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.