• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Advanced search…

Search results for query: *

  1. StepheninDC

    Don't sweat the packing list

    As another famous Irishman (Oscar Wilde) said, "Life is too important to be taken seriously."
  2. StepheninDC

    Don't sweat the packing list

    I thought it was "men sweat, women glisten." :p
  3. StepheninDC

    Don't sweat the packing list

    Thank you, it's a very good list. There's a typo in the first line, however. The expression is "...poring over," not "pouring" (unless you're talking about wine, water, etc.). :D I'm glad you recommended Icebreaker (though, being Kiwis, you might be a *bit* biased). I purchased several items...
  4. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Thanks, yep, I'm a proud Amazon Prime member. :) I try not to return stuff too much, though. (although I did just today return a copy of John Brierley's book because I saw there's a newer edition of it available now.)
  5. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Yes, you're correct, I did end up buying the Osprey Manta 36, and I do love it. Interesting that Osprey is planning to put the AG system on the Stratos models, I did not know that. BTW this might be because my pack is still pretty light, but I remember in the REI store where I tried it on, the...
  6. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Thanks, yeah I saw the Osprey Stratos 36 online and also saw the little video they have about it. Unfortunately, no stores in my area have it in stock, and as you know, a backpack is something you absolutely have to try on in person before buying. Thanks for your suggestion, though, I appreciate it!
  7. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I did end up purchasing the Osprey Manta AG 36, and over the weekend, I "loaded it up" with my gear. I put that in quotations because I don't have everything yet, it was a couple pairs of trousers, two merino shirts, two pairs of sock liners, 2 pairs of...
  8. StepheninDC

    Hiking pants

    Thank you for a fantastic, easy to read, well thought out post! Super helpful. I tried locating the REI "Safari" model and it looks like it's been replaced or discontinued by the "Sahara" model. Hopefully these will work out for me. Thanks again for your post!
  9. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    That's true, and I buy a TON of stuff from Amazon (just ask my wife, LOL!). However, I almost never return stuff: a friend of mine got a nastygram from them saying he was essentially banned from transacting with them due to excessive returns. I don't want that happening to me. :( Anyway, a pack...
  10. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Also, I would need to try something like that on before buying, and you can't do that with Amazon. I'd have to find a local retailer and as I said, the Vaude site said there weren't any...
  11. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Weird, I tried using my zip code, and the country names USA and Canada on their "find a dealer" search engine, and it kept saying there were no dealers. Maybe they need to fix their site, haha! Kind of a moot point, though, I ordered an Osprey pack from REI and got it yesterday.
  12. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately they have no retailers in the USA.
  13. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    @HikeTall, thanks a lot. Yeah, that pack just felt right from the very beginning. I really liked how it sat on the back as well. Some of the other packs were also very comfortable, but I noticed that the top part of the pack would tend to hit the back of my head. One of the things I liked about...
  14. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    So I decided to go ahead and order the Osprey Manta AG 36 from REI, and they're shipping it to me tomorrow. After I tried on a few more packs on Monday (loaded, of course), I decided that it was the best suited for me. I plan to start doing some practice walking soon, and I've bought a few items...
  15. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Thank you, I took a look at the Zpacks website and almost fainted, the prices are double what the Ospreys are! Ouch! The cheapest one I looked at was $299 and it didn't seem to have many features with it. Thanks for the suggestion, though!
  16. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Wow, that's a lot of ziplock bags! Funny that you mentioned S Yates's book. I got it as a Christmas present and already read it. I am strictly carrying no more than 10 lbs. I put that in the pack today at REI and it feels fine. I tried on a couple of Gregory packs, too. Theirs are very nice...
  17. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Oh, I'm definitely planning on bringing ziplock bags. They're part of my regular travel accessory kit.
  18. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    Thank you, I tend to agree. I appreciate all of the advice because I'm new to all of this. I am really enjoying the backpack search. Things are much more advanced than when I used to carry a school backpack!
  19. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    REI is great, that's where I've been concentrating my searches. They indeed have great staff, in fact I called two of the locations where I shopped in order to tell the manager what a great job their employees did. I plan to head out there again tomorrow to see some more gear.
  20. StepheninDC

    Backpack recommendations

    I have seen various suggestions on here to bring a small toiletry bag to bring to the bathroom, in order to keep valuables nearby while one showers. This seems to fit the bill and is very light, to boot. It also has a hook for hanging up, which was another suggested feature.

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Latest posts

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top