- Time of past OR future Camino
- First one in 2005 from Moissac, France.
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I bought a "cheap" 5yd Black Watch from another company - buyakilt.com - but despite any expectations based on price, it is well made and qood quality. I will check out your recommended sites.
Black Watch is recognisable as a tartan and not plain, but it is quite modest and not loud.
I have also bought a TREK but just exchanging it for a size up - I was little aggressive on my size estimate.
What is great is that the sizing is very forgiving - buy small and it expands another 3-4inches. I've lost 10kg in last 3 months and plan to lose another 10kg so am hoping/planning that the smaller size can accommodate current and future belly.
I like the patterning of the poppers on the TREK so may take this one, despite it being plain.
I am not sure about the sporran or side-belt-bag. I use a chest pack attached to the rucksack chest strap to balance weight and have easy access to items during the day. The TREK has some good pockets, although I wouldn't want anything bulky or heavy in them.
Thanks for the length advice - easy when fitting with a mirror, difficult to judge without, but I guess it comes with practice.
I'm not fully decided - will try it at home and some practice walks - 6days to decide !
As the kilt is bulkier than lightweight hiking trousers (which I will take 'just in case'), I may even be wearing it on the plane !
But the very best thing I bought before the Camino was the last thing--I got it at Direction Compostelle in SJPP--a Salomon Front Pocket...it holds 5L and there are 2 sleeves for bottles. IT was a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to get in and out of it but once there, I was SO happy to have it. Camera, water, lunch, and much else could go in there, attached to the shoulder straps of my pack by clips and secured by the pack's waistbelt going through the back--so no swinging and no rubbing. Not only did it give instant access, but also it balanced the load, and had plenty of ventilation.
Here's a link to a photo:
http://www.teamrunningfree.com/wordpress/uploads/salomon-custom-front-pocket-n28373_xl.jpg
And a pic of it being used:
David, I have a front pack made by Solomon that works brilliantly--I got in SJPP as a impulse purchase and now I would not do without it. 5L capacity plus 2 water bottle pockets. Somewhere else here I posted a photo ages ago but can't remember where.
Edit--OK, found it:
Yes indeed. And fortunately we don't have to care...very liberating!Thankfully, I didn't meet any fashion police on the Camino
The Salomon front pack also does this, which is part of what makes it a slight pain to get in and out of until you get used to it. But there's effectively almost no no weight on the shoulders.they fit into the waistband so the weight remains on the hips, and does not drag on the shoulders.
Yes indeed. And fortunately we don't have to care...very liberating!
The way I adjusted the Salomon caused it to sit at about waist level--that was most convenient for accessing stuff. It was big enough for valuables, camera, phone, Brierley guide, snacks, and miscellaneous odds and ends. Given the size of the pack, I was quite surprised how much it could hold. The back--the part that rests against the body--has mesh and some kind of padding with holes in it--so there's plenty of ventilation.
Not only did it redistribute weight, but it was also incredibly convenient.
There were a few things I'd tweak if I could re-design it, but not many.
I never had trouble with this...it doesn't stick out so far as that. It might if one had a 'spare tire,' but I'm fortunate that I don't have that.you can see your feet
It's the best. Except that then you annoy people when you get in the habit of going into a bar without taking your pack off.........@Viranani, your pack looks very clever indeed. Having easy access to money, snacks, maps etc. is a big plus - so much easier than having to take off a backpack.
I want to use front bags to take weight away from the main pack and balance what I am carrying rather than taking the space opportunity to carry more things (like putting up extra bookshelves, they never stay empty!!) - Aarn make two types of front bags. Those that are specific to their own packs - though they will fit some other packs, and those made to fit any 'standard' pack.
I now know this as the two directors, Aarn and Devi, have just replied to my mail about their front bags and what I was trying to do (allow me to carry the first aid kits at the front and personal things in main pack) - they have asked me to send a photo of the straps on my pack as they wish to gift me a pair of front bags, to support my first aid mission, and need to see my pack so they know which ones to send. How wonderful and kind are they! I absolutely didn't expect this largess - so kind!!!
An 'at home' Camino moment for me - I am quite overcome, those Good people!
Yes, t2andreo--that'd have been my choice too but there was only the Salomon available. But in the end I like it a lot, adn have adjusted to its quirks.While the Salomon bag has more capacity, it is so organized as to limit loading options, at least IMHO. In other words, it has a generous gross capacity, but limits how you can place what where. On balance, I prefer the single, large capacity compartment of the ZPacks bag.
Wooooo hoooo! Well...see, David? What you put out there really does come back to you. You knew that. But now you get the pleasure of living it, and we all get to feel happy on your account. Honestly, this has made my day!I now know this as the two directors, Aarn and Devi, have just replied to my mail about their front bags and what I was trying to do (allow me to carry the first aid kits at the front and personal things in main pack) - they have asked me to send a photo of the straps on my pack as they wish to gift me a pair of front bags, to support my first aid mission, and need to see my pack so they know which ones to send. How wonderful and kind are they! I absolutely didn't expect this largess - so kind!!!
This is very moving.how kind, I know it is only a small company. I think they were also severely affected by the Christchurch earthquake.
the two directors, Aarn and Devi, ........ wish to gift me a pair of front bags, to support my first aid mission......
Hi Rose -Hi, Just to add my two bobs worth.....I have just completed the Camino with my Aarn pack and it was brilliant! So handy having the two front pockets for easy access to water, camera, snacks etc. All sections have a water proof liner, cost is an issue but I got mine when a store wide 20 percent discount was on. I never felt any weight on my shoulders and as the weight is distributed around the body it tends to make the user stand upright rather than stooping forward. I came across about 5 other people with Aarn packs, all of them very happy with them.
Hi, Just to add my two bobs worth.....I have just completed the Camino with my Aarn pack and it was brilliant! So handy having the two front pockets for easy access to water, camera, snacks etc. All sections have a water proof liner, cost is an issue but I got mine when a store wide 20 percent discount was on. I never felt any weight on my shoulders and as the weight is distributed around the body it tends to make the user stand upright rather than stooping forward. I came across about 5 other people with Aarn packs, all of them very happy with them.
If you get heat, never mind. We're probably just envious, Meri.guaranteed to drive your walking partners nuts once you have converted.
Kindness is everywhereI not sure but I think I have extra front bags regular size and large its in the basement for a few years now but in good shape and I don't know for sure that I still have the metal stays they are from a AARN pack I still use today is free if you want them but you are right they are fit only a specific bag
zzotte
@Kanga, where in Sydney are you able to buy the Aarn packs?Yes, I agree it is fabulous to be able to reach things without taking off a pack. The benefit of the Aarn balance packs are that, because they are split, you can see your feet. Which I find important if I have to scramble over a stream or rocks. But if I could not have the Aarn pack I would definitely get the Salomon, having experienced the benefits of something at the front.
I want to use front bags to take weight away from the main pack and balance what I am carrying rather than taking the space opportunity to carry more things (like putting up extra bookshelves, they never stay empty!!) - Aarn make two types of front bags. Those that are specific to their own packs - though they will fit some other packs, and those made to fit any 'standard' pack.
I now know this as the two directors, Aarn and Devi, have just replied to my mail about their front bags and what I was trying to do (allow me to carry the first aid kits at the front and personal things in main pack) - they have asked me to send a photo of the straps on my pack as they wish to gift me a pair of front bags, to support my first aid mission, and need to see my pack so they know which ones to send. How wonderful and kind are they! I absolutely didn't expect this largess - so kind!!!
An 'at home' Camino moment for me - I am quite overcome, those Good people!
Definately not too large, I would venture to say that for many it would be too small, especially is carrying a sleeping bag. 36 to 42 range is what works for me, with 8kg of stuff, but there are those who manage only 5 or 6 kg and it may work for them.http://www.backpackinglight.com.au/store/brand/aarn
the Aarn - Natural Exhilaration, which holds 30 L , Weight: 1.31kg. The Aarn - Compact Balance Pockets have a Volume 6L+1L / pair; Weight 290gm / pair. The website refers to this pack as a "daypack".
Would the Natural Exhilaration really be large enough for the Camino - if flying from Australia and planning a few weeks either end of the Camino for travel?
Thanks, Kanga and Anemone! That's all very helpful information!@KristinSdV I have used a Featherlite Freedom for years. It is bigger than most people would need on camino, but it works for me. Mine is seldom full, but I find it easier not to have to stuff things in to make them fit, and it is always useful to have a bit of spare space for gifts to take home.
Hi What size was the back part only?3 Aussie girls with their Aarn packs, not dorkish at all Kanga!
Sorry just saw the reply above answering all, ThanksHi What size was the back part only?
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