Backpack Replacement Recos?

[Michael Mattalo]

Looking to replace our packs for our upcoming Camino. Primary motivation is something lighter, especially for my wife. Currently I have Gregory Stout 35L at 1,550g (3.4 pounds) and my wife has Gregory Amber 34L at 1,450g (3.2 pounds). Size and feature wise, both are perfect. Any suggestions / recommendations please? Thank you.

 

[C clearly]

Size and feature wise, both are perfect.

Are they also perfect comfort wise? If so, keep them, since that is all that really matters.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Are they also perfect comfort wise? If so, keep them, since that is all that really matters.

Yes, they are comfortable. The goal here is to reduce as many grams as possible, especially for my wife.

 

[C clearly]

I use an Osprey Talon 33, which I am very happy with. It weighs about 990 g plus 100 g for a rain cover.

However, it would be a mistake to save a few hundred grams but sacrifice any small degree of comfort.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Osprey Stratus 34L weighs like 3 lbs and is my go to. I like Osprey because when they break they send me a new one for free (well I pay for shipping to them). I am a bit of a fanboy. They last about 5-7 caminos.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Thank you. We are at the exploratory stage. Agree confort and fit is important. We may do nothing. We don’t walk until late Sep.

 

[rainswift]

I think your best bet is to go to an outdoor outfitter store with your wife, your existing Gregory packs, and a luggage scale. If you're in the States, REI is a good store. If in Canada, MEC or VPO. Elsewhere, not sure what stores.

They'll usually have weights they can load into packs and you can try on the packs in the store for fit and comfort and features. With your luggage scale you can see if the new packs weigh significantly less. Then you can judge if the weight savings are worth the changes to comfort, and the cost of the new packs.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Thanks. That may be our best bet. I find even the larger shops (MEC) favour one brand or have limited selection.

 

[trecile]

Thanks. That may be our best bet. I find even the larger shops (MEC) favour one brand or have limited selection.

That's very true. In addition to the major brands like Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter there are many smaller manufacturers that make really good lightweight gear. Like Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, etc. Garage Grown Gear is a good website to find some of these smaller companies.

The problem is that you usually have to order them from their respective websites, which can get expensive if you have to pay return shipping for those that don't work out.

 

[rainswift]

Thanks. That may be our best bet. I find even the larger shops (MEC) favour one brand or have limited selection.

Sounds like you are in Canada due to the MEC comment.

For ultralight gear, Geartrade.ca carries equipment from cottage brands like the ones Trecile listed above. They're in Okotoks, AB but of course they'll ship Canada-wide. Disadvantage is you can't try before you buy, though.

 

[Antnix1]

if you are carrying all the same gear, you'll still need a large pack.. and the difference between a regular pack and a lightweight one will be a few hundred grams max.

Edit: I acknowledge your pack is quite small already!

Sacrifices will include lower durability and fewer features (less compartments/padding/comfort) in the pack itself.

If you want to reduce your pack weight, first reduce what you need. And change your gear to lightweight. That can be costly and the gear might require more maintenance (more fragile, less durable, harder to wash or care for).

Classic example is a 1.2kg 3 season sleeping bag on Amazon for under €60, or an ultra lightweight goose down one of better quality costing €600 that weighs only 600g

Once you've changed your gear you'll realise the pack you need is much smaller (saving on weight), and then you can decide whether you should invest in a lightweight pack or just a smaller one.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Sounds like you are in Canada due to the MEC comment.

For ultralight gear, Geartrade.ca carries equipment from cottage brands like the ones Trecile listed above. They're in Okotoks, AB but of course they'll ship Canada-wide. Disadvantage is you can't try before you buy, though.

Super. Will check them out. Thank you.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

That's very true. In addition to the major brands like Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter there are many smaller manufacturers that make really good lightweight gear. Like Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, etc. Garage Grown Gear is a good website to find some of these smaller companies.

The problem is that you usually have to order them from their respective websites, which can get expensive if you have to pay return shipping for those that don't work out.

Yeah, that’s the issue but thank you. I’ve been looking at Gossamer Gear.

 

[rainswift]

Yeah, that’s the issue but thank you. I’ve been looking at Gossamer Gear.

Geartrade.ca carries a number of Gossamer Gear packs!

I have a Kumo 36 in the purple Vaporwave colourway and I really like it. It's super light - under 600g. But it definitely doesn't have as many features as your existing Gregory packs.

 

[dbier]

Six Moon Designs in the US has different packs and harnessing options (Straps vs vest closure), but unless you're willing to order it and try it, I can't say if you'll like it better. I ended up with a 5/11 Tactical light pack because I liked its fit and features better. I found the REI Gregory pack I first ordered cut into my shoulders, so returned it.

Honestly, if you all really need to reduce weight , you'll probably be better off carrying less in a pack that already works for you. I ended up leaving behind a variety of backup gear and toiletries on the Primitivo last year, because it was too heavy or because I ended up not needing it. Unfortunately, I'd already trashed my body by that point.

The only backup items I might have needed, and did carry all the way, were prescription meds and a second set of prescription glasses. Solid soap pieces were lighter even than airline liquid shampoo. Silk sleep sack vs quilt/bag ( I traveled in September). Light packable puffer vs heavy fleece. Zip off quick dry pants. You get the idea.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

if you are carrying all the same gear, you'll still need a large pack.. and the difference between a regular pack and a lightweight one will be a few hundred grams max.

Edit: I acknowledge your pack is quite small already!

Sacrifices will include lower durability and fewer features (less compartments/padding/comfort) in the pack itself.

If you want to reduce your pack weight, first reduce what you need. And change your gear to lightweight. That can be costly and the gear might require more maintenance (more fragile, less durable, harder to wash or care for).

Classic example is a 1.2kg 3 season sleeping bag on Amazon for under €60, or an ultra lightweight goose down one of better quality costing €600 that weighs only 600g

Once you've changed your gear you'll realise the pack you need is much smaller (saving on weight), and then you can decide whether you should invest in a lightweight pack or just a smaller one.

Good advice. Thank you.

 

[Scott Fraser]

Looking to replace our packs for our upcoming Camino. Primary motivation is something lighter, especially for my wife. Currently I have Gregory Stout 35L at 1,550g (3.4 pounds) and my wife has Gregory Amber 34L at 1,450g (3.2 pounds). Size and feature wise, both are perfect. Any suggestions / recommendations please? Thank you.

Have a look at the AARN packs. I’ve walked three Caminos with mine and have found them to be great — light weight, durable, and well designed. I have two versions — a Mountain Magic (~ 35 liters) and a smaller 22 liter day pack similar to the one shown below that I walked with last year. (When I past 75 years of age I cut the 10% rule in half and started shipping a small duffle forward every day).

A key advantage to most AARN designs is that you can distribute weight front and back with the pouches they hang from shoulder straps. E.g., the pouches on the pack below will each hold a 750 ml water bottle.

Pace Magic 30

The Pace Magic 30 is a small-volume lightweight framed backpack that combines body movement, balance and stability, and instant gear access. It's ideal for fastpacking, adventure racing and hiking. This is a great choice for hiking the Camino too.

www.aarnpacks.com

 

[patriciafross]

My husband and I both use a hyperlite. I switched from the Gregory to the hyperlite to save oz. and it worked beautifully last year as I walked from Cahors, France to Pamplona.

 

[el-pe]

I've had good luck with the GG Kumo36 on local hikes, carrying about 12-15 pounds for training. My Camino pack is a Zpack Nero 38 made from DCF. The pack weighs 11 ounces, is waterproof and can comfortably carry 18-20 pounds. Used this on the Frances, Portuguese and Via de la Plata so far.

 

[CWBuff]

@Michael Mattalo - you KNNOW this will come down to a personal preference, right?

Speaking of - I use Gregory Zulu 35L and I just got my wife a Gregory Jade 28

Good luck!

 

[TheRealPixie]

If she wants to stick with her Gregory. It appears that the current aka newer (on their website) Amber 34 is now 2.8 lbs. That's a bit of a shaving off the one she has. Also the Gregory Jade 33 is 2.75 lbs.

I get it. I have 3 Gregory packs myself. 2 trail running ones and the Amber 70 for backpacking. I think they are some of the best fit packs I've tried. I just hope since I bought my Amber they have fixed the water bottle pocket situation. Because my pack, it is nearly impossible to get a water bottle out of the pocket while the pack is on my back and I hate that using a water bladder is the only option. I like having choices. That being said, I think my REI Traverse 35 is fantastic and you CAN get water bottles out easily. Maybe she might enjoy an REI pack as well. Also going to REI for a proper fit is a wonderful experience. Last time I went to look at packs I ended up dancing with the sales associate. We had fun! (Testing for the pack to be well fitted and stable on my body.)

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Have a look at the AARN packs. I’ve walked three Caminos with mine and have found them to be great — light weight, durable, and well designed. I have two versions — a Mountain Magic (~ 35 liters) and a smaller 22 liter day pack similar to the one shown below that I walked with last year. (When I past 75 years of age I cut the 10% rule in half and started shipping a small duffle forward every day).

A key advantage to most AARN designs is that you can distribute weight front and back with the pouches they hang from shoulder straps. E.g., the pouches on the pack below will each hold a 750 ml water bottle.

Pace Magic 30

The Pace Magic 30 is a small-volume lightweight framed backpack that combines body movement, balance and stability, and instant gear access. It's ideal for fastpacking, adventure racing and hiking. This is a great choice for hiking the Camino too.

www.aarnpacks.com

Thank you. Good option to look at.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

If she wants to stick with her Gregory. It appears that the current aka newer (on their website) Amber 34 is now 2.8 lbs. That's a bit of a shaving off the one she has. Also the Gregory Jade 33 is 2.75 lbs.

I get it. I have 3 Gregory packs myself. 2 trail running ones and the Amber 70 for backpacking. I think they are some of the best fit packs I've tried. I just hope since I bought my Amber they have fixed the water bottle pocket situation. Because my pack, it is nearly impossible to get a water bottle out of the pocket while the pack is on my back and I hate that using a water bladder is the only option. I like having choices. That being said, I think my REI Traverse 35 is fantastic and you CAN get water bottles out easily. Maybe she might enjoy an REI pack as well. Also going to REI for a proper fit is a wonderful experience. Last time I went to look at packs I ended up dancing with the sales associate. We had fun! (Testing for the pack to be well fitted and stable on my body.)

Super and thank you. Very helpful.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

@Michael Mattalo - you KNNOW this will come down to a personal preference, right?

Speaking of - I use Gregory Zulu 35L and I just got my wife a Gregory Jade 28

Good luck!

Yes, totally get it. Just looking at options others have had. Thank you.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

I've had good luck with the GG Kumo36 on local hikes, carrying about 12-15 pounds for training. My Camino pack is a Zpack Nero 38 made from DCF. The pack weighs 11 ounces, is waterproof and can comfortably carry 18-20 pounds. Used this on the Frances, Portuguese and Via de la Plata so far.

Another great option. Thank you.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Six Moon Designs in the US has different packs and harnessing options (Straps vs vest closure), but unless you're willing to order it and try it, I can't say if you'll like it better. I ended up with a 5/11 Tactical light pack because I liked its fit and features better. I found the REI Gregory pack I first ordered cut into my shoulders, so returned it.

Honestly, if you all really need to reduce weight , you'll probably be better off carrying less in a pack that already works for you. I ended up leaving behind a variety of backup gear and toiletries on the Primitivo last year, because it was too heavy or because I ended up not needing it. Unfortunately, I'd already trashed my body by that point.

The only backup items I might have needed, and did carry all the way, were prescription meds and a second set of prescription glasses. Solid soap pieces were lighter even than airline liquid shampoo. Silk sleep sack vs quilt/bag ( I traveled in September). Light packable puffer vs heavy fleece. Zip off quick dry pants. You get the idea.

Great information, thank you.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Geartrade.ca carries a number of Gossamer Gear packs!

I have a Kumo 36 in the purple Vaporwave colourway and I really like it. It's super light - under 600g. But it definitely doesn't have as many features as your existing Gregory packs.

Always an option. Thanks.

 

[Pafayac]

Wilsa 38L. Weights only 790 g.

Vente en ligne du sac à dos trail running Wilsa Raid 38 l - marche ultra-légère

Vente en ligne du sac à dos trail running Raid 38 de Wilsa. Sac très léger orienté raid / running, et marche ultra-légère avec des rangements pratiques.

www.rayonrando.com

But it is not made to carry heavy contents. I limit myself to 7kgs including water and food.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My son has used an ultralite "Ula" brand, Circuit model backpack for at least five Caminos and it still looks new with no wear spots on the fabric and has no fading from the sun. My pack I've used on Caminos for the last seven years is an Osprey Sirrus 36L woman specific model. Although I like it and its size is perfect, the inner mesh on the waist belt has frayed a bit and its turquoise color is fading.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

If she wants to stick with her Gregory. It appears that the current aka newer (on their website) Amber 34 is now 2.8 lbs. That's a bit of a shaving off the one she has. Also the Gregory Jade 33 is 2.75 lbs.

I get it. I have 3 Gregory packs myself. 2 trail running ones and the Amber 70 for backpacking. I think they are some of the best fit packs I've tried. I just hope since I bought my Amber they have fixed the water bottle pocket situation. Because my pack, it is nearly impossible to get a water bottle out of the pocket while the pack is on my back and I hate that using a water bladder is the only option. I like having choices. That being said, I think my REI Traverse 35 is fantastic and you CAN get water bottles out easily. Maybe she might enjoy an REI pack as well. Also going to REI for a proper fit is a wonderful experience. Last time I went to look at packs I ended up dancing with the sales associate. We had fun! (Testing for the pack to be well fitted and stable on my body.)

I am also a lover of Gregory but just today I returned my new Gregory Jade 33 and got an REI Traverse 32. I loved everything about the Jade until it was fully loaded - then the shoulder straps started digging into my body. I thought “It just needs to be fitted; I’ll pay a visit to REI.” Turns out it wasn’t the fitting, it was the fit. Once I put on the Traverse, I knew it was the bag for me. (I will miss the ability to fully open the pack from the outside, but the side zip of the Traverse will do).

 

[hfleming]

Osprey Stratus 34L weighs like 3 lbs and is my go to. I like Osprey because when they break they send me a new one for free (well I pay for shipping to them). I am a bit of a fanboy. They last about 5-7 caminos.

I second this recommend! On my second Stratus and my wife has the women's specific Sirrus

 

[TheRealPixie]

got an REI Traverse 32.

I love my Traverse! It's wonderful. And also easy to get out water bottles!