ISO Lightweight Backpack

cjward

Member
Jan 22, 2022
39
60
St Augustine USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances May 2022
I currently have a 38L Gregory Jade small (as recommended by the fine folks at my local REI). I really appreciate the frame as it offers great back suppprt (spinal fusion). However it weighs 2.98–let’s just call ot THREE POUNDS! I think the 35L is the same due to the frame. Any recommendations for a 32-35L that weighs less? And has a good back supporting frame? Many thanks in advance for all replies
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Nov 21, 2020
84
143
Scotland
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances Portuguese both inland coastal finestere muxia variante espiritual.
I currently have a 38L Gregory Jade small (as recommended by the fine folks at my local REI). I really appreciate the frame as it offers great back suppprt (spinal fusion). However it weighs 2.98–let’s just call ot THREE POUNDS! I think the 35L is the same due to the frame. Any recommendations for a 32-35L that weighs less? And has a good back supporting frame? Many thanks in advance for all replies
IBe used a Berghaus 35 L for last five years now with airflow back support excellent will be using again this June for 3 weeks from Logrono to wherever I get to my 18 th Camino trip over last 11 years now reached 70 years young so slowing down a shade but still have urge and appetite for another.
 
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A guide to speaking Spanish on the Camino - enrich your pilgrim experience.

cjward

Member
Jan 22, 2022
39
60
St Augustine USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances May 2022
Osprey Talon 33? 2.2 lbs.
IBe used a Berghaus 35 L for last five years now with airflow back support excellent will be using again this June for 3 weeks from Logrono to wherever I get to my 18 th Camino trip over last 11 years now reached 70 years young so slowing down a shade but still have urge and appetite for another.
What does it weigh?
 

CarolamS

Active Member
Jul 1, 2019
429
1,198
Exmouth, southwest UK
Time of past OR future Camino
2024 VdlP/Sanabres from Salamanca to SdC
I use an Osprey Eja 38L and remove the brain for Camino trips as I don't need to use it. Minus brain it weighs 900g and has a frame. It's women specific, the mens version is called Exos. Well ventilated and easy to reach water bottles in spacious side pockets. No hip pockets but I prefer using a separate lightweight belly-bag.
 

KCP

Member
Oct 18, 2021
38
27
Ontario, Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances, 2022
Camino Portuguese, 2024
I use an Osprey Eja 38L and remove the brain for Camino trips as I don't need to use it. Minus brain it weighs 900g and has a frame. It's women specific, the mens version is called Exos. Well ventilated and easy to reach water bottles in spacious side pockets. No hip pockets but I prefer using a separate lightweight belly-bag.
I love my Gregory Jade but recently purchases Osprey Ejo 38L (mine is a small so only 35L). Am very happy with the fit and the fact that it is a pound lighter than the Gregory.
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
May 20, 2021
781
1,718
Anchorage, Alaska
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances Fall 2023
I have used 2.2 - 3.2 lb framed backpacks for my Caminos until last fall. On the Frances in September and October I used the Z-pack Nero 38 L DCF. 10.9 oz/308 g. (!!!) No frame. To it I added 2 padded belt pouches (2 oz), 2 stick-on key zip pouches (inside), 2 oz total, and one shoulder bottle holder 1 oz. So, right at one pound. But expensive. I found if I could keep the weight right at or under 16 lbs it was comfortable without a frame. Over that, not so great. It's all about how much water you have to carry. The external back padding just pops right out of the bungees holding it. Great for sitting down on spiky grass, small rocks. Buen Camino
 

TaijiPilgrim

Active Member
Oct 25, 2014
458
981
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (2011), Camino Frances (2015), Camino Ingles (2017), Camino Muxia (2017), LePuy(2019)
Ladies who have the Osprey Eja 38. Coudl you tell me if you have the same issue I had with the pack? My problem was with the hip support. On me, both sides stuck out like wings and every time I swung my arms walking they rubbed against these hip wings. I really wanted to like the pack but I had to return it. Was this just me? Did you have this problem? How did you fix it? Thanks.
 
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!

CarolamS

Active Member
Jul 1, 2019
429
1,198
Exmouth, southwest UK
Time of past OR future Camino
2024 VdlP/Sanabres from Salamanca to SdC
Ladies who have the Osprey Eja 38. Coudl you tell me if you have the same issue I had with the pack? My problem was with the hip support. On me, both sides stuck out like wings and every time I swung my arms walking they rubbed against these hip wings. I really wanted to like the pack but I had to return it. Was this just me? Did you have this problem? How did you fix it? Thanks.
I know what you mean but haven't found it a problem. I always walk with poles so maybe that makes the difference 🤔

Although technically I should use the medium size I swapped it to a small which felt much more my size. I bought both and tried them at home then returned the medium. I filled them with the kit I planned to take and could take my time comparing and deciding. My base weight is around 5.5kg.
 

JZA

Member
Jun 8, 2021
53
101
England
Time of past OR future Camino
2018, 2019, 2022
I currently have a 38L Gregory Jade small (as recommended by the fine folks at my local REI). I really appreciate the frame as it offers great back suppprt (spinal fusion). However it weighs 2.98–let’s just call ot THREE POUNDS! I think the 35L is the same due to the frame. Any recommendations for a 32-35L that weighs less? And has a good back supporting frame? Many thanks in advance for all replies
Osprey for me. 33l Talon and their 4l bumbag. I have a back problem (ruptured L3) so the excellent waist strap is vital. I also like the ”stow and go” system for the walking polls.
 
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cjward

Member
Jan 22, 2022
39
60
St Augustine USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances May 2022
I use an Osprey Eja 38L and remove the brain for Camino trips as I don't need to use it. Minus brain it weighs 900g and has a frame. It's women specific, the mens version is called Exos. Well ventilated and easy to reach water bottles in spacious side pockets. No hip pockets but I prefer using a separate lightweight belly-bag.
What’s a “brain”? (Other than the leaking one inside my own skull)
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc

TaijiPilgrim

Active Member
Oct 25, 2014
458
981
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (2011), Camino Frances (2015), Camino Ingles (2017), Camino Muxia (2017), LePuy(2019)
I know what you mean but haven't found it a problem. I always walk with poles so maybe that makes the difference 🤔

Although technically I should use the medium size I swapped it to a small which felt much more my size. I bought both and tried them at home then returned the medium. I filled them with the kit I planned to take and could take my time comparing and deciding. My base weight is around 5.5kg.
Thanks. I was trying out the small -with and without poles - didn't seem to make a difference. This seems like a design flaw in the pack - especially for small women like me. I have used a Osprey Talon 33 and now a Tempest 40 because these hip wings on the Eja did not seem like a problem I could resolve.
 
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C clearly

Moderator
Staff member
Jan 28, 2007
12,127
1
42,303
BC, Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
Most years since 2012
What does it weigh?
A few ounces of weight are much less important than how THAT backpack distributes the 6-8 kg of pack contents, on YOUR body and your walking style.
My problem was with the hip support.

This seems like a design flaw
It sounds like this pack is not right for your body.

Sometimes it might seem silly that there is such a huge selection of packs with seemingly trivial design differences. But what fits one person just right may drive another person crazy!
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery

KCP

Member
Oct 18, 2021
38
27
Ontario, Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances, 2022
Camino Portuguese, 2024
Ladies who have the Osprey Eja 38. Coudl you tell me if you have the same issue I had with the pack? My problem was with the hip support. On me, both sides stuck out like wings and every time I swung my arms walking they rubbed against these hip wings. I really wanted to like the pack but I had to return it. Was this just me? Did you have this problem? How did you fix it? Thanks.
I noticed they stuck out a bit but they don’t bother me at all when I walk. Have been training with the pack a couple of weeks now. One caveat though is that we are having a cold winter so I am walking in a bunch of layers.
 
A guide to speaking Spanish on the Camino - enrich your pilgrim experience.

Sheesh

Active Member
Sep 13, 2007
374
887
Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
2009, 2013, 2022
An important consideration is the height of the pack, as it could interfere with the rear brim of any hat you may be wearing. This happened to me on my first trek and I had to pin up the rear brim; the hat never sat well as a result.
 
Last edited:
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May 20, 2021
781
1,718
Anchorage, Alaska
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances Fall 2023
Amen. That was a surprise to me. I wore a full brim sun hat for the first time last fall and noticed the interference. So I bought a super light baseball cap by Salomon in an outdoor store, I think in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. I also carry a superlight umbrella for both rain and shine, so really did not need the sun hat. Buen Camino
 
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Dec 19, 2018
177
432
Time of past OR future Camino
CF, CP, VDLP
Can't recommend enough AARN packs. Discovered completely by accident as couldn't get any other pack to fit when going on my first Camino (male 6'3") Have used the Natural Exhilaration on my caminos. Ok the colours are ugly and the front pockets (which are perfect for all your Camino bits and pieces) will result in plenty of mammory jokes but having had back issues i found this the perfect Camino option. Comes in two sizes (S=33 Ltr and L =36 Ltr) and very adjustable. The balance pockets add extra valuable space ( camera, phones, guides/credentials, water, hats sun block etc) and are easily detachable for sightseeing. Have a look at the design concept which is key. https://www.aarnpacks.com/collectio...s/natural-exhilaration-short-long-backlengths
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery

ken2116

Member
Apr 10, 2020
95
150
Northern CA
Time of past OR future Camino
Someday. But have hiked the Sierra and the Pyrenees.
I currently have a 38L Gregory Jade small (as recommended by the fine folks at my local REI). I really appreciate the frame as it offers great back suppprt (spinal fusion). However it weighs 2.98–let’s just call ot THREE POUNDS! I think the 35L is the same due to the frame. Any recommendations for a 32-35L that weighs less? And has a good back supporting frame? Many thanks in advance for all replies
The effect of pound more or less matters less than how well the pack fits and transfers its load to your body. Be prepared to audition a number of them, properly adjusted and loaded with the weight (and distribution) you will carry.
 
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maruska89

Mary C.
Feb 21, 2017
231
350
BC, Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
Porto to SdC-Sept 2017
Camino Frances-Apr/May 2019
I use an Osprey Eja 38L and remove the brain for Camino trips as I don't need to use it. Minus brain it weighs 900g and has a frame. It's women specific, the mens version is called Exos. Well ventilated and easy to reach water bottles in spacious side pockets. No hip pockets but I prefer using a separate lightweight belly-bag.
I ended up with the men's exos version because it fit me better and love it! It's a 48L but I won't fill it and it's the perfect size for my overnight backpacking trips. I have't hiked with it yet but it will be coming with me on the VDLP in April. Good luck choosing and buen camino!
 
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hey there! i'm looking into my first camino, hoping to start around mid-late august - i've wanted to do the traditional frances route for some years now but haven't been in a position to...

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