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I am getting close enough to worry about traveling to camino. I know my backpack specs are big, but it is so light ( I hope I will still think that walking into Santiago), does anyone carry their pack onto the plane? also, if checked, my pack cover does not cover my hip belt, does all those hanging straps cause problems?
Mine had the elasticized drawstring which was very strong and never loosened once. I only thought of it last minute , after pondering for days about what would work best.I usually carry my pack on the plane when I am on my way to go walking and then I check it when I am on the way home.
When checking the pack, I just do up the hip belt and the chest strap, and pull all the straps down as tightly as possible and tie off any loose ends.
I never thought to use the raincover. That's a good idea if you can make it tight enough to stay on.
Buen camino.
what kind do you have? I think I have changed my mind about checking my backpack and may just check my poles and a few other things and take my backpack on board...I like the idea of using the rain cover over the pack.Mine had the elasticized drawstring which was very strong and never loosened once. I only thought of it last minute , after pondering for days about what would work best.
Mine was a 36L Osprey Kyte. It was a very comfortable fit; and I still and had some space to spare.My wife and I carried our backpacks onto the airplane. Both slightly exceeded the airline's published carry-on size limit (my pack was an Osprey Kestral 38 and my wife's was an REI Lookout 40). We reduced the size by carrying a few essential items in very small, lightweight daypacks (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Products-221681/19487073) that compress down to the size of a large orange (fruit) and are easily stored in the bottom of our main packs as we walked the Camino. The little daypacks were useful for shopping and evening activities along the way and when sight-seeing in the major cities along the Camino. By taking raingear, toiletries, and a change of underwear and socks from our large packs and carrying them in the daypacks, we were able to compress them down to meet the carry-on regulations. We did, however, place our trekking poles, Swiss army knife, and liquid toiletries in a cardboard shipping tube that was checked. We figured if those items were lost by the airline they could be easily replaced in Spain.
this sounds like a good plan, I guess my concern at this point is "lost luggage". I know the odds are not that great of it happening, but it does happen and I have invested considerable research, time and effort in getting my gear together (considering I had to start from absolute scratch as I knew nothing of all the many things people have talked about on here - I know it could replace it all once arriving in Spain, but would rather not!) hmmmm...which way to go - checked bag or carry it on.This "assembly" was inserted to the laundry bag. I cinched the pull cord using a spring-operated, push-button, plastic toggle fastener I had around the house, attached a luggage ID tag to the cord, then double-tied the pull cord. All the excess cord was careful tucked into the tiny opening of the bag. At this point, if you are at the airport and desire to toss any last minute items like outer wear you will not wear enroute, just toss it into the bag.
I then simply dumped the rucksack-in-a-sack at airline check-in. All my valuables, documents, medications, and electronics went on board with me. Easy peasy...no problems.
this sounds like a good plan, I guess my concern at this point is "lost luggage". I know the odds are not that great of it happening, but it does happen and I have invested considerable research, time and effort in getting my gear together (considering I had to start from absolute scratch as I knew nothing of all the many things people have talked about on here - I know it could replace it all once arriving in Spain, but would rather not!) hmmmm...which way to go - checked bag or carry it on.[/QUOTE
Personally Angie, I never check anything. I have learned over the years and a few experiences with bags that didn't show up, to just pack enough for a carryon, with only one exception…when I go to India, I take lots of supplies for the kids. If your trip is for the Camino only, could you not not get by with just your backpack? Now walking poles is another issue. Many airlines do not permit them in the cabin, so no choice but to check them. I bought my poles in St. Jean, but as it turned out, they ended up 'walking away' and I ended up with a gifted one pole and was so glad I did because I discovered I prefer just one pole and often, no poles, but I don't want to start that debate again. It all comes down to personal choice. Keep those spirits high….you'll be fine. Lucky you!!
I'm making a ripstop nylon stuff sack to put my pack in for check in. Drew string closure and a carry strap. It will fit in the bottom of my pack when not in use or I can use it as a pack liner. Buen CaminoI am getting close enough to worry about traveling to camino. I know my backpack specs are big, but it is so light ( I hope I will still think that walking into Santiago), does anyone carry their pack onto the plane? also, if checked, my pack cover does not cover my hip belt, does all those hanging straps cause problems?
what kind do you have? I think I have changed my mind about checking my backpack and may just check my poles and a few other things and take my backpack on board...I like the idea of using the rain cover over the pack.
that small checked bag is a good idea, thanksCarry your backpack on the plane, but reduce the bulk first by checking a small disposable bag/package with your sleeping bag, walking sticks and any sharp items. That way you will have your most important items on board with you, and the backpack straps won't be an issue.
When I bought my equipment at REI, they said that foldable poles that fit in a backpack usually go through security OK. I checked the TSA website, but it stated that all poles need to be in checked luggage.
I bought a cardboard mailing tube about 4 inches in diameter (just big enough to hold all 4 of our poles), slid the poles in, and then attached the tube to the straps at the bottom of the backpack. I figured if security wouldn't allow them through, I could always check just the tube and take everything else as carry-on.
It worked fine. They wanted a closer look at some of the stuff in my pockets, but ignored the tube. So, last Sept. the tube with the poles went carry-on round trip and I didn't have to check anything.
As was appropriately pointed out REI (recreational equipment Inc) is a US outfit, apologies !Fantastic information Brendan….much time and work and much appreciated. I believe REI is only in the U.S. We have the equivalent here in British Columbia - MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) also with generous return options. But we are only two countries of what I do believe were over 100 countries that passed through the Camino last year. I've already made a couple of notes from this.
I checked an Atmos 50L with Airspeed and an Atmos AG 50L and had no issue with either however I did have them inside an Osprey Airporter mostly to keep the straps et al contained.Here's a question for anyone whose backpack has a mesh back support like Osprey's airflow or AG suspension systems: do they survive being carried as checked luggage? This is perhaps the most important part of the pack, but also the part that's most susceptible to being squashed or torn.
I checked my Osprey 58L Exos,also inside an air porter. No problem.I checked an Atmos 50L with Airspeed and an Atmos AG 50L and had no issue with either however I did have them inside an Osprey Airporter mostly to keep the straps et al contained.
I'm considering buying a new pack. I've used Oneplanet WBA on my last 2 caminos, which has a fantastic harness, but I want a bit more versatility with packing. How did you find the Osprey Airspeed harness compared to the AG?I checked an Atmos 50L with Airspeed and an Atmos AG 50L and had no issue with either however I did have them inside an Osprey Airporter mostly to keep the straps et al contained.
AG is incredibly comfortable and in cold temperatures keeps my back very warm. I haven't used it in really warm temps yet but fear it may be too conforming and get the sweat rolling but that's where I think I'll revert back to the Airspeed. The other really noticeable difference is how the kidney belt actively grabs you with the AG. So far really happy to have the AG but will keep the Airspeed for warmer weather I think. The other new feature on the AG that I quite like is the sleeping bag compartment at the bottom with separate zipper. Not a huge feature for the Camino unless you're a Night Pilgrim and want to load the rest of your bag before going to be and then just slipping your bag in the bottom of the pack quietly as you get up. Also regarding versatility, was sad to see the waterproof pockets didn't make the cut for the AG. I used to put my wet rain gear, gators, gloves, etc in those pockets and found them pretty handy. Now I just cinch them down on the daisy chain or tool holders but not a fan of items swinging around the outside of my pack.I'm considering buying a new pack. I've used Oneplanet WBA on my last 2 caminos, which has a fantastic harness, but I want a bit more versatility with packing. How did you find the Osprey Airspeed harness compared to the AG?
Thanks for that. More food for thought. I found with my WBA that I was drenched under my poncho (altus) because I had no ventilation between my pack and my back, whereas my walking partner did not experience this. And I am not normally a hot body person. I like the idea of a sleeping bag compartment and note that the Sirrus has this with the Airspeed.AG is incredibly comfortable and in cold temperatures keeps my back very warm. I haven't used it in really warm temps yet but fear it may be too conforming and get the sweat rolling but that's where I think I'll revert back to the Airspeed. The other really noticeable difference is how the kidney belt actively grabs you with the AG. So far really happy to have the AG but will keep the Airspeed for warmer weather I think. The other new feature on the AG that I quite like is the sleeping bag compartment at the bottom with separate zipper. Not a huge feature for the Camino unless you're a Night Pilgrim and want to load the rest of your bag before going to be and then just slipping your bag in the bottom of the pack quietly as you get up. Also regarding versatility, was sad to see the waterproof pockets didn't make the cut for the AG. I used to put my wet rain gear, gators, gloves, etc in those pockets and found them pretty handy. Now I just cinch them down on the daisy chain or tool holders but not a fan of items swinging around the outside of my pack.
The rain cover works well if you just put on backwards - that way it covers the straps. It you check it, I'd recommend wrapping a strap or two around the pack so the cover doesn't come off.I am getting close enough to worry about traveling to camino. I know my backpack specs are big, but it is so light ( I hope I will still think that walking into Santiago), does anyone carry their pack onto the plane? also, if checked, my pack cover does not cover my hip belt, does all those hanging straps cause problems?
Thanks for that, I am still torn, as really rare it might be to loose my pack, I also want to save the time in the airports waiting for luggage before off to Customs & ImmigrationThe rain cover works well if you just put on backwards - that way it covers the straps. It you check it, I'd recommend wrapping a strap or two around the pack so the cover doesn't come off.
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