• Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.

Search 74,075 Camino Questions

Pack size and route selection

mgflorida

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Planning for two weeks in May 2023!
Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I am currently studying abroad in Madrid for the semester and I am hoping to spend two weeks on one of the Camino routes (still undecided which one) when classes get out the last weekend of April. I backpack quite a bit back in the US, but only have a 55L pack. I know that is bigger than would be ideal for the Camino, but do you think it would be worth it for me to spend the money on a new, smaller pack?
 
Join the Camino cleanup. Logroño to Burgos May 2025 or Astorga to OCebreiro in June
If you can resist the temptation to fill up the extra space with unnecessary gear then there's no particular reason not to use a 55L pack. If it fits well then it might be a good choice. If you are planning to bring your pack as cabin baggage do check that the dimensions are within your airline's size limits.

PS: Apologies. I see you are already in Spain. Ignore the part about cabin baggage size limits unless you plan to fly internally within Spain. :)
 
Last edited:
Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I am currently studying abroad in Madrid for the semester and I am hoping to spend two weeks on one of the Camino routes (still undecided which one) when classes get out the last weekend of April. I backpack quite a bit back in the US, but only have a 55L pack. I know that is bigger than would be ideal for the Camino, but do you think it would be worth it for me to spend the money on a new, smaller pack?
Your backpack is perfectly fine. Especially since April can be rainy and cool. Warm clothes and rain gear can be bulky! Might I suggest the Primitivo as your route? It’s quite lovely and since you are an experienced hiker, you might like the challenge!
 
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,-
Ordinarily, 55 liters is on the overly large rucksack size of the Camino rucksack continuum. But, if you have it and it is comfortable to wear for 6-8 hours daily, use it.

Packing for two-weeks on a Camino is near-identical to packing for a month or more. The 55 liters will not be filled with the required kit. However, as you process along your Camino route RESIST the temptation to acquire stuff, souvenirs, more things you do not need.

I like to state that empty volume in a rucksack has negative pressure - it sucks. The normal tendency is to think - “hey, I have plenty of space - no problem.” By the end of your Camino you are a burro carrying way too much.

Just FYI, and FWIW, the “sweet spot” for a man’s rucksack seems to be somewhere around 35-40 liters. For women, it might be 30 - 35 liters, as they typically have smaller clothing. But everyone is unique.

Personally, I started with a 48 liter bag, then changed to the same model In a 38 liter size - to reduce the “just in case” stuff I carried on by my first few Caminos. I am now trying to get it down to 30-32 liters, plus a “belly bag” that attaches to the front of my rucksack harness to balance the overall weight.

Volume tends to equal weight. Weight is the enemy when you are walking long distances.

Hope this helps,

Tom
 
For my first camino I had a 70 liter because I anticipated backpacking in the Pyrenees afterward. It was full and heavy but well designed and so comfortable. For my second camino I used my larger size daypack, 25 liters.

Now that you see where I'm coming from you'll understand my recommendation for you. If you will get a lot of later use for a larger size daypack buy about a 35 liter one. Otherwise, to save money, use the one you have.
 
My first camino, I walked with a 34L pack, and the second time went up to a 40L. I walked in the spring and fall and needed warmer clothes (to layer) and a sleeping bag.
 
Join the Camino cleanup. Logroño to Burgos May 2025 or Astorga to OCebreiro in June
Shoes, backpacks and routes! These must be the 3 top requests from newcomers! I was a newbie last year and unaware of Ivars Camino forum. This is my experience.
Shoes: I have always worn Saucony for the grumpy soles, but when I went to my local footwear shop the Brooks had a better sole than the Sauconys. I tried Merrill hiking shoes, but they did not make the cut in pre-Camino testing. I also took a pair of Ecco sandals which I preferred to the Brooks.
Backpacks: I was going to take my sister’s 44 liter backpack until my hiking partner told me she was using a 22 liter bag weighing in at less than 15 lbs when packed with all her necessities. I was not going to be outdone, so I selected the Osprey Talon 22 liter backpack, augmented by a small string bag for water, snacks and foot ointment!
Route: it was going to be Francés from day one. If you have only a couple weeks, I have to refer you to the forum. In my reading, the Invierno is most appealing. Avoid Sarria to Compostela if you plan to walk during July-Sep due to crowds. Outside the high season it is actually not bad. My favorite sections on Francés- well any 10-day section would be awesome.
How lucky to study abroad in Spain. Don’t miss out on all the other gems available!
 
Hi mgflorida on my first camino from Konstanz to SdC and Porto (3000km) I started with Mammut Lithium Speed 15L the next camino I increased the backpack size up to 20L because it had a little bit more space. But I never carry more weight as 6300g, this includes one Liter water. I like to travel light. Your me find my packing lists on my homepage.
 
Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I am currently studying abroad in Madrid for the semester and I am hoping to spend two weeks on one of the Camino routes (still undecided which one) when classes get out the last weekend of April. I backpack quite a bit back in the US, but only have a 55L pack. I know that is bigger than would be ideal for the Camino, but do you think it would be worth it for me to spend the money on a new, smaller pack?

No, do not spend money on a new backpack if that one fits and performs well for you. The idea that one must enter into the "I have the smallest backpack contest" is something I only see in Camino discussions.

If you were only needing a Camino backpack, then it makes sense to get a backpack sized only for a camino while allowing you to pack without needing to squeeze everything tight or dangle anything off the back.

I use a 60 Liter Gossamer Gear Silverback which was discontinued two years ago, but is very similar to the current Gorilla 50. It weighs 1.8 pounds/596 grams, and works great for wilderness backpacking and Camino. I have also used the ULA Circuit, which is heavier than the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 or Gorilla 40 or the Mariposa 60 liter.

When my wife, who does not backpack, went on Camino with me, among the 11 backpack candidates I fitted her to, she choose a 38 liter Gregory Jade model. That size worked well for her, but would be too small a capacity for a multi-week backpacking trip.

If your backpack is comfortable, use it and save the money.
 
Last edited:
3rd Edition. Vital content training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
It depends on how much your 55L backpack weighs. It could be anything from 2 lbs to 8 lbs.
But since you went backpacking with it, I suspect it is lighter
 
Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I am currently studying abroad in Madrid for the semester and I am hoping to spend two weeks on one of the Camino routes (still undecided which one) when classes get out the last weekend of April. I backpack quite a bit back in the US, but only have a 55L pack. I know that is bigger than would be ideal for the Camino, but do you think it would be worth it for me to spend the money on a new, smaller pack?
I concur. One hike? Pack light and crank it down.

If I were you and accustomed to hiking I would take the train to Leon. Hike to Oviedo on the Salvador, hang a left at Oviedo and pick up the Primitivo to Santiago. Stellar. If you are strong you can do it in 2 weeks. $0.02
 
do you think it would be worth it for me to spend the money on a new, smaller pack?
If it fits well then it might be a good choice
our backpack is perfectly fine
if you have it and it is comfortable to wear for 6-8 hours daily, use it.
to save money, use the one you have
If your backpack is comfortable, use it and save the money

@mgflorida, my analysis (supported by the answers above) is to reply NO to your question.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong)
 
3rd Edition. Vital content training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I am currently studying abroad in Madrid for the semester and I am hoping to spend two weeks on one of the Camino routes (still undecided which one) when classes get out the last weekend of April. I backpack quite a bit back in the US, but only have a 55L pack. I know that is bigger than would be ideal for the Camino, but do you think it would be worth it for me to spend the money on a new, smaller pack?


I’ve walked 5 Caminos and I’d definitely recommend getting a pack that is the size you need (not bigger) I used this one on my last Camino and I found it excellent. The pockets on the hip straps are super useful. It is also size adjustable.

 
Hi mgflorida on my first camino from Konstanz to SdC and Porto (3000km) I started with Mammut Lithium Speed 15L the next camino I increased the backpack size up to 20L because it had a little bit more space. But I never carry more weight as 6300g, this includes one Liter water. I like to travel light. Your me find my packing lists on my homepage.
Anyone who weighs his money is doing the job properly!
 
Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I am currently studying abroad in Madrid for the semester and I am hoping to spend two weeks on one of the Camino routes (still undecided which one) when classes get out the last weekend of April. I backpack quite a bit back in the US, but only have a 55L pack. I know that is bigger than would be ideal for the Camino, but do you think it would be worth it for me to spend the money on a new, smaller pack?
If the pack fits; use it - just resist the temptation to fill it with anything you don’t need.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I did the Camino in 2001 at the end of a year studying in Spain. I actually borrowed someone's backpack by placing an ad somewhere asking if anyone had one I could borrow. You might be able to do that somehow, or ask if there are any donated ones at the Amigos del Camino office in Madrid, which used to be on one of those little streets running off Plaza del Sol, but I don't know if it's still there.
 

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Most read last week in this forum

Being of an age where luggage becomes mysteriously heavier with each passing year, I’ve realised what I’ve learned about packing light for Camino is relevant for all kinds of travel. Gleaned from...
I am having a hard time finding a hyper/ultralight raincoat that won't break the budget (Less than $20). It would be nice to have one that isn't the clear plastic version. Any recommendations or...
Every year around this time, I buy the soon to be outdated Altra Lone Peak. Lots of sites have the Lone Peak 8s on sale, in anticipation for the Lone Peak 9. I like to be a year behind because...
This is the first time I've worn these headphones, or even this kind of headphone, on Camino, and I thought I would share the experience, the pros and cons for anyone considering them or something...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Back
Top