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Packpack packing

Jim McMurtrie

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances April-May 2018
Frances September-October 2019
Getting ready for my April Camino and was wondering if using the plastic compression bags make any sense. Obviousely they will add soms weight but look as though they might reduce volume substantially. I'm certain that there are valuable opinions out there
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Hi Jim. I am not sure what compression bags you mean. I have some dry sacks, varying sizes and colours, supposedly to help me be organised. But then I forget what stuff is which sack... anyway, I sit on them to compress them before closing them. It works!
 
Getting ready for my April Camino and was wondering if using the plastic compression bags make any sense. Obviousely they will add soms weight but look as though they might reduce volume substantially. I'm certain that there are valuable opinions out there

No, they really don't make sense. :) 1. they weigh a good deal more than a lightweight stuff sack. 2. they would quickly become a nuisance when you have to deal with them each time you want to retrieve something.
 
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,-
I like the compression sacks-- I use one for my down sleeping bag. But remember that they are a tad heavier than a simple stuff sack, will crush stuff, and everything weighs the same no matter how squashed. So it's easy to carry too much weight if you use compression sacks. However, they are handy to get everything into a carry-on sized pack for the airplane. -- I was surprised to see that the albergue in Roncevalles sold compression sacks. My guess is that people buy them at the beginning of their camino, and then realize stuff is heavy no matter how it's squashed down.
 
I use a simple stuff sack for my 400g down sleeping bag - compresses to a tiny bundle. Also one for change of clothes at night just to keep them together so I know where everything is...haha not that there's much in there! Buen Camino
 
Hi Jim. I am not sure what compression bags you mean. I have some dry sacks, varying sizes and colours, supposedly to help me be organised. But then I forget what stuff is which sack... anyway, I sit on them to compress them before closing them. It works!
The Plan: I am using the light weight nylon drybags, (Walmart outdoor brand 3 diff sizes in a pack for those in the US) they almost weigh nothing and you can press the air out before sealing the bag will at the very least keep my clothes dry and organized ..shirts and bra in one socks and pants in the other. Small size used for toiletries can hang in the shower without getting wet. Also can use the small size to keep valuables with me and use as a shopping bag at the market. I use a sharpie to remind me what is in each bag . You know they say memory is the first thing to go ...mmm starting early at 50
 
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St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
I use 3 small stuff sacks. And found that is all I need for packing. I use a trash compacter liner to line and waterproof everything.
 
I try to carry so little that it does not need organizing. I figure if I am carrying so much stuff I have to inventory it and organize it in my pack, it is too much.
My sleep system is already in a stuff sack that came with it. My toiletries are in a kit. My poncho is in its own bag. I got a stuff sack with socks and underwear. Another with my extra pants/shorts and shirt. The stuff sacks are thin and light and cheap.
My pack towel is in its own bag.
Nothing weighs much different than anything else. I just drop it in and start walking. The only time I was ever concerned with pack organization was when I was in the army. Was really important then, but then again we would carry packs and gear on our backs weighing up to 50 kilos. A 5-8 kilo pack on the Camino is and should be quite light.
I carry a thick rubbish bin bag just slightly larger than the interior of the pack. If it looks like inclement weather, I line the interior of the pack with it, put everything inside and close it up. Everything stays dry. It is far more important to do that than be concerned with the outside of the pack staying dry. Backpacks dry fast. The stuff inside way harder to dry if it gets wet.
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-

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