September Portugese Coastal: 26 l Osprey or Eja 38 backpack?

[Ducks]

Hello and this is probably the first question of many.

I'm a woman, 62, planning to walk the Portugese Coastal Camino from Porto, probably in May or September 2020 unless I can swing it earlier!

I'll be staying mostly in B&B type accommodation - so without a need for sleeping bag - I'm not sure whether the Osprey 26 litre backpack will be sufficient, or better to go with the Eja 38?

I've tried them both on and they fit very well, but I can't decide which one would be best. Weight and bulk is a concern for me because of health reasons and I'm planning to travel very light. I'm not sure whether a bigger backpack is going to balance well if it isn't quite full, so and maybe the 26 litre is sufficient.

They both weigh about the same as far as the frame.

Thank you to any experienced pilgrims for any advice

 

[JaWie]

I'd think the 26 l pack should be enough if you pack thoughtfully. I did the Portuguese last year with an Osprey Kyte 36, but downgraded to Osprey Tempest 30 this year. I wanted to buy the Eja but it's a little bit too long to meet certain carry in rules (if I remember correctly)

 

[Davey Boyd]

Hi Ducks!

I don't know the Eja 38, but I know the Osprey. The Osprey 26 would be fine.

Best thing about the Osprey is the guarantee. I had an Osprey Aether 70 for five years. In the last year a zip lost its stitching and two clips broke. Not the packs fault, I really hammered it (7 camino's) and it was old. I contacted Osprey last week to see if I can get the clips replaced and maybe (not expected) fix the zip. Now, the zip was a hip pocket, so not a problem, and the clips cost about £5 for both. I asked out of curiosity. I also informed them I had no receipt and could not even remember where I bought it from (online). They answered my email next day, saying sorry I had these problems, and they would replace the pack. What colour would I like? I received a new rucksack today, seven days after making the inquiry. I have heard many similar stories too.

I don't know Eja packs, but for peace of mind you can't do much better than Osprey. They are expensive, but very good quality. I am not endorsing the company but I was sure impressed!

Davey

 

[Davey Boyd]

Ps welcome to the forum!

 

[ranthr]

I would have taken the Eja! Exos and Eja, the lady variant of Osprey Exos, is very easy to carry, full or not. I have an Exos 48 which I prefer even if a smaller backpack is big enough. On the camino it is ok to have some empty space in the bp, for food and water, it is easier to pack as well.

 

[trecile]

I don't know Eja packs, but for peace of mind you can't do much better than Osprey.

The Eja 38 is an Osprey pack.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/eja-38-EJA38_576.html

 

[Davey Boyd]

The Eja 38 is an Osprey pack.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/eja-38-EJA38_576.html

Every day is a schoolday!

Can't go wrong then!

Davey

 

[FLEUR]

Two of us " senior lady pilgrims " invested in Osprey Eja 38L rucksacks and walked the Portuguese Camino in May. We wished we'd bought them years ago. Pure comfort.
No need to fill the bag to full capacity and one can remove the top smaller bag section of wished.

 

[Sheesh]

Also consider if the height of either pack interferes with the back brim of your hat. This happened to me on my first trek with my Tilley hat. I ended up having to pin up the back brim and the hat never sat well as a result.

 

[FLEUR]

My friend initially bought a smaller Osprey rucksack (26 or 28L) but checked it at home then returned to the store and exchanged it for the Eja. No regrets.

 

[henrythedog]

The Eja looks very similar to the Osprey 'Kestrel, although in a female-fit. I use a Kestrel and love it.

I considered a smaller (than 38l) sack, as I also prefer accommodation which does not require a sleeping bag but I stayed with the larger sack because:

I think smaller sacks are generally less stable and have less comfortable harnesses (Note the use of 'I think' there folks - it's an opinion).

One can be more relaxed about packing the sack. Smaller packs can require a more structured approach to loading.

The downside is that you have to remain disciplined about what you choose to carry. Don't be tempted to fill the space just because you have it.

 

[Gasmeter]

I am using the Exos 38 (male version of the Eja 38) and am loving it. I’m seriously impressed; and I recommend you use the Eja.
I am using safety pins to fasten wet clothes to the tighten-straps, to dry in the sun.
I am still debating whether I was right to get the water bladder, or whether I should have just taken a water bottle. Water bottles are much easier to fill up at public fountains, and are easily reachable in the Eja/Exos pockets. But the mouthpiece clipped to my chest strap means I probably drink more than I otherwise would.
Either way, I don’t have the water bladder in the backsack’s designated space any more - I have it floating free at the top of the backpack, for ease of re-filling.

 

[FLEUR]

I'm not a fan of water bladders, and definitely don't want one inside the rucksack.
That pocket for the bladder on the inside is a perfect place to keep papers safe and flat. Tickets, certificates etc. The Padrona certificate carefully covered with the large Padron paper map, travelled well in this pocket.

 

[FLEUR]

Only disappointment with the Eja 38 was that it did not come with a rain cover.
I bought that online afterwards. I was glad I bought the bigger size rain cover.

 

[willydp]

I concur what they said about the Exos/Eja (38) that it is a very comfortable light backpack (very good shoulder padding).
I only have 2 remarks:
1) to big for carry on luggage on the plane
2) it can't stay right up due to it's shape.
I can live with that .
The Kestrel/Kyte is not the same the Exos/Eja.
Is a bit heavier, has a zipper on the longside and a build in rain cover.
I would say that you test both the Eja and Kyte with some weight in a store before buying at the best price
Welcome on the forum and Buen Camino

Update:
Kyte is 36l - 1,47kg
Eja is 38l - 1,13kg + rain cover 0,08kg

 

[Thierry Oppenheimer]

Hi Ducks!

I don't know the Eja 38, but I know the Osprey. The Osprey 26 would be fine.

Best thing about the Osprey is the guarantee. I had an Osprey Aether 70 for five years. In the last year a zip lost its stitching and two clips broke. Not the packs fault, I really hammered it (7 camino's) and it was old. I contacted Osprey last week to see if I can get the clips replaced and maybe (not expected) fix the zip. Now, the zip was a hip pocket, so not a problem, and the clips cost about £5 for both. I asked out of curiosity. I also informed them I had no receipt and could not even remember where I bought it from (online). They answered my email next day, saying sorry I had these problems, and they would replace the pack. What colour would I like? I received a new rucksack today, seven days after making the inquiry. I have heard many similar stories too.

I don't know Eja packs, but for peace of mind you can't do much better than Osprey. They are expensive, but very good quality. I am not endorsing the company but I was sure impressed!

Davey

Nice. I sell sell quality cutlery with the same policy. It's good business

 

[Ducks]

Thanks for all of the replies. I got the 28 l Osprey. I'll give it a go on some training walks. With all of the pockets it really should be enough for me, especially if I have a little daypack too which I guess I would attach to the back at the bottom (where the sleeping bag could go) if I'm carrying them both.

The shops here (UK) have lots of sales on at the moment. It's a good time to pick up stuff.

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi Ducks!

I don't know the Eja 38, but I know the Osprey. The Osprey 26 would be fine.

Best thing about the Osprey is the guarantee. I had an Osprey Aether 70 for five years. In the last year a zip lost its stitching and two clips broke. Not the packs fault, I really hammered it (7 camino's) and it was old. I contacted Osprey last week to see if I can get the clips replaced and maybe (not expected) fix the zip. Now, the zip was a hip pocket, so not a problem, and the clips cost about £5 for both. I asked out of curiosity. I also informed them I had no receipt and could not even remember where I bought it from (online). They answered my email next day, saying sorry I had these problems, and they would replace the pack. What colour would I like? I received a new rucksack today, seven days after making the inquiry. I have heard many similar stories too.

I don't know Eja packs, but for peace of mind you can't do much better than Osprey. They are expensive, but very good quality. I am not endorsing the company but I was sure impressed!

Davey

Now you have no excuse to keep on walking! Well done to Osprey for excellent customer care.