misspenn2519
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- May/June 2024
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Hi there! I'm Jennifer and I'll be hiking the Route Frances May/June 2024, starting on my 45th birthday, just coming out of breast cancer treatment. I have googled and researched all of the lists recommending packs and don't seem to get any consistent answers. I know everyone says to go to REI to try them, but I've tried this twice and the first time the sales guy just wanted to tell me his experience hiking the Route Portuguese with his wife which wasn't helpful to me as I'm hiking the Route Frances (and he just rambled and annoyed me). I tried another time and the staff just kept throwing so many packs at me I figured I'd be better served by going in at least with a shortlist of the packs I wanted to try. I was looking at Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter. My measurements were XS (maybe could fit the smallest end of a small) and torso 15.5. Based on these measurements, they kept trying to put me in a 20L pack and I think I want closer to 30. I'm 120lbs so figure no more than 12lb pack total; 5'1". Features that matter to me are mutli-ways of accessing insides (ie top roll but also side, back, and or front pocket access to inner contents. I love various front and hip pockets as well - maybe I'm aiming too high for a small pack like this. I'd like lightweight, a back that is breathable. Any recommendations much appreciated! I don't mind buying bladder and rain cover separately.
This sounds a bit tiresome, but be warned.. if you have an amazing experience on the Frances, when you return, you may also find yourself blathering on uncontrollably when someone mentions the trigger word 'camino'he first time the sales guy just wanted to tell me his experience hiking the Route Portuguese with his wife which wasn't helpful to me as I'm hiking the Route Frances (and he just rambled and annoyed me).
Good morning from BC! I just bought a Gregory Jade 38 EX/Small, because I was lucky enough to run into a wonderful MEC salesperson who spent time fitting me. I'm now 4'11", and have an extremely short back waist length due to a back issue. I'm looking forward to going to Portugal to do the Rota Vicentina, having done the Camino Frances in three trips.Welcome to the forum!
Maybe you are asking too much. You might first need to try on packs to find the available one(s) that fit most comfortably, and then make the compromises necessary on the pockets and access points. On a smallish pack, there is not a lot of room for many access points and pockets. Besides, those features with flaps, pockets, and zippers add weight, so there is good reason the designers have chosen simplicity.
I am 5'3", and use an Osprey Talon 33 in the smaller size, so it is a 31L capacity. The Tempest line is similar and probably has a smaller size.
I’m exactly the same height and weight. I used the Gregory Jade 38L and found it to be very comfortable. Instead of a bladder, I used a wide mouth Nalgene bottle with a connector tube from One Bottle Hydration. I also got a big dry bag to line my pack, eliminating the need for a cover, though the pack does come with one.Hi there! I'm Jennifer and I'll be hiking the Route Frances May/June 2024, starting on my 45th birthday, just coming out of breast cancer treatment. I have googled and researched all of the lists recommending packs and don't seem to get any consistent answers. I know everyone says to go to REI to try them, but I've tried this twice and the first time the sales guy just wanted to tell me his experience hiking the Route Portuguese with his wife which wasn't helpful to me as I'm hiking the Route Frances (and he just rambled and annoyed me). I tried another time and the staff just kept throwing so many packs at me I figured I'd be better served by going in at least with a shortlist of the packs I wanted to try. I was looking at Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter. My measurements were XS (maybe could fit the smallest end of a small) and torso 15.5. Based on these measurements, they kept trying to put me in a 20L pack and I think I want closer to 30. I'm 120lbs so figure no more than 12lb pack total; 5'1". Features that matter to me are mutli-ways of accessing insides (ie top roll but also side, back, and or front pocket access to inner contents. I love various front and hip pockets as well - maybe I'm aiming too high for a small pack like this. I'd like lightweight, a back that is breathable. Any recommendations much appreciated! I don't mind buying bladder and rain cover separately.
Good morning from BC! I just bought a Gregory Jade 38 EX/Small, because I was lucky enough to run into a wonderful MEC salesperson who spent time fitting me. I'm now 4'11", and have an extremely short back waist length due to a back issue. I'm looking forward to going to Portugal to do the Rota Vicentina, having done the Camino Frances in three trips.
To do away with the most obvious first: There is some saying among experienced hikers along the lines that a pack for 3 days will look very similar to a pack for 3 month. My pack for the CP would look pretty much exactly the same as it would for the Camino Frances. Maybe I'd leave something at home because of the shorter timeframe and slighty flatter terrain. But we talk maybe 200g-500g worth of stuff.the first time the sales guy just wanted to tell me his experience hiking the Route Portuguese with his wife which wasn't helpful to me as I'm hiking the Route Frances
Thank you for this! It's not that I couldn't find something with their help, it's that I got too irritated with the first guy because he just kept talking about his experience and he was training a new sales gal and I wasn't getting anywhere. Second time, I think I just gave them too wide of a range of what I was willing to consider. Now I think I've narrowed down the packs to the Osprey Sirrus, Osprey Tempest, Deuter Futura and Gregory Jade - Now just to try on and pick the size. I'm doing as everyone suggests and getting all of the other gear ready I'd want to fit inside lined up to help me fit size but I want to be super minimalist and pick something easy for my smaller frame. I've realized I'm ok to give up extra pockets and entry points to contents - just want lightweight and comfortable.To do away with the most obvious first: There is some saying among experienced hikers along the lines that a pack for 3 days will look very similar to a pack for 3 month. My pack for the CP would look pretty much exactly the same as it would for the Camino Frances. Maybe I'd leave something at home because of the shorter timeframe and slighty flatter terrain. But we talk maybe 200g-500g worth of stuff.
As to your main question: If you could not find something in a shop with the advice of a sales person you might need to shop online. There might be lots of trial and error included. No idea what return policies look like where you live, but you might want to keep that in mind.
It helps a lot if you know what you want to put into the pack first. In terms of volume and weight. Looking for a pack to carry 3kg is different to looking for one to carry 7kg....
So you might want to start with dialing in your other gear before shopping for a pack. Recommendations will be a lot more useful after that.
(With that caveat: my 158cm wife (i guess thats around 5"2) is currently walking with around 5,5kg inside a Fast Kumo and quite happy with it)
Love these more less known specialty brand recs - thank youI’m 5’1, short torso and I finally settled on a Mystery Ranch Scree 32L backpack from REI a few years ago. I have used it on two caminos. It’s from a company in Montana that for many years has specialized in military gear and Mystery Ranch is their consumer line. I struggled with the Osprey because the frames are slightly too wide for my hips and so would create intense pressure in the wrong place.
Hi, picking a suitable pack is time consuming but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make preparing for your Camino.Hi there! I'm Jennifer and I'll be hiking the Route Frances May/June 2024, starting on my 45th birthday, just coming out of breast cancer treatment. I have googled and researched all of the lists recommending packs and don't seem to get any consistent answers. I know everyone says to go to REI to try them, but I've tried this twice and the first time the sales guy just wanted to tell me his experience hiking the Route Portuguese with his wife which wasn't helpful to me as I'm hiking the Route Frances (and he just rambled and annoyed me). I tried another time and the staff just kept throwing so many packs at me I figured I'd be better served by going in at least with a shortlist of the packs I wanted to try. I was looking at Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter. My measurements were XS (maybe could fit the smallest end of a small) and torso 15.5. Based on these measurements, they kept trying to put me in a 20L pack and I think I want closer to 30. I'm 120lbs so figure no more than 12lb pack total; 5'1". Features that matter to me are mutli-ways of accessing insides (ie top roll but also side, back, and or front pocket access to inner contents. I love various front and hip pockets as well - maybe I'm aiming too high for a small pack like this. I'd like lightweight, a back that is breathable. Any recommendations much appreciated! I don't mind buying bladder and rain cover separately.
There is a little contradiction here: the simplest, the lightest; each additional pocket weights.Features that matter to me are mutli-ways of accessing insides (ie top roll but also side, back, and or front pocket access to inner contents. I love various front and hip pockets as well - maybe I'm aiming too high for a small pack like this.
I am also 5’1” and bought the same pack in XS. Seems to be the best fit for my petite frame.I’m also 5’1” and recently traded in my Gregory for REI’s Traverse 32. I took it out fully loaded yesterday and found it to be very comfortable and balanced.
The Osprey Sirrus is an excellent pack. Has side zippers to get into the main pack. Excellent ventilation and super easy to adjust the shoulder straps to match your torso size ( a brilliant design). The Sirrus 34 also comes in a panel-loading style as well as the top-loader version.My wife is about your size and uses an Osprey Sirrus 24L.
Mine is very similar, the Stratos 34L.
We like the fit and tramopline 'airspeed' back.
She's very happy with it.
oh really, there are two different versions (top loader vs panel?)The Osprey Sirrus is an excellent pack. Has side zippers to get into the main pack. Excellent ventilation and super easy to adjust the shoulder straps to match your torso size ( a brilliant design). The Sirrus 34 also comes in a panel-loading style as well as the top-loader version.
Yes. And it's not obvious on the top-loader, but there are side zippers to get into the main compartment.oh really, there are two different versions (top loader vs panel?)
If you go into REI, have them use the Osprey torso measuring tool for your torso. You often cannot tell the torso size from the body height. Sounds like you know yours, though.Yes. And it's not obvious on the top-loader, but there are side zippers to get into the main compartment.
Did you try a Traverse at REI? I’ve become a big fan.I am 4'10.5" and have been vacillating between a Gregory Jade 28 (it fits me well and no issues walking with it loaded) and 33 L packs. I'd prefer the slightly larger one but the shoulder straps seem to be less flexible and fit me more poorly. The Ospreys hit me on the back of the head. I did find a person in Utah who makes and tailors packs individually for folks but they're expensive and I"m not sure about weight. Someday I'd like to go visit him. Meanwhile, I will be sticking with the Gregory Jade--I"ve just gotten so tired of trying on pack after pack (yes, bringing my stuff with me). There's a few things I dislike on the Jades: top loading only, pouches on the hip belt are impossible to close, cannot in any way reach the water bottle stretchy pockets, not enough loops to hook things onto...I will be wearing a large REI fanny pack (tummy pack?) that I"ll carry water and other necessities in, maybe put my flip flops in the stretchy, unreachable pockets. Good luck! It really is so individual.
One of my major issues with "mainstream" backpacks (like Osprey, Gregory, Deuter) is that they make the side pockets stupidly small (my guess: it looks better) and usually don't provide sensible options for attaching bottle sleeves to the shoulder straps. Or, god forbid, put a mesh pocket there from the start.cannot in any way reach the water bottle stretchy pockets
I have always been a fan of Osprey. But I am the opposite of you , male and XL so I am not going to suggest a model.Hi there! I'm Jennifer and I'll be hiking the Route Frances May/June 2024, starting on my 45th birthday, just coming out of breast cancer treatment. I have googled and researched all of the lists recommending packs and don't seem to get any consistent answers. I know everyone says to go to REI to try them, but I've tried this twice and the first time the sales guy just wanted to tell me his experience hiking the Route Portuguese with his wife which wasn't helpful to me as I'm hiking the Route Frances (and he just rambled and annoyed me). I tried another time and the staff just kept throwing so many packs at me I figured I'd be better served by going in at least with a shortlist of the packs I wanted to try. I was looking at Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter. My measurements were XS (maybe could fit the smallest end of a small) and torso 15.5. Based on these measurements, they kept trying to put me in a 20L pack and I think I want closer to 30. I'm 120lbs so figure no more than 12lb pack total; 5'1". Features that matter to me are mutli-ways of accessing insides (ie top roll but also side, back, and or front pocket access to inner contents. I love various front and hip pockets as well - maybe I'm aiming too high for a small pack like this. I'd like lightweight, a back that is breathable. Any recommendations much appreciated! I don't mind buying bladder and rain cover separately.
I would recommend sending a PM to @davebugg. He is one of our resident experts on gear. He does product testing and is really knowledgeable. He may be able to help you.Any recommendations much appreciated!
I’m 5’4” 120lbs. Take a look at Deuter Women's Trail 28 SL and it fits perfect for me. Buen CaminoHi there! I'm Jennifer and I'll be hiking the Route Frances May/June 2024, starting on my 45th birthday, just coming out of breast cancer treatment. I have googled and researched all of the lists recommending packs and don't seem to get any consistent answers. I know everyone says to go to REI to try them, but I've tried this twice and the first time the sales guy just wanted to tell me his experience hiking the Route Portuguese with his wife which wasn't helpful to me as I'm hiking the Route Frances (and he just rambled and annoyed me). I tried another time and the staff just kept throwing so many packs at me I figured I'd be better served by going in at least with a shortlist of the packs I wanted to try. I was looking at Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter. My measurements were XS (maybe could fit the smallest end of a small) and torso 15.5. Based on these measurements, they kept trying to put me in a 20L pack and I think I want closer to 30. I'm 120lbs so figure no more than 12lb pack total; 5'1". Features that matter to me are mutli-ways of accessing insides (ie top roll but also side, back, and or front pocket access to inner contents. I love various front and hip pockets as well - maybe I'm aiming too high for a small pack like this. I'd like lightweight, a back that is breathable. Any recommendations much appreciated! I don't mind buying bladder and rain cover separately.
I have this backpack as well which I used for several years but if you have a really short torso, the XS/S adjustable Gregorys are really much better. That is the very reason I switched. I have osteoporosis and have lost 3" in the torso.I’m 5’4” 120lbs. Take a look at Deuter Women's Trail 28 SL and it fits perfect for me. Buen Camino
I use shock cords to hold my water bottles on my shoulder straps. (use a bicycle bottle with a waist.) See my profile pic. Works great; can't even tell it's there and I can remove and replace it while walking. I asked the designer of the Osprey packs why he couldn't make side pockets that would hold water bottles you could remove and replace without having to take off your pack or ask for help. He said he prefers a water bladder. I don't, for a variety of reasons. And then he laughed at me.One of my major issues with "mainstream" backpacks (like Osprey, Gregory, Deuter) is that they make the side pockets stupidly small (my guess: it looks better) and usually don't provide sensible options for attaching bottle sleeves to the shoulder straps. Or, god forbid, put a mesh pocket there from the start.
But many people have walked the camino with those packs and been fine, and i hope so will you.
The new ladder pack adjuster on Osprey packs is great. You can change it in less than a second. It's genius.I have this backpack as well which I used for several years but if you have a really short torso, the XS/S adjustable Gregorys are really much better. That is the very reason I switched. I have osteoporosis and have lost 3" in the torso.
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