A woman with a mans's backpack?

[LesBrass]

Hello - sorry if this is a bit daft but...

I've been looking at backpacks and I know this is a subject that has been very well covered across the forum but I wonder if someone can confirm if I need a mans' pack? I'm 5'10" and I've got broad shoulders

I've read that the woman's packs are built with the female form in mind but having tried on a few today I just felt they were too small/short?

Are they really that different or will a man's pack be just fine for me?

I've got the same issue with shoes too. I take a 42 wide so if I'm looking at a size bigger I'm slipping into the chaps options again... but I'm guessing with shoes it makes no difference?

I do have scoliosis and I have a tendancy to walk on the outside of my feet so making sure I have the right pack and keeping my back healthy is important.

many thanks in advance

 

[MendiWalker]

Hi LesBrass

The best way to find out is try backpack after backpack till you find the one which best fits.
I know it´s a tiresome job filling backpacks so you can get some kind of idea of how they will
or won´t fit you but it´s the only thing you can do.
It doesn´t matter if the backpack is for a man or a woman.You just have to find yours

Buen Camino!

 

[karenfromcali]

Hi LesBrass.
If you have an REI or similar sports store local to you they should be able to measure you and help you find a pack with the best fit for your frame.

 

[Anne100]

It doesn't matter what the tag says, it only matters that it fits you and is comfortable.

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

I have never had a female backpack as they don't fit my body structure at all. The same with most of my shoes/boots.

 

[Anne100]

Same here. I'm tall and broad, I finally gave up on commercial packs and had one custom made. I always wear men's shoes for hiking.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I have a women's pack and love the way it fits me like a glove, but when I first tried it on, it felt odd. You need to fill the base of the pack with some weight to find out how it sits on you- and in a shop with trained sales staff, you should be able to get some assistance to work out what you need.
Margaret
PS I mostly have to wear men's shoes for hiking as well, as I have a long foot.

 

[LesBrass]

many thanks for the replies - We're going to make a trip to Bordeaux in the hope that we'll find bigger stores with more of a selection and someone with more knowledge than me! I'll try on a few and hopefully the staff will be able to fit it. I wont need the pack until early next year so I was hoping to find one in the january sales... but if I know in advance what I want and what fits I'll be ready to find my bargain!

many thanks again

 

[Kitsambler]

... a mans' pack? I'm 5'10" and I've got broad shoulders

As you have discovered, the women's packs are designed for shorter/smaller folks - including men. Which means that men's packs are designed for taller, broad-shouldered folks - like you! The specific points of difference are the spacing of the shoulder straps (likely not a problem for you, if your shoulders are broad) and the construction of the hip belt. The hip belt is really important, since that's where the majority of the weight transfers from the pack load to your body. So try several of the "men's" packs and see how the hip belt fits you best.

... I've got the same issue with shoes too. I take a 42 wide so if I'm looking at a size bigger I'm slipping into the chaps options again... but I'm guessing with shoes it makes no difference?

I wear a 43 medium (I'd be tall too if there weren't so much of me turned under!) myself. The main difference between men's and women's shoes is the width of the heel. For the same size shoe, men's will have a wider heel. So if your heel is narrower, you may need to add some heel inserts to make the fit more snug in that part of the show.

... I do have scoliosis and I have a tendancy to walk on the outside of my feet ...

Also I would strongly recommend replacing the factory insole with a good hiking insole, for better support.

 

[t2andreo]

PLEASE, go to a GOOD outdoors store (in the U.S. REI is one in Canada try M.E.C.) and ask if they have a fitting form for rucksacks, and a knowledgeable person to use it. The fitting form is a piece of molded plastic that conforms to your back. They strap it to your back and locate your third vetebrae at the top of your spine for reference. The form also measures the "length" of your back for fitting purposes.

The results, when interpreted by someone who knows what they are doing results in you getting the correct size rucksack for YOUR spine. In this regard gender is irrelevant. In my experience with this, the main difference between male and female packs, aside from material color, seems to be that the female rucksacks are shorter vertically, and have shorter shoulder and waist straps.

From your information it sounds to me as though you might need a "small" mans' rucksack for the longer back and waist straps, but with the vertical aspect adjusted for your height. But, please do not try to buy through online or mail sources unless you are first properly fitted. Also consider that a size in one model or brand may be different in another brand or model.

Also, consider that the two single MOST IMPORTANT pieces of gear you will buy and which should be professionally fitted are hiking boots and a rucksack. You can choose to scrimp on the cost of other times to save money buy you absolutely should ensure that you have the best boots and rucksack possible. for your personal situation.

All the other stuff is just weight. But if your feet are not happy you will not be happy. If your rucksack is not correct for you, you will suffer. Considering your medical situation, I should think that it a primary requirement for you.

I recommend that your fit the boots first, then the rucksack. Be certain to wear the exact socks you plan to wear on Camino. Some model boots - like my Keen Targhee II Mid height boots) run a half-size small). The store may not have this information. I only found out after I brought the first pair home and checked the Keen website. I went back to the store and swapped for a size 13. They worked brilliantly for me.

Plus the two pair of socks add one-half size, and swelling due to being on your feet a lot can add at least another half-size. As a result, my street size 11 (US) feet (45 metric) require a Keen Targhee II boot in size 13 (US) or size 47 metric. Do the math. It makes perfect and logical sense. The boots run one-half size small, so a 13 is really a 12.5. Add .5 size for socks and .5 size for swelling and you are down to 11.5. The "extra" .5 size was not a problem, gave me expansion space for more swollen or wet feet, and was easily adjusted for using proper lacing techniques.

Also, when considering a rucksack, you should do it in concert with having the actual boots and socks you are considering on your feet. Have the sales person load the rucksack with weight. I had the fellow at my local REI shop put 24 pounds (@ 11 Kg) of sandbags in the rucksack while I walked around the store in the boots for a half-hour.

Regarding rucksack size again, for reference, I am 5' 11" with a stocky frame and large chest. I wore an Medium / Large Osprey Talon 48 liter rucksack. After a few days on the trail, I readjusted the vertical length (you can do this with the monster Velcro pads in the frame) to reduce the length all the way (to its shortest increment) so the waist belt rode correctly on top of my hip bones - the iliac crest (top of the hip socket loop). This made the rucksack "relatively" weightless. I also had the waist band snugged up ALL THE WAY - smallest fitting. The upper shoulder straps were also pulled in all the way. So, by my definition and experience - at least with this Osprey model- even given my height, I might have tried a small / medium rucksack, similar to what I am suggesting to you.

Finally, once you think you have the correctly fitted rucksack and boots, I recommend you visit your doctor - the one treating your scoliosis, to have her /him evaluate your choice and to make any appropriate suggestions for orthodics or adjustments to offset or support your special needs. I know it is a hassle and an added expense, but consider that it is better to visit the podiatrist (boots) or orthopedic specialist (spine) in your home location than it will be to find medical assistance in a country where you do not speak the language fluently and hospitals are located some distance apart.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Buen Camino y'all

Tom (from Virginia)

 

[LesBrass]

wow - thank you for the replies!

Tom - Finding someone to help me in a store is one of my worries. I live in France (which is a nation of walkers) but the sports shops that I've been to in my town just dont seem to have any more knowledge than me... and there's a limited choice.

We're going to take a trip to Bordeaux - which is a very large city... in the hope that we'll find more of a specialist store with trained staff.

My other alternative is to get a cheap flight back to the UK and go shopping over there. In my head I've allowed around 250€ for shoes and pack - I think this should be enough to get something good? But I do take the point it's not worth taking chances.

I'll have to see my doc before I leave as I am also without a thyroid due to cancer so I've agreed to a full check-up before I go... although he is happy that I'm doing the trip and thinks its a good thing to do. I dont see anyone else for my back at the moment... the curviture was only discovered during my cancer scans and xrays... but explained a lot about back pain and hip pain I had a round of physiotherapy and now I just take extra care with lifting and bending and my posture... but as you say, getting the right pack 9and shoes) could make or break my camino.

Kitsambler... good point about the insoles... tallonettes have been suggested over here (not sure what they're called in english) but I'll perhaps check them out before I go.

so much good advice!

many thanks

p.s. if anyone can recommend a good store either in France or the UK I'd be very grateful

 

[karenfromcali]

There is an Intersport store in Bordeaux that I found on google. I don't know anything about it so it may be worth a call to see if they have what you need and also if they do a measuring service. Here is their info:

INTERSPORT
Centre Commercial Meriadeck
33092Bordeaux Cedex
0033 556908120

They also have stores at Lormont, Pessac and Lacanau. Don't know if these places are near you.
Blessings,
karen

CC Carrefour Rive Droite BP 20
33310 Lormont
0033 556382538
more​

​

INTERSPORT
CC Geant- Av de la Tuileranne
33600 Pessac
0033 557892740
more​

​

INTERSPORT
Lieu Dit Gajac Route de Lacanau
33160 St Medard en Jalles
0033 556700008​

[KinkyOne]

As Tom has said for the rucksack (the fitting form in the stores) the same goes for the insoles. I remember a German pilgrim in Burgos that had problems with his boots and instead of buying new pair he went to the store where they made new insoles for him. I think it costed about 80€. If this service is available in Burgos I'm sure it should be the same in Bordeaux.

I would also second Tom's advice on boots first and then rucksack. Because with right boots it's easier to find rucksack fit to your spine.

Ultreia!

 

[mspath]

LesBrass,

Throughout France the popular sporting goods chain Decathlon has good material in a medium range of prices. Most of my autumn/winter kit has come from their stores. In Bordeaux the address is
Avenue des Français Libres, 33300 Bordeaux
Phone:05 57 19 39 39

The best sporting goods shop in France is Au Vieux Campeur, 48 Rue des Écoles 75005 Paris, tele. 01 53 10 48 48. They also have a branch in Grenoble at 25 Rue Berthe de Boissieux, 38000 Grenoble, tele. 04 76 87 06 22. Au Vieux Campeur has a long established reputation for quality mountaineering/trekking goods. Here is their web site >> http://www.auvieuxcampeur.fr/

Good luck with your shopping.

Bon Chemin and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[LesBrass]

Hello folks and thanks for the replies.

Margaret - I have a decathlon and intersport not too far from me but they dont seem to stock the specialist lines and the staff were helpful but not really able to do a 'fitting'. I use them for general equipment and will probably get my clothing and more standard kit from them... so it's good to get a recommendation... we all have their own brand fleece and coats and I've got there own range walking shoes for gardening

I have been digging a bit deeper and tracked down a store called Sport Aventure in Bordeaux... they are certified opsrey specialists so I'm hoping they'll be the ones that can help... and a day trip to Bordeaux will be a nice day out.

Au Vieux Camper is recommended by the french camino website but the closest to me would be Toulouse...if I get no joy in Bordeaux that's where we'll go.

many many thanks for the replies... it has helped me a great deal to focus on what I want and need... we'll be going shopping in a few weeks!

 

[t2andreo]

Decathlon is a very good source across Europe for general gear. I used to shop there frequently when I lived in Belgium. I still try to drop by once a year or so, just to see how things are when I go to visit my friends. Decathlon offers good quality at a fair price.

However, when you shop for anything Camino-related, anywhere, be certain to compare the weight of every item in grams. Opt for the lighter item that accomplishes the purpose wherever possible. Those pesky grams quickly add up to kilograms...

As previously stated, the most important items to be fitted correctly regardless of physical condition or illness are your hiking boots and rucksack. Your choice to visit the local Osprey specialist in Bordeaux is a very good decision. I am also familiar with the Sport Adventure outdoors chain of shops, again from living in Belgium. In my experience, they should have the fitting device I mentioned earlier. They might even be able to suggest another brand of rucksack that fits better than the Osprey.

Note that, from observation along the Camino, I would have to say that the largest tranches of rucksack brands I saw were were Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, and Quechua (Decathlon's house brand). The Italians also had a lot of Ferrino products. The Spanish also had a lot of Altus products. Both are quality brands. Ferrino is an Italian company. Altus is Spanish. There were also numbers of folks with North Face (U.S.), MEC (Canada), AARN (New Zealand), and Tatonka (Germany or Austria). All of these brands are good quality labels.

In particular, the AARN rucksack (http://www.aarnpacks.com/), while very expensive are very unique. They combine a rucksack with two, stretchy chest pouches or about 1.5 liter capacity each. The net effect is to transfer several kilo of weight from your back and shoulders to your front. This makes you walk more upright by better weight distribution. It is a brilliant concept. I met several New Zealanders (Kiwis) and they swore by them. If New Zealand were not so far away, I would get fitted for one. I do not know if they have any distributors in France.

You should look for the best fit, a capacity of about 40 - 46 liters, ample pockets and storage capability, and easy storage of a sleeping bag. An attached rain cover (Osrey for example) is a nice feature). Try to avoid a rucksack solution that would have too many (of what I call) "dangly bits" hanging from or attached to the outside of your pack. These items are more easily seen and potentially stolen or even lost if they fall off along the way. Pockets with zips or stretchy web fabric are best. Also try to get a model with zip pouches on the waist belt - good for lip balm, sunscreen, your pocket knife, facial tissues, and other small items you might want without having to search or remove the rucksack. Finally, the overall weight of the backpack matters too!

Bon chance!

 

[t2andreo]

Oops! I just located this source in France, from the AARN New Zealand website. It looks like an excellent shop. On the other hand, I do not think it is anywhere near where your live. C'est domage!

Check it out: http://www.aventurenordique.com/randonnee-bivouac/portage/sacs-a-dos-randonnee.html

 

[LesBrass]

Tom - thanks very much for all the information. I've started to make a list of the items I'll need and the brands and options folks here have suggested... there is sooo much information on this site my mind is awash with it all

It's great to know that the Sports Adventure store will be good... I think we'll go in October when my husband has a few days off work. I am hoping to get both shoes and pack from the store this time... Looking on their website I'm begining to think my budget is a little bit light... although I dont think I can stretch to the AARN. Although it does seem a clever idea to carry something in front.

Yesterday I was at the local market and as the little town is on the Vezelay route we do see the odd pilgrim walking through... well there was a chap with a pack on his front and his back a bit like these. I'm not sure if it was an AARN or two seperate bags? I thought it myself then it looked interesting.

the other items I buy next year and some I can get on-line and some locally... this is all a big learning curve for me but little by little or poco a poco as someone wrote earlier

 

[Ella_leah]

I have walked with a few packs - both men's and women's. the first time I wore one of my husbands packs and it was horrible! I ended up with bruises the size of my hand on both hips. After that I bought my own! My next pack was a womens style, and it was ok. It took a few years for me to find the perfect pack for me which is a Macpac Esprit 65. The harness is awesome and works very well with my body. I got a smaller pack a little while ago to go on a walk that I didn't need the larger pack for and I regretted it so much! I will be taking my Esprit 65 on the Camino.

I am a bigger women and appreciate the extra hip padding on this pack, however I have since met a number of smaller or petite women that use this same pack and love it. I have carried up to 23kg in it and had no problems (don't worry - I won't be doing that on the Camino!). I believe that Macpac is only available in Australia and New Zealand, but thought there might be someone that appreciates my thoughts on this pack!

My advice is (like others) to find one that is comfortable for you. Take note of how it sits on your hips, how close the shoulder straps are to your neck (I had one that rubbed my neck raw in a day!) and make sure you try it on with at a minimum of 15kg of weight in it to get a sense of how it will sit with weight. Also ask about the harness, as someone else has said - I do believe it comes down to the harness the most! Also make sure you get someone to help you fit it properly in the store before you take it home. Don't be afraid to walk around the shop for a while in it as well - take your time!

This might be a little off topic, but I believe it is really important to ensure that you have your pack adjusted properly. I have seen so many people walking with their packs not adjusted well. This can cause problems through the whole body if you are walking "against" your pack instead of it walking with you... if that makes sense.

cheers
Ella

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

I LOVE my Gossamer Gear Mariposa and it is available in different sizes and different sizes on the hip belt a well. It is not a lady's pack but super comfy at least on me. The ULA backpack is available in different sizes and with a S-formed shoulder straps if needed also different hip belt sizes.

ULA is hard to find in Europe but Gossamer is sold in some stores.

 

[Saint Mike II]

many thanks for the replies - We're going to make a trip to Bordeaux in the hope that we'll find bigger stores with more of a selection and someone with more knowledge than me! I'll try on a few and hopefully the staff will be able to fit it. I wont need the pack until early next year so I was hoping to find one in the january sales... but if I know in advance what I want and what fits I'll be ready to find my bargain! many thanks again

LesBrass - good idea to go to a major town (1) they invariably have more shops that stock backpacks and shoes/boots etc; (2) the better shops with more experienced sales people will be able to measure you (approximately from hip-bone to last vertebrae of back or top of shoulders) and then show you a range of packs that are suitable. When you try the pack the sales person should load it with a load that approximates the load you will carry - most shops in Australia do this with 1, 2 or 3 KG sand packs. You will find that the packs are considerably different once you have some weight in them. You should advise the sales person what you intend to use the pack for - day trips; week-ends; 3 days or 30 days. Same with the shoes/boots - in fact its probably even more important to ensure you have boots that fit and are fit for the purpose. Keep trying until you find the product that suits you the best. Hope this helps with the decision making.

Buen Camino

 

[LesBrass]

Hello and thank you all for the new ideas and suggestions. We're planning a trip in October and I hope to get the pack and shoes. I've earmarked a few that I'm interested in but as so many folks have said I wont know until I try. Very exciting but a bit nerve racking as this is all so very new to me I dont want to make a mistake

And as for shoes... that's get me even more confused... shoe, boot, sandal, a mix of the two... so many choices so many decisions and it's October already so the time is passing quickly

(p.s. since I heard about them on here I've read "Travel's with a Donkey" twice times and watched "The Way" three times... not that I'm becoming obsessed )

 

[nellpilgrim]

When shopping really take your time walking around with the various packs full (just in case the stores don't have proper heavy 'fillers' for testing your rucksacks bring a plastic bag full of 'stuff' yourself) If full chested some women's packs have a sort of curving cutaway on the shoulder straps which prevent the worst of the 'Wonderbra effect' one sometimes experiences when you fasten the chest strap (this facilitates the most effective weight distribution onto your hips). I've found that extreme 'uplift' effect most often happen on packs designed, possibly in more ways than one, for men!