Backpacks (again)

[Espee84]

Hi

Which backpacks are the current go-to favourites among forum users?

My 15ish year old 25-30 litre North Face backpack has served me well for 2 caminos, but really needs replacing now.

I am planning a section of a camino in the very near future. Given current circumstances, it's going to be difficult for me to go to an outdoor shop to try different packs, or even just get an idea of how big they are.

I am 5ft8 and don't necessarily need a women's pack.

I have come up with a list of possible options, but would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for your help.

 

[trecile]

I'm your height, and bought a new backpack for my now postponed Camino. It's the Gregory Juno 36, and it's very lightweight, and has the trampoline style back that keeps you a little cooler. I just wish that I were able to use it on the Camino this year.

Juno 36

Stay out all day with this gear-hauling, ventilated pack.

www.gregorypacks.com

 

[dougfitz]

Hi

Which backpacks are the current go-to favourites among forum users?

My 15ish year old 25-30 litre North Face backpack has served me well for 2 caminos, but really needs replacing now.

I am planning a section of a camino in the very near future. Given current circumstances, it's going to be difficult for me to go to an outdoor shop to try different packs, or even just get an idea of how big they are.

I am 5ft8 and don't necessarily need a women's pack.

I have come up with a list of possible options, but would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for your help.

You would be better off running a survey than asking us individually about this question, because none of us individually can do more than indicate what backpack they would use.

When you say that your current backpack is 25-30 li, does this mean it is a base 25 li, with an expansion sleave that gives you an extra five litres? If so, do you use that? Do you have to squeeze everything in or hang things on the outside? Is there any other indication that you might need a larger pack. Because if there isn't, you already know what size you are looking for.

What features does your current pack have that you want to keep? At this size, you will find any number of urban/commuter oriented packs that offer laptop sleeves and internal organization options. These all add weight. Some won't offer features like hip belts and chest straps, which even in this size, will make your walk more comfortable. And some of these packs won't have a frame, which will make it more difficult to get the pack sitting properly and transferring weight to your hips.

I have used Mont, Deuter and Salewa packs in this size range, and North Face and Deuter in slightly larger sizes. My preferred Camino pack is a Deuter, but I have used Osprey as well where I have needed to take a larger load for multi-day trekking expeditions.

It is a pity that you might find it difficult to try on a pack. So much comes down to personal perceptions of fit and comfort, and only getting to a store with the gear you are going to carry, and seeing how a pack feels loaded will give you any idea about that.

 

[henrythedog]

Hi

Which backpacks are the current go-to favourites among forum users?

My 15ish year old 25-30 litre North Face backpack has served me well for 2 caminos, but really needs replacing now.

I am planning a section of a camino in the very near future. Given current circumstances, it's going to be difficult for me to go to an outdoor shop to try different packs, or even just get an idea of how big they are.

I am 5ft8 and don't necessarily need a women's pack.

I have come up with a list of possible options, but would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for your help.

Honestly, if you cannot physically try on potential replacements with a reasonable dummy load, don’t bother.

Unless your venerable sack is totally beyond use, and especially as you’re only planning a section of a camino; stick with it one last time.

 

[Espee84]

It is a pity that you might find it difficult to try on a pack. So much comes down to personal perceptions of fit and comfort, and only getting to a store with the gear you are going to carry, and seeing how a pack feels loaded will give you any idea about that.

Thanks for your post

This is the problem. When I looked last year, some 35l packs looked enormous and some 45l packs seemed tiny. The women’s fit ones seemed too petite, and the shoulder strap placement is important as I broke my collarbone recently.

I guess I’m more interested in what sort of pack size people are using and which brands can be trusted.

 

[jcat]

I've used my Osprey Stratos 34 on 2 separate 5-day Caminos, and I couldn't be happier. A female friend has the same pack just in the S/M size and also loves it for our local hiking / camping trips.

 

[Espee84]

Honestly, if you cannot physically try on potential replacements with a reasonable dummy load, don’t bother.

Unless your venerable sack is totally beyond use, and especially as you’re only planning a section of a camino; stick with it one last time.

Sound advice, I think... much as I’d love a shiny new, larger pack with some actual *features*...

 

[henrythedog]

Sound advice, I think... much as I’d love a shiny new, larger pack with some actual *features*...

I’ve got nine (nine!) ‘quality’ rucsacs. I even bought a massive bag to keep some of them in. You really need a new sack - everybody does - but just not yet.

Buena suerte y buen camino

 

[Espee84]

I’ve got nine (nine!) ‘quality’ rucsacs. I even bought a massive bag to keep some of them in. You really need a new sack - everybody does - but just not yet.

Buena suerte y buen camino

Oh but...

 

[dougfitz]

I’ve got nine (nine!) ‘quality’ rucsacs. I even bought a massive bag to keep some of them in.

Is that all?

 

[dougfitz]

I guess I’m more interested in what sort of pack size people are using and which brands can be trusted.

I think that this is the least well answered question there is on the forum, at least inasmuch as the answers are rarely particularly useful without some context that is generally omitted. Unlike @trecile in her earlier post, most people don't tell you how big they are, how much they carried, what season they walked in, how cold tolerant they are, and whether they could or could not afford ultra-light equipment. I could go on.

If pack size is an issue, brands are equally vexed. If someone hasn't done any hiking or trekking, I think it is unlikely that they have used more than their current Camino pack. I see that you have already found the fulsome praise of Osprey packs in another thread. I don't mind that someone has been satisfied with a particular brand, but that is unlikely to make them an informed contributor if that is the only pack they have ever used.

I recently explained my rule of thumb for making a first order estimate of pack size here. It might help, but it appears to me that you already know more than enough about the size you want. Clearly I am happy to indicate my brand preference, but know that what suits me is not going to suit everyone.

 

[JoroAtanasof]

I guess I am lucky that i found the what works for me after 3 try .
It is osprey stratos 36 . I've tried talon and exos series but i found that i can make compromise with few extra grams of base weight of the backpack . And just to add that for the right size it doesn't matter how tall you are , it is about your torso length . Osprey even have an app that tells you which size is recommended for you.

PackSizer™ 2.0 by Osprey - Apps on Google Play

Digital pack sizing tool

play.google.com

 

[Dromengro]

If it's served you well for 2 Caminos and has been used for 15 years why replace it now? If you can sew, I can't think of anything that couldn't be easily and cheaply repaired or replaced, you could even add some extra features that you feel your pack is missing. It can be re-waterproofed and even re-dyed if needed to make it look new.

 

[Espee84]

Thanks all for further comments. I am a minimalist packer, but on the VdlP the verb “luchar” (to fight) was frequently used as I tried to fit everything in each morning. The pack is really too small, especially when it’s necessary to carry enough water for a 30km stretch and food for more than a day.

So I guess this is the main reason for considering a new pack. Despite being so old, it is pretty functional but the bladder system is a nightmare when the pack is full (I like the look of the osprey external hydration systems); it is a heavy pack for its volume (I have removed all of the unnecessary bits); and it lacks the ‘technology’ of some of the new packs - such as a ventilated back system. It is also not especially comfortable and does not promote good walking posture.

Despite all of this, it should survive another week on the camino - unless I can actually go and try some packs out beforehand.

 

[Dromengro]

So you want a lighter weight 30L pack with an external hydration system and a ventilated back that's comfortable. At least that narrows it down a bit.

 

[Espee84]

Yep - I know pretty much what I want. Ultimately I'm going to have to try some out before I buy.

 

[JoroAtanasof]

So you want a lighter weight 30L pack with an external hydration system and a ventilated back that's comfortable. At least that narrows it down a bit.

Check this one

 

[Espee84]

Check this one

Thanks for this... if only to advertise “Trekkit”. They have a huge range in stock and I spent 30 min discussing backpacks with one of their customer service team. Fantastic!

 

[Gail Dickson]

I've used my Osprey Stratos 34 on 2 separate 5-day Caminos, and I couldn't be happier. A female friend has the same pack just in the S/M size and also loves it for our local hiking / camping trips.

I am 5'8" and also have the Stratos 34 with the suspension back

 

[Espee84]

Interestingly, the woman from the customer service team at “Trekkit”, who I spoke to this afternoon, said she is 5ft 11 and would still go for a women’s fit backpack (despite her height) because of the position of the straps. Helpful.

 

[domigee]

I guess I’m more interested in what sort of pack size people are using and which brands can be trusted.

First Camino, I used a cheap rucksack from Lidl, served me perfectly from St Jean pde Port to Fisterra. It didn’t have many extras (none) and I have no idea how many L it was. But what you don’t know you don’t miss!
All my other Caminos (except the last one), I used an Osprey Exos 48. Fitted perfectly and I loved it. Too big for a Camino but wasn’t full and I hardly knew I was carrying it. It also meant I could fit camping gear in it when walking longer pilgrimages.
i now have an Osprey Lumina 45, just a little bit lighter which is what I wanted. Doesn’t have all the extras of the Exos but suits me fine.

My Camino stuff actually easily fits in my other backpack I use for day walks, an Osprey Tempest 20, but I find it very uncomfortable when fully loaded. So I prefer the larger one.

 

[TaraWalks]

Thanks all for further comments. I am a minimalist packer, but on the VdlP the verb “luchar” (to fight) was frequently used as I tried to fit everything in each morning. The pack is really too small, especially when it’s necessary to carry enough water for a 30km stretch and food for more than a day.

So I guess this is the main reason for considering a new pack. Despite being so old, it is pretty functional but the bladder system is a nightmare when the pack is full (I like the look of the osprey external hydration systems); it is a heavy pack for its volume (I have removed all of the unnecessary bits); and it lacks the ‘technology’ of some of the new packs - such as a ventilated back system. It is also not especially comfortable and does not promote good walking posture.

Despite all of this, it should survive another week on the camino - unless I can actually go and try some packs out beforehand.

I second the use of Osprey external hydration systems! If you use a bladder, they’re great on a Camino as you can pull out the bladder and refill without emptying the contents of your pack. FYI I use an Osprey Tempest 40. Works for me.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

I did not take a precise inventory of backpack brands on our three caminos, but if you accept anecdotal information, Osprey is the most used brand on the Camino Frances. We way them everywhere on our caminos. My wife has a 48L Kestrol and I have a 50L Atmos. They are superb. They may be a bit larger than what we need but we have the discipline to not stuff them to the brim. Over time, our needs change. For example, my wife developed severe knee pain during our first camino (later diagnosed as a stress fracture), so we used Jacotrans to transport her backpack mid-way through our 2015 camino. The last two caminos, we used Jacotrans to transport her backpack every day. Also, during our 2019 camino, we stayed in private rooms each night, so did not need to bring a sleeping bag, an inflatable pillow, and some other items with us. Another thing to explore is whether you can attach a smaller Osprey daypack to your larger backpack. There are so many sizes and designs. An experienced sales person suggested this and it worked great for me.

 

[dougfitz]

but if you accept anecdotal information, Osprey is the most used brand on the Camino Frances

I think that unless you have deliberately undertaken your camino to collect this kind of information, there are two things happen. First, we see what we use, such as the car make and model we drive ourselves, and this skews our observation of what is common. Second, we forget fine details - memory is an unreliable thing.

I know that I saw a lot of different brands, but I didn't pretend to count them. So Osprey, Deuter, Berghaus, ChechuaQuechua, North Face just to name some that I remember. ChechuaQuechua seemed quite common after Sarria on the CF where there were a lot more Spanish pilgrims, but I am not sure that any one brand predominated. I just didn't walk counting the numbers of each brand.

Another thing to explore is whether you can attach a smaller Osprey daypack to your larger backpack.

I took this approach too, but only for my first camino. On subsequent camino's I carried a small soft daypack that I could pack a few things into when walking around town, but it was never my intention to walk a day with it, even if I could have. If I were going to use a pack transport service more regularly, it might be a good option to have a more structured daybag. My current thinking is to avoid the weight of that approach for the walking that I am intending to do.

Edit: Thank you @trecile for pointing out my incorrect spelling of Quechua.

 

[Murgyman]

I am 5'8" and also have the Stratos 34 with the suspension back

Hi Gail and jcat - I'm looking seriously at this pack. I currently own a Talon 30 (?) and really want the "trampoline" type frame. My Talon carries really heavy, no matter how tightly I cinch the hip belt. My husband has a Stratos 36 and I've been borrowing it to see how I like it. I think I'll prefer the 34 as it's a front loader. Also, the S/M size is 55 cm and qualifies as cabin baggage while the M/L technically doesn't. Last time we measured each other, I was right between sizes. I'm hoping I can get away with the S/M for carry on...
Any likes or dislikes I should be aware of?
Cheers,
Mary

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Is that all?

I think there is a cat living in each of those "nine" backpacks.

 

[trecile]

Chechua seemed quite common

Just FYI - it's Quechua (the Decathlon brand)

 

[Espee84]

I think that unless you have deliberately undertaken your camino to collect this kind of information, there are two things happen. First, we see what we use, such as the car make and model we drive ourselves, and this skews our observation of what is common. Second, we forget fine details - memory is an unreliable thing.

I know that I saw a lot of different brands, but I didn't pretend to count them. So Osprey, Deuter, Berghaus, Chechua, North Face just to name some that I remember. Chechua seemed quite common after Sarria on the CF where there were a lot more Spanish pilgrims, but I am not sure that any one brand predominated. I just didn't walk counting the numbers of each brand.


I took this approach too, but only for my first camino. On subsequent camino's I carried a small soft daypack that I could pack a few things into when walking around town, but it was never my intention to walk a day with it, even if I could have. If I were going to use a pack transport service more regularly, it might be a good option to have a more structured daybag. My current thinking is to avoid the weight of that approach for the walking that I am intending to do.

@BROWNCOUNTYBOB bought a packable daysack - £2 from Decathlon, 10l, weighs ?30g and no bigger than your palm. It’s survived two Caminos and a lot of heavy use

 

[Espee84]

Update: decided that even in normal times I would need to go to London or up to the Lakes to be able to find a shop with a big enough range of backpacks in stock for comparison. So decided to order a few online to try out at home.

Spoke to very helpful customer service team at Open Air in Cambridge and Trekitt in Hereford to narrow down the options. Ordered men’s and women’s Osprey (Kyte/Kestrel) and Lowe Alpine Airzone.

Definitely agree with advice to go for women’s fit - the position of the straps is infinitely better for female anatomy and back length is fine.

Currently leaning towards the Lowe Alpine, as fit is far better, more technical and better quality, I think.

 

[Pilgrim9]

Which backpacks are the current go-to favourites among forum users?

I ... would be interested to hear your thoughts.

I used a Kelty Trekker 65 external frame backpack for my four pilgrimages, and was so pleased with it that I bought another one as a spare.

It has many fitting adjustments (height of waist-belt, height of shoulder straps, lateral position of the top mountings of shoulder straps [essential for me because my spine is crooked], etc.), the external frame holds the pack away from one's back which aids ventilation and coolness, and replacement waist-belts, shoulder straps, and etc. are available from Kelty.

As manufactured, the frame tube bottoms have hard slippery plastic caps which encourage the pack to slip down onto the floor immediately after one props it upright against e.g. a chair. My very easy and economical fix was to push a pair of 7/8" / 22 mm inside-diameter rubber cane tips onto the bottoms of the frame tubes.

Before boarding the aircraft I had the entire loaded pack stretch-wrapped at the airport. The stretch wrap very effectively protected the fabric and various straps and other snaggy items.

The one I used is still in excellent condition after ~1800 km of walking with minor signs of wear - no holes or tears, and only very slight fading - and will be good for another two or so thousand km of walking before its retirement.

I have no economic interest whatsoever in Kelty or anything else other than my pension.

 

[Espee84]

Having said all this I may just take original old pack if it’s going to be sprayed every time I check in at accommodation!!!

 

[Robi Diaz De Vivar]

Hi

Which backpacks are the current go-to favourites among forum users?

My 15ish year old 25-30 litre North Face backpack has served me well for 2 caminos, but really needs replacing now.

I am planning a section of a camino in the very near future. Given current circumstances, it's going to be difficult for me to go to an outdoor shop to try different packs, or even just get an idea of how big they are.

I am 5ft8 and don't necessarily need a women's pack.

I have come up with a list of possible options, but would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for your help.

I use a 40 litre back pack which is great for size but I made a mistake when I bought it as it does not have lower spine bar which lifts the sack off your (very sweaty) lower back. This omission means that I have to wrap all of my clothes in individual plastic bags to keep them dry - a pain. These type o packs are a little more expensive but worth every penny. Buen Camino.

 

[J F Gregory]

I have used 3 different sizes of packs Osprey 48, Osprey 38, and Zpack Nero 36 ltr. The difference is every trip I keep lightening my load. My Nero empty weighs 11 oz. Camino stuff 6 lbs 11oz. Plus water and snacks less than 11 lbs I love it.

 

[Darren Chittock]

I’ve got nine (nine!) ‘quality’ rucsacs. I even bought a massive bag to keep some of them in. You really need a new sack - everybody does - but just not yet.

Buena suerte y buen camino

I think I’m catching up lol I get 40% off Osprey and that’s a lot, I just bought myself another pack was £220 bought for £132 I’m hoping to use it next year it’s a bit bigger then my last one, but it’s so nice
I need help

 

[Pilgrim9]

Which backpacks are the current go-to favourites among forum users?

Kelty Trekker 65 Size Medium. There is also a Size Small.


Advantages:

External frame
- holds the pack away from one's back; and,
- encourages ventilation; and,
- reduces shirt damage due to pack rubbing on the back of one's shirt. This pack did not cause me any garment damage.

Frame height is adjustable.

Vertical position of hip belt is adjustable.

Horizontal position of the tops of the two shoulder straps are separately adjustable
- one can widen or narrow the horizontal space between the tops of the two shoulder straps, by several steps.
- one can offset the tops of the pair of straps from left to right or vice versa, by several steps; great IMO for those with off-centre or S-shaped spines. (I had to do this myself.)

Rugged and durable
- I walked every inch of my four long distance pilgrimages with this pack on my back, filled with all my stuff. I never used a pack-forwarding service. The pack did not develop any holes, tears, broken buckles, zipper failures, etc., or significant fading. After each trip I washed it with warm water (no detergent), rinsed it thoroughly, and hung it to drip-dry. It still looks fine and is ready for a few thousand more kilometres of trail walking.

Poncho-compatible
- After some experimentation I was able to stow a rolled-up poncho to the upper extremity of the frame in a way that made it easy to quickly deploy it forwards over me, for those sudden rain showers.


Disadvantages:

The size and weight are stated on the Kelty website.
- Other pilgrims told me that it was too large and heavy for a pilgrimage. I am glad they told me, otherwise I would not have known ;-). It is what it is. After about a week I stopped noticing the weight, which anyway was almost completely supported by the comfortable and sturdy waist belt.

The protruding bottom ends of the frame have slippery plastic end caps, making it impossible to stand the pack vertically on a tiled floor.
- Solution: slide rubber cane tips onto the frame ends. Perfect!

Lots of snaggy bits that can get hung up during air transport, or when pushing through heavy brush or thickets.
- Solution: have pack stretch-wrapped at departure airport.
- I never encountered heavy brush or thickets on any Caminos.


I liked this pack so much that I bought another one as a spare.

At the time Kelty sold replacement black waist belts and shoulder straps online. If replacement parts are important to you, check to see if they still do that and considering buying whatever you think you will eventually need, right away, while they are still available.


I paid full price for all of my equipment and have no economic interest in Kelty or anything else, other than my pension.