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You do not need the "best" or an expensive backpack to walk the Camino. It is not a backpacking hike or technical. The same goes for any of the equipment or clothing you carry to walk it. I have walked it before using a backpack that I bought for about 30 euros at a discount shop. Don't be put off by the threads on this forum where members praise the wonders of packs, clothing and sleeping bags that cost a king's ransom. I think many don't realize that there are prospective pilgrims out there on strict budgets.
Choose which Lowe Alpine pack fits you best, and is the right size for your needs and use that.
That is probably a pet gripe I have when advice is given on what to bring on the Camino. I do not know if it is related to the demographics of this forum's members, but it seems that equipment recommended is mostly expensive equipment, and upon walking the Camino one realizes it is not necessary and the Camino s easily walked with budget priced gear. The weight (not over-packed) of your fully loaded pack is far more important than the pack itself. Your physical condition before you walk the Camino is more important than what brand pack or clothing you buy. Any prospective pilgrim reading this, do not feel you need to spend a lot of money on clothing and equipment.Thanks for your great advice it's so reassuring to know that there's people here who take the time to write such informed and honest answers. Thanks for putting my mind at rest. It's easy to feel under pressure to spend a fortune on the best gear... Everything the Camino is not about
The 10% "rule" applies to your pack without water or food. And I agree that the less that you weigh the harder it is to follow. But it's not really a rule, but more of a guideline.I agree with the following sentiment: Go to the store and try them on first before buying, if possible. I had an old pack I had never used and thought I would take with me on my first Camino (saves on $, I thought). I went to REI to have them help me pack my bag and soon realized, the bag I planned to take was not the right fit for me. The associate at the store had me try on several other packs and Osprey was by far the best choice for me. It made a huge difference from the other bag and I'm glad I decided to invest in a new one. As an aside, I weigh slightly less than 125 lbs. I am a true minimalist packer and carry a Camelback bladder. It's very hard to follow the 10% rule at this weight with water, so for me, the weight and fit of the pack matters a lot and it was well worth my investment.
Buen Camino!
That is probably a pet gripe I have when advice is given on what to bring on the Camino. I do not know if it is related to the demographics of this forum's members, but it seems that equipment recommended is mostly expensive equipment, and upon walking the Camino one realizes it is not necessary and the Camino s easily walked with budget priced gear. The weight (not over-packed) of your fully loaded pack is far more important than the pack itself. Your physical condition before you walk the Camino is more important than what brand pack or clothing you buy. Any prospective pilgrim reading this, do not feel you need to spend a lot of money on clothing and equipment.
You will observe pilgrims on the Camino happily and efficiently trekking along carrying small, inexpensive frame-less packs and wearing sandals, and you will see them happy and healthy in Santiago wearing same.
Wow...why you YELLING at me? lolI do not believe anyone is TELLING anybody WHAT to bring on the Camino! I think people are expressing what they are bringing or what type they use. I always want to know what my options are? We are all capable of deciding what is best for our bucks! Some equipment is more expensive. Sometimes, however, I wear cheap wicker shirts, for example, and sometimes I may purchase more expensive brands such as Patagonia. Wandalina, asked for advice regarding which bag to bring! We cannot tell this future pilgrim which choice is better for her?
Most of us know that a backpack is best decided by the pilgrim...and when needed by a professional to help them make appropriate adjustments. Sometimes a cheaper bag may work...sometimes not...
Wow...why you YELLING at me? lol
calma, calma...
There is no "best" brand. There are some brands that have generally good quality, reputation, satisfaction guarantees, etc.Hi everyone I'm sorry if this has been asked a lot. I'm heading on my Camino in two weeks and my last thing to get is the pack. Had hoped to get it it sales etc..I see a lot of good deals on Lowe Alpine packs although I've heard osprey are the best I'm on a budget. Is it worth the stretch to go for osprey or does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks
I wanted to buy my backpack a couple of weeks ago, thought about getting an Osprey too. Had two specific versions in mind, which were highly recommended in some articles I've read. I tried two of them and Ospreys are simply too lengthy for my body structure ( 5'4 / 167 cm). The back of my head was bumping against the top when walking.
Don't pin me down on it, but as far as I remember correctly it was this backpack from Osprey or that one.
About exact measuring of my spine, you'll have to wait till tomorrow or the day after, since I'll be going to sleep now soon.
But I can tell you right now, I've got quite short legs, I always have to shorten trousers or buy - if possible - the short version when on offer and sometimes even have to shorten those too...
I don't think you can generalize about the Osprey brand being too long. It depends on the model and size you select. I am 5'4" and have a somewhat short torso, so the backpack needs to be similarly short. I use an Osprey Talon 33 in the shorter length and and it fits me perfectly. You can pick either S-M or M-L and then you can further adjust.Ospreys are simply too lengthy for my body structure ( 5'4 / 167 cm).
Thanks everyone i finally got it they were really helpful in the shop and knew their stuff when it came to fitting. Got Lowe Alpine 33:40 airzone. Fits great and carries the weight well. Thanks to you all for your help x
Osprey is the best!Hi everyone I'm sorry if this has been asked a lot. I'm heading on my Camino in two weeks and my last thing to get is the pack. Had hoped to get it it sales etc..I see a lot of good deals on Lowe Alpine packs although I've heard osprey are the best I'm on a budget. Is it worth the stretch to go for osprey or does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks
A perfect example of why you want to try packs on before buying.I’m in the U.K. and I upgraded my rucksack. I had a Berghaus 25+5. Not sure where the +5 bit was, definitely NOT in the bag. So, having perused a few videos on YouTube (1000 or so, you know how it is, they are so moreish) I decided I needed a new sexy Osprey. Got a Strava 35. I went to Go Outdoors and Blacks where they had loads to try. Blacks had a 20% off and they did a blue light discount. So I paid £75. Well pleased. Definitely find a place where you can try. I actually thought I would buy the very lightweight osprey tallon but the hip belt was thin and was not comfy. And the backing sat directly on my back and I actually got a sweat on in the shop!! Not attractive.
Osprey is the best!
Did a 16k training walk with in today and was happy with it. Neck was a bit sore by the end though I think I must of had the straps a little loose. I imagine it takes a while to find the perfect position with it. Is idea to have the straps fastened enough that there is no movement at all from the pack ?
Good to hear the pack is comfortable.Did a 16k training walk with in today and was happy with it. Neck was a bit sore by the end though I think I must of had the straps a little loose. I imagine it takes a while to find the perfect position with it. Is idea to have the straps fastened enough that there is no movement at all from the pack ?
Well, I bet this will be a first! Both my husband and I have poor backs/necks. We are pushing 70. So, we hike with what you call "fanny packs". They only hold enough for a change of clothes and a few necessities and a water container. We plan on walking the 150 miles between Porto and Santiago with NO backpacks. We will be doing this in March and are taking double the time recommended, 20 days. It is, after all, walking, not hiking. We have excellent rain gear and trail shoes and other than keeping dry, we have no worries. We have no reservations, no compostella and no reason to hurry. We hope to stop whenever we choose and maybe stay a couple days to rest and snoop if we like it. I am counting on the fact we can wash and wear the same clothes and when we reach Santiago we will delight and be grateful for our carry on to meet up with us. Hope we aren't crazy but have done a lot of hiking and know you don't really need much but a good working cell phone and water. Should be able to pick up a few snacks along the way and replace water. If anyone thinks we are totally crazy, please let me know!Heres my advice, backpacks are like your socks and footwear, you must make sure that they are fit for purpose.
Like your shoes/boots they really need to be fitted by a professional, likewise your backpack. In my opinion you have left it a little late to get the backpack, I would go to a recognised walking store and get the backpack that is right for you. The guys in the shop will measure and pick the write one for you, now you've said that you are on a budget, explain that to the guys.
Happy backpack hunting.
Well, I bet this will be a first! Both my husband and I have poor backs/necks. We are pushing 70. So, we hike with what you call "fanny packs". They only hold enough for a change of clothes and a few necessities and a water container. We plan on walking the 150 miles between Porto and Santiago with NO backpacks. We will be doing this in March and are taking double the time recommended, 20 days. It is, after all, walking, not hiking. We have excellent rain gear and trail shoes and other than keeping dry, we have no worries. We have no reservations, no compostella and no reason to hurry. We hope to stop whenever we choose and maybe stay a couple days to rest and snoop if we like it. I am counting on the fact we can wash and wear the same clothes and when we reach Santiago we will delight and be grateful for our carry on to meet up with us. Hope we aren't crazy but have done a lot of hiking and know you don't really need much but a good working cell phone and water. Should be able to pick up a few snacks along the way and replace water. If anyone thinks we are totally crazy, please let me know!
Do not skimp on a pack. Osprey, by my experience is the best value for the money. Grab a garbage bag, put all your stuff in it and head down to the camping goods store. Find a pack that looks like your stuff will fit, place the bag of goods in the pack to make sure, get the staff to help adjust the pack to your needs and you can check acquiring a pack off your list.Hi everyone I'm sorry if this has been asked a lot. I'm heading on my Camino in two weeks and my last thing to get is the pack. Had hoped to get it it sales etc..I see a lot of good deals on Lowe Alpine packs although I've heard osprey are the best I'm on a budget. Is it worth the stretch to go for osprey or does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply ... Absolutely brilliant advice I'll look into all those points you mentioned..NO, not really. Proper strap adjustments should keep the pack movement to a minimum, but there will always be some. You can determine how much or how little movement is comfortable. For adjustments there are steps to follow:
1. Loosen all the straps on the hip belt and those on the shoulder harness, including the lift adjusters.
2. Hip belt.
3. Shoulder straps.
- Put on the pack now that the shoulder straps are loose. Pull the shoulder straps just snug enough so that the hip belt is just below the waist.
- Now, shrug your shoulders up and keep shrugging while you fasten your hip belt.
- The position of the hip best should "cradle" the top of your hip bone -- the upper edge of the belt should lie slightly above the top of the hip bone.
- Snug the belt down and relax your shoulders. The hip belt should now be holding nearly all the weight of the pack. If the belt starts to slip, tighten a bit more.
I do not know why the notion exists that the hip belt supports the entire weight of the pack, but that is incorrect. The shoulder harness is designed to hold about 10 to 15 percent of the packs weight -- which is a nominal amount -- while the hip belt is designed to support the rest. People can hurt their lower backs if the entire weight of a heavier pack is on the belt, and skin irritations and rawness around the waist and back are side effects which may happen at any weight level.
I don't know if an unloaded shoulder harness (all the weight on the belt) is a reason for the excess movement you experienced wearing your pack, but that is a possible cause. It can also cause the pack's movement to interfere with the center of balance.
Your pack harness may have three straps -- one to snug the shoulder straps down. Another called load lifters, which are at the top of the shoulder harness, which when tightened help snug the pack bag closer to the body. This helps with the comfort of carrying the load. Another strap designed to snug the two shoulder straps toward each other. That is the sternum strap, and it will assist in positioning the shoulder straps so they do not rub against arm pits and slip around your shoulders.
Pack adjustment are never static. In other words, as you are hiking, you will make tiny adjustment to the straps as you need to relieve pressure, snug things up, shift weight between belt and shoulders, etc. But mostly, when the pack is loaded properly and adjusted well, a good fitting pack will be comfortable to wear ---- well, as comfortable as one can be carrying weight on their back
- Snug down the shoulder straps so that they just start taking some weight.
- Fasten the sternum strap. Adjust it so that the position of the shoulder straps rests on your shoulders at a comfortable distance. Some packs will allow you to move the sternum strap up and down on the shoulder harness so that it crosses the chest at a comfortable point; you can do this prior to fastening the straps.
- If you have load lifter straps, they will be at the top of the shoulder straps. Reach up and back toward the pack following the shoulder strap until you feel an adjustment strap. Grab it and pull toward outward to the front. You will feel the pack start to snug to the top of your body. The ideal position for these straps is when they form a sort of 45 degree angle when looking at the pack from the sides.
Thank you Tom for the great adviceGood to hear the pack is comfortable.
Dave has covered off set-up procedures above. I'd just add - be careful not to overtighten the load lifters (the tensioner straps connecting the shoulder straps to the top of the pack), as this can bring on pain in the shoulder and upper back area.
Neck pain could be caused by all sorts of things but could be if you are leaning forward with face looking down at the ground, possibly because the pack is not comfortable when the back is upright - maybe.
Suggest you just keep practising and adjusting as you go - and ideally get someone to observe you walking.
Thanks everyone i finally got it they were really helpful in the shop and knew their stuff when it came to fitting. Got Lowe Alpine 33:40 airzone. Fits great and carries the weight well. Thanks to you all for your help x
Haha! Tell us about it!Well THAT WAS AMAZING I'm officially a Camino addict!!!
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