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Let your experience be your guide. If you have already walked successfully with a particular style of pack, and your body has been fine with that, I wouldn't think there was any reason to change that approach. This assumes that you won't be carrying any more than you did on your previous camino. If you do decide to add more, you will reach a point where you will find a pack with more structure will be more comfortable.When I walked in 2017, I took a small backpack with 2 outfits, a sleeping bag, and basic toiletries, the whole thing came in at under 10 lbs. I ended up taking a daypack with minimal structure, but enough for it to fit comfortably and it worked really well for me. I walked a portion of the Primitivo, about 100 miles.
I’m planning to walk again, this time starting in St Jean Pied de Port, and I need a new backpack. I said goodbye to the old one after a Kilimanjaro climb last summer when a strap was starting to fail and I couldn’t get the smell out.
Should I look for a slightly more substantial pack? Or can I get away with the same light load and carrying system? I dont think I need more stuff, but I’d be interested to know if a longer hie requires a heavier pack.
When I walked in 2017, I took a small backpack with 2 outfits, a sleeping bag, and basic toiletries, the whole thing came in at under 10 lbs. I ended up taking a daypack with minimal structure, but enough for it to fit comfortably and it worked really well for me. I walked a portion of the Primitivo, about 100 miles.
I’m planning to walk again, this time starting in St Jean Pied de Port, and I need a new backpack. I said goodbye to the old one after a Kilimanjaro climb last summer when a strap was starting to fail and I couldn’t get the smell out.
Should I look for a slightly more substantial pack? Or can I get away with the same light load and carrying system? I dont think I need more stuff, but I’d be interested to know if a longer hike requires a heavier pack.
That said, ask any two veteran pilgrims and you will get perhaps five opinions.
...
Should I look for a slightly more substantial pack? Or can I get away with the same light load and carrying system? I dont think I need more stuff, but I’d be interested to know if a longer hike requires a heavier pack.
Owenmc, I am puzzled as to what I posted which caused an 'angry' emoji response. If I offended you in some manner, I apologize.
I'd look to add rain gear. Don't leave home w/o it.I would bring pretty much the same gear whether I was walking for 2 days or 2 months.
I have walked the Camino Frances twice without carrying any rain gear and both times it never rained on me for the 30+ days.I'd look to add rain gear. Don't leave home w/o it.
You lucky, lucky . . . PilgrimI have walked the Camino Frances twice without carrying any rain gear and both times it never rained on me for the 30+ days.
"Simplicate and add more lightness" (Gordon Hooton, engineer, via William B. Stout)There is no such thing as a backpack that is too light.
Yes, I was (very blessed) but the weather was very warm and had it even rained somewhat I would not have had a problem because it was very warm and all my clothing was quick drying. Mind you, I did have a waterproof pack cover and a plastic bin bag to put all my things inside of while in the pack in the event it did rain. To me keeping your kit dry is more important than keeping yourself dry (in warm/hot weather of course).You lucky, lucky . . . Pilgrim
This reminded me of this conversation from a few years ago.It's too light when you don't have kit you need, it's too heavy when you have kit you don't need. Note need.
Good point. The smaller backpacks do not fit me as well as the larger ones. Some of the smaller ones are just not designed to fit bigger guys like me. I have always still managed to carry-on my old 48L backpack as I simply do not load it up to full capacity. I did purchase a 32/34L for summer Caminos, and it works quite well for me.Often the very small backpacks are not very good to carry, the bigger ones might have bettercarryingconditiones. I would choose a bigger lightweighted Osprey and put less in it. They even often weigh less than a smaller one anyway.
... If you throw your backpack in the air and cannot catch it, it may be time to reconsider what you are carrying.
Often the very small backpacks are not very good to carry, the bigger ones might have bettercarryingconditiones. I would choose a bigger lightweighted Osprey and put less in it. They even often weigh less than a smaller one anyway.
It's definitely possible to find a larger backpack with a good suspension system that doesn't weigh 1.5 kg. My Gossamer Gear Ranger 35 weighs only 764 grams. If anyone is looking for a great lightweight pack it's on sale now for only $105!I disagree - sometimes comfort has a heavy price - the Kestrel 38 litre pack weighs over 1.5 kg - excluding liquid, I carry just under 3kg including a pack that weighs 600g
I agree with you, you don’t need more stuff, whether you walk 100 or 1000 km, requirements are the same. I’d buy the lightest comfortable backpack within your budget to replace your old one. I prefer one with a frame but that’s my own taste.Should I look for a slightly more substantial pack? Or can I get away with the same light load and carrying system? I dont think I need more stuff, but I’d be interested to know if a longer hike requires a heavier pack.
They keep dropping the price! Got mine on sale for $124 a couple weeks ago. Think it was originally $169. It is a great-looking pack--even better in person than in the picture--and well-made.It's definitely possible to find a larger backpack with a good suspension system that doesn't weigh 1.5 kg. My Gossamer Gear Ranger 35 weighs only 764 grams. If anyone is looking for a great lightweight pack it's on sale now for only $105!
Ranger 35
The Ranger 35 is a versatile panel loader that is big enough for any adventure on or off the trail. A removable internal poly carbonate frame adds a new level of stability & comfort. The secure zippered opening opens wide & packs easily & large signature mesh pocket & side pockets are very...www.gossamergear.com
Actually, it was originally $185.Think it was originally $169.
They keep dropping the price! Got mine on sale for $124 a couple weeks ago. Think it was originally $169. It is a great-looking pack--even better in person than in the picture--and well-made.
Read somewhere that it was touted as fitting up to a 24" torso. Unfortunately, it turned out to be too small for my 22" size. May have to return it.
I disagree - sometimes comfort has a heavy price - the Kestrel 38 litre pack weighs over 1.5 kg - excluding liquid, I carry just under 3kg including a pack that weighs 600g
2.4kg plusvyour pack? That’s really very light indeed. Could you post your packing list? I’m always willing to learn.
I dont think I need more stuff, but I’d be interested to know if a longer hike requires a heavier pack.
I find my Zulu 40 by Gregory seems too heavy, possibly because of the metal crossbar for the ventilation. Am I imaging this is it due to the metal gear in the pack? do all backpacks have this?Lighter, overall, is always preferable. But all-day comfort is of equal importance.
Our fellow contributor, Davebugg, works with various gear manufacturers to do live field evaluations of new gear. He is an excellent resource.
That said, ask any two veteran pilgrims and you will get perhaps five opinions.
Personally, I started with a 48-liter Osprey Kestrel rucksack. After four Caminos, I moved to an identical, but smaller, 38-liter Osprey Kestrel pack. I happen to like the features of this particular rucksack very much. But, the trade off is that the bag is heavy, about 1.5 kg when empty.
For 2020, I am planning to try a 32-liter Berghaus ultralight pack. It weighs .5 liters empty. It has a light, fiberglass rod frame, and a roll top, dry back closure system.
Right now, I am custom-fitting attachment points, gear pockets, and my preferred front pack, belly or sporran style carry. I use this regardless of what rucksack I use to hold everything I might want quick to hand, without having to remove my rucksack.
Hope this helps.
hope to shop for a new backpack at Dicks when I go to Upstate NY, thanks for infoNo. Gregory uses this particular feature in some of their rucksacks. It is not standard throughout the industry. Other manufacturers use light aluminum or alloy tubular frames.
In my observation, rucksack "cross bars," at least in modern designs, are typically made of heavier nylon webbing for support, or a flat piece of a stiff, but lightweight plastic material. This crossbar is typically sewn into a nylon web strap sort of cover.
Some major manufacturers use a stiff perimeter frame made of some tubular yet sufficiently rigid material, then attach a trampoline type of backpad made from ventilated mesh for enhanced ventilation. But I have only very rarely seen a structural cross bar.
My recent Berghaus addition is an ultralight 32-liter Fast Hike rucksack uses a tubular fiberglass rod in the perimeter of the back frame. There are no crossbars.
I am going to defer to @davebugg, our resident, actual gear tester guy for his consideration and input.Dave field tests gear for manufacturers.
Hope this helps.
The Dicks sporting goods store in my town does not have a very good selection of backpacks, especially lightweight ones.hope to shop for a new backpack at Dicks when I go to Upstate NY, thanks for info
Same light load.When I walked in 2017, I took a small backpack with 2 outfits, a sleeping bag, and basic toiletries, the whole thing came in at under 10 lbs. I ended up taking a daypack with minimal structure, but enough for it to fit comfortably and it worked really well for me. I walked a portion of the Primitivo, about 100 miles.
I’m planning to walk again, this time starting in St Jean Pied de Port, and I need a new backpack. I said goodbye to the old one after a Kilimanjaro climb last summer when a strap was starting to fail and I couldn’t get the smell out.
Should I look for a slightly more substantial pack? Or can I get away with the same light load and carrying system? I dont think I need more stuff, but I’d be interested to know if a longer hike requires a heavier pack.
The Dicks sporting goods store in my town does not have a very good selection of backpacks, especially lightweight ones.
Well, the Gossamer Gear rep agreed the Ranger 35 was too small. Took the Gregory Ranger 40 back to REI to be refitted and it is too small also (load lifters are at zero degrees at max adjustable size).
Now looking at a Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40, with a listed torso size up to 23.25 inches. Pricey at about $200, including a 25% discount! Anybody have experience with that bag?
Many thanks!
Bash
If I can be of any further help, feel free to send a PM.Thanks for all the useful information, Dave. The fellow at Gossamer Gear that was helping me with the Ranger 35 very kindly offered me an _additional_ discount beyond the sale price. Between that and your endorsement and personal experience, how could I not order a Gorilla 40?
This will be the fourth try trying to find a bag that fits, so fingers crossed. If it works out, I plan to order that pad you mentioned and some accessories. Thanks again for your help, Dave.
Regards,
Bash
I doubt a longer walk needs a heavier pack.
Looks like the GG Gorilla 40 will be a winner. Long enough in the torso, very comfy at the expected 5kg load, and enough room so that a quilt can be loosely packed in the bottom--and I get to support fellow Texans. Thanks once again, Dave.If I can be of any further help, feel free to send a PM.Also, keep in mind that finding a backpack that fits well and feels great is about the same challenge as finding a good pair of shoes. . . . feet and backs both can be very picky and snarky, and no two are exactly alike
Dave
The low end backpacks work just as well for walking the Camino.I agree. There are a number of outdoor equipment stores in upstate NY. Eastern Mountain Sports may be one candidate. Dicks carries low end backpacks, including those packs carrying labels from well known brands like North Face and Mountainsmith.
NoWhen I walked in 2017, I took a small backpack with 2 outfits, a sleeping bag, and basic toiletries, the whole thing came in at under 10 lbs. I ended up taking a daypack with minimal structure, but enough for it to fit comfortably and it worked really well for me. I walked a portion of the Primitivo, about 100 miles.
I’m planning to walk again, this time starting in St Jean Pied de Port, and I need a new backpack. I said goodbye to the old one after a Kilimanjaro climb last summer when a strap was starting to fail and I couldn’t get the smell out.
Should I look for a slightly more substantial pack? Or can I get away with the same light load and carrying system? I dont think I need more stuff, but I’d be interested to know if a longer hike requires a heavier pack.
The low end backpacks work just as well for walking the Camino.
I have walked with a pack costing about 150 euros and one costing about 30 euros and noticed little if any difference.
I think the biggest factor is the budget and longevity. If the backpack is for a single Camino, there are any number of inexpensive backpacks that can work, just as you stated. If long-term durability is the issue (spend once, cry once), then investing in better quality gear is cheaper in the long run
Yes/ being a carry-on the flight is a mustGood point. The smaller backpacks do not fit me as well as the larger ones. Some of the smaller ones are just not designed to fit bigger guys like me. I have always still managed to carry-on my old 48L backpack as I simply do not load it up to full capacity. I did purchase a 32/34L for summer Caminos, and it works quite well for me.
My final test for my back pack before I leave to go walk the Camino is that it must be small and light enough to carry-on the flight, and it must be light enough for me to throw up in the air over my head, and for me to be able to catch it with ease. If you throw your backpack in the air and cannot catch it, it may be time to reconsider what you are carrying.
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