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Hello!
I'm doing some very early research for my Sept '18 Camino! I already own a 45+10L backpacking pack (https://www.rei.com/product/880684/deuter-act-lite-45-10-sl-pack-womens) which was fitted to me and I've used while backpacking. Clearly, I don't need to take 45L worth of gear on the Camino but as I already have this pack, I'd like to know if I should take it (and only fill it with what I need) or if I should look for a smaller pack. The current pack is approx. 3lbs 12oz on its own.
If I should start looking for a smaller pack, any tips in re: to brand, how it opens (from the top or a full down the front zip), etc.?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have walked 3, six week Caminos with my adult son. He uses an Ula Catalyst on all of them and loves it.I don't believe that a comfartably fitting pack becomes useless due to being a larger volume size than is needed. I do think, though, that saving weight, if one can afford the expense of a right-sized backpack for a trip like the Camino can be a good thing. For example, Gossamer Gear has a big sale going on for 'Black Friday', and their "Gorilla" ultralight pack is on sale for a huge discount.
I have used the Gorilla for wilderness backpacking trips of 5-7 days in length, and it is rugged and extremely comfortable. I use the Gossamer Gear Mariposa for longer trips, although I did use it for my Camino with my son ( he used the Gorilla). It weighs under two pounds, is very water-resistant (it can be waterproof if one seals the seams with a seam sealer).
https://www.gossamergear.com/products/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all-bundle
I also like ULA packs, the Ohm being a good size for Camino, especially when you are able to pack light. Again, tough and ultralight.
https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/ohm-2-0/
I have walked 3, six week Caminos with my adult son. He uses an Ula Catalyst on all of them and loves it.
However, on his three long distance hikes in the US he uses his Osprey Atmos 75L as he needs to carry tent, cooking supplies and a full week's supply of food at a time. That pack is a behemoth monster!
Well, he purchased the big Atmos for the Appalachian Trail five years ago, so since he owns it, he likes to use it. He since has hiked the whole John Muir trail and the Colorado Trail from Breckenridge to Silverton. He carries nearly 40 pounds when he's newly resupplied...but he does like food!That's a big pack!!! For my PCT and Colorado Trail thru hikes, with 7-10 days beteen supply points, with tent, pad, cooking gear, sleeping quilt, etc. I used the ULA Circuit (Colorado Trail) and the Catalyst (PCT), and had loads of room. My base weight was around 14 pounds, and with food and fuel would be around 21 lbs. Wearing the Gossamer Gear Mariposa with a base weight of 8 pounds for Camino was like carrying a dust bunny by comparison.
My daughter in law walked the Frances route with my son and me this past spring with her new Osprey Exos 48 (minus the lid) and she loved it. She is a "tiny little thing" and never complained once about anything related to wearing her pack. I was impressed with this ultralight model from Osprey.I used an Osprey Exos 48. I removed the lid and just cinched it down. I bought it so that I could use it for other hikes besides the Camino. I met a friend who thru hiked the AT and he had a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest. I was impressed with the durability of his pack, and it was about a 1/2 pound lighter than mine. I think it will outlast mine. Both are basic rucksack designs without a lot of buzzes and whistles.
I was surprised that the Exos 48 still had a trampoline style back and such cushy, well padded shoulder harness straps. I have the women's specific Osprey Sirrus 36 and am very happy with it, but I did wish I'd asked my daughter in law to swap packs for a few hours so I could see what it felt like. She had no snagging problems or issues when used for 9 weeks, but like you say, multiple trips would be more telling as to how well it would hold up long term.I recently replaced my five-Camino Osprey Kestrel 48 liter bag with the identical bag in 38 liters. I have spinal stenosis(inherited) and literally shrank 5 cm out of the larger (M/L) torso harness. So the New bag is nominally only 36 liters as it is in the S/M torso harness size. But, it DOES fit waaaay better! The older Osprey, still in very good condition, was donated at Pilgrim House in Santiago last summer.
I understand about brand loyalty, especially to an internationally renowned brand like Deuter. My affection for Osprey is similar. I have seriously considered the Exos. I like the lighter overall weight, but am concerned about the long-term reliability of the lighter weight fittings and fabric.
We would, I am sure, like to hear from folks who have used Osprey Exos rucksacks for multiple month-long Caminos, including the occasional bus hop. In particular, I would like to know how this rucksack fabric held up to rough handling, snagging in bius cargo holds, etc.
Thanks
I love the Deuter Groeden 32 ltr. It is perfect for my short Apple body shape and has lots of separate pockets. I got everything in perfectly. It is light to start with and extremely comfortable.Hello!
I'm doing some very early research for my Sept '18 Camino! I already own a 45+10L backpacking pack (https://www.rei.com/product/880684/deuter-act-lite-45-10-sl-pack-womens) which was fitted to me and I've used while backpacking. Clearly, I don't need to take 45L worth of gear on the Camino but as I already have this pack, I'd like to know if I should take it (and only fill it with what I need) or if I should look for a smaller pack. The current pack is approx. 3lbs 12oz on its own.
If I should start looking for a smaller pack, any tips in re: to brand, how it opens (from the top or a full down the front zip), etc.?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Hello!
I'm doing some very early research for my Sept '18 Camino! I already own a 45+10L backpacking pack (https://www.rei.com/product/880684/deuter-act-lite-45-10-sl-pack-womens) which was fitted to me and I've used while backpacking. Clearly, I don't need to take 45L worth of gear on the Camino but as I already have this pack, I'd like to know if I should take it (and only fill it with what I need) or if I should look for a smaller pack. The current pack is approx. 3lbs 12oz on its own.
If I should start looking for a smaller pack, any tips in re: to brand, how it opens (from the top or a full down the front zip), etc.?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have used the same Osprey Exos (48) for: one CF (800 km), roughly 4500 km to Jerusalem and 800km of VdlP. The mesh pockets started showing a bit of wear and tear so I bought a new one after that. Same model. I understand you can even send them back to be repaired but I haven't tried that.We would, I am sure, like to hear from folks who have used Osprey Exos rucksacks for multiple month-long Caminos, including the occasional bus hop. In particular, I would like to know how this rucksack fabric held up to rough handling, snagging in bius cargo holds, etc.
Thanks
I walked with a 50 liters antigravity osprey and I loved the fact that I could access all my stuff which was only half the pack without having to dig through or take everything out. Plus I put a few gifts in when I got to SantiagoHello!
I'm doing some very early research for my Sept '18 Camino! I already own a 45+10L backpacking pack (https://www.rei.com/product/880684/deuter-act-lite-45-10-sl-pack-womens) which was fitted to me and I've used while backpacking. Clearly, I don't need to take 45L worth of gear on the Camino but as I already have this pack, I'd like to know if I should take it (and only fill it with what I need) or if I should look for a smaller pack. The current pack is approx. 3lbs 12oz on its own.
If I should start looking for a smaller pack, any tips in re: to brand, how it opens (from the top or a full down the front zip), etc.?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Katie I don't have any advice on back pack but I am excited for you. My wife and I are doing France route starting Sep 8/18 . Very long way away but still exciting.
I used exactly that pack on both my Caminos. It was very comfortable and I loved it. You don't have to fill it up- and in my case, because I was doing other travel as well as the Camino- it gave me room for extra stuff when I wanted to carry more.Hello!
I'm doing some very early research for my Sept '18 Camino! I already own a 45+10L backpacking pack (https://www.rei.com/product/880684/deuter-act-lite-45-10-sl-pack-womens) which was fitted to me and I've used while backpacking. Clearly, I don't need to take 45L worth of gear on the Camino but as I already have this pack, I'd like to know if I should take it (and only fill it with what I need) or if I should look for a smaller pack. The current pack is approx. 3lbs 12oz on its own.
If I should start looking for a smaller pack, any tips in re: to brand, how it opens (from the top or a full down the front zip), etc.?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
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