Backpack: UL vs. Structured vs. In-between

[Osterman]

Hi.
I'm planning my CF next May/June from SJPDP.
My base weight varies from 4,4 kg. (light version) to 4,7 kg. (medium-rare) to 5,1 (full Monty).
I am very undecided as far as the backpack is concerned.
The options (regardless of the exact model) are:
1. UL (e.g. Kumo 36) - 580 gr.
2. Medium (e.g. Gregory Focal 38) - 1130 gr.
3. Comfort (e.g. Gregory Paragon 38) - 1360 gr.
4. Comfort plus (e.g. Deuter Futura Pro 36) - 1580 gr.
Of course, UL is lighter, but Comfort is more comfortable.
I am 63 y.o., 175 cm. and a little overweight (85 kg.).
Another important point is ventilation: I don't want to have my back wet from sweating, even if I understand that no sweating is impossible.
What is your experience and your opinion?
Thanks a lot.

 

[Pafayac]

I am walking from albergue to albergue, therefore I can carry very few things, and I do not need a structured backpack.
Mine is a Wilsa 38L.
Consider that if you are in light version (4.4kg), choosing the Deuter Futura Pro 36 means that you increase the carried weight by a third...

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

To me comfort is King. You are going to be carrying this pack for many days.

After my first few long distance walks I stopped worrying so much about weight and started worrying more about long-term comfort.

Your base weight looks great, regardless of which pack option you choose.

For the Camino I use a Dueter Futura 32, it's very comfortable and I specifically chose it because of the excellent ventilation. Something that most ultralight packs do not offer.

I could go for a lighter 25l pack in the summer months but I don't because the small amount of additional weight saved isn't worth trading for the comfort that my Dueter gives me.

Purely for comparison purposes I'm 173 cm, 60 years old and 70 kgs.
If you're seriously worried about weight remember that it doesn't matter if it's on your waistline or on your back: your feet/legs still need to carry it. You say you're overweight, you've got plenty of time to lose a kilo or two if you wanted.

 

[MikeJS]

I guess it is whatever you feel comfortable with. I use an old unstructured ex UK Army rucksack. I have used the same one on all my caminos and never felt the need to change it. I typically carry around 10kg (ex wine and water!) and walk around 30 to 40 kms a day. Now I weigh around 70kgs, 177 cms and 70 years old……..

 

[Anhalter]

While i did not own a Kumo personally (i had the lighter Murmur and now the Bonfus Iterus) i like to recommend it very much for people that can their weight decently low. It is not a huge pack, and if you get your things inside it you will not have a problem with the weight.
I like the features, it is quite water resistant and has a bit of a hip belt (more for storage reasons). I think it a good beginner pack in the ultralight world.

edit: I personally do not like the design of Gregory and Deuter (also Osprey). If i was looking for something with a frame, theres better options at Gossamergear or Zpacks.

 

[PiesIrlandeses]

It is total weight when laden that really matters.

Only consider a UL bag if you will otherwise have difficulty getting your total laden weight down to 10% of your bodyweight.

 

[Martin Cole]

I use an Osprey 45, I don't fill it, always room for an extra packet of biscutis cheese, breadstick, membrillo, orange, apple, food to cook at the hostel in the evening etc. A kilo or 2 is neither here or there at the end of the day.
Don't over think it.

 

[Purple Backpack]

I made the switch to GG Kumo for my last Camino and use their daypack, the Loris, at home all the time. I was a hard core Osprey fan for years and still use those in cold weather when I need more gear. But for a warmer weather Camino, I’m a huge fan of the Kumo. To offset the pack being right against the back on a hot day, I switched the back pad to an aerated one offered by GG. It worked okay and I don’t like trampoline backpacks anyway. Fair warning, you have to pack really light for the ultralights to work well but I usually carry about 12 pounds in the summer, including a couple of liters of water and food.

 

[t2andreo]

A relatively heavier rucksack - when empty - might be superior to an empty ultralight rucksack. The key, I think, is which loaded setup is more COMFORTABLE.

I use an older Osprey Kestrel 38 liter rucksack - have done for some years now. It is among the heavier rucksacks when empty. But, even when filled, it fits like a glove, carries well, and I do not notice that I am wearing it after the first couple of days. In fact, when I am without it, beyond that point, I feel "naked."

I suppose my point is that the rucksack is an important piece of the overall kit configuration. Just because it is very light when empty, does not necessarily mean that it carries well, when loaded.

It depends - like most variable things in life.

In my experience, the two most most important items of gear are your walking footwear, and your rucksack. IMHO, all else flows from there and is of secondary importance.

If the footwear and rucksack are ill-fitted or not comfortable, it does not matter what the cost, quality, construction, cost, or weight of the rest of your gear is. You are starting at a performance disadvantage.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[peregrina2000]

What is your experience and your opinion?

I am in my mid-70s and have had several bouts with lower back pain over the years. If you choose an UL pack, and if you have ever had any hint of lower back problems, make sure to do a lot of training walks. I carry about 9 kilos in a pack with an internal frame, and it has never given me any problems with back stress. But I can tell you from experience that if I just put an unstructured day pack on my back, with a couple of guide books and a water bottle inside, my lower back will be hurting within a few hours.

And an aside — A lot of people say they will use pack transfer because of lower back pain, but I think that many have made incorrect assumptions about what carrying weight will do to their backs. If you wear an internal frame pack properly, the weight is transferred to the hips, and the back will not be affected at all. And the advantages of having your stuff with you, which have been described in so many threads, are all yours without back pain!

 

[Purple Backpack]

How to pack makes a huge difference with ultralights. With the Kumo, if the packing is off, it’s not as comfortable. So my 14 ounce sleeping back in the bottom, clothing in a light packing cube against my back and higher up. Small bags with first aid/electronics tucked in empty spaces, heavy toiletries up top and against my back. Jacket/fleece on very top or mesh outside. Important stuff in top pocket. Phone/etc in hip pockets. I use a rain cover to avoid trying to get pack itself dried out and as a bright cover when road walking.