. I didn't realize that the weight of my backpack alone would make a difference, but it was two pounds (0.9 kg) heavier than I should have had, and the extra weight made a big difference over all. The weight of the whole pack with water was about 22 pounds (9.97 kg), and that made it quite heavy to carry. I didn't pack anything that I didn't use, but one thing that makes a difference is the size of your clothes. If you are larger, your clothes will just naturally be heavier than a smaller person's, and your pack will unavoidably be heavier, in my opinion.

 

[dougfitz]

My interpretation of it is that the 10% rule actually doesn't mean much.

Get a pack that properly fits your body. Carry the lightest you can carry, while still carrying what you need to be comfortable. If that is 7kg or 15kg, so be it. Seems to me that people are too hung on the concept of the "10% rule" when it is nothing more than a guideline and probably should only be applied to the "average" size person.

People who are bigger/heavier than average should probably adhear to a 7%, 8% or 9% rule.

People who are smaller/slighter can probably easily manage an 11%, 12% or even a 13% rule.

Comfort on any hike is critical. Start with a well fitting lightweight pack that can properly carry/support your intended load and correctly transfer the weight to your hips. Oh, and then if you are walking with a partner who weighs less than you, give her the bottle of wine to carry in her pack

If you delve into the article being quoted, the author uses pack weights of 20%, 30% and 40% of body weight for his examples of maximum backpack weight. I suspect the 10% guideline, in its place, is still pretty safe, irrespective of one's size.

 

[Melensdad]

If you delve into the article being quoted, the author uses pack weights of 20%, 30% and 40% of body weight for his examples of maximum backpack weight. I suspect the 10% guideline, in its place, is still pretty safe, irrespective of one's size.

I actually read the entire article.

I noticed the wide range of pack weights to body size, the ability of an ant to lift a potato chip, etc.

I still think that the pack weight issue is very subjective and I've always questioned the concept of the 10% guideline as valid. Hiking remote places tend to invalidate it pretty quickly since its difficult NOT to carry 20% of your body weight when food is factored in, and that assumes carrying water purification tablets and/or filters for drinking out of streams so carrying large amounts of (HEAVY) water is eliminated. Perhaps its my background in winter packing or a bit of time on the AT that leads me to look at the 10% rule with a huge grain of salt.

Not that I am suggesting carrying a pound, nor even an ounce, more than necessary, but I still suggest a proper fitting pack is going to increase long distance comfort more than shaving off that last few ounces.

 

[dougfitz]

I actually read the entire article.

I noticed the wide range of pack weights to body size, the ability of an ant to lift a potato chip, etc.

I still think that the pack weight issue is very subjective and I've always questioned the concept of the 10% guideline as valid. Hiking remote places tend to invalidate it pretty quickly since its difficult NOT to carry 20% of your body weight when food is factored in, and that assumes carrying water purification tablets and/or filters for drinking out of streams so carrying large amounts of (HEAVY) water is eliminated. Perhaps its my background in winter packing or a bit of time on the AT that leads me to look at the 10% rule with a huge grain of salt.

Not that I am suggesting carrying a pound, nor even an ounce, more than necessary, but I still suggest a proper fitting pack is going to increase long distance comfort more than shaving off that last few ounces.

I think we are in violent agreement here.

 

[Ahhhs]

On long journeys I also think that often a little "extra" comfort/luxury/fun item can really add to the experience. Whether it's an extra pair of socks so you don't have to wash as often or a warm pair of gloves or even that ridiculous thing that you like to hang from your pack because it makes you smile.

As long as your favorite thing isn't a bowling ball...it's all good.

 

[Con Palos]

In Zubiri last year a pilgrim had a set of scales and weighed anyone's bags who wanted them weighed and the weights ranged wildly from over 14 kilos to 7 kilos. One guy was carrying 30 kilos and made it look effortless. My pack weighed 8 kilos with provisions.

 

[Melensdad]

In Zubiri last year a pilgrim had a set of scales and weighed anyone's bags who wanted them weighed and the weights ranged wildly from over 14 kilos to 7 kilos. One guy was carrying 30 kilos and made it look effortless. My pack weighed 8 kilos with provisions.

I think this illustrates proper pack fit as much as anything else.

Use a pack that actually fits your body (is fitted to your body) and use a pack suitable for carrying the amount of weight you will carry, and the actual weight of the load not be as big a deal as some might suggest.

Of course there is no reason to carry extra weight, but the "10% of body weight" guideline carried on the Camino would be considered ultra-light compared to the 25-30% of body weight carried by hikers on the 200+ mile John Muir Trail where 50 to 60 pound packs are common. Pack designs make a huge difference in how much a pack will comfortably carry. "Internal frame" construction typically will carry more than "framesheet suspension" systems, and there are other systems. The key is to get a system that effectively transfers the weight to your hips, which is where you should carry your load.

Also, properly using the packs adjustments ~~ AFTER IT HAS BEEN PROPERLY FITTED ~~ can make or break your comfort. In this order, every time you put on your pack, tighten your hip belt, then adjust your should straps and finally adjust your load straps (those straps on top of your shoulder straps). The load straps can/should be adjusted during the day too so you can move the weight forward/backward slightly.

My daughter wanted to hike in the Carolinas with a North Face daypack. It had a semi-flexible back, no airflow along the back, and just a slim nylon strap instead of a hipbelt. I wouldn't let her do it! Fitted her with a Lowe Alpine AirZone Centro 35 daypack and she was in heaven compared to the N.F. daypack, which was better suited for commuter or campus use. But many people, my daughter included, don't really understand the differences. Pack fit and design make a world of difference in comfort and load capability

 

[rometimed]

Mine is a 55L and will be somewhere between 10-12 kilos, with water... before food.

 

[fiona99]

Have really struggled with weight of my pack...which is prob too big but fits really well....no shoulder pain which was awful with smaller pack....1/2hr and I was ready to give up......it is now less than 10kilos including poles excluding food/water...Am walking April/May so have packed for all weather , which as others have said will ultimately weigh more than packing for summer. Only time will tell if it is too much but has been ok on training walks.

 

[Mysticl]

Right now my pack is about 8.5 kg maybe a little less BUT ... I plan to add about 3 more things that I have decided are "must haves" which may increase that load to about 9.5 baybe even 10 kg including allowances for food and at least 1L of water. Heavy but unfortunately still less than 10% of my body weight ... that said there are several things in my pack that will be shared between my husband an myself and in fact my listed pack weight includes ALL such items, some of which will ultimately end up in my husband's pack He is lighter and more fit than myself (retired military) so he may actually end up carrying most of those extra items but I have practiced with my pack over about 7km of trail walking including hills and it was very comfortable at 3/4 of my eventual total weight and in fact I generally didn't even notice it was there until I went to sit down and the pack was in the way of the back of the bench ... I could "feel" the weight but there seemed to be no consequences of CARRYING the weight ... it was just a non issue ... my toe rubbing on a hot spot in my boots bothered me more ... (now hopefully resolved, it was a new boot symptom) I am aiming at a final weight of about 8.5 - 9 kg but it remains to be seen if I can achieve that. I guess it depends on what Hubby brings and how much of my load he will be taking on for himself but he is very much a less is more, kind of guy so he will likely be travelling fairly light to start, with plenty of room for the first aid kit and water/food/ camera, chargers etc ... if needed.

 

[Brissy]

Over the years it has reduced. The first time was 9K plus water/food though I carry little food except where the stretch requires it. Now down to 4Kplus food/water in hot and dry weather (ie carrying soft shell and raincoat). Actually don't have a backpack any more.

Hello Al,
Just interested - how do you carry your gear without a pack? Sounds like a good way to walk.

 

[Al the optimist]

Waist bag plus stuff sack attached to it. I decided it not was not as practical as I had hoped. So back to a light backpack. Still only 4K though with warm/wet gear included.

 

[Mjb99]

3.5 kg on my first Camino. Really light and honestly didn't want for anything

 

[Inbar]

3.5 kg on my first Camino. Really light and honestly didn't want for anything

I suppose water and food aren't included
Please share your secrets!

 

[Mjb99]

No secret, just very little. 20l pack so had to really keep it the minimum.

 

[SabsP]

My pack for this summer camino will be a 33L of 850 grams with content of 4.3 k. Total bit more than five k. And then add 1.5 litre water and some food. Seven k.

 

[Linni]

I will walk september/October with a FSO of 7.5 kg included (1.5 liter) water and food. I'm quite happy with it even though its 2.5 kilos more than 10% my bodyweight.

I had a look at a BMI calculator and checked my BMI with and without everything I will bring. Even with those extra kilos I'm still in the "normal weight" category..

As a first time pilgrim I don't really know... But I hope (and think) my body should be able to deal with this..

 

[Kanga]

On the Norte this year we carried about 12 kilos each, which is about 5 kilos more than usual - we were carrying tents and associated extra stuff. It wasn't a problem, probably because we have superb packs.

 

[fiona99]

Have really struggled with weight of my pack...which is prob too big but fits really well....no shoulder pain which was awful with smaller pack....1/2hr and I was ready to give up......it is now less than 10kilos including poles excluding food/water...Am walking April/May so have packed for all weather , which as others have said will ultimately weigh more than packing for summer. Only time will tell if it is too much but has been ok on training walks.

Update I sent on 2.5kgs of gear...including some clothes and sleeping bag....mainly due to very hot weather....although was not really struggling with my original pack weight.....it was noticeably easier with less.....I did buy some really cheap light thin vest tops to replace tech t-shirts and found this worked very well.

 

[WldWil]

Because of my sore knee, I got my pack stripped to 5.6KG. This does not count water, food, poles or clothes I am wearing. I am still tempted drop the sleeping bag and go with a liner only, but do not like to be cold at night, so that may go after a few days as well depending upon comfort.

 

[jbear]

Indeed. Your assessment is correct. So far I can tell, it is magic and nothing more. Unfortunately it has gained credibility by being mindlessly repeated here and elsewhere.


Hardly. 10% might work as a summer weight target (NOT a rule!) but for other seasons more will need to be carried. My personal working multipliers are 1.25x for spring/autumn, and 1.5x for winter.

I don't think 10% of body weight is very hard to achieve on the CF. Now if we were talking Appalachian Trail that would be rough, and on the PCT it probably would not happen, just due to the amount of water you need to carry. 16 lbs (7.25 kg) for pack & gear, about 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) of things to wear, 2 liters of water, and a half kilo of food. You don't need a tent, stove, water filter, cooking gear, etc. But in the end it's not like your feet are going to fall off if you have 13%. Years (decades really) ago I spent a week walking with a 45 lb pack (20.5 kg), but I was only going 10 miles a day.

For reference I weigh 195 lbs (88.5 kg), my doctor says I should weigh no more than 185 lbs (84kg), so I'm at a 10 lb disadvantage right from the start, making me a bit more cautious about what I carry.

So I could have done it if I didn't take my "luxury" items, or if I had bought gear specifically for the Camino instead of just using my backpacking gear. I know I was under after I got to Burgos and mailed my winter stuff to SdC (I started in March and it was still snowing in the mountains). But if you've trained with the weight, and you're comfortable, I wouldn't sweat being a little over the 10%.

Something else to consider is how much the things you are wearing weigh. My goal was less than 10% of my body weight, from the skin out, excluding water. The reason I use "from the skin out" is this; what goes into your pack will depend on the day's weather, but you're carrying it no matter where it ends up. I don't like to count water because it changes, a lot. Some days I had a 1/2 liter, other days I had 2 liters.

As always, YMMV.

 

[Inbar]

At the Santiago airport, my pack weighed 6 kilos. That did not include any water of course. I would have loved to carry no more than 10%, but that would mean 5 kilos, which may be impossible. There are hardly any things that weren't necessary - maybe it could have left a few hundred grams at home. It was comfortable most days nonetheless.

 

[Pawel]

Got back from my first Camino few days ago.
I've carried 4,3kg + little food and water (very rarely more than half a liter and 0,2-0,3kg of various nuts and dark chocolate; ~0,8-1kg; due to frequent shops and bars/fountains).
That was in a warm and sunny day with all in the pack. FSO ~7,7-7,9 with food and water. All equipment was meticulously weighed and noted.
And that was already reduced with some equipment swaps for the next Camino.

And during the Way I have walked with or met a lot of Pilgrims with less, more or much more weight (often effortlessly) carried in their backpacks.

Thank You for all great discussions, suggestions, lists and tips.

 

[jbear]

And during the Way I have walked with or met a lot of Pilgrims with less, more or much more weight (often effortlessly) carried in their backpacks.

Thank You for all great discussions, suggestions, lists and tips.

No 'thumbs up' smiley on here, but that is right on the money. The discussion are fun, but don't obsess over it! Of course I didn't take my own advice when I was getting ready to leave. The only thing that kept me from multiple repacks was staying busy the last two weeks before I left, and basically going directly from work to the airport.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I always thought it was 10% of ones ideal body weight (IBW)...that may explain in part why the thin person handles a larger load (their weight more accurately reflects their IBW). In other words you don't get to toss in 5 extra pounds if you're 50 pounds over weight...if anything, subtract 5 pounds bc of the extra baggage already carried every day. I don't, however, advocate loading up on the thin pilgrims, especially females, as their bones and joints will suffer more from sudden excess weight compared to their non-Camino walking around.

FWIIW I kept my pack weight to under 10% including enough water and food to last until the next food/water source. Since as mentioned by others there are only a few places that is a long distance (more likely it seemed to me on the Norte and Primitivo ) so most days I carried well under 10%...but I already owned lightweight small sized tech clothes, and splurged (and was lucky enough to be able to) on a light weight good to 10 degrees bag bc I knew I would be cold

 

[jbear]

^^^ Very good point. Being overweight means you put less into your pack, not more.

 

[Devon Mike]

I am 1.85m tall and weigh 95kgs.

On my first Camino in May/June 2014 at age 66, I carried 9.5kgs including water, so spot on the 10% recommendation. That was for 912kms in 34 days walking from SJPP to Santiago then to Finisterre and Muxia.

The weather was warmer than I expected so for my 2015 Camino in May/June at age 67 I took less clothes, no sleeping bag just a silk liner and a smaller pack which all added up to a pack weight of 5.5kgs including water. That was for 1,006kms in 49 days from SJPP to Santiago then to Finisterre, Muxia and finally the walk back to Santiago.

 

[VNwalking]

The pack weighed 11 kg at the airport, obviously without water or food. I'm 167cm (5'6") and 65kg (145lb)
For me the 10% guideline is a quixotic dream; 20% seems more reasonable. Walking in March, I can't skimp on warmth (and use a sleeping bag that weighs about 8oogm...). My clothes are extremely simple but certainly not ultra-light tech fabric. Cotton and a bit bulky, but there are no other options in my case. I was pretty pared down in terms of stuff and I used most of what I brought.
What I will jettison next time is most of my first-aid kit. It was definitely overkill. And my boots, which I only used twice. In March that's a bit of a gamble, but they are heavy.
And maybe the camera? Now that would be renunciation!

 

[dougfitz]

The pack weighed 11 kg at the airport, obviously without water or food. I'm 167cm (5'6") and 65kg (145lb)
For me the 10% guideline is a quixotic dream; 20% seems more reasonable. Walking in March, I can't skimp on warmth (and use a sleeping bag that weighs about 8oogm...). My clothes are extremely simple but certainly not ultra-light tech fabric. Cotton and a bit bulky, but there are no other options in my case. I was pretty pared down in terms of stuff and I used most of what I brought.
What I will jettison next time is most of my first-aid kit. It was definitely overkill. And my boots, which I only used twice. In March that's a bit of a gamble, but they are heavy.
And maybe the camera? Now that would be renunciation!

In the circumstances you describe, doubling pack weight/volume is not a particular surprise. The volume formula from The Complete Walker IV, an American walking classic, suggest increases of 25-100% for spring and winter walking, and 20% for having average gear rather than being completely equipped with expensive, ultra-light equipment. This formula is used in the online calculator at backpacking-guide.com.

 

[VNwalking]

In the circumstances you describe, doubling pack weight/volume is not a particular surprise.

Thank you for this, dougfitz--I had been scratching my head, wondering just how in the world people were walking around carrying so little weight. It's not like I'm taking lots of extras....

 

[partyartie]

Is anyone tallying these numbers to see if the 10% rule applies?

I for one think its nonsense because it doesn't take into account what one's weight is composed of (read fitness level) and then what is really needed in the bag.

Very curious to see answers.

Hi, A del C

You got the point.

What is REALLY needed, not just in case.

I saw last April-May so many people that I think only thing they left home were wallpapers.
I felt sorry for them when I saw the mess when they tried to pack everything and how nervous they got
first thing in the morning.

Must say that I had a lot of things too much with me (even after sending 2,5 kg back home) but I learned my lesson.

Best

 

[Devon Mike]

Carrying just the essential basics is so much part of the Camino experience for me.

Keep it simple.

 

[tomnorth]

I walked this fall with a 22 pound pack, including water and my camera. I weigh 225 pounds and am 6' 2". I was happy with the weight of my pack.

 

[zzotte]

I'm doing my Camino in early April and at 4.5kg includes the backpack because of the possibility of cold weather in April I can't drop anymore weight first for safety reasons and second for confort or at least what is your perception any way.

Zzotte

 

[AlwynWellington]

I'm curious to know for those who have walked, what was your final pack weight?
How much did you actually carry on your Camino? How did you feel about it?
Too much? About right?

My first camino was in late June 2010. I was well over 90 kg, not very fit and I had a smallish day pack (about 20 L, I guess). Even though I left quite a bit of stuff at Compostela before busing to Sarria the day pack was stuffed full: the silliest thing was a bulky cotton sleeping bag liner weighing about 400 gram. And I struggled: the day pack kept punching my kidneys and pulled at my shoulders. I don't know the final pack weight. All I can say in retrospect is "heavy".

Carrying just the essential basics is so much part of the Camino experience for me.

Keep it simple.

With the help of many on other discussions I have critically looked at what I have stashed away and over New Year shed about 2 kg. So now about 6 kg including pack, 0.5 L of water and some food. And including a tent at 0.8 kg (with poles, pegs and air mattress). So that my simple.

I'm doing my Camino in early April and at 4.5kg includes the backpack because of the possibility of cold weather in April I can't drop anymore weight first for safety reasons and second for confort or at least what is your perception any way.

My "new pack" (Arc Blast 52 L from zPacks) weighs the same as the 20 L day pack from 2010. With everything thing in, but not (for comparison purposes) the sleeping bag, tent and food, the all up weight is just on 5 kg. It has a frame that keeps the bag away from my back, more adjustments and can take shoulder and waist pouches.

Now I've just attempted to stuff in everything into the 20 L day pack from 2010. Resulting weight was just on 4 kg. But no sleeping bag or liner (no spare space) and other stuff couldn't get in either, it was fiddly to get into and there would be a limit of 500 ml for water.

 

[zzotte]

My "new pack" (Arc Blast 52 L from zPacks) weighs the same as the 20 L day pack from 2010. With everything thing in, but not (for comparison purposes) the sleeping bag, tent and food, the all up weight is just on 5 kg. It has a frame that keeps the bag away from my back, more adjustments and can take shoulder and waist pouches.

Now I've just attempted to stuff in everything into the 20 L day pack from 2010. Resulting weight was just on 4 kg. But no sleeping bag or liner (no spare space) and other stuff couldn't get in either, it was fiddly to get into and there would be a limit of 500 ml for water.[/QUOTE]

I also changed backs for this walk I'm going with elemental horizons a cottege backpack manufacture my is the Aduro 40L at 21oz
With the quilt and liner plus my umbrella I'm 4.5k plus water. I'm ok with that.

Zzotte