Tote Bag

[Frankybaby66]

Hi fellow wanderers,
I always put my backpack into hold luggage on the flight out (I have poles, and fly Ryan Air!). To protect the backpack I always put it, and my poles into a tote bag. The tote bag is lightweight and after the flight, packs into itself to something the size of an orange, so easy to stow in my backpack for the Camino itself.
Having survived 5 Caminos, the carrying strap stitching finally gave way on the way to the airport in Santiago earlier this year. I can't seem to source an exact replica, so wondered if anyone out there in Camino-Land had any recommendations as a replacement.
It must take a 44litre backpack ( I know, I know), and pack down small for the Camino itself.
Starting to plan next year's adventure . . .!
Thanks in advance,
Frank

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Some forum Members have used these huge blue bags from Ikea and were happy with them for the purpose you are looking for. I see a few styles of them online, but have no first hand knowledge. They are inexpensive.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I've used cheap cloth laundry bags bought at a dollar store. You could reuse one to help prevent bedbugs from getting into your pack or, if you don't want to carry it, leave it in a laundromat and buy a new one in SdC at a china shop.

 

[trecile]

Have you considered having the strap repaired?

 

[Kirkie]

Try a cobbler.

 

[CWBuff]

I like @trecile s suggestion but to answer your question

Foldable Duffel Bag 30" / 75L Lightweight with Water Rresistant for Travel-Red

Its been on numerous trip and just couple of months ago coming back from our TMB trip got a rip\tear on its side (thankfully not too big). I used the trusty duct tape on both sides of the tear and I guess will have to wait until I venture out next time. Just for the stats most of the time it is my Gregory Zulu 35L and set of poles; this time wife's poles were added to the mix (hopefully that is not want caused the rip)

 

[Frankybaby66]

I've used cheap cloth laundry bags bought at a dollar store. You could reuse one to help prevent bedbugs from getting into your pack or, if you don't want to carry it, leave it in a laundromat and buy a new one in SdC at a china shop.

Thanks, I'm used to something with a carrying strap - I'll give it some thought though

 

[Jarrad]

Check out the Osprey AirPorter. It has a carrying strap. REI has their own version, which I suspect is cheaper, but not sure if it has a carrying strap. I traveled with several others this spring who used the REI version and it seemed like it held up well and probably packed down smaller than the Osprey version.

 

[J Willhaus]

Ikea bag would be my choice.

https://www.amazon.com/Ikea-Frakta-Storage-Extra-Large/dp/B00L77191E/ref=asc_df_B00L77191E/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693770002232&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4866263617262032048&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023712&hvtargid=pla-308370737400&psc=1&mcid=6b7ff785293730d3980338c0857b7dfa

 

[JacquelineA]

I’m not sure what a totebag is, is it the same as a flightbag?
I have a flightbag with zipper (so I can put a lock on it during the flight) It can also be used as a raincover for my backpack. It has handles so you can carry it with the handles when your backpack is in it. We put our 44 liter bags in it on both caminos and it went fine.

LOWLAND OUTDOOR® Regenhoes Flightbag

Niet alleen is deze hoes geweldig om je rugzak te beschermen tijdens vluchten, maar hij dient ook als waterdichte regenhoes om je rugzak droog te houden tijdens een stortbui.

lowlandoutdoor.nl

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Before our first camino frances (2015), we bought two large cotton laundry bags from REI. There is a synch string at the top. Our backpacks are Osprey 50 litre. We put the loaded backpack into the cloth bag, then carry these on when we board. The bags not only keep the backpacks clean, they also keep the straps compressed inside the bag. Including my camino portuguese last fall, I've now used this process five times. I'm always worried a flight attendant will require us to check on the bags, but each time we were successful. In fact, compared to our first two caminos, we actually carry less in our backpacks, since we now make advance reservations in private albergues, so no need to carry a sleeping bag, silk liner, quick wicking towel, inflatable pillow, etc. We use a light weight nylon sack (with straps) for our trekking poles, swiss army knife, and scissors and check this onto the plane. We're planning our next camino fall 2025 from Leon to Santiago. Bob

 

[Liica]

Hi fellow wanderers,
I always put my backpack into hold luggage on the flight out (I have poles, and fly Ryan Air!). To protect the backpack I always put it, and my poles into a tote bag. The tote bag is lightweight and after the flight, packs into itself to something the size of an orange, so easy to stow in my backpack for the Camino itself.
Having survived 5 Caminos, the carrying strap stitching finally gave way on the way to the airport in Santiago earlier this year. I can't seem to source an exact replica, so wondered if anyone out there in Camino-Land had any recommendations as a replacement.
It must take a 44litre backpack ( I know, I know), and pack down small for the Camino itself.
Starting to plan next year's adventure . . .!
Thanks in advance,
Frank

Sea to summit works perfect for me and fita my backpack

 

[witsendwv]

Thanks, I'm used to something with a carrying strap - I'll give it some thought though

Do you have a friend or a friend of a friend with a sewing machine? Sounds like a simple repair. Business that do clothes alterations also may be able to fix it for you.

 

[trecile]

Do you have a friend or a friend of a friend with a sewing machine? Sounds like a simple repair. Business that do clothes alterations also may be able to fix it for you.

Or a shoe repair shop.

 

[t2andreo]

Hi fellow wanderers,
I always put my backpack into hold luggage on the flight out (I have poles, and fly Ryan Air!). To protect the backpack I always put it, and my poles into a tote bag. The tote bag is lightweight and after the flight, packs into itself to something the size of an orange, so easy to stow in my backpack for the Camino itself.
Having survived 5 Caminos, the carrying strap stitching finally gave way on the way to the airport in Santiago earlier this year. I can't seem to source an exact replica, so wondered if anyone out there in Camino-Land had any recommendations as a replacement.
It must take a 44litre backpack ( I know, I know), and pack down small for the Camino itself.
Starting to plan next year's adventure . . .!
Thanks in advance,
Frank

You might also fold it up, then mail it to Ivar from the Correos. See "Services by Casa Ivar in Santiago" on the top line of your screen. This always works great.

 

[RRat]

Hi fellow wanderers,
I always put my backpack into hold luggage on the flight out (I have poles, and fly Ryan Air!). To protect the backpack I always put it, and my poles into a tote bag. The tote bag is lightweight and after the flight, packs into itself to something the size of an orange, so easy to stow in my backpack for the Camino itself.
Having survived 5 Caminos, the carrying strap stitching finally gave way on the way to the airport in Santiago earlier this year. I can't seem to source an exact replica, so wondered if anyone out there in Camino-Land had any recommendations as a replacement.
It must take a 44litre backpack ( I know, I know), and pack down small for the Camino itself.
Starting to plan next year's adventure . . .!
Thanks in advance,
Frank

Wrap in kitchen plastic wrap with backpack handle exposed. Same on return. Wrap is found just about anywhere.

 

[Frankybaby66]

Wrap in kitchen plastic wrap with backpack handle exposed. Same on return. Wrap is found just about anywhere.

Seen it done, but wouldn't risk it with my poles. Thanks for posting a reply though

 

[Frankybaby66]

You might also fold it up, then mail it to Ivar from the Correos. See "Services by Casa Ivar in Santiago" on the top line of your screen. This always works great.

Thanks for the idea, I like to keep the bag with me. Not had to do it yet, but my contingency plan is to use it for luggage transfer if I pick up a injury, leaving me to walk with my backpack stripped down to bare essentials.

 

[Frankybaby66]

Do you have a friend or a friend of a friend with a sewing machine? Sounds like a simple repair. Business that do clothes alterations also may be able to fix it for you.

It's a thin (lightweight) synthetic 'fabric'. Don't think it's viable to repair . . Thanks for the thought though.

 

[Frankybaby66]

Or a shoe repair shop.

It's a thin (lightweight) synthetic 'fabric'. Don't think it's viable to repair . . Thanks for the thought though.

 

[Frankybaby66]

Sea to summit works perfect for me and fita my backpack

Will check it out, thanks

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I think the Ikea blue bags are very thin, but robust for their weight and would fold up well to keep in the bottom of your backpack until you go home, or use it to put your backpack in overnight as extra bedbug protection.

 

[Frankybaby66]

Before our first camino frances (2015), we bought two large cotton laundry bags from REI. There is a synch string at the top. Our backpacks are Osprey 50 litre. We put the loaded backpack into the cloth bag, then carry these on when we board. The bags not only keep the backpacks clean, they also keep the straps compressed inside the bag. Including my camino portuguese last fall, I've now used this process five times. I'm always worried a flight attendant will require us to check on the bags, but each time we were successful. In fact, compared to our first two caminos, we actually carry less in our backpacks, since we now make advance reservations in private albergues, so no need to carry a sleeping bag, silk liner, quick wicking towel, inflatable pillow, etc. We use a light weight nylon sack (with straps) for our trekking poles, swiss army knife, and scissors and check this onto the plane. We're planning our next camino fall 2025 from Leon to Santiago. Bob

Thanks for the detailed reply - sounds like you take backpacks as cabin luggage. This isn't possible with Ryanair due to their very restrictive weight/ dimension rules. I would have to check my poles in as hold luggage anyway( in case I turn into a homicidal maniac during the flight!)

 

[trecile]

I haven't seen the large zippered blue and yellow Frakta bag at IKEA for a while, though you can find them or very similar bags on Amazon or other sites.

This newer style bag from IKEA should work:

GÖRSNYGG bag, blue, 40x30x60 cm/72 l - IKEA

GÖRSNYGG bag, blue, 40x30x60 cm/72 l This durable bag holds a lot when you´re on the go and takes up little space when it´s empty. A real everyday hero in blue with striped handles that are just as easy to carry in your hand as on your back. Easy to keep clean by just wiping with a damp cloth.

www.ikea.com

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I see the Ikea bag and here is the Amazon link.
It looks zippered to me. I prefer the shorter/wide bags as you don't need to lift your arm up when carrying it is shorter and more of a "duffle bag" style.
Ikea Frakta Storage Bag - Blue (2 PACK) https://a.co/d/haiL2Tt

 

[J Willhaus]

We use those zipped Frakta Ikea bags for all kinds of stuff. Fishing gear, camping clothes and camper sleeping gear, etc. They are light, last forever, and keep things dry and protected. Good carrying straps, too.

There is a cut rate version at most Asia Bazaar stores in Spain, but they never last as long as the Ikea ones.

 

[trecile]

I see the Ikea bag and here is the Amazon link.
It looks zippered to me. I prefer the shorter/wide bags as you don't need to lift your arm up when carrying it is shorter and more of a "duffle bag" style.
Ikea Frakta Storage Bag - Blue (2 PACK) https://a.co/d/haiL2Tt

Yes, you can buy them from Amazon for an inflated price, but they aren't on US or UK IKEA sites.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yes, you can buy them from Amazon for an inflated price, but they aren't on US or UK IKEA sites.

In my opinion they are still a bargain, an inexpensive option, and simple to order if you already have an Amazon account.

 

[Lleslie]

We used Ikea bags on our last camino and thought they worked well. We always check our packs in altho they are only 30L ones as we take our own poles. They were also useful when two of our group of 5 had injuries and used one to lighten the load in their packs, sending it ahead with a bag transfer company.

 

[RobinGore]

Some forum Members have used these huge blue bags from Ikea and were happy with them for the purpose you are looking for. I see a few styles of them online, but have no first hand knowledge. They are inexpensive.
View attachment 179847

Yes I have heard these IKEA bags are worth their weight in gold ;-)

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Yes I have heard these IKEA bags are worth their weight in gold ;-)

They don't seem to be made as well as they used to. I've had three or four fail all in the same area, at the top where the material is doubled over. Duct tape has, as ever, proved to be a godsend. Perhaps they are from a bad batch?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Instead of the old, blue Frakta bags consider a DIMPA zipped bag

DIMPA

Quite strong - I've seen them being used in London to carry Brompton folding bikes - they have the advantage of being see through so you can see if your pack has been tampered with.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Wrap in kitchen plastic wrap with backpack handle exposed. Same on return. Wrap is found just about anywhere.

"Wrap is found just about anywhere."

Indeed, a sad indictment of 21st century life.

 

[JZA]

Hi fellow wanderers,
I always put my backpack into hold luggage on the flight out (I have poles, and fly Ryan Air!). To protect the backpack I always put it, and my poles into a tote bag. The tote bag is lightweight and after the flight, packs into itself to something the size of an orange, so easy to stow in my backpack for the Camino itself.
Having survived 5 Caminos, the carrying strap stitching finally gave way on the way to the airport in Santiago earlier this year. I can't seem to source an exact replica, so wondered if anyone out there in Camino-Land had any recommendations as a replacement.
It must take a 44litre backpack ( I know, I know), and pack down small for the Camino itself.
Starting to plan next year's adventure . . .!
Thanks in advance,
Frank

Hi. I also use poles so the bag goes in the hold. I use an (Ikea) laundry bag. Very light. I use 4m of paracord to bind it and provide handholds for the baggage handlers. The paracord also makes an excellent washing line and belt for my poncho in windy conditions.