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Travel Enthusiast | World Explore
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June 2023
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Great logic! PerfectI always when possible carry-on my backpack for the Camino. Even my 48L when packed for the Camino fits within the size maximum requirements as carry-on, and I never carry any liquids more than 3 ounces. No knives or other sharp instruments and I just buy trekking poles when I arrive or just check them in as luggage in a cardboard tube or cheap duffel bag.
I also take the logic that if I am carrying a bag too big to be a carry on I am probably carrying too much stuff.
If you have to check your backpack, you might want to put an Apple Air Tag inside—it will give you GPS location of your backpack in case it is lost. I do this with any luggage when I travel now. ( These were not available when I did the Camino. Fortunately, nothing lost).Last summer I travel all over with my “approved” airline backpack that is not designed for hiking trails. I have a larger backpack, which I think would be excessive for the Camino. I truly dislike checking luggage, especially with transfers. Looking for suggestions, since I’m planning on doing the French way. I had to buy trekking poles in Switzerland last year, so I know that is always an option. Thoughts or suggestions on what you folks have found to be successful.
Great logic! Perfect
I agree about too big a bag. I have a 45 liter pack. I carry a little throw pillow on my camino because if I slept on the pillows in the albergue I would need a really big pack to carry my chiropractor with me. I could easily get by with a 40 liter pack if it was not for my trusty pillow. You could do what RJM says and take a small tube or old duffle and put your poles and knife and check those. I buy the cheapest price airfare and it only allows for a 10k (22 pound) carry on. I always take a couple of days to decompress from my flight. I always do 2 things. Go to Vodafone and get a sim card and prepaid plan (A whole lot cheaper this way). I only talk to my wife and kids on camino and I do that through whatsapp. Then I go to a cucharilla (usually the cheapest place) and buy a pocket knife for 5 or 6 euros. Then I go to an outdoor store, usually Decathlon and buy a pair of cheap poles. I don't mind doing this at all because I like to walk around the city and believe me you never have to walk too far. The cost of buying poles and a pocket knife is definitely cheaper than buying an airline ticket to be able to check a bag. When I get to Santiago I go to Pilgrim House and donate them.I also take the logic that if I am carrying a bag too big to be a carry on I am probably carrying too much stuff.
Awesome, wonderful advice! Thank you!I agree about too big a bag. I have a 45 liter pack. I carry a little throw pillow on my camino because if I slept on the pillows in the albergue I would need a really big pack to carry my chiropractor with me. I could easily get by with a 40 liter pack if it was not for my trusty pillow. You could do what RJM says and take a small tube or old duffle and put your poles and knife and check those. I buy the cheapest price airfare and it only allows for a 10k (22 pound) carry on. I always take a couple of days to decompress from my flight. I always do 2 things. Go to Vodafone and get a sim card and prepaid plan (A whole lot cheaper this way). I only talk to my wife and kids on camino and I do that through whatsapp. Then I go to a cucharilla (usually the cheapest place) and buy a pocket knife for 5 or 6 euros. Then I go to an outdoor store, usually Decathlon and buy a pair of cheap poles. I don't mind doing this at all because I like to walk around the city and believe me you never have to walk too far. The cost of buying poles and a pocket knife is definitely cheaper than buying an airline ticket to be able to check a bag. When I get to Santiago I go to Pilgrim House and donate them.
My number one piece of advice is this:
NEVER, EVER, NEVER, EVER check your backpack!!!!! If the airline loses your pack, do you wait in the city for them to find it? Do you buy a couple of things and hope they can deliver your pack to some village along the way that you will have to wait for probably all day? Or do you say screw it and go to Decathlon and buy all new stuff and not know if you can get the gear you like, especially your pack and spend alot of money again to replace everything. Then you have the added treat of hassling with the airline because they can't wait to cut you a check for the true value of your backpack, clothes and sleeping bag etc.
Carry your pack on the plane. I have done 7 Caminos and been on both 777 and prop planes and have never had an issue getting my 45 liter pack on the plane.
Just one man's opinion and buen camino.
We always carry our own backpacks--we check a duffle bag with our poles and Swiss Army knives and carry the duffle bag with us. We like having the flexibility, and feeling that we have everything we need to survive on our backs. I must point out, however, that we for many years have been doing trails other than the Frances with its greater number of places to find shelter, food, and other accommodations.I always when possible carry-on my backpack for the Camino. Even my 48L when packed for the Camino fits within the size maximum requirements as carry-on, and I never carry any liquids more than 3 ounces. No knives or other sharp instruments and I just buy trekking poles when I arrive or just check them in as luggage in a cardboard tube or cheap duffel bag.
I also take the logic that if I am carrying a bag too big to be a carry on I am probably carrying too much stuff.
What is your pack size and brand?I am looking at a 45L by Patagonia, however I am not sold on it yet.We always carry our own backpacks--we check a duffle bag with our poles and Swiss Army knives and carry the duffle bag with us. We like having the flexibility, and feeling that we have everything we need to survive on our backs. I must point out, however, that we for many years have been doing trails other than the Frances with its greater number of places to find shelter, food, and other accommodations.
Last year was an exception to this--we did the Dingle Way in Ireland and had a company arrange stays and baggage carry. It was very nice, and efficient, but I found that I had brought from home more changes of clothing (most of which I never wore) and found that my biggest "problem" was what to send ahead and what to carry myself. Basically you still need to carry raingear, first aid supplies, snacks and water, etc. So, for the most part, I don't see any great advantage to transport services, but I know that some people need this option.
Thank you! I am a fan of OspreyI carry on pack, a 38l Osprey Kestrel. If its taken from me at the gate, I know it will be put in the hold.
Thoughts or suggestions on what you folks have found to be successful.
It is not necessary to check your backpack in order to take your poles, knife, etc. You can just check a package (even a cardboard box) with your poles, knife, etc. If that goes missing, it is easy to replace those items. If your whole pack goes missing, it will disrupt your Camino.I always check my bag so I can take my poles, pocket knife etc.
I understand the logic of this but I’d actually be sadder to lose the poles and knife this way. I’ve had them a long time and am more attached to them than whatever decathlon clothes or boots toiletries are in my bag. It’s a roll of the dice I’m willing to take.It is not necessary to check your backpack in order to take your poles, knife, etc. You can just check a package (even a cardboard box) with your poles, knife, etc. If that goes missing, it is easy to replace those items. If your whole pack goes missing, it will disrupt your Camino.
Your backpack might have dimensions listed by the manufacturer that indicate a fully-packed backpack. If you do not fill the top part, it might fit within the airline size requirement even when the listed dimensions seem too big.
I don't get the logic of this. You seem to saying that if you are going to lose the poles and knife, then you want to lose the rest of your belongings as well. You don't have a choice whether to check the poles, but you do have a choice about your other stuff.I understand the logic of this but I’d actually be sadder to lose the poles and knife this way. I’ve had them a long time and am more attached to them than whatever decathlon clothes or boots toiletries are in my bag.
I don't get the logic of this. You seem to saying that if you are going to lose the poles and knife, then you want to lose the rest of your belongings as well. You don't have a choice whether to check the poles, but you do have a choice about your other stuff.
I am going to double down on this because flying in Europe is very different to flying in the rest of the world. If you are flying to Europe and back, fine. But if you try to take a 45lt backpack on a Ryanair or Vuelig flight you going to find out exactly why they are so cheap. Budget European airlines not only have tighter limits on carry-on baggage, they enforce them ruthlessly.Carry your pack on the plane. I have done 7 Caminos and been on both 777 and prop planes and have never had an issue getting my 45 liter pack on the plane.
Just one man's opinion and buen camino.
I can’ really comment on budget airlines in Europe except to say that I have flown Vueling 5 or 6 times and have been able to take my pack onboard. I may have upgraded my ticket last December but I don’t remembered now.I am going to double down on this because flying in Europe is very different to flying in the rest of the world. If you are flying to Europe and back, fine. But if you try to take a 45lt backpack on a Ryanair or Vuelig flight you going to find out exactly why they are so cheap. Budget European airlines not only have tighter limits on carry-on baggage, they enforce them ruthlessly.
I agree with Doug. Coming from Australia I have always checked in my pack. Nowadays I have it wrapped. I do not want to be carrying it around during transits . This April I will use an Air tag for the first time.I've checked my pack every time I have travelled to Europe from Australia and never had it lost. On a recent trip, not on the camino, my bag was delayed when it wasn't tagged properly for a transit, but otherwise checking bags has never been a problem for me. When I have travelled on the European budget airlines after my pilgrimages, I have checked my bags as well, and that has never been a problem either.
Lucky? Perhaps. Airlines do lose bags, and perhaps you might want to check how the the airlines you are using rank on this before choosing to fly with them. But I am not going to change my approach here.
There is quite a lot of data online about mishandled bags. It’s quite a minefield but let’s you assess your risk I guess. It’s a little under 1% I think.I agree with Doug. Coming from Australia I have always checked in my pack. Nowadays I have it wrapped. I do not want to be carrying it around during transits . This April I will use an Air tag for the first time.
The US DOT publishes monthly consumer reports for US airlines. The latest (Oct 2022) shows an average rate just under half a percent for mishandled baggage, with the best performance around 0.13 bags for each thousand bags. Lost baggage is a even smaller number.There is quite a lot of data online about mishandled bags. It’s quite a minefield but let’s you assess your risk I guess. It’s a little under 1% I think.
I know, but OP asked what we do and have found to be successful and this is what I do.
Flight within Europe means much tighter limits on bag size and weight so what may go in the overhead locker on a long haul flight may incur extra charges or have to be checked on short haul European flights. As their profit margins are wafer thin, they tend to enforce the rules with great enthusiasm.
That means that at 1%, if my maths is correct, if there are 300 passengers on a plane, 3 of them are likely to have missing baggage. Having said that, we always check our bags. And last trip to Europe, they went missing, and didn't turn up for another 8 days. But we'll do it again next time. As you say, coming from Oz, you don't have a lot of choice unless you want to go visiting your rellies in hiking gear.There is quite a lot of data online about mishandled bags. It’s quite a minefield but let’s you assess your risk I guess. It’s a little under 1% I think.
That sounds right! Thought @dougfitz numbers are factual rather than my viewpoint. Depending on reason for mishandling, bags are generally put on next availability flight which is obviously quite a elastic term!!! Of course many folks visiting Camino from USA are doing 4 or maybe 6 sectors so that increase risk I guess.That means that at 1%, if my maths is correct, if there are 300 passengers on a plane, 3 of them are likely to have missing baggage. Having said that, we always check our bags. And last trip to Europe, they went missing, and didn't turn up for another 8 days. But we'll do it again next time. As you say, coming from Oz, you don't have a lot of choice unless you want to go visiting your rellies in hiking gear.
The numbers I found for recent performance of US airlines includes mishandled baggage, but doesn't break that down further. The sites that I did find that suggested they might have provided global statistics ended up behind a paywall, and I wasn't going there. As I noted earlier, the average rate of mishandled bags in the US is about 0.5%, with the best performing airline at about 0.13%. So flying with a good airline, at least as far as mishandling baggage is concerned, will result in far fewer lost bags than has been suggested here.That means that at 1%, if my maths is correct, if there are 300 passengers on a plane, 3 of them are likely to have missing baggage.
I’ve been looking into carry-on size back packs. Even the smaller packs seem to be over 22” long which is what many airlines limit.Osprey Tempest 30L-26”, Deuter Speedlite 30L-25”, Gregory Jade 33L-24”. What is the name of your 48L pack that fits within the carry on limit? Still pondering.I always when possible carry-on my backpack for the Camino. Even my 48L when packed for the Camino fits within the size maximum requirements as carry-on, and I never carry any liquids more than 3 ounces. No knives or other sharp instruments and I just buy trekking poles when I arrive or just check them in as luggage in a cardboard tube or cheap duffel bag.
I also take the logic that if I am carrying a bag too big to be a carry on I am probably carrying too much stuff.
That means that at 1%, if my maths is correct, if there are 300 passengers on a plane, 3 of them are likely to have missing baggage. Having said that, we always check our bags. And last trip to Europe, they went missing, and didn't turn up for another 8 days. But we'll do it again next time. As you say, coming from Oz, you don't have a lot of choice unless you want to go visiting your rellies in hiking gear.
Both the backpacks I have traveled with as carry-on luggage have an overall length of 22". One is an REI 48L and the other a Deuter 32L. Both are several years old and I'm sure the models are discontinued.I’ve been looking into carry-on size back packs. Even the smaller packs seem to be over 22” long which is what many airlines limit.Osprey Tempest 30L-26”, Deuter Speedlite 30L-25”, Gregory Jade 33L-24”. What is the name of your 48L pack that fits within the carry on limit? Still pondering.
The REI pack I have is indeed discontinued, but I found the manufacturer listed dimensions and it shows a length of 24.5" and like I said the frame is 22". So it does look like the listed dimensions include a loaded top compartment. If you are buying a backpack at an outdoor shoppe I suggest bringing a portable tape measure and check the actual rigid frame dimensions of the pack. That is what matters most.I’ve been looking into carry-on size back packs. Even the smaller packs seem to be over 22” long which is what many airlines limit.Osprey Tempest 30L-26”, Deuter Speedlite 30L-25”, Gregory Jade 33L-24”. What is the name of your 48L pack that fits within the carry on limit? Still pondering.
On my last four CF's , I carried my trusted Mountain Hardware 36lt backpack measuring 50 cm (20''), weighing about 6 kg fully packed (incl. foldable Black Diamond Carbon Z poles and a small daypack)I’ve been looking into carry-on size back packs. Even the smaller packs seem to be over 22” long which is what many airlines limit.Osprey Tempest 30L-26”, Deuter Speedlite 30L-25”, Gregory Jade 33L-24”. What is the name of your 48L pack that fits within the carry on limit? Still pondering.
Thanks so much. I’m really new at this and want to make the right purchase.The REI pack I have is indeed discontinued, but I found the manufacturer listed dimensions and it shows a length of 24.5" and like I said the frame is 22". So it does look like the listed dimensions include a loaded top compartment. If you are buying a backpack at an outdoor shoppe I suggest bringing a portable tape measure and check the actual rigid frame dimensions of the pack. That is what matters most.
This number is not supported by the actual data for US airlines. A couple of people have speculated that the rate for lost baggage might be 1% of checked bags. I haven't found any actual performance figures that show the situation is this bad. The US DOT publishes monthly data for the US market that shows the average rate of mishandled bags is less than half of that, and the best airlines in that market have a mishandling rate of about 0.15% (0.0015).Or to put it more in forum perspective, if there are 200 forum members signed up to start in April, two of them will have their checked luggage go astray.
Also after you find and buy the right backpack, before you leave for the Camino pack the backpack as it will be when you travel and check its dimensions. There's a good chance it will seem too big but as said before backpacks are easy to compress down. Like a pillow almost. No doubt you can crunch it to size and if not reevaluate what you are carrying. Filter out some of the what-if's and just in case stuff.Thanks so much. I’m really new at this and want to make the right purchase.
This number is not supported by the actual data for US airlines. A couple of people have speculated that the rate for lost baggage might be 1% of checked bags. I haven't found any actual performance figures that show the situation is this bad. The US DOT publishes monthly data for the US market that shows the average rate of mishandled bags is less than half of that, and the best airlines in that market have a mishandling rate of about 0.15% (0.0015).
There is reporting that indicates that this rate has been increasing, and it must create a mountain of mishandled baggage at the major airports.
And of course, if you are one of those unfortunate enough to have this happen to you, it could put a big dent in your travel plans. However, as someone who accepts this risk, and checks my bag, I am accepting that at some point I might be faced with the prospect of having to replace all the clothing and equipment that I have so carefully chosen over the past few months to prepare for my pilgrimage, and delay by departure as a result. It might mean not taking a rest day later on to make up for the time I have lost, or taking the train, bus or a taxi somewhere if the delay is too large. This doesn't have to be the disaster that some people think it will be, distressing as it might be.
In a similar time frame, I have personally had bags delayed 3 or 4 times (by up to several days).I have never - in over 50 years of flying all over the place - lost a checked bag.
Sometimes I check a bag, sometimes I don't. My decision is made on an understanding of the known risks and benefits, and of my own tolerance in the particular situation. Then I try to carry onboard those items that are most important not to lose.DO NOT check your bag.
Only if it is within range of a phone that is "willing" to pass on its ID to Apple AND is connected to the internet. Otherwise, it tells you where the tag was the last time it ws able to report in.If you have to check your backpack, you might want to put an Apple Air Tag inside—it will give you GPS location of your backpack in case it is lost. I do this with any luggage when I travel now. ( These were not available when I did the Camino. Fortunately, nothing lost).
Now that most (if not all) airports use computerized sorting/routing with scannable bar codes, it is far less common. But it still happens as you note. Instead of one or two each plane, I suspect it's more likely a lot of them on an occasional flight and none on most flights. Probably stolen bags are more common than lost ones.Thanks again for uncovering the numbers @dougfitz ….I was in the ‘it’s less than 1 in 100 camp’ but I think your numbers suggest about 1 in 670 so a huge difference and 1 bag per every 2 or 3 aircraft.
This cannot have been great, but it is the risk one takes when one checks baggage. I do hope his camino is merely delayed, and he is able to adjust his schedule along the way and still complete the journey. It seems he will have a more interesting story to tell at the end than most of us.Just started watching a you tube video of a man flying into Biarritz than onto SJPP to start his camino. Then it shows him in SJPP and he says your are probably wondering why i'am not starting my camino. His pack didn't make it on his flight and came on a later flight and he had to go back to Biarritz to pick it up.
And ..Just started watching a you tube video of a man flying into Biarritz than onto SJPP to start his camino. Then it shows him in SJPP and he says your are probably wondering why i'am not starting my camino. His pack didn't make it on his flight and came on a later flight and he had to go back to Biarritz to pick it up.
I check mine every time (to Spain ) and it’s never failed. By the same logic, between you and I (as I’ve flown 40+ times to Spain) they lose <2.5% of baggage. What if we use a bigger sample. Maybe everyone …The only time we ever checked a bag to Spain, it was lost by the airline. Fortunately, it was just an Ikea bag with our poles, and we had carried on our packs, so after a quick trip to the local Decathalon we started walking as scheduled.
Based on my experience, en route to Spain, airlines lose 100% of checked bags.
Travelling from Australia is very different to the relatively short flights from North America or within Europe. Cabin baggage is usually carefully checked and trying to get a hiking backpack on board would be very problematical. Also the transit points are usually in the Middle East and security there is very rigid. It would not take much for a security officer to decide that your backpack contained something doubtful and dealing with the authorities is more difficult than in western counties. Checked baggage is a better option I think.I agree with Doug. Coming from Australia I have always checked in my pack. Nowadays I have it wrapped. I do not want to be carrying it around during transits . This April I will use an Air tag for the first time.
Are you saying that the dimensions posted by the airline might not apply, or simply that they would be applied strictly? Many Camino packs do comply.trying to get a hiking backpack on board would be very problematical.
The rules would be applied very strictly. If a backpack was small enough it may be allowed, however as a semi-official guideline any backpack above 'daypack' size may not be allowed, even if its dimensions and weight meet the carry on standard. I can't say for certain that this would apply in every case, it depends very much on the individuals at check in, however in my time working at Sydney airport I saw enough issues with carry on baggage to belive that checking your backpack is a better option, at least out of Sydney.Are you saying that the dimensions posted by the airline might not apply, or simply that they would be applied strictly? Many Camino packs do comply.
Many might, but there are a couple of things working against some of us:Are you saying that the dimensions posted by the airline might not apply, or simply that they would be applied strictly? Many Camino packs do comply.
No doubt quite a few "someone elses" have that view, but it is equally true all the other someone elses have a different view or have insufficient experience to have formed a view. I am suspect that Robo included that as an implied statement and the people asking this question will eventually have to form their own decision. That might take a few Caminos to work out.As someone else said, if it's too big as carry on luggage, then it's too big anyway!
The rules would be applied very strictly. If a backpack was small enough it may be allowed, however as a semi-official guideline any backpack above 'daypack' size may not be allowed, even if its dimensions and weight meet the carry on standard.
I am not arguing for or against checking a bag, or suggesting what size backpack one should carry. Certainly in some cases, you must check it. I check a small bag with sharps, etc., and carry on my backpack that does fit within the requirements. I would say mine could be described as daypack size but hiking style.not all of us will carry packs that small... variation in the cabin baggage provisions
Sounds like a good plan.I have a foldable duffel bag big enough for my pack that I am thinking of bringing and if in Amsterdam they don’t let me take it on the plane I can just unfold the duffel, put my pack in it, and give them that.
Hi Robo,Although the risk of a lost bag in very small in my experience........
(Never lost one in 50+ years of flying on hundreds of flights)
I do carry on my pack. As someone else said, if it's too big as carry on luggage, then it's too big anyway!
But I just like the security of knowing I have all my gear with me, that took years to accumulate.
I use an Osprey Sirrus 34L. And I can fit all I need. clothes, meds, sleeping bag etc.
My wife who is somewhat smaller than me uses an Osprey 24L.
I do 'check in' a mailing tube, with poles. liquids, knife etc.
And maybe a couple of things that I can afford to 'lose' to make my pack lighter on the plane.
However.........
I check the carry on allowances and size/weight limitations for every flight I will take.
For example, I'm using 3 different airlines on my next Camino.
Some discount airlines have a smaller / lighter allowance.
As I'm generally using these on my return from Santiago.
I could check in my bag if I had to as a Plan B.
And I book a check-in luggage spot just in case anyway.
Yes, usually the same cost.Hi Robo,
I had assumed the airline charges the same to check-in a mailing tube filled with poles, knife, etc. as for a full size rucksack. What has your experience been - same cost or not ?
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