Pack weight - including water

J

JoEllen

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2017
2019

• Sep 14, 2016

• #1

One more question adding to the thousands more already asked.....I have my entire pack weight at about 12 lbs (about 5.44 kg)......with the 2L water bladder, it's 15.5 lbs (about 7kg). My weight is 120 lbs, so with the water, I'm a bit over the 10% recommendation. I'm a very experienced backcountry camper and I usually carry like 40 lbs but don't do as many miles per day. I've done two "shakedown" walks of 5-7 miles each, and it feels great. I'm thinking I'm in the ballpark with the weight, even though it's 13%. I'd love any opinions or suggestions.

 

SYates

Camino Fossil AD 1999, now living in Santiago de C

Time of past OR future Camino

First: Camino Francés 1999
...
Last: Santiago - Muxia 2019

Now: http://egeria.house/

• Sep 14, 2016

• #2

The 10% are really only a rough rule of thumb, nothing set in stone, also, you will not need the full 2l of water every day. There are normally lots of villages on the way where you can refill your water bottles/bladder, so that effectively you can walk, depending on the weather with only 0,5-1l water at the time. Buen Camino, SY

 

trecile

Moderator

Staff member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Francés, Norte, Salvador, Primitivo, Portuguese

• Sep 14, 2016

• #3

I've never bacpacked before the Camino and I'm carrying about 6.5 kg/14.5 lb without water. I sometimes forget I even have a backpack on. People remark on how light my pack is. If it's comfortable you'll be fine.

 

C clearly

Moderator

Staff member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Most years since 2012

• Sep 14, 2016

• #4

It's good. You will carry it easily, if you have your pack properly adjusted.

 

Lmsundaze

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF (2016), CP (2017)

• Sep 15, 2016

• #5

Don't take the weight thing too seriously. I walked in April/May, my backpack weighed about the same as yours. I was 70 years old, and not especially fit. I started out weighing about 135 pounds, 15 pounds more than my weight when I was a younger, more fit person. That extra 15 pounds was something to lug around, not a source of strength to carry a heavier pack. You will be fine!

 

november_moon

Veteran Member

• Sep 15, 2016

• #6

I agree with the others - if it feels good, then you are fine. You are an experienced backpacker, you've tested you pack, I think it will be fine. And you probably won't have to fill your 2L bladder all the way most days.

 

W

whariwharangi

Guest

• Sep 16, 2016

• #7

Guzzle the two liters of water before you walk and your pack becomes 2 kg lighter.

If you do this (or just drink lots before you leave) you won't die if you don't carry water at all.

Most sections you won't need water, never mind two liters, between watering holes.

 

kmrice

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Podiensis 2016, Via Francigena 2018, '19, '22, '23

• Sep 17, 2016

• #8

You should be fine. My wife (66, 116 lbs) is carrying 10 kilos, counting 2 liters of water and doing fine. We've done a lot of walking (this is our second Camino Frances; we started July 26 in Le Puy and are near Burgos this evening) and don't think a few pounds makes that much difference, within reason. Correctly fitting boots, drinking a lot of water, and eating well matter a lot more.