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I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Kaiso, I find the weight issue tiresome sometimes. Don't let it get you downI arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Me too! Just like the Camino is not a race, there is to lowest pack weight competition.Kaiso, I find the weight issue tiresome sometimes.
Then it's nobody's business but yours how heavy your pack is.I had no problem carrying my pack with up to 3 litres of water some days.
The consensus here seems to be that folks are satisfied/comfortable with their pack weight, whatever that may be. Trust me, it’s a lot more satisfying/comfortable with a few less pounds on your back all day. You need less than you think.I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Cut the bristles on the toothbrush in half as well.OTOH, one could shave legs/arms/head to cut weight, as well as saw off half of the toothbrush, etc. More tips wanted.
The weight of the pack is less important than how well it fits.
Certainly one possibility. But a little lateral thinking might suggest an alternative. If the most important thing in gear selection is to keep your pack load under a certain % of body weight then that could also be achieved by piling on a few extra pounds/kilos around your waistline. A high-fat high-calorie low-exercise regime. What I think of as "the foie-gras plan". If you are having trouble slimming down your load under the magic 10% figure then simply add 10kg to your body mass and then you can happily add an extra 1kg to your rucksack too. If that seems a ridiculous notion then I would suggest it is no more nonsensical than making the guiding principle for your packing choices some arbitrary "rule" and the read-out from your kitchen scales rather than a careful and considered selection of gear based on your specific needs.Cut the bristles on the toothbrush in half as well.
I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
I take a different view on the 10% 'rule of thumb' or guidance, and believe it is still valuable for a variety of reasons. The first of these is that it is about the person's ability to carry a load, not whether they can afford the lightest, most expensive gear. While gear might have changed, people really haven't, and the rule goes to ensuring that people don't overload themselves, and can walk the distances required to successfully complete their pilgrimages. The guidance is about the strength of one's body, not the strength of one's wallet.The 10% rule is nonsense. It was developed at a time when backpacking equipment and clothing weighed far more than it does today. The rule is to carry as light a weight as possible without being stupid.
Thanks for the replies. The two heaviest items are the pack itself (Osprey Kestrel 48) at 3.59 lbs/1.63kg, and my 55+ degree sleeping bag at 1.7 lbs/.77kg. No time to return or replace so I'm going with them.
I not carrying much more than what I see in lists here other than an extra T-shirt and underwear. (I am going to be a tourist for 20 days before the walk.)
5 days ago as a test, I added my things to the pack, 2L water and snacks, dressed as I would on the Camino, (including poles) and did a short 5 mile/8km walk--flat terrain, but in California noonday sun. I didn't really feel the pack but I expect on a longer walk with grade I would. Still, the replies have assuaged my fears. Thanks all.
I wouldn't dismiss achieving a 10% goal too quickly, although it is going to be a bit more difficult if you are lighter because some things don't scale evenly. Look that what some other, lighter, pilgrims can achieve. @C clearly comes to mind as someone who has put a lot of thought into her packing list, and is always willing to help on this matter.I have never heard the 10% rule, in my case it would be a bit hard (5.8 kilos?)
I spent 6 months backpacking around Asia with a pack weighing 25+ kilos to my 58. The first month I felt great! I was gaining muscle! My body was adapting! By the 5th month, though, my knees were killing me like I was 50 (I was 23), and I couldn’t even properly enjoy Mt. Huashan (which is beautiful!), so I vowed to give up the heavy packs. This time I’m aiming for 10 kilos.
Many of us walk with the gear we are in and a spare set of base and mid-layer gear, and one set of outer wear (warm fleece and rain gear). We wash clothes daily. Carrying 'a few' of anything is normally not on our agenda.20 days is a long time with only a few t-shirts!
I take a different view on the 10% 'rule of thumb' or guidance, and believe it is still valuable for a variety of reasons. The first of these is that it is about the person's ability to carry a load, not whether they can afford the lightest, most expensive gear. While gear might have changed, people really haven't, and the rule goes to ensuring that people don't overload themselves, and can walk the distances required to successfully complete their pilgrimages. The guidance is about the strength of one's body, not the strength of one's wallet.
That said, @davebugg's advice to carry as light a weight as possible is absolutely correct. To go further or faster, carry less. Which does mean that if you do make weight savings by careful gear selection, you should think carefully before adding things back into your packing list just because it can now be fitted into your 10% target.
My own view is that the 10% target is about right for a summer pilgrimage, and you should accept that you will need more if you are walking in autumn, winter or spring.
I wouldn't dismiss achieving a 10% goal too quickly, although it is going to be a bit more difficult if you are lighter because some things don't scale evenly. Look that what some other, lighter, pilgrims can achieve. @C clearly comes to mind as someone who has put a lot of thought into her packing list, and is always willing to help on this matter.
Many of us walk with the gear we are in and a spare set of base and mid-layer gear, and one set of outer wear (warm fleece and rain gear). We wash clothes daily. Carrying 'a few' of anything is normally not on our agenda.
@Davey Boyd, I guess that I was not expecting someone who was obese to base their pack weight on their actual weight, rather than a reasonable weight for their height. That would be just plain stupid, and if anyone in that situation thinks that this is what the guidance means, they need to rethink that. I have made this point several times in previous posts over the years, and didn't think that it was a point that needed to be repeated, but clearly it does if you are under the mid-apprehension that the 10% guideline applies to your actual weight if you are overweight or obese. It doesn't make any sense to me that one would think that, but maybe I see things differently to you on this.I disagree Doug. People come in different sizes and fitness/health. Sticking to the 10% rule is daft when like me you are tiny and fit - I should 'only' carry 5.4 kg! And it is dangerous if you are a tall/large person who happen to be obese and unfirm/unfit - they think because of this they can carry a lot more. Strength of ones body does not come about by body weight. It is nonsense in my opinion. We should give guidance on carrying as little as possible, regardless of body weight.
Davey
And I don't think is is realistic to suggest that the OP would carry that gear while walking the Camino. The last time I was in the situation, I forwarded what I needed for my other travels to Ivar in Santiago.For walking, obviously, but he was talking about 20 days of touristing, and in Europe, too. It’s one thing on the trail, but it’s another thing to be That One Tourist who wears the same slightly stained T-shirt to every restaurant and art gallery across Italy. I’m of the opinion that you should always have at least one, probably two, genuinely nice outfits while travelling (not backpack-hiking).
@Davey Boyd, I guess that I was not expecting someone who was obese to base their pack weight on their actual weight, rather than a reasonable weight for their height. That would be just plain stupid, and if anyone in that situation thinks that this is what the guidance means, they need to rethink that. I have made this point several times in previous posts over the years, and didn't think that it was a point that needed to be repeated, but clearly it does if you are under the mid-apprehension that the 10% guideline applies to your actual weight if you are overweight or obese. It doesn't make any sense to me that one would think that, but maybe I see things differently to you on this.
So that would be the "as-little-as-possible rule" which would be equally daft, wrong and dangerous. I would be forbidden to carry many things that I like to carry, and can do comfortably.We should give guidance on carrying as little as possible, regardless of body weight.
Thanks for the first new learning of the day. I am afraid I am guilty of perseverating in respect to peeking in to this forum. It doesn’t weigh too much, though.Welcome to the forum where we perseverate about details while waiting for our next camino to start.
If you feel comfortable with your load, then carry it!
Davey,You can compare it to the Bierely guide. It is only a guide, but over time it becomes more like gospel. 'These are the days distances one should accomplish'. Most of us know it is just a guide and treat it as such, and it is remarked upon frequently here on the forum. The problem in my mind with the 10% guide is that it is frequently touted here on the forum as gospel (even referred to as the 10% rule). If you don't want inexperienced people basing pack weight with their body weight then why recommend the 10% guide. People come in all shapes and sizes, with different levels of fitness. It really is bad advice in my opinion. And to be honest I doubt if it has any basis in truth. If anything it would apply to only a narrow portion of walkers. Just pack as light as you can, and train with that weight so you do not get any uncomfortable surprises whilst on camino.
I do follow your reasoning @dougfitz and to a certain extent I agree that some more specific and targetted advice might be helpful. My own particular concern is that like many other very simplistic pieces of advice the "10% rule" is subject to so many exceptions and special cases that it lacks credibility and tends to becomes an end in itself rather than a tool for a more pleasant and trouble-free journey. As you point out it is a nonsense to argue that those who are obese can carry a heavier load and that it really should be applied to an "ideal" weight range. The "10% rule" as generally presented also makes no allowance for general fitness and prior training and experience of weight bearing. Ask a serving infantry soldier if 10% of his or her body weight is the maximum practical load for walking perhaps 20km on reasonable ground over six hours and you are likely to get a laugh in reply. I tend to agree with @Davey Boyd that the important question is "do I need this?" and that it should be asked for this particular journey at this particular time. So many factors are involved in that judgment: likely weather, choice of accommodation, availability of resupplies and so on. My fundamental objection to the "10% rule" is that it puts the cart before the horse and favours a overly simplistic numerical formula over personal considered judgments which are necessarily specific to the person, time and place.That together with the notion that individuals might not meet these targets but in trying to achieve them will actively reduce their load seems to me to go a lot further to helping inexperienced pilgrims than offering vague platitudes.
And for the experienced pilgrim who will make well founded judgements, that is fine. But I would not like to see us stop offering good advice to the many based on the exceptions of a few. I cannot see how that would be a good outcome for the forum.My fundamental objection to the "10% rule" is that it puts the cart before the horse and favours a overly simplistic numerical formula over personal considered judgments which are necessarily specific to the person, time and place.
One piece of good camino packing advice I read on this forum was to hold each potential item up and ask "When will I use this?" If the answer starts with "when" it goes into the maybe pile. If the answer starts with "if" it goes into the discard pile. Then start reconsidering the things in the maybe pile.I tend to agree with @Davey Boyd that the important question is "do I need this?"
On my first Camino 10 years ago I happily walked the Camino Norte with a 60 litre pack weighing 12 kg before food and water. Now I walk with a 35 litre pack, that even with winter gear weighs less than 5kg. Guess which I would rather do. Whatever weight your pack is, enjoy your Camino.I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Hola Pilgrim, no need to fret about your backpack weight. Anything from 7kg to 11kg will not be a problem. The most important part is that your backpack is fitted correctly and ‘sits’ properly and snug against your back. I return to the Camino in September for the sixth time and in all my previous adventures I made a rough record in my journal of what people were carrying. My rough calculations show that over 80% of Pilgrims I met and who carried their rucksack for Caminos of greater than 300kms actually averaged rucksacks around 11.5kgs in weight. It’s not a scientific study but I’m confident it’s fairly accurate.I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Just out of curiosity, what did you wear while you were washing? If you had a separate set of "albergue clothes", when did those get washed?I was happy to find most albergues have wash/dry service, so i was able to walk through in a single set of walking clothes/did not use my spare except for sock change., Thus I could have saved weight. The amazing infrastructure along the camino makes it possible to walk with a minimum of spares/ just your daily outfit + add protection against the environment (sun/rain/sometimes cold nights off-season)
SeeI arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Oh no - you didn't start it! It is one of those simmering topics that is always waiting to be activated. You just stepped in.Didn't mean to start a conflict here.
Don't worry. It sounds okay. If you do worry then go out and test your pack and it's weight during your hikes so you can get used to it - or adjust it. A place to save weight is water. There is plenty of water on the Camino Francés and you won't ned to carry a lot. Another place is food. The Camino is a running buffet. Weigh your stuff and discard what you dont really need. And once started you will soon discover that on the Camino you need very little and and a lot less than you think. Buen Camino!I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Walking on Shikoku last year I met a number of Japanese pilgrims walking wearing the traditional white pilgrim costume and carrying little more than their staff, hat and a small shoulder bag containing the items such as incense and a prayer book needed for temple rituals. No spare clothes. They were staying in traditional Japanese minshuku and ryokans where on arrival they would bathe and change into the yukata always provided for guests for the rest of their stay. Meanwhile their clothes would be washed and dried and returned to them ready for wear the next morning.Just out of curiosity, what did you wear while you were washing? If you had a separate set of "albergue clothes", when did those get washed?
That would be a great experience. Unfortunately, while I am certainly not knocking the hospitality of the Camino, some of which has been exceptional, I don't think we can count on similar levels of support for our washing and wearing needs.Walking on Shikoku last year I met a number of Japanese pilgrims walking wearing the traditional white pilgrim costume and carrying little more than their staff, hat and a small shoulder bag containing the items such as incense and a prayer book needed for temple rituals. No spare clothes. They were staying in traditional Japanese minshuku and ryokans where on arrival they would bathe and change into the yukata always provided for guests for the rest of their stay. Meanwhile their clothes would be washed and dried and returned to them ready for wear the next morning.
Just weighted my pack before setting out tomorrow. 7.6 kgs, a little more than 10% of my body weight. Add to that my shoes and clothes. I don't care much. It will be fine.
OTOH, one could shave legs/arms/head to cut weight, as well as saw off half of the toothbrush, etc. More tips wanted.
This is overkill, though...
ThiView attachment 55773
I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Why? Whether you walk for 4 days, 20 days or 6 months, you only wear one T-shirt at a time..... Wash one wear one works20 days is a long time with only a few t-shirts!
I'm also an "all eventualities" person. I'm going in Sept/Oct so I think I'll need both warm and cool weather clothing (throw in a jacket, poncho, gloves, warm hat, and a long sleeve shirt) as well as a sleeping bag. Am I right? If I take a jacket, what is recommended?Welcome Kaiso, don't worry about the 10% rule or any other rule for equipment, carry what YOU are comfortable with. I like to cover all eventualities but that is just me, hope for the best prepare for the worst and my pack came in at 10 kilos.
I carry stuff that will get me through any weather I might expect, even in a bad year, any time of the year. I would make only slight adjustments for July-August as different from December-January. For October, I'd recommend light gloves and hat. Any time of year, I carry a couple of long-sleeve layers, in addition to a rain layer. I prefer a light weight rain jacket to a poncho since it is more versatile as a wind-breaker and insulation in chilly weather. Don't take a "heavier" jacket for October - just plan to put a light layer or two underneath. You won't need much layering during the day for walking, but the evenings can be chilly.I'm also an "all eventualities" person. I'm going in Sept/Oct so I think I'll need both warm and cool weather clothing (throw in a jacket, poncho, gloves, warm hat, and a long sleeve shirt) as well as a sleeping bag. Am I right? If I take a jacket, what is recommended?
On the other hand, if Tom in that movie had a really heavy pack he might have been able to catch the kid who took it.Aside from the aspects of enjoyment, there are some great reasons why one should carry the lightest backpack load available to themselves.
I'm also an "all eventualities" person. I'm going in Sept/Oct so I think I'll need both warm and cool weather clothing (throw in a jacket, poncho, gloves, warm hat, and a long sleeve shirt) as well as a sleeping bag. Am I right? If I take a jacket, what is recommended?
@Evvie, remember, you are walking outside but sleeping inside.You generally won't need a sleeping bag that is designed for cold weather. Something rated above 40F/4.5c will be plenty warm.
Thanks, that really helps!Hi, Evvie. Generally, that time of year is warm during the day (can get near hot sometimes) to cooler mornings as October progresses.
Maybe this will give you an idea of what will work during your time on Camino. Below is a list of my "closet" that I carry in my pack. Besides it being used during the Fall on the Camino last year, it is about the same as what I used to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail (most of which sits above 9,000 feet / 2743 meters in elevation. And for the thousands of other backpacking miles I have done.
The total weight is around 3.4 pounds.
- Pants -- REI, Classic Sahara Convertible, Zip-Off Legs
- Base-layer Top -- Smartwool, Lightweight, Long-Sleeve x 1
- Base-layer Bottom - Smartwool, Lightweight
- Hat - wool beanie
- Windshell Jacket - MyTrailsCo
- Insulating Layer -- Hydrophobic down Vest
- Socks -- Smartwool PhD, Crew, Light Padding x 2
- Extra insoles x 1
- Poncho --- Frogg Toggs Ultralite
- Gloves -- North Face, polartec
The clothing that I wear usually consists of running shorts and a long sleeved synthetic and lightweight shirt. All of the clothing can be used in various layering configurations to provide a comfort range from 25F/-4 c to very hot. This is just an example of how a layering system can be flexible and cover a wide temperature range which is more than sufficient for the time of year you are going over the Pyrenees and Galicia.
You mention a jacket. In considering my clothes, for an insulating layer at that time of year, I prefer a vest rather than a jacket. It saves weight, effectively insulates your core, and is an ideal when used with the long sleeve shirts already part of the closet.
You generally won't need a sleeping bag that is designed for cold weather. Something rated above 40F/4.5c will be plenty warm. For my choice, it will be a down sleeping quilt rated at around 45 to 50 F /7.2 to 10 c. Keep in mind that if you do get a bit cold, you can add your vest.
And one more kilogram beyond that you can bring your rice cooker. Good luck @Robo, we're rooting for you.If I can lose 10 kgs in 9 months I'm good to go
Hi there, I just came back from a week on the Camino. I'm 76 kgs and my back was 6.8kgs without water. I did some walking before I went but not with the full weight so probably not as fit as you. I found this to be a perfectly comfortable weight. The important thing is that everything you take should be useful and try not to go over the top with clothes, they can be washed. Also keep toiletries to a minimum. The first time I did it in 2003 I had around 10kgs and it was too much, I sent things home.I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
Likewise, if a person is very thin - under normal weight for their height, they can often easily carry more than 10% of their body weight. I don't fit into the very thin category, but I easily carry about 11% of my body weight.Another thought-- mentioned somewhere above. The 10% guideline is also used in boy scouts (I'm a scoutmaster). It's a guideline that works when people are not overweight. If a person is overweight, they are already hauling extra weight--
Don’t worry about the weight. There are lots of garbage cans along the way when you find you are not using something!I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days.…
Please, don't throw things away! Most albergues have a donativo table where you can leave items that you noonger need, but that another pilgrim can use.Don’t worry about the weight. There are lots of garbage cans along the way when you find you are not using something!
I’ve thrown out about a dozen items and only had to repurchase one. You can always ship stuff to Ivar if you think it’s valuable.
Wow, 17 lbs is exceptionally light. You'll be just fine. You don't need to carry more than one and a half litre of water because there is water available along the way. My rule of thumb was to refill my water jug whenever I saw the opportunity.I arrive in Spain Apr26, visit cities for 20 days, then begin my Camino from Pamploma May 11-12th.
In my daily life, I walk more than average, and my usual cycle rides are 25miles/40km and up. I've been walking longer lengths preparing for this, and researching what to expect. Probably too much research, as the info and discussions are starting to terrify me. Especially talk about pack weight. The general consensus seems to be 10% of body weight. 10% for me is 21lbs/9.5g. (I understand that is relative as to the actual body makeup). That said, the discussion here about cutting weight has me worried. (someone is even down to 4.5 lbs/2kg) My pack without water is 17lbs/7.7kg. I expect it to be closer to 10% when completed. So my question is, are there average fit people walking with 10% weight OR MORE packs?
No worries. If the worse happens get you pack moved on.Yes. Don't panic. The 10% is a guide and not a rule. Your pack is fine. I'm 75kg. My pack with food and water is 10kg. Obviously the lighter the better but after a few days your pack is just another part of you and you will feel weird without it. Later this year I'm doing a thru hike (with tent stove 2 weeks of food) and my pack will be about 16kg. Yeah it feels heavy now but I know with practice and mileage even that will feel normal. Don't stress over this. It's not an issue. Buen camino.
@Kaiso -
There are many people with more expertise likely to chime in.
My first point is to dump the "10% of body weight" rule. Try "FSO or From Skin Out".
I tend to walk in the cooler months (Oct-Nov, Feb-Mar, Mar-Apr) so have heavier jacket, rain gear, and a sleeping bag in the pack. My FSO after adding Food (a little) and Water (1.5 L) is between 16-17%. Not very athletic, could get lighter but don't want to spend money on new gear and no problem through several Caminos during my late 50's through early 60's.
Your personal weight and numbers seem pretty much spot on with mine though you will be walking in a warmer/drier time. Perhaps evaluate if you really need protection from "the cold" in your pack if it is there. (Hint: You don't.)
No need to stress...and you can always post your pack list to have experts dissect it.
B
No worries. If the worse happens get you pack moved on.
I am 155cm tall and weigh 54kg. So 10% weight doesn't give me much lee way. Also having a lot of trouble finding a backpack to fit my narrow shoulders and short frame. Might just carry a plastic bag!!!
I weighed 55 kg on my first camino and my pack weighed under 5 kgs. It can be done, without any expensive gear either as I had none then.I am 155cm tall and weigh 54kg. So 10% weight doesn't give me much lee way. Also having a lot of trouble finding a backpack to fit my narrow shoulders and short frame. Might just carry a plastic bag!!!
My wife Pat is your size.
She carries a 24L Osprey that is very comfortable.......
Thanks. I'll check it out. What weight can she carry?
Wow, 17 lbs is exceptionally light.
Do you also carry the hair products? XxdShe has her bag down to about 4.5kg.
I carry the hair dryer
It's this one:
https://www.paddypallin.com.au/osprey-sirrus-24-day-pack-womens-updated.html
I have a similar 34 L.
They are very comfortable, and have lots of adjustment.
Whatever pack you buy, make sure you have it sized/fitted correctly by a 'professional' hiking store.
The Ospreys come in lots of size fittings.
That's not a hair dryer!I carry the hair dryer
It's this one:
https://www.paddypallin.com.au/osprey-sirrus-24-day-pack-womens-updated.html
That's not a hair dryer!
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