eva Kimtah Mesh Shoes and sleeping bag and back pack

[Sara Jane Walsh]

I am doing the Camino from Porto to Santiago in late September. I get cold quicker than most and I wonder if I need a sleeping bag or liner. I weigh 100 lbs and I need a backpack suggestion. I want to carry as little as possible. I am looking at Kimtah Mesh Hiking Shoes from Amazon and I am tempted to place my order. Any suggestions? Leaving from Miami to Porto via Madrid. I live in Fort Lauderdale. Please suggests here too!

 

[ebrandt]

Hi Sarah Jane, it would be best if you could try on the shoes and be fitted by a knowledgeable person. I would find a shop before buying. Regarding a backpack, the same advice goes. You are so small even a youth back pack might be appropriate. Is there an REI or specialty hiking/outdoor store in your area? Liz

 

[pudgypilgrim]

Alas, the nearest REI is about five hours away from Sarah Jane, in Jacksonville. There is an outdoors shop in Orlando with a certified Osprey fitter. Locally your only option is probably Peter Glenn, and I have no idea of whether or not they're any good at pack fitting.

 

[Sara Jane Walsh]

Hi Sarah Jane, it would be best if you could try on the shoes and be fitted by a knowledgeable person. I would find a shop before buying. Regarding a backpack, the same advice goes. You are so small even a youth back pack might be appropriate. Is there an REI or specialty hiking/outdoor store in your area? Liz

The thought of a child's back-pack is a great option to consider.

 

[ebrandt]

Alas, the nearest REI is about five hours away from Sarah Jane, in Jacksonville. There is an outdoors shop in Orlando with a certified Osprey fitter. Locally your only option is probably Peter Glenn, and I have no idea of whether or not they're any good at pack fitting.

So sad! I just assumed you would have better options in such a populated area!!! It might be worth a road trip to REI to try shoes and packs! Good luck!

 

[Jo Jo]

Sara Jane,

I lived in Miami for 20 years, and, sadly, you are probably going to have to mail order everything, try it on, and return what does not work. South Florida is all about water sports, not walking. Hook up with the South Florida APOC chapter (very active) and they might help.

As for packs, first, thing, go online and learn how to measure your torso length. Don't guess by height. I'm a foot taller than my wife (see picture), but our torso lengths are very similar (I'm all legs, she isn't). Then try to order packs that might fit.

My hobbit-sized wife (5', 110lbs) ended up carrying an Osprey Stratos 24L (that I originally ordered for me). Stratos are "men's" packs, but for her body type (very athletic, not much curves), "men's" packs work better. I went with the Stratos 26L because I prefer the drawstring top to the zipper closures on the 24L (easier to pack; no worries about blowing out a zipper).

Buen Camino.

 

[danielc]

I am doing the Camino from Porto to Santiago in late September. I get cold quicker than most and I wonder if I need a sleeping bag or liner. I weigh 100 lbs and I need a backpack suggestion. I want to carry as little as possible. I am looking at Kimtah Mesh Hiking Shoes from Amazon and I am tempted to place my order. Any suggestions? Leaving from Miami to Porto via Madrid. I live in Fort Lauderdale. Please suggests here too

Completed the CP from Porto to Santiago in early Oct 2014 – just needed a light weight sleeping bag and never felt cold – in fact the opposite it was too warm most nights

Did the CF in Sept 2013 with a heavier mummy type sleeping bag – I found this uncomfortable

 

[BamaVol]

In my experience, fitting a pack is almost as important to fitting your shoes. My first two packs were ill fitted and I wondered why so much of the weight fell on my shoulders. It's the length of your torso that determines the correct pack size and allows the hips to take some of the weight. I had assumed as a man of average height, that a small-medium pack was called for. I got measured at a local outfitter and learned otherwise. It turns out I'm a very tall man with short legs.

Ordering online is okay as long as you can return/exchange anything that doesn't fit properly. In fact, ordering 2 sizes at once and comparing them might help you figure out which one works better. Fortunately business takes me to JAX occasionally. The REI there is excellent.