ChrisMayou
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- del Norte planned for Sept 1, 2024
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Saving weight! Just wondering if 2 pounds is a “critical” difference when one is hiking long days, many days in a row. The ultra lightweight pack I’m considering has a hip belt; many don’t.What’s most important to you? Saving money or saving weight? Is your Deuter pack comfortable? (I have a Deuter and it fits me perfectly, which makes carrying it seem less effort than lighter packs I have tried that were just not the right shape for me)
Before you invest, take this caution. I thought as you do, and now I use my ultralight for nothing more than light use around town on errands. Worst investment of my sporting life.To me, the weight is a big deal; nearly as much as the fit. I am a rather small framed woman and my older Osprey Sirrus 36L is heavy at 3.5 lbs. I'd much prefer to have a newer, lightweight 1.5 lb. backpack. I am careful to pack mine as light as possible for a variety of spring or fall weather conditions, but it always feels heavy...shaving off 2 more lbs. sounds great to me.
I will only consider an ultralight backpack that has a frame and fits well. Thanks for underscoring that issue.FWIW... I have an ultralight pack and I don't think the brand is important (though it's a "leader" in the field). All the ultra-lights rely on the same design: absence of frame or much structure. In essence it's 4 sections of parachute material sewn together with straps and hip belt. And I will never take it on a camino or any long hike.
Once it has my stuff in it, and I lug it around for a few kms, I find I'm exhausted and sore -- even though it removes 2.5 to 3 pounds of base weight as compared to my internal frame packs with all the zippers and pulls and extra padding.
Weight is not the *only* feature in our comfort. I have facet arthritis in my sacral and lumbar spine, along with complete disk collapse in the lower lumbar and upper sacral joints.
And I will take those "extra pounds" of weight in my framed packs (a 32 L and a 36 L) to avoid having the stress of an ultra-light design that compresses and pulls on all the wrong spots.
@Perambulating Griffin Why were you disappointed in your ultralight pack?Before you invest, take this caution. I thought as you do, and now I use my ultralight for nothing more than light use around town on errands. Worst investment of my sporting life.
My son has had absolutely no problems with his ultralight ULA on the Caminos and it has a large amazing stretchy pouch in back for incidentals that I wish mine had.Before you invest, take this caution. I thought as you do, and now I use my ultralight for nothing more than light use around town on errands. Worst investment of my sporting life.
I'll weigh in as I was 72 on my Camino in 22 that included two weeks on the Norte. My pack is a 26L Deuter and I carried a bit less than 15 pounds. It was such a good fit that it felt a part of me right away and I missed it for several weeks after returning home.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
I walked with an osprey aura first Camino. Too heavy for me. I switched to osprey eja, light weight. It made all the difference for me. The Norte is quite hilly so as little weight as possible is my mantra.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
in my experience, an ounce can count. and i have NO experience with long hauls such as the Camino. Not 500 miles. 30 miles or so in the Winds and 25 miles or so in Washington. a lot of elevation climb. and i have packed as light as i feel comfortable packing. I expect the first day to discover more ways to save weight.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
My ultralight does have some kind of extremely minimal interior frame, but it’s just not up to the task… and I think the reason why is that it is missing the usual load-lifters and density of foam and material on the shoulder straps… so while they appear fine when I first put the pack on, they sort of squish and pull down to about 2/3 their width and I end up with really sore shoulders plus a sore lumbar spine, and I suspect that there would be a lot of load transfer to my knees if I were try to put it to the test.My son has had absolutely no problems with his ultralight ULA on the Caminos and it has a large amazing stretchy pouch in back for incidentals that I wish mine had.
He has two other large Osprey heavy packs used on the long distance AT, JMT and Colorado trails.
I doubt I will invest in an ultra-light this year as my Osprey still serves me well, but I do have a bit of "envy-itis" of the ultra light options.
I bought the Hyperlight Unbound 40 - $$ but less than the zpack by a few bucks. 29.6oz/839grams. Waist belt and the fit is absolutely perfect. For me, comfort is king (queen)70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
I just noted that the 28L Glencoe is on sale for only £19.97! Unfortunately, no international shipping available unless you happen to know a Brit military member living in the States...Hi. I think it is right when thinking of weight to start with the rucksack too .. and the truth is that every extra ounce we carry we feel - all of it is felt down the legs, ankles, and the feet.
You can go lighter without going crazy on cost. Go Outdoors, Blacks, etc, stock the Technicals rucksacks and the 28l Glencoe is a really nice pack, well made, comfortable, fully featured, and only weighs 880gms (the listings give 520gms, which is incorrect) which is over half a kilo lighter than your current pack.
I have one and although listed as a 28l it seems much larger to me, comparable to a 35l. Sells for £65 and they sometimes come up on Ebay too (there is one on there now for £49, 'new other').
Oh, hang on, this is UK and I see that you are in the US? Don't know if they are available over there.
Technicals Glencoe 28L Daysack | GO Outdoors
An active daysack, ready to handle any adventure. The Technicals Glencoe 28L Daysack combines tough fabrics with padding to provide long-lasting and comfortable carrying in any environment.www.gooutdoors.co.uk
My daughter in law purchased this exact backpack for her one and only Camino and she loved it and never had even one complaint on our 500 mile Camino in 2017.I have the Osprey Exos 48 that is the lightest, framed pack I could find back then. (Not a carry-on) It's not the "lightest" pack available, but after 5 years carrying it, I'm still happy.
Hi I’m a seasoned walker And 71, 5 ft and small frame. Go light every time. Adding water and some fruit will quickly add the extra. Just make sure it fits well. Heavy can spoil the walk.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
I'm an avid backpacker that owns several different types of packs. 2 pounds does make a big difference. Particularly on your feet, knees and hips. The downside of lightweight packs is that they usually have thinner padding on the hip belt and shoulder pads. If you're trying to keep your weight down to 12 lbs, the thinner padding shouldn't be a problem, but I did notice that lack of padding the first time I wore an ultralight pack!Saving weight! Just wondering if 2 pounds is a “critical” difference when one is hiking long days, many days in a row. The ultra lightweight pack I’m considering has a hip belt; many don’t.
No hip belt or ventilation for your back. It sounds like that was not a problem for you. How many hours per day were you walking? Thnx!FWIW, on my last walk I used the Gossamer Gear Minimalist 19L backpack. My baseweight was 10lbs, not including water. It was plenty enough for my needs and what I was carrying at that time.
Hi Chris, I swapped out a heavy pack, for an arc haul, 50L. Best move I ever made. While I am male, I do a lot of hiking short and long distance. With many female hikers, very few have ever had a female only designed pack. If you pack is for a camino in Spain, 60L is way to large. I would suggest the 40L, which from experience is plenty. However, bottom line get a pack that is comfortable for you, and that meets for size requirements that is within your budget. I have over 3000km on my Zpacks arc haul and would not use anything else, it is light, durable, water proof and for me very comfortable. Buen Camino70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
@Dodger thank you. I may still be looking into the arc haul. I agree that 60L is way too big. Maybe a unisex pack would be just fine.Hi Chris, I swapped out a heavy pack, for an arc haul, 50L. Best move I ever made. While I am male, I do a lot of hiking short and long distance. With many female hikers, very few have ever had a female only designed pack. If you pack is for a camino in Spain, 60L is way to large. I would suggest the 40L, which from experience is plenty. However, bottom line get a pack that is comfortable for you, and that meets for size requirements that is within your budget. I have over 3000km on my Zpacks arc haul and would not use anything else, it is light, durable, water proof and for me very comfortable. Buen Camino
I think that the important thing to look at is torso length. Although 60L is much larger than you need, if the pack is lightweight, carries well, and you can compress it down to fit what's inside that size wouldn't be a deal killer for me.@Dodger thank you. I may still be looking into the arc haul. I agree that 60L is way too big. Maybe a unisex pack would be just fine.
@trecile I'm thinking that I want a pack that will qualify for airline carry-on, so that will be a big limiting factor. But it's very interesting checking out all the possibilities.I think that the important thing to look at is torso length. Although 60L is much larger than you need, if the pack is lightweight, carries well, and you can compress it down to fit what's inside that size wouldn't be a deal killer for me.
I try to keep my days at around 20 kms… about 7-8 hours per day, including stops for breaks/meals.No hip belt or ventilation for your back. It sounds like that was not a problem for you. How many hours per day were you walking? Thnx!
Impressive. It’s good to know that your pack can work well for a full day.I try to keep my days at around 20 kms… about 7-8 hours per day, including stops for breaks/meals.
+1 for the Deuter Speed Lite 28. Very light, very supportive and comfortable.Chris, this is the lighter version of what you currently own. It’s 1/2 lb lighter. I love mine and 0.5 lb lighter makes a huge difference to me due to multiple and accumulating bony wear and tear and age (waving at 70) sign and symptoms. There are many sales throughout the year. Let us know what you figure out.
IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT THE BACKPACK!! It is about everything you carry, and every ounce matters in longer daily distances.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
I’m so very curious to see how the REI under-2-pound pack will feel compared with my very comfortable over-3-pound Deuter. I’ll know soon!I’ve succumbed to ultralight rucksacks three times in the last decade or so and determined to make them work for me. Every time, it’s not happened. I simply can’t adapt to the lack of back rigidity or the less engineered hip-belts.
I know they require more careful packing to create ‘’structure’; but try as I might, I can’t get used to it. I’d rather invest the extra kilo in the sack.
Weight’s important; but function and comfort are considerations also.
All good points. Thanks.IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT THE BACKPACK!! It is about everything you carry, and every ounce matters in longer daily distances.
Some people recommend applying a cost per ounce they are willing to spend to reduce the load, say ie, $5 per oz, $10, $25, etc. Usually the cost goes up exponentially as you reduce weight, but not always. For instance, I had an Osprey Stratus that weighed 3 lbs on my first Caminos. Then an Osprey Talon came on sale for $85 weighing 2 lbs. I have it used on 8 Caminos. It's fantastic. When my (todays price) $300 LL Bean Gortex shell weighing 24 oz failed after 20 years, I bought a FrogToggs outfit for $25--the Mens XL coat weights 5.5 oz and covers both me and my pack, obviating the pack rain shell. I replaced the FrogToggs rain pants with a 2 oz rain skirt for $12.
You need to look at each piece of your gear and calculate costs to reduce its weight and size, and possibly increase its utility to take place of another piece of gear or two.
Last year I replaced my 24 oz $25 Coleman fleece sleep liner which was plenty warm through 3 seasons with a $230 Sea to Summit Traveler zippered quilt, which was pretty much a 50 deg F sleeping bag weighing 14 oz. It is warmer, lighter, easier to pack, packs less than half the size of the fleece, and does not stick to me as I roll around in my sleep. $23 per ounce, but well worth it to me.
I saved an ounce per pair by going from zip-off leg hiking pants to non-zippered. They are $10 cheaper, lighter, easier to wash and the long legs reduce need for sunscreen and keep dust out of my sneakers. Roll up the legs and install safety pin to create shorts.
By carrying only one spare set of clothes and hand washing each night, I save the weight of the third "whatevers" most people carry.
Every year I look longingly at the Z-packs gear and read the reviews, but I would be getting near the $25/oz for a lot of ounces. It's easier just to lose 10 lbs in the month prior to Camino, plus I save money on food!!
Oh, and my pack base weight is 8 pounds. There are about 4 lbs on my person: clothes, money belt, hat, shoes, glasses and cell phone.
I looked this up in Australia but it is not available here either. Also I can't get it shipped from the UKHi. I think it is right when thinking of weight to start with the rucksack too .. and the truth is that every extra ounce we carry we feel - all of it is felt down the legs, ankles, and the feet.
You can go lighter without going crazy on cost. Go Outdoors, Blacks, etc, stock the Technicals rucksacks and the 28l Glencoe is a really nice pack, well made, comfortable, fully featured, and only weighs 880gms (the listings give 520gms, which is incorrect) which is over half a kilo lighter than your current pack.
I have one and although listed as a 28l it seems much larger to me, comparable to a 35l. Sells for £65 and they sometimes come up on Ebay too (there is one on there now for £49, 'new other').
Oh, hang on, this is UK and I see that you are in the US? Don't know if they are available over there.
Technicals Glencoe 28L Daysack | GO Outdoors
An active daysack, ready to handle any adventure. The Technicals Glencoe 28L Daysack combines tough fabrics with padding to provide long-lasting and comfortable carrying in any environment.www.gooutdoors.co.uk
Thanks for sharing. The current Osprey Tempest 20L is just under 2 pounds. I have a lot to consider!Late to this, but realise that my experience with the Osprey Tempest 20l might be helpful as I'm about the same height, weight and age as you. Also aim to pack as light as possible to save hips, knees etc
I bought mine about ten years ago in a specialist outdoor shop where they fitted and adjusted it properly. It seemed very expensive at the time, but has been my best ever outdoor purchase. It's done numerous day hikes and shopping trips, is my main luggage whenever I travel, and has carried everything on around 70 days of Camino walking.
Osprey patched the pocket (free, there's a lifetime guarantee) last year. It is quite a tight pack for Camino, which won't suit everyone but perfectly doable with the help of a dry bag to compress down quilt and spare clothing. Everything goes inside it - no waist pack or things dangling off it. My base pack weight is a bit over 4 kilos; water and food on top of this of course.
I hope you find something which works for you.
I'm about your weight and height and only a year younger. As a Canadian I couldn't get zpack products for my first Camino in 2020 as they only shipped in the US. Went with a Osprey Eja weighing about the same as your Deuter. Managed to limit the weight of the packed bag to 12 pounds. The fit was terrific and I walked from SJPDP to Muxia in 36 days with no problems. Its dowable if your pack fits and carries well when packed.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
I love my 28 liter Dueterand will use it starting April 13 from Porto. It has been my sole luggage on many journeys. Fits as a carry on for Airplane travel too.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
Thank you. Mine is still in the running. I'm going to try a few ultra-lights and then decide. I sure do like the features on my Deuter 28L.I love my 28 liter Dueterand will use it starting April 13 from Porto. It has been my sole luggage on many journeys. Fits as a carry on for Airplane travel too.
28L to 60L? I think you’ll easily gain back those 2 pounds when you decide to take a few extra things because you can fit them…I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted.
Chris, have a look at the Osprey Exos Pro bags. I find mine very comfortable, practical, roomy and light. Jon70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
I carried the ZPack Nero on the Norte last year, and it is my pack for this year as well. 10.3 oz.70+ year old, 5 ft. tall, 110 lb. female hiking the full Northern Route (del Norte). My goal is to carry no more than 12 pounds/5.44 kg. Ideally, I'd like to carry less. I'm planning to use a Women's Deuter 28 L pack weighing 3 lb. 2 oz. (1418 grams) mostly because I already own it and it's small enough to use as airline carryon. I could spend a small fortune and get a Women's Arc Haul Ultra 60 L (smallest women's size Zpack makes) which weighs only 20.3 oz / 575.0 g. This is a difference of almost two pounds! (1.86 pounds; 1418 grams difference) I'm tempted. Can anyone share information that might help me decide? Thank you! https://zpacks.com/products/womens-arc-haul-ultra-60l-backpack
Richard, you said that you're using your ZPack Nero for this year's Camino even though you would have preferred your Osprey last year. I'm confused!I carried the ZPack Nero on the Norte last year, and it is my pack for this year as well. 10.3 oz.
With 12 lbs, it would be fine.
I would have preferred my Osprey (and its belt) on the Norte, but my son wanted it. He got it (and most of the load!)
Nero Ultra 38L Backpack
The Nero Ultra is a compact frameless backpack streamlined to only the most essential features. Made from the strongest fabric we offer, "Ultra 200".zpacks.com
Thanks for the clarification. The ultralight packs I'm considering have hip belts. Buen camino!Norte has lots of ups and downs, and the trail is often difficult underfoot, and not having a belt was very missed. I'm walking a flatter, less technical Camino starting in early April. The Nero will be fine for that.
I totally agree with this. An adjustment of my pack by someone who knew what they were doing took all the weight off my shoulders and the small of my back. My pack was well over 10% of my body weight, I did feel effort uphill (and the stairs into Portomarin!) due to the weight, but not a single chafe, ache or pressure point.I think the most important thing is really the fit.
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