34 or 38 L pack

[AndyBorba]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

 

[trecile]

Load them both up with your gear and choose the one that's more comfortable. If neither is comfortable keep looking.

 

[henrythedog]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

Both are good - although someone will be along shortly to point out that they’re not ‘lightweight’ packs.

Load either up with 10kg and go with whichever is most comfortable.

+/- 4 litres is neither here nor there. Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to fill it. I habitually use a Kestrel 38, about 2/3 full.

 

[Robo]

Very different packs.
I use the Stratos 34L. Have done since 2015.
Love it. Very comfortable.
I originally planned to buy the Exos 38L, but didn’t find it as comfortable,
The straps etc were quite thin. And I don’t think it has the ‘trampoline’ back.

 

[AndyBorba]

Both are good - although someone will be along shortly to point out that they’re not ‘lightweight’ packs.

Load either up with 10kg and go with whichever is most comfortable.

+/- 4 litres is neither here nor there. Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to fill it. I habitually use a Kestrel 38, about 2/3 full.

I will check that one out as well. Thank you!

 

[Osterman]

I would not worry about 4 litres but I would look at how comfortable I am.
Exos is lighter, but you have to add the weight of the raincover (wich is not included).
Stratos doesn't have the big mesh pocket; it has a zipped pocket instead.
Anyway, both are very good backpacks.

 

[AndyBorba]

I would not worry about 4 litres but I would look at how comfortable I am.
Exos is lighter, but you have to add the weight of the raincover (wich is not included).
Stratos doesn't have the big mesh pocket; it has a zipped pocket instead.
Anyway, both are very good backpacks.

Without the storage mesh pocket, I would have to use a water bladder rather than bottles, correct?

 

[Osterman]

Without the storage mesh pocket, I would have to use a water bladder rather than bottles, correct?

No, no, I am talking about the big mesh pocket on the back, not the two on both sides, where usually are bottles.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Comfort is King, whether it's shoe/sock combo or backpack.

Sizing wise, presumably you can fit all of your gear in either. So what is your back telling you?

As to alternatives, personally I have a Dueter Futura 32. Everything fits and I still have plenty of room for snacks/fruit etc.
Definitely within your budget, a quick check shows from $130/ $175.

Osprey is a great brand, but personally I found the Deuter more comfortable (remember fit is very individual). Has a similar trampoline back system.

 

[dreaming]

I use womens Eja Osprey 38 Litre. I am happy with the size and pack however the stretchy pockets had holes after two caminos. The down side is it is too long for budget airlines for carry-on.

 

[dougfitz]

In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

It might. As a rule of thumb, your from the skin out (FSO) maximum weight target for comfortable walking would be be 17.6 kg. This includes your pack, its base weight contents, consumables like water and snacks, all your clothing and anything else you choose to carry. That's normally not difficult for a summer camino with a pack base weight around 10% of your body weight (another rule of thumb!). Packing that much in a smaller pack might just be a bit difficult!!

Load them both up with your gear and choose the one that's more comfortable. If neither is comfortable keep looking.

This is good advice, but I would suggest a slight variation. Get your gear together, and take it with you. Find a pack that works without it being so tight that you are stretching the seams. If that's more than about 45 li, come back here and share your packing list. You will get plenty of help sorting out what you might and might not need.

 

[Donna Sch]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

In summer the 34 should be fine.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

but I would suggest a slight variation. Get your gear together, and take it with you. Find a pack that works without it being so tight that you are stretching the seams.

Excellent advice.
Although @AndyBorba rather than checking in with your packing list if you're exceeding 45 liters I would say exceeding 35 - many of us report comfortably walking with a 25 litre backpack in summer (which is when you say you're walking) myself included. I am not an ultra light hiker. I carry several comfort items plus my GoPro etc.

My 32 works very well in the shoulder seasons, it's only a bit tight in winter because of the bulk of my winter sleeping bag.

I would only suggest a larger one if you had some special need such as large quantities of medication or a CPAP machine, etc.

That said you don't have to fill it of course, so if you plan on doing other hiking then that's a different story. Future proofing is always a good strategy.

 

[t2andreo]

One hack I developed for myself, to enable a smaller rucksack, is to roll my poncho and shell parka so they fit nicely in the mesh side pockets of the rucksack - one to a side. Also, I have experimented with carrying my fleece full-zip jacket in the rear large mesh pocket.

This frees up a HUGE volume of space inside the rucksack. Plus, it makes these three outerwear, layering items easier to access without having to open the rucksack.

I no longer use a water bladder. I arranged my carry system so that up to four 0.5 liter water bottles are carried on the FRONT of my rucksack harness. When filled, this is 2 liters of water/liquid or about 2 kilograms of weight moved from rear to front. That makes a significant shift in the load balance, resulting in a more comfortable carry.

I wear a front pouch attached to my rucksack harness straps, with about 4 liters capacity. It was two small water bottle pockets. I obtained small pouches (Gossamer Gear) to carry two more water bottles higher on the front of the rucksack harness.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Obidad]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

Just used the 34L for Primitivo last month. Highly recommend- carried extra rain gear plus change of clothes, extra socks, etc. Wife used the Sirrus 34L with no complaints.
Common quote I have read - "the more room you have in pack, the more stuff you bring that you don't really need"

 

[Jeff Crawley]

At 6'3" I'd also be as concerned about whether the pack fitted you as much as what you can fit in the pack.
I'm shorter than you at 6' 1" but have a torso length of 24.5" (62cms) Osprey have a sizing chart on their website:


Neither the Stratos nor the Exos would be right for me . . . on paper

Of course you might have a shorter torso length than I do and a competent retailer ought to be able to find a fit for you.

Here's a link to Osprey's sizing information

Osprey Pack Size

An ill fitting pack will make an 800km walk seem a lot longer!

Either way - Buen Camino!

(Also, good luck with the length of bunk beds )

 

[Mattdoubleyew]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

I’m new on the forum; but was discussing this in either Sigüeiro (beautiful, untouched) or SdC over a brandy at some point in the last 48hrs and am reading the forum travelling home.

My view : Ignore volume. Above a minimum value (which I’d posit as 40L), it’s irrelevant Buy whichever pack is long enough to allow you to put its weight on the hip belt, and that itself weighs around 1kg empty.

Dinky little packs keep all the wait on your shoulders, give packing angst, trying to cram things in each day, and produce ‘coat danglers’ - the people who can’t fit all their stuff in their tiny pack, and so hang it all around the exterior or under the lid to swing about whilst their shoulders and upper back ache, unable to pass the load to their hips.

Right. I’m now going to look for the vegetarian thread - as someone asked if it was me

 

[Keyser]

It’s down to personal preference. I have an Exos 38 & my wife has an Eja 38 which have done 2 full CF in 2023 & 2024. Large mesh outer pocket on the back is great for quick access to a poncho (no rain cover) or fleece, bags are lightweight and fit like a glove with comfortable hip belt. Closing hip belt pocket zips while wearing the bag is a challenge shared by all Osprey owners.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I’m new on the forum; but was discussing this in either Sigüeiro (beautiful, untouched) or SdC over a brandy at some point in the last 48hrs and am reading the forum travelling home.

My view : Ignore volume. Above a minimum value (which I’d posit as 40L), it’s irrelevant Buy whichever pack is long enough to allow you to put its weight on the hip belt, and that itself weighs around 1kg empty.

Dinky little packs keep all the wait on your shoulders, give packing angst, trying to cram things in each day, and produce ‘coat danglers’ - the people who can’t fit all their stuff in their tiny pack, and so hang it all around the exterior or under the lid to swing about whilst their shoulders and upper back ache, unable to pass the load to their hips.

Right. I’m now going to look for the vegetarian thread - as someone asked if it was me

What he said

 

[AchimBerlin]

Both are good - although someone will be along shortly to point out that they’re not ‘lightweight’ packs.

Load either up with 10kg and go with whichever is most comfortable.

+/- 4 litres is neither here nor there. Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to fill it. I habitually use a Kestrel 38, about 2/3 full.

I am a total fan of the lightweight Kestrel line, Kyte for woman.
Well built and organised, zippered wing pouches on the hip-belt. Quick grip system to take out poles while walking. Did the Frances on the 48 litre Kestrel and bought the 38 as well for other routes.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Someone mentioned loading up both pack sizes with 10 kg of goods and see how that fits and/or works for you. I have not seen in this thread so far, is the smaller the pack the better. Because the smaller the pack, the less you can carry. And, as far as 10 kg of good is concerned, I would hate him to suggest changing that number to 10 pounds which is less than half of 10 kg. From experience, 10 kg damaged my leg so much that I could no longer continue on the CF . But again, all suggestions, hopefully, are from personal experience, which is way better than opinions. Buen Camino.

 

[dcmyntti]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

Hi Andy. The biggest concern with a pack is how adjustable the carrier harness is. It needs to be the proper length to run from your hip belt to your shoulders. When you are wearing it, the top of the pack should be level with your shoulders and the belt should sit on your hips.. I carried a 55 liter osprey because it was tall enough for my frame (188cm). And no, you don't need to fill it up. That's what those compression straps on the sides are for: snugging the contents down. Enjoy your hike.

 

[henrythedog]

Someone mentioned loading up both pack sizes with 10 kg of goods and see how that fits and/or works for you. I have not seen in this thread so far, is the smaller the pack the better. Because the smaller the pack, the less you can carry. And, as far as 10 kg of good is concerned, I would hate him to suggest changing that number to 10 pounds which is less than half of 10 kg. From experience, 10 kg damaged my leg so much that I could no longer continue on the CF . But again, all suggestions, hopefully, are from personal experience, which is way better than opinions. Buen Camino.

Fair enough.

I carry about 8kg - including the weight of the sack - so roughly 6.5 kg contents. I’m a substantially built male and pretty much anything in my size weighs considerably more than the equivalent on a slim female.

When trying a sack, you need enough weight in it to assess whether it’s comfortable or not. Empty, they’re all perfect.

Smaller sounds good, if you’ve no self-control - but nobody forces you to add contents. Fit for back-length, shoulders and hips are important.

Contents are frequently discussed elsewhere.

 

[longlost18]

Agree with all above that fit and comfort is key. I took all wisdom and advice from this forum and other sources to prepare. That said, I walked the full Francis, May-June 2024 with Osprey 34L. I’m a light packer, and used everything packed, no excess, and nothing bought along the way. 12 pound weight. I did train with the loaded pack for several months to make sure I could handle the load.

 

[LenB]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

To henrythedog's point, "these are not lightweight packs." I started in Sep from SJPP with an Osprey Kestrel 38... and it was overloaded. By Sahagun, I had symptoms of either shin splints or a stress fracture and sad looking to shed weight.

In Leon, I forwarded my Kestral 38 (1.9 kg) to Ivar and bought a Stratos 36 (1.4kg). I looked for something much lighter at every store in Leon (yes, including Decathlon), but there were no w to be had.

We're I to walk another Camino, I'd sacrifice durability for lightness and I'd find an ultralight pack in the 34 to 36 L range.

You don't need 38L

 

[Bothydave]

Given your height and weight, you will like me, need a pack that fits your back and allows the hip belt to operate properly not only taking weight but stabilising the bag.

No doubt like me you will also have long feet and in Spain I can never get shoes big enough to fit. As such I have to carry walking closed toes sandals in addition to wearing my shoes. Any loss or damage to the shoes would mean that without the other suitable footwear that my Camino would be over.
In direct consequence I use a 40l bag.
It still is small enough to fit into aircraft overhead lockers yet carries all I need which includes that big pair of long shoes.

If neither of the bags you mention does not fill that need then keep looking for others.

Better a big bag that fits half full than a small bag that irritates you every day.

 

[camster]

I had a 44L and I had space at the top to stuff my coat and layers quickly while walking, food reserves and various things. I was very happy to have extra space.

 

[AllisonMarie]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

I used a 34 L Osprey Mira to walk the Frances one year ago. It was a tight fit but I had everything I needed. I am walking it again this coming spring and I did consider going a little bigger, just to make packing a bit easier, but I think I would just end up carrying more, and I had everything I needed. So, I’m staying with my 34 L pack.

 

[AndyBorba]

Agree with all above that fit and comfort is key. I took all wisdom and advice from this forum and other sources to prepare. That said, I walked the full Francis, May-June 2024 with Osprey 34L. I’m a light packer, and used everything packed, no excess, and nothing bought along the way. 12 pound weight. I did train with the loaded pack for several months to make sure I could handle the load.

12lb? That's impressive! How were the crowds on your trip? Have albergue prices gone up? The guidebooks I am looking at are mainly saying around 12.

 

[AndyBorba]

Given your height and weight, you will like me, need a pack that fits your back and allows the hip belt to operate properly not only taking weight but stabilising the bag.

No doubt like me you will also have long feet and in Spain I can never get shoes big enough to fit. As such I have to carry walking closed toes sandals in addition to wearing my shoes. Any loss or damage to the shoes would mean that without the other suitable footwear that my Camino would be over.
In direct consequence I use a 40l bag.
It still is small enough to fit into aircraft overhead lockers yet carries all I need which includes that big pair of long shoes.

If neither of the bags you mention does not fill that need then keep looking for others.

Better a big bag that fits half full than a small bag that irritates you every day.

Is there a pack that works for you?
What type of closed toe sandals did you wear? My feet are 12-13, depending. Like you said, it would probably be difficult to find extra shoes if I needed to.
I am guessing if we are similar in size, it might be difficult to keep the pack as light as people that are smaller. If you ended up having a packing list, I would love to see it!

 

[trecile]

Have albergue prices gone up? The guidebooks I am looking at are mainly saying around 12.

I would say that 15 euros for an albergue bed is more common in private albergues this year. You can check Gronze which is usually more up to date than a printed guidebook.

El Camino de Santiago | Gronze.com

Bienvenido a Gronze, tu Guía del Camino de Santiago: Información práctica, actualizada y participativa de los principales Caminos de Santiago.

www.gronze.com

 

[Al the optimist]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

I have tried many packs over the last 13 years including once going ultra light with pack and contents weighing just 3.6kg! I have without 2 exceptions always used Osprey. I love the Osprey Stratos 34 that I have used the last 7 years. I comfortably pack 3 changes of clothes, sandals, summer raincoat, bag liner, etc. with ease. I use water bottles in the side pouches and the H2O pouch for any paperwork (in an A4 sleeve). Pack plus contents is 6kg (plus water).

 

[dick bird]

And are you going to use it for anything else besides walking this camino? That might be an argument for a larger size. Having spare space in your pack is obviously not a problem. Not getting everything in might be.

 

[Bothydave]

Is there a pack that works for you?
What type of closed toe sandals did you wear? My feet are 12-13, depending. Like you said, it would probably be difficult to find extra shoes if I needed to.
I am guessing if we are similar in size, it might be difficult to keep the pack as light as people that are smaller. If you ended up having a packing list, I would love to see it!

I use an Alpkit 40L
Given the big Karrimor K2 sandals it does mean a full re pack each day.
Good bag with lots of carry points if needed and a partly floating top which has inside and outside zip pockets.
I will find out how to send you a packing list as a PM

 

[chinacat]

I used a Lowe Alpine Airzone pack 30l - 33l (extended).

It was perfect in every way.

This one is a bit different but comes in a large size and the site has a chart showing the back lengths of all Lowe Alpine packs.

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/lowe-alpine-yacuri-48-trekking-pack?v=375158

PS
I love (almost) all things Alpkit but I can’t find a 40 litre pack for sale this season, on their site.

 

[Bothydave]

I used a Lowe Alpine Airzone pack 30l - 33l (extended).

It was perfect in every way.

This one is a bit different but comes in a large size and the site has a chart showing the lengths of all Lowe Alpine packs.

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/lowe-alpine-yacuri-48-trekking-pack?v=375158

PS
I love (almost) all things Alpkit but I can’t find a 40 litre pack for sale this season, on their site.

I am a Paramo and Alpkit fan.
Alpkit - duvet jackets, hats, rucksack amd wind shirt to mention but a few.

Paramo (too heavy for Camino) jackets, wind shirts, hats, fleeces of all thicknesses, trousers. All ideal,for N Europe and skiiing

 

[Bothydave]

I used a Lowe Alpine Airzone pack 30l - 33l (extended).

It was perfect in every way.

This one is a bit different but comes in a large size and the site has a chart showing the lengths of all Lowe Alpine packs.

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/lowe-alpine-yacuri-48-trekking-pack?v=375158

PS
I love (almost) all things Alpkit but I can’t find a 40 litre pack for sale this season, on their site.

The one I have is an Orion which this year they are marketing as 45L …. Not that would be perfect for me!

 

[chinacat]

I am a Paramo and Alpkit fan.
Alpkit - duvet jackets, hats, rucksack amd wind shirt to mention but a few.

Paramo (too heavy for Camino) jackets, wind shirts, hats, fleeces of all thicknesses, trousers. All ideal,for N Europe and skiiing

For me, it’s lots of different merino things, hats, gloves, cooking stuff, leggings, down stuff, soft shell etc, and lots of useful bits and pieces!
Can’t afford much Paramo, though I’d like to be able to …
I am more attached to my older Alpkit gear than the newer items, though there’s not much in it.

 

[Bothydave]

For me, it’s lots of different merino things, hats, gloves, cooking stuff, leggings, down stuff, soft shell etc, and lots of useful bits and pieces!
Can’t afford much Paramo, though I’d like to be able to …
I am more attached to my older Alpkit gear than the newer items, though there’s not much in it.

I forgot about all my cooking kit and stoves yes great kit

 

[henrythedog]

I forgot about all my cooking kit and stoves yes great kit

Good people, Alpkit with a decent ethos.

I needed a replacement ‘o’ ring for my brew kit (jet boil type integrated stove and cook pot) and called in the Ambleside shop. They had a couple sent directly to me at no charge. OK, it’s only pennies - but still.

 

[chinacat]

Do you take the Brukit on camino?

(in the colder months)

 

[BenoitCamino]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

Ironically, I am doing the final packing of my Osprey Exos 38 litre in a small hotel room in Madrid today!

As others have said, comfort and fit is more important than size. In particular with Osprey packs it is important to find a dealer with knowledge and skill to fit you. This is due to their history: the founders were a couple who grew tired of ill-fitting backpacks and decided to make their own. And suddenly, their friends and beyond wanted the same and the company took root with their ethos of quality, fit and guarantee.

The founders retired recently and sold to a large American company. But so far, the quality and their "forever guarantee" continues. I am blessed to live near their headquarters in Dolores Colorado and have asked their flagship "pro" store, Backcountry Experience" in Durango, how goes the Osprey ethos. It is holding, for now.

The packs are very adjustable for fitting. And the gender difference is often important. When I went to that store to be fitted, an Exos 38 was very comfortable but I waited before buying it. I came back and tried the exact same model but a different color and it didn't feel quite right so I bought the original fitting one. It is comfortable and light. But ask me next week after I retake la Compostelle !

Benoît

 

[stewinyvr]

I walked with the Osprey Talon 33 (Large). It was perfect for me for the CF in September.

 

[henrythedog]

Do you take the Brukit on camino?

(in the colder months)

No - it goes out once a year now on the Saunders mountain marathon. I’d have to find a compatable gas cylinder in Spain, which could be hit and miss - and I’ve rarely failed to find a cafe even in mid-winter.

 

[dougfitz]

One hack I developed for myself, to enable a smaller rucksack, is to roll my poncho and shell parka so they fit nicely in the mesh side pockets of the rucksack - one to a side. Also, I have experimented with carrying my fleece full-zip jacket in the rear large mesh pocket.

This frees up a HUGE volume of space inside the rucksack. Plus, it makes these three outerwear, layering items easier to access without having to open the rucksack.

I no longer use a water bladder. I arranged my carry system so that up to four 0.5 liter water bottles are carried on the FRONT of my rucksack harness. When filled, this is 2 liters of water/liquid or about 2 kilograms of weight moved from rear to front. That makes a significant shift in the load balance, resulting in a more comfortable carry.

I wear a front pouch attached to my rucksack harness straps, with about 4 liters capacity. It was two small water bottle pockets. I obtained small pouches (Gossamer Gear) to carry two more water bottles higher on the front of the rucksack harness.

Hope this helps.

Tom

This is one reason for adopting a from the skin out weight target than the more commonly discussed pack base weight. I haven't spotted @t2andreo on the camino, but I have seen walkers who have bragged about how they have managed to get their load into a smaller pack, but have been wearing a huge waist bag and carrying almost as much outside their pack as inside. IIRC, Tom makes no secret of this, and had admitted to the volumes and perhaps weights that his approach includes over the basic pack at some point in the past.

My own view is that there is much well intentioned, but relatively useless advice in this thread. Why? Because the OP is both taller and heavier than the average pilgrim that I see when I am walking. Very few people have either acknowledged that fact or informed us about their own height and weight. Without those things to assist make comparisons, suggesting that the OP might find the same pack as any of us found suitable is rather fanciful.

While we may be cautious about the 10% rule of thumb, it is not unreasonable for the purpose of helping them get to the right size pack to assume that they will carry that much for their summer camino. That is, their pack base weight might be about 8.8 kg. Carrying that in a 34 li pack is a packing density of 258 gm/li. In my experience, that is going to be incredibly tight, and very difficult to achieve without carrying a significant amount of that external to the pack.

Earlier, @henrythedog admitted to using a 38 li pack loaded with 8 kg, or around 210 gm/li, which I think is still a bit high for comfort, but far more reasonable. My view would be to try and keep the packing density to 200 gm/li or a little less to keep the load within the pack. Reversing this, my recommendation to the OP would be to consider a pack around 45 li.

One could do a more sophisticated calculation by discounting the pack weight from the calculation. Again, using @henrythedog's figures of 6.5 kg of load in 38 kg pack, this equates to about 171 gm/li excluding the pack weight. My target is a little less, around 160 gm/li. The tradeoff is best illustrated with the two Osprey packs the OP is considering. One weighs 42 gm/li of carrying capacity, the other just 31 gm/li. The Stratos 34 would carry 5.8 kg @ 171 gm/li, and have a base weight of 7.2 kg. The large Exos 38 would carry 7.0 kg @ 171 gm/li, and have a base weight of 8.3 kg. Clearly quite different outcomes.

There has been much written by more experienced forum members about how to select a pack. It is worth searching for, but the nub is always (a) to get your gear together and take it with you, and (b) get help from other forum members if you want help with what to pack.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

As a matter of interest does anybody have a reliable source for the 10% rule? Or is it just another thing that grew out of "everybody says" lore like walk 10,000 steps a day (selling pedometers), eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day (California fruit and vegetable growers association selling more fruit), drink 8 glasses of water a day (selling bottled water - most likely Evian or Perrier). I heard it came from a field study conducted by the IDF for lightly equipped combat operations.

 

[trecile]

I've read that the 10% "rule" was created as a guideline for children's school backpacks.

 

[Donna Sch]

I am a Paramo and Alpkit fan.


Paramo (too heavy for Camino) jackets, wind shirts, hats, fleeces of all thicknesses, trousers. All ideal,for N Europe and skiiing

Paramo is fantastic. Pricey but worth every expensive cent. Will be taking my Bentu fleece and Alta trek trousers for my next Camino during late April to June.

 

[t2andreo]

This is one reason for adopting a from the skin out weight target than the more commonly discussed pack base weight. I haven't spotted @t2andreo on the camino, but I have seen walkers who have bragged about how they have managed to get their load into a smaller pack, but have been wearing a huge waist bag and carrying almost as much outside their pack as inside. IIRC, Tom makes no secret of this, and had admitted to the volumes and perhaps weights that his approach includes over the basic pack at some point in the past.

My own view is that there is much well intentioned, but relatively useless advice in this thread. Why? Because the OP is both taller and heavier than the average pilgrim that I see when I am walking. Very few people have either acknowledged that fact or informed us about their own height and weight. Without those things to assist make comparisons, suggesting that the OP might find the same pack as any of us found suitable is rather fanciful.

While we may be cautious about the 10% rule of thumb, it is not unreasonable for the purpose of helping them get to the right size pack to assume that they will carry that much for their summer camino. That is, their pack base weight might be about 8.8 kg. Carrying that in a 34 li pack is a packing density of 258 gm/li. In my experience, that is going to be incredibly tight, and very difficult to achieve without carrying a significant amount of that external to the pack.

Earlier, @henrythedog admitted to using a 38 li pack loaded with 8 kg, or around 210 gm/li, which I think is still a bit high for comfort, but far more reasonable. My view would be to try and keep the packing density to 200 gm/li or a little less to keep the load within the pack. Reversing this, my recommendation to the OP would be to consider a pack around 45 li.

One could do a more sophisticated calculation by discounting the pack weight from the calculation. Again, using @henrythedog's figures of 6.5 kg of load in 38 kg pack, this equates to about 171 gm/li excluding the pack weight. My target is a little less, around 160 gm/li. The tradeoff is best illustrated with the two Osprey packs the OP is considering. One weighs 42 gm/li of carrying capacity, the other just 31 gm/li. The Stratos 34 would carry 5.8 kg @ 171 gm/li, and have a base weight of 7.2 kg. The large Exos 38 would carry 7.0 kg @ 171 gm/li, and have a base weight of 8.3 kg. Clearly quite different outcomes.

There has been much written by more experienced forum members about how to select a pack. It is worth searching for, but the nub is always (a) to get your gear together and take it with you, and (b) get help from other forum members if you want help with what to pack.

I concur with Dougfitz's valuable input.

I am a chunky guy myself, so I seek to reduce the total weight I carry, subject to gear minimums. I have a personal threshold of what I must bring on a Camino of any length. I adjust this by time of year.

Over a decade ago, I started out being obsessed with every gram of weight - even using a postal scale to weigh every item, and an Excel spreadsheet to track everything. Now, when I obtain a new item or replace an older item, I DO compare weights and measures. But, once the item is on the packing list, I do not obsess about grams and ounces.

I DO weigh the finished, loaded, rucksack as it will be checked as luggage for the flight from North America to France, Spain or Portugal. But, other than that threshold weighing process, I do not get overly concerned. My goal is to enjoy my Camino, not to obsess about gear weight.

I do not obsess over the FTSO (from the skin out) total weight - as it is what it is. Having done this several times, I know that for ME (again, everyone is different) I am better able to attain a comfortable walking load if I distribute my gear front and back to try to better balance the weight. Again, everyone is different. What works for me may not work for you. I offer my input, merely as a point of discussion.

This approach works for me. My working theory is that, if I can attain an optimum balance - according to what I choose to carry - my load will not feel so apparently heavy.

It seems to work - for me.

Hope this thought process works for you.

Tom

 

[henrythedog]

I concur with Dougfitz's valuable input.

I am a chunky guy myself, so I seek to reduce the total weight I carry, subject to gear minimums. I have a personal threshold of what I must bring on a Camino of any length. I adjust this by time of year.

Over a decade ago, I started out being obsessed with every gram of weight - even using a postal scale to weigh every item, and an Excel spreadsheet to track everything. Now, when I obtain a new item or replace an older item, I DO compare weights and measures. But, once the item is on the packing list, I do not obsess about grams and ounces.

I DO weigh the finished, loaded, rucksack as it will be checked as luggage for the flight from North America to France, Spain or Portugal. But, other than that threshold weighing process, I do not get overly concerned. MY goal is to enjoy my Camino, not to obsess about gear weight.

I do not obsess over the FTSO (from the skin out) total weight - as it is what it is. Having done this several times, I know that for ME (again, everyone is different) I am better able to attain a comfortable walking load if I distribute my gear front and back to try to better balance the weight. Again, everyone is different. What works for me may not work for you. I offer my input, merely as a point of discussion.

This approach works for me. My working theory is that, if I can attain an optimum balance - according to what I choose to carry - my load will not feel so apparently heavy.

It seems to work - for me.

Hope this thought process works for you.

Tom

Agreed. During the enforced downtime of the pandemic, I also weighed everything and also seek out lightweight alternatives as replacements - but having explained the concept to Mrs HtD she helpfully clarified that ‘from the skin out’ shouldn’t be my biggest concern, it should be ‘from the skin in’ that I need to focus on.

 

[t2andreo]

Your better half is one sharp woman! She saw right through to the nub of the matter.

 

[Bothydave]

I concur with Dougfitz's valuable input.

I am a chunky guy myself, so I seek to reduce the total weight I carry, subject to gear minimums. I have a personal threshold of what I must bring on a Camino of any length. I adjust this by time of year.

Over a decade ago, I started out being obsessed with every gram of weight - even using a postal scale to weigh every item, and an Excel spreadsheet to track everything. Now, when I obtain a new item or replace an older item, I DO compare weights and measures. But, once the item is on the packing list, I do not obsess about grams and ounces.

I DO weigh the finished, loaded, rucksack as it will be checked as luggage for the flight from North America to France, Spain or Portugal. But, other than that threshold weighing process, I do not get overly concerned. MY goal is to enjoy my Camino, not to obsess about gear weight.

I do not obsess over the FTSO (from the skin out) total weight - as it is what it is. Having done this several times, I know that for ME (again, everyone is different) I am better able to attain a comfortable walking load if I distribute my gear front and back to try to better balance the weight. Again, everyone is different. What works for me may not work for you. I offer my input, merely as a point of discussion.

This approach works for me. My working theory is that, if I can attain an optimum balance - according to what I choose to carry - my load will not feel so apparently heavy.

It seems to work - for me.

Hope this thought process works for you.

Tom

As a big lad I concur with what you say and what I said the OP early on in the thread.

Being physically bigger means more cloth and thus heavier kit in every respect be that shirts, underclothing, socks, trousers, jackets, ponchos, sleeping bags, towels et al.

As I said earlier I have long feet and on numerous trips to Spain and other parts of Europe (apart from Germany, Netherlands and Scandinavia) they simply do not make shoes big enough for me. As such I have to carry alternative footwear suitable for walking so that if anything happens to my main shoes my Camino is not immediately ended.
That immediately brings both weight and volume penalties when choosing an appropriate bag, but it is what it is.
Yes I weigh kit and come to appropriate decisions on durability v practicality. Again it is what it is.

A recent walk on the Italian Via Degli Dei passed no outdoor shops to allow re supply or damaged or broken kit so things needed to be carried to ensure success. It also found me wishing that I had taken the boot version of my shoes and a heavy poncho.
It further tested kit to its extreme and one not so dry bag is going to have the order of the bin bequeathed to it!

Of course if you are having your bags transported for you non of this matters.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

There has been much written by more experienced forum members about how to select a pack

Presumably you're referring to this: I've never come across a more useful or comprehensive guide.

Thread 'How To Properly Size, Fit, and Adjust a Backpack'

Feb 25, 2022

Correct Sizing of a Backpack

The size of the pack is determined by the length of your spine, not by how much (volume) the pack can carry.

Measuring for a correct fit involves determining your spine's proper length. That measurement is done by using a tape measure and measuring from the protruding 'knob' on the back of your neck which is at the base of the cervical spine, to the place on your spine that is even with the top of the crest of your hips. You can do this yourself, but it is helpful to have another person assist. I recommend doing these measurements 3 separate times in...

• davebugg
• Replies: 11
• Camino de Santiago Forum: 🥾 Equipment and Clothes

• 
• 
• 

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Doug, you raise a very valid point about the Ops physical size vs other pilgrims. Weight wise he's 25% bigger than I, and 17cm taller. That's a lot of additional cloth.
That said, walking in the summer months you require significantly fewer items than walking the shoulder seasons. In my case I change from a 23 litre summer backpack to a 32 shoulder season pack. Thus, there's no reason that the pack sizes he is considering would not work for him, assuming as I said in my first post that everything fits and the pack is comfortable.

That is, their pack base weight might be about 8.8 kg. Carrying that in a 34 li pack is a packing density of 258 gm/li. In my experience, that is going to be incredibly tight, and very difficult to achieve without carrying a significant amount of that external to the pack.

My personal experience is clearly significantly different to yours. I not only have my base weight of nine kgs carried internally in my Dueter Futura 32, but I also carry a minimum of one and a half liters of (bottled) water in the main compartment too. Fruit, Bocadillo and a few misc. items go in the top lid. I have a few small items in the other pockets including of course snacks. The main front stretchy pocket typically starts out empty. (It's there to quickly stuff in a layer or damp socks etc). So min. 11kg , or 344g/l .

Is it full? Yes, but definitely not 'incredibly tight'.There's still room to add things should I wish to, without having to resort to mounting them externally.

I do wear a slim waist pack with a little cash, card's and credential, but that's it.

I think what your equation is failing to take into account is the individual size/weight ratio of the various items . Eg, my GoPro case takes up the same amount of room as my puffer jacket but is significantly heavier (batteries, Powerbank etc).

 

[dougfitz]

Presumably you're referring to this: I've never come across a more useful or comprehensive guide.

Thread 'How To Properly Size, Fit, and Adjust a Backpack'

Feb 25, 2022

Correct Sizing of a Backpack

The size of the pack is determined by the length of your spine, not by how much (volume) the pack can carry.

Measuring for a correct fit involves determining your spine's proper length. That measurement is done by using a tape measure and measuring from the protruding 'knob' on the back of your neck which is at the base of the cervical spine, to the place on your spine that is even with the top of the crest of your hips. You can do this yourself, but it is helpful to have another person assist. I recommend doing these measurements 3 separate times in...

• davebugg
• Replies: 11
• Camino de Santiago Forum: 🥾 Equipment and Clothes

• 
• 
• 

No. That is a much later contribution to the discussions here on the forum. The one thing this doesn’t address is what I would generally call the size, but might also be called the capacity, that might be needed. Here is one of the earliest discussions I can find quickly from my time on the forum about that, and they go on regularly. I have moved a little on some factors I apply, but not a lot. I am on the road at the moment, but when I get a chance I might point out some more recent posts that go to this.

As a matter of interest does anybody have a reliable source for the 10% rule?

@Jeff Crawley, I was asking this question back when I joined the forum, not that long before you did IIRC. The link I shared above has several posts in it about that. They point to a different origin story than the one suggested by @trecile earlier, although both paths might lead to an earlier, common, source. Look for the posts by @methodist.pilgrim.98 (now deceased) for sources he had. The link I provided no longer works, but if you are enthusiastic it might be on one of the web archive sites.

 

[Mattdoubleyew]

What he said

Best post in this thread

Now, as a forum newbie, I can’t seem to stop endless notifications of yet another person adding their tuppence on how they’re convinced ‘tiny rucksack forces them to pack lighter and causally correlates with good fit’

Please, how do I switch the notifications off ?!

 

[trecile]

Please, how do I switch the notifications off ?!

Go to your account, then "preferences."

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Best post in this thread

Now, as a forum newbie, I can’t seem to stop endless notifications of yet another person adding their tuppence on how they’re convinced ‘tiny rucksack forces them to pack lighter and causally correlates with good fit’

Please, how do I switch the notifications off ?!

Rather than switch off all notifications, if you mean that you have lost interest in a particular thread, just go to the top of the thread and click on 'unwatch', and again when it asks you if you're sure.
You will then only receive notifications if somebody quotes you.

 

[Mattdoubleyew]

Thank you!!

 

[JoroAtanasof]

I am wondering on personal preference out there.
For the full Francés route next summer, I will either buy the Osprey Stratos 34L or the Osprey Exos 38L.
Would you prefer 34 or 38L?
Anyone have experience with these packs?
My budget maxes out at $225, if there are other ideas.
In case it matters, I am 6'3"/1.90m and 195lb/88kg.

I used to own Exos 38 and Stratos 36 , with the Exos there is always room to put something extra (for some this is no a benefit ..) one thing you should know with the previous model size L/G was equal to 41L think it will fit you (Osprey have cool app to determine what is the proper size/model ). I know that there are a lot of fans of Stratos personally i am not impressed with this backpack .
My current backpack is Gregory Focal 38 it is alternative to Osprey Exos and i bought it with serious disscount . I like Osprey but last 6 years the only thing they are doing is raising the prices .

 

[AndyBorba]

And are you going to use it for anything else besides walking this camino? That might be an argument for a larger size. Having spare space in your pack is obviously not a problem. Not getting everything in might be.

Good question. I will use it for other outings as well.

 

[Old Kiwi]

I have only used a 25 litre pack on Caminos. I don't carry much and the pack weighs 5 kilos with 500 ml of water in the outside pocket. On my last two Caminos I thought about a 30 litre pack but the few I looked at were not as comfortable to wear, so I stuck to the 25 litre pack. I always walk in summer, but if I went outside of summer, I would definitely get a 30 litre pack to accommodate a sleeping bag or blanket.

 

[aureus]

Take 34 liters of course, even 32 is better. It is much more pleasant and convenient to travel when the weight is 3-4 kg less, it is a long way to go.