Anton Muhlbock
Anton
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Walked the France
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Hi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton
Hi Donna I have got the L PeakAspiration plus the pouches.Love mine and I just bought a new one for my next Camino which will be in winter so there will be more bulk carried.
I used the long Natural Exhilaration 33l with compact balance pockets for my summer VDLP camino, a Marathon Magic 22l for the Perth Oxfam Trailwalker and I just bought a short Peak Aspiration which takes 44l with the bigger Expedition balance pockets.
I often use my MArathon magic to walk to work with a similar to Camino weight type of load. Much more comfortable that a regular daypack.
My neighbour is a keen bushwalker and they have about 6 packs in the family (all the other sizes!). Another friend has the occasional bad bout of sciatica and once put his back out on a bushwalking trip. This has not happened again since changing to an Aarn.
The OTWP tends to be held in September each year and they have 50 and 100km options over 48 hours. If you can get together a team of 4 and are game for the fundraising, it can be a very fun thing to do.Hi Donna I have got the L PeakAspiration plus the pouches.
We are for the Norte this time (Mai 1st) can't wait
When is the Perth Oxfam Trail walk ?
Buen Camino from sunny Perth
Ponchos, such as the Altus, can become rather tight fitting!with the front pouches was that it has a large" footprint"
Yes. I’ve got one. It has done the Frances, Via de la Plata and Sanabres so far and is still as new. I love the fact that it has an internal waterproof bag for double the protection. I had lower back problems before my first camino but haven’t gad a problem since, so it must be a perfect fit. Once on, I hardly know it’s there. It’s very comfortable. The only thing I don’t like is that I can’t reach my water bottle. I don’t like the straw thingy or camelback, and as a woman, the front bags that you can attach are impractical and too bulky. I noticed that Andrew Suzuki has one (if that’s a recommendation. ) I love mineHi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton
Hi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton
Hi Donna I have got the L PeakAspiration plus the pouches.
We are for the Norte this time (Mai 1st) can't wait
When is the Perth Oxfam Trail walk ?
Buen Camino from sunny Perth
Ponchos, such as the Altus, can become rather tight fitting!
More popular that you think mate,Hi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton
Hi,Hi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton
My Mammut is 1.6 Kg and I'm looking at a Z Pack Arc Blast at 595g.....obsessed with weight despite the price! Am I silly?Just looked at the Aarn website. They advertise the feather lite at 1.8 kg with the waterproof liner and front pockets. Even without the front pockets it is 1.4 kg. Isn’t that a bit heavy? Or is the weight worth it?
Not in my opinion!My Mammut is 1.6 Kg and I'm looking at a Z Pack Arc Blast at 595g.....obsessed with weight despite the price! Am I silly?
Hi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton
Ah, I have to work out how to make the small daypack. I leave in a little over a week. Very keen!@mousehog, yes, all the time. I used to clip them together and sometimes set them up like a small backpack. The last couple of trips I've taken the whole pack onboard, with the Sports Balance Pockets inside the main pack (to keep it all tidy and easy to stow). The pack was oversize but weighed well under 7 kilos and the airline was happy.
Whatever you do, don't be tempted to take out the aluminium stays to save weight. Without the bars the pockets will cling to your chest and make you hot. Plus they won't do their job properly.
(Edited to add) - the aluminium struts are not considered a weapon at all - they don't have any points or sharp edges.
I have the same pack it’s great in training. We leave SJPP on 5th MayJust a quick update, I'm currently in Mansilla, just over halfway from SJPP. I'm still LOVING my Aarn Peak Aspiration pack! I've walked through rain, wind, sun and snow. No leaks at all. This pack with the sports balance packs has been excellent!
My decision: Natural Exhilaration with Sports S balance pockets VERSUS a ZPack Blast - The AARN won after much deliberation despite the extra weight!!! Always great to hear +ve reviews....continue to enjoy your CaminoJust a quick update, I'm currently in Mansilla, just over halfway from SJPP. I'm still LOVING my Aarn Peak Aspiration pack! I've walked through rain, wind, sun and snow. No leaks at all. This pack with the sports balance packs has been excellent!
So impressed by you keeping it under 5kg! Would love to know how you do this!Not in my opinion!I am obsessed with keeping my total pack weight below 5kg because I have osteoporosis but I still like to walk with my pack.
Hi I adjusted the hip belt by angling the sides and it seems better. I am carrying about 8 kg which is 1.5 kg more than I would have liked, but there isn’t much I can remove.I did my first Camino with a Peak Aspiration Aarn pack - it was fantastic! The design assists with weight distribution for every step and allows your shoulders to move easily and independently while the pack stays in a neutral balanced position in the centre your back. It was very comfortable and the front pockets were a bonus! The front pockets also move independently with the pack because they are attached to the hip belt and shoulder straps - so you don't feel the weight (but you need to get two to balance each other out) and I could easily access my guide books, sunnies, hat, torch, snacks, sunblock etc. I had NO back problems on the entire trip - VDLP. I put my water bladder inside (on the top) lying sideways and it worked beautifully. I removed the hip belt and front pockets and put them in the main pack for my flight home. I can highly recommend the Aarn pack designs - not 'cos I am a biased Kiwi, but because it is the best pack design I have used. Buen Camino
Yes I am female. The pack is 7.5-8 kg. I watched the video and made adjustments. Time will tell. I am fairly thin and my hipbones are bruised. But the pain is gone with the belt fitting comfortably so I hope the bruising will resolve itself.It sounds as if the adjustment on the hip belt is wrong as there should not be pain.
How heavy is the pack?
I gather you are female. There is an adjustment to the hip belt based on your body shape, it is shown on the Aarn website in a video. Check it out.
I have Peak Aspiration as well
Hi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton[/QUOTE
Hi
Live from the camino. Having a crushed joint in my lower back, as well as broken ribs and displacing my sternum really put a massive dent in my hiking. I tried so many backpacks and all aggravated my injuries almost instantly. Drove to Melbourne and got fitted for a Peak Aspiration and 500kms done in 17days of cold, wet and very windy weather. Due to the cold here, I am carrying about 15% of my body weight (I am small and feel the cold). I seriously cannot rate my backpack high enough. I don't even know I have it on and my sports front packs are unbelievable for distribution of weight, but also ease of getting things like water bottle, tissues, food etc. I carry about 20% of the total weight in them. The packs are waterproof and seriously the best investment I have made. If anything was to stop me I was sure it would be back issues and backpack, not an issue at all. Hope this helps.
Cheers Tanya
Here this is what I found. I don’t know if it is up to date. https://www.aarnpacks.com/internationalCan someone post a UK distributor link for the above..... all this positive talk makes me wanna look it over ( and see if i can afford it!)
Like Pacer Poles, the Aarn packs are mostly an internet purchase. It is difficult to get a peek at them in a store; you have to go with information you can find on your computer. That is why they have not exploded in popularity despite being a vast improvement on traditional backpacks. I have been around long enough to remember backpacks without a waist belt, when tumplines were popular to take some of the weight off your shoulders. I tied my equipment to a pack frame with a diamond hitch over a shelter half. External frame packs came next, then internal frame packs. Then ultralights came along, which were basically a nylon bag with shoulder straps (GoLite, for example), but they have mostly disappeared because the lack of structure prevented transferring weight to the waist belt, and anything over about 15 pounds was not very comfortable. New materials have allowed ultralights to include a frame, so further developments are likely to be tweaks of the design. Aarn is a completely new concept with its balance pockets on the front so that even less weight is carried on the shoulders. Properly adjusted, you can slide your hand under the shoulder straps at all times. Having the weight ENTIRELY on the waist band has caused some bruising and pain for at least one user, so be aware that it takes a bit of time to adjust. To me, though, there is a long term benefit -- no more neck cramping from the strain of the shoulder straps.Can someone post a UK distributor link for the above..... all this positive talk makes me wanna look it over ( and see if i can afford it!)
Yes I concur. I went backpacking 30 years ago and it is a totally different story today. My AARN Peak Aspiration is a joy. My hips were bruising but a small adjustment has taken care of that (I think). I am walking in comfort where other people are having their bags sent from Stage to Stage to alleviate foot problems. My feet are sore, but I am pushing 60. They are always sore. I have completed 8 stages of the Camino Frances and could not be more happy.Like Pacer Poles, the Aarn packs are mostly an internet purchase. It is difficult to get a peek at them in a store; you have to go with information you can find on your computer. That is why they have not exploded in popularity despite being a vast improvement on traditional backpacks. I have been around long enough to remember backpacks without a waist belt, when tumplines were popular to take some of the weight off your shoulders. I tied my equipment to a pack frame with a diamond hitch over a shelter half. External frame packs came next, then internal frame packs. Then ultralights came along, which were basically a nylon bag with shoulder straps (GoLite, for example), but they have mostly disappeared because the lack of structure prevented transferring weight to the waist belt, and anything over about 15 pounds was not very comfortable. New materials have allowed ultralights to include a frame, so further developments are likely to be tweaks of the design. Aarn is a completely new concept with its balance pockets on the front so that even less weight is carried on the shoulders. Properly adjusted, you can slide your hand under the shoulder straps at all times. Having the weight ENTIRELY on the waist band has caused some bruising and pain for at least one user, so be aware that it takes a bit of time to adjust. To me, though, there is a long term benefit -- no more neck cramping from the strain of the shoulder straps.
That’s how I felt about the Z Blast pack from USA and decided against it. The cost with shipping was around $400Aus and if it didn’t feel right....?? Luckily here we have outlets so tried the Natural Exhilaration 30L with the front balance pockets 10L.....very comfy even tho the weight is 1.8kg. The cost was $322Aus with Seniors discount. I’m also going to trial the new Osprey Lumina 800g $250Aus and see which I prefer. Comfort is paramount because today I’m 66Jeez.... they are Super-expensive!!!!!! And limited outlets .... none in UK.
Sorry for late response. I’ve been away volunteering for our upcoming National Folk Festival. Backpack around 500 g. Ditto for walking shoes. Ditto for sleeping bag plus 200 g for doona and sheet. Lots of silk and lots of time spent hunting for anything lightweight. Attached is the packing list for my last camino and a pic from the pilgrim office in SJPdP. It can be done.So impressed by you keeping it under 5kg! Would love to know how you do this!
Hi JennyI have an Aarn pack and love it. As I'm on the South Coast of NSW away from Sydney where I'm on holidays at the moment, and the pack is back home in Sydney, I can't tell you which model it is; however it's 30L and - the most convenient thing - it opens like a suitcase. It enables me to access what I need very easily without unloading the pack from the top. I cannot recommend it highly enough - it's brilliant.
I walk with a hiking cart made by a very dear friend and the Aarn pack sits snugly in the cart - bottles of water are tucked down the side of the cart. The joy of walking so easily with the cart and the brilliant Aarn pack make my caminos a completely wonderful experience.
Cheers - Jenny
I have the Featherlite Freedom with balance pockets bought from K2 BaseCamp in Brisbane and am using it a lot in my training program with around 9kg. BUT I am having trouble getting the weight off my shoulders even after watching the videos. Would appreciate your further comments please.Like Pacer Poles, the Aarn packs are mostly an internet purchase. It is difficult to get a peek at them in a store; you have to go with information you can find on your computer. That is why they have not exploded in popularity despite being a vast improvement on traditional backpacks. I have been around long enough to remember backpacks without a waist belt, when tumplines were popular to take some of the weight off your shoulders. I tied my equipment to a pack frame with a diamond hitch over a shelter half. External frame packs came next, then internal frame packs. Then ultralights came along, which were basically a nylon bag with shoulder straps (GoLite, for example), but they have mostly disappeared because the lack of structure prevented transferring weight to the waist belt, and anything over about 15 pounds was not very comfortable. New materials have allowed ultralights to include a frame, so further developments are likely to be tweaks of the design. Aarn is a completely new concept with its balance pockets on the front so that even less weight is carried on the shoulders. Properly adjusted, you can slide your hand under the shoulder straps at all times. Having the weight ENTIRELY on the waist band has caused some bruising and pain for at least one user, so be aware that it takes a bit of time to adjust. To me, though, there is a long term benefit -- no more neck cramping from the strain of the shoulder straps.
Thankyoi! Can't wait to peruse your listSorry for late response. I’ve been away volunteering for our upcoming National Folk Festival. Backpack around 500 g. Ditto for walking shoes. Ditto for sleeping bag plus 200 g for doona and sheet. Lots of silk and lots of time spent hunting for anything lightweight. Attached is the packing list for my last camino and a pic from the pilgrim office in SJPdP. It can be done.
PS Hemp socks were a failure. I replaced them with cotton socks but mostly wore the woollen pair and the waterproof ones if raining. I donated the down jacket within the first week of walking because I found I didn’t need it as had thermals and a fleece.
View attachment 40605
Should add it works for me but we’re all different. If I could carry extra weight I would take heavier weight walking trousers and shirts as the lightweight ones I take are usually close to worn out by the time I reach Santiago. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing except if I want to do a longer walk than the CF.Thankyoi! Can't wait to peruse your list
The waist belt needs to cinch tightly above your hip bone. If it doesn't, then you will be carrying some weight on the shoulder straps.I am having trouble getting the weight off my shoulders
I think the fact your clothes are worn out by Santiago is an achievement! I've looked at your list and am amazed by how light your clothing is. Where do you buy all your silk products? And what time of year/season have you walked the Camino? Does what you pack and the weight of it vary much season to season?Should add it works for me but we’re all different. If I could carry extra weight I would take heavier weight walking trousers and shirts as the lightweight ones I take are usually close to worn out by the time I reach Santiago. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing except if I want to do a longer walk than the CF.
I have a question. I haven't used an Aarn, but am seriously considering one.I'm obsessed with weight too, but no way does that mean sacrificing my Aarn Featherlite! @Anton Muhlbock I've now worn it on so many caminos it looks an absolute disgrace (despite scrubbing brush!) but it is so comfortable. I used it on the Norte loaded with 14 kilos (more than twice my usual load) and hardly knew I had it on.
@Matamoros try crossing the straps on the balance packs at the front. Connect the sternum straps to the opposite balance packs. If you don't have balance packs, you can still buy a cross-over X flow strap from Aarn. Here
I bought an Aarnpack for this exact reason althoigh i haven't had an opportunity to try it out yet. The feedback i got from Aarn was that they were unsure if it would alleviate knee pain. Hopefully someone here will be able to share their experience.I have a question. I haven't used an Aarn, but am seriously considering one.
I have a knee that plays up sometimes, I had to have it reconstructed after a car accident years ago.
It doesn't normally give me trouble when walking long distances, but sometimes will, when carrying a pack. It seems to be the outside ligaments attaching into the knee that hurt. Last year I did the NZ Oxfam Trailwalk (100km) and a few months later a Camino so I've been religious about stretching all the ligaments. I don't take a pack for the Oxfam event, I can fit all I need in a Kathmandu waist belt (its like a Tardis) But for the Camino I need to take more. My previous Camino pack is a standard type, an Osprey - total packed weight with water just over 6kgs.
From the Aarn website their explanation about changing the weight distribution and leverage on the body makes sense to me.
However they are expensive, and I'm unsure whether the change in weight distribution will do the trick, or whether the knee just doesn't like the extra weight. I'd hate to buy it and find the problem still exists.
Do you have any ideas about this?
Just had a look at the Aarn Pack Poncho on their web site. It does look rather over-engineered and ungainly. I think I will stick with a standard, large poncho...
I think it looks too tight and would be hot. Also a bit short. My Altus (which is large, loose and long) fits easily over the front packs and I too will be sticking with that. It opens down the front so I can access the front packs easily.
@Anamiri I don't think anyone can give you an answer about your knees. All I can tell you is that my knees were my biggest worry on my first camino and they were fine. I'm sure that the muscles around the knees strengthen over the course of the walk.
Hi Anton,Hi everyone
Any one having experience doing the Camino with an Aarn pack bag?
Buen Camino from a very sunny Western Australia
Anton
The hip bands should sit on the hips not above on your waist. It sounds like you need to drop it down a little lower ?Quick update on Peak Aspiration. I am doing Stage 5 this morning but have bad bruises on hip bones. I am going to try putting sanitary napkins as padding to see if that will work. Lol it will look a shocker. PerhaoscI should stick the padding to my bones. I am thin so this may just be a thing for thin women. Any advice from the forum would help. Right now the waist band starts near my natural waist and the bottom of the waist band sits on my hip bones.
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