Plus Size Gal - Would like Backpack and Clothing Advice

[Sheesh]

Hello all. I am valiantly trying to decrease my girth in preparation for my 3-week Pamplona—Leon trek. I’m walking every week-night several KM, and increasing up to 10 km at least one day on the weekend. Alas, the girth is not diminishing at the rate I would like. And I really would like to start training with a pack.

So my question to any plus size gals out there, or any others who may be in-the-know, is for backpack and clothing suggestions. I admit I haven’t tried on any backpacks yet, because I do so dread going into the store and not even having the hip belt do up. It would be quite mortifying. So I thought if I could go fore-armed with a list of models/suppliers that have a more generous hip belt (or an interchangeble hip belt - though I'm not really sure what that is :?: ), that would give me a fighting chance to not run, red-faced, fleeing for the exit.

Clothing suggestions too would be much appreciated. I’m in Canada, but not adverse to ordering on-line.

PS: I’m also short-waisted – lucky me (Not!) :roll:

 

[WolverineDG]

Well, I'm not exactly thin (see my blog for photos), but I've found that my pack fits fine around the waist. I do have to extend it quite a bit though. How soon is your trip? You really should go & get a pack now. I went to Whole Earth a few months ago & tried on a Dieter bag. Didn't have problems with the waistbelt & the clerk didn't make me feel dumb because I'm fat either.

I hear you on the weight not coming off. Don't be too surprised if it doesn't slide off on the Camino either. But you will tighten up in places (thank god).

As for clothes, I bought some light-weight wicking shirts at Target & capri-style exercise pants that also have wicking in them. Very light-weight & none take up too much space (I take 3 of each & I can get all the shirts in one plastic bag & all the pants in one too). To keep warm, I have a fleece hoodie, also from Target.

Like I said, check out my blog & pics. If you have any other questions, please feel free to pm me.

 

[Kitsambler]

I sympathize. The very-lightweight packs suggested elsewhere in this forum tended to have very uncomfortable hip belts when I tried them on and hiked around REI. On the other hand, the Deuter bags were on the heavy side. I settled on the Osprey Kestrel line -- and I have been training with it for six months now -- it's quite comfortable, and the belt length looks like it could accommodate much more of me if need be. And it has an adjustable length!

 

[Sheesh]

Thank you both for your responses. I don't fly out until May 16, so I guess I have a couple of weeks to try to reduce a bit more, and then I feel I really must start training with a pack.

It is a problem for me being short waisted to boot. I'm 5'7", but my torso length is really more in keeping with a small to medium pack, but then the hip belt is correspondingly smaller. Guess I'll just have to buck up my courage and hit the stores. Will try the Osprey line first as I know it is available locally.

Thanks again peregrinas!

PS: Kelly - great blog!

 

[colinPeter]

It is a problem for me being short waisted to boot. I'm 5'7", but my torso length is really more in keeping with a small to medium pack, but then the hip belt is correspondingly smaller.

My wife had a similar problem, although she is a couple of inches taller, she also has a shorter body length. She tried most of the brand name packs & found the Osprey Kestrel fitted fine.

The Kestrel comes in Small/Medium & Medium/Large she has a S/M & I have the M/L.
Both are "Torso Adjustable" meaning they can be adjusted to fit a range of body lengths.

I have just measured our belts & there is no difference between S/M & L/M. I think the only difference is the amount of body length, so the S/M is a little lighter.

They are not the lightest pack on the market but have a good harness/support system.
We have the 48Ltr (because we like a bit more room to carry the same weight), but here is also a 38 Ltr which should be big enough.

Weights & Size:
Osprey Kestrel
Kestrel 48
Weight
S/M 3LB 14OZ / 1.77KG
M/L 4LB 2OZ / 1.87KG
Capacity
S/M 2800CU.IN. / 46L
M/L 2900CU.IN. / 48L

Kestrel 38
Weight
S/M 3LB 7OZ / 1.57KG
M/L 3LB 11OZ / 1.68KG
Capacity
S/M 2200CU.IN. / 36L
M/L 2300CU.IN. / 38L

Yes, they will be heavier than the flyweight ones people talk about, but sometimes it's easier to carry a load in a good barrow than in a flimsy bucket.

I am fairly sure the 38Ltr & 48Ltr have the same hipbelt, as my wife was origionally fitted with the 38Ltr, then we bought the 48Ltrs.

However, I think you should go into an Osprey store & have it fitted, just be patient, my wife spent hours in heaps of trekking stores until we got it right. Also when you look at hip belts, whatever you do, dont expect the foam section & side pockets to wrap around to the front, they don't unless your a "bean pole". If they sit toward the back fine, my wifes do, mine do & so will lots of other people's.

I suggest that if you buy online, we did, as mentioned get it fitted in store first. Get them to put some weight in it, walk around the store to make sure it feels OK.

You can check them out on this link.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/Kestre ... djustable/

Good luck with the training, enjoy the planning & endure the backpack fitting.

Buen Camino

Col & Helen

 

[WolverineDG]

You sound like me---I'm 5'7" & can wear petite pants! That still shocks my cousin who is 5'2". What you should really focus on now is your stamina. Try to walk twice a day, now that you're getting so close. I can't remember who, but someone on the forum recommended doing what we called "Stadiums" in high school---find a stadium somewhere (usually the schools are open to the public) & start climbing them, to get used to going up hill. It seems the camino is all uphill sometimes. I think his suggestion was slowly walk up all the rows in one section, then walk on the flat part to the end of the stadium, walk up to another tier, then walk across, until you reach the top. Might help get your "granny gear" in shape for the climb up the mountains.

Kelly

 

[Portia1]

You might also want to consider the amount of chaffing on your thighs that can result from the combination of moisture and rubbing skin This is no small issue! If your thighs touch/rub when you walk, the potential is there. Throw in a little fabric--especially fabric that may be moving in different directions all at once--and you have all the makings of burning pain. There are runner creams that can help but as you try longer and longer miles, be very watchful of any tendency to chaf with the clothing you are wearing. While hiking the AT, I wore long compression shorts as my underwear under my hiking shorts. This made a huge difference. Not an especially fetching look but I valued my comfort more than making a fashion statement. The compression shorts provided a fixed, slick surface rather than using my skin! Chaffing is like foot blisters. Once it starts, you must stop and tend to it or you will be sorry.

 

[luiza]

Hello all. ......

So my question to any plus size gals out there, or any others who may be in-the-know, is for backpack and clothing suggestions. ....

Clothing suggestions too would be much appreciated. I’m in Canada, but not adverse to ordering on-line.

PS: I’m also short-waisted – lucky me (Not!) :roll:

Hi,

I had trouble with the fit of women's convertible pants so I simply went across the aisle to the men's section where my options and color choices were better.

I wish you well for your journey.

Luiza

 

[lorax]

Howdy all....

When I went to get my pack, I had specific one's in mind.... color, name, weights... when I hit a "Mountaineering" store and started trying on these packs... and once they added the 20 lb weights in them, I felt like I was hauling an elephant!! The store clerk told me that you don't decide which pack you buy... your body picks your pack!

He started trying on ones that I didn't like the colors or details about them... esp. the one that loves me. The Osprey Aura 50(I've moved up to a 65 just for ease of packing) as soon as he added the weight... I didn't even feel the pack on my back. I knew I'd found the perfect pack!!! I don't esp. like the looks of it (maroon and grey) but that was it. I waited until I saw it on sale. Then I went to REI to have the man fit the pack to my body (not trusting myself) and ended up exchanging my pack for the next size up. Same weight, but a different color (silvery blue) and easier to pack. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to go be fitted, they are professionals... and you will get nothing but "good for you" when you talk about walking 500 miles across Spain.

As far as clothing... BUY WICKING UNDERWEAR!!! ExOffico is the brand I bought... $ 18 a pair here in Oregon... but WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!! I've bought three more pair and it's pretty much all I wear. I LOVE THEM!!

I don't know if Goodwills are plentiful around you, but I've found tons of wicking clothing there...and REI is AWESOME for clothing, esp, when you hit the sales. They have an online store. I've ordered several things (to be delivered to the store...no shipping charges) in several sizes. When they arrive, I go to the store.... try them on, and send back what I think looks horrible on me. Wicking clothes are not the most flattering unless you have a Barbie figure... not me... 5'10 204 lbs this morning. I've decided it's most about being comfortable and to heck with what ANYONE else thinks! If you don't like the way I look.... turn your freakin head!!!

As you walk, tell your body and esp. those pesky fat cellls... "I release you, and am flushing you out of my system" or whatever words feel right for you.

How incredibly BLESSED are we to be making this most amazing journey in our life !?! Enjoy every minute of it and let those issues go by the wayside.

I'm not leaving until August 4th... but have a friend leaving TOMORROW!!! I AM envious.....

 

[WolverineDG]

Okay, I went & did it. I bought a new pack, an Osprey Kestrel 38, in a nice green color. Did you know back packs come in small/medium/large? I didn't. :blush: but they do. I first tried on a small & thought OMG how do people stand this? Then the clerk came over & asked if I needed help. LOL duh. I then explained what I was after & he pointed out that I was trying on a "small" & looked for a medium, which fit me. I love my new pack! It has a zipper on the bottom so I can slide my sleeping bag in, & has its own rain cover (after I spent all that $ on an Altus :sigh: ) Yes it's smaller than what others are buying, but I tend to pack more than I need so this will help keep my pack weight down. It is the same size, though, as my Aarn pack & I did okay with that one.

So, it's got room for my clothes (3 each of the following--pants, shirts, bras, socks, cotton undies), a sham-wow type towel (yes, they do work), some toiletries, & food. I know I'm not leaving until September, but I'm already getting excited.

Kelly

 

[megi]

Congratulations on your pack! That sounds like you found a great one! I am going shopping tomorrow, and I'm nervous because not only am I a plus sized girl in a country full of tiny women, but I'm going to have to do all of my shopping in a foreign language. Eek! Your success gives me more confidence though!

I hope the original poster won't mind me asking one more related question on her thread. The people helping me with my pack and shoe purchase are Czech guys, and while they know a lot about the outdoors I don't really feel comfortable asking them about bras....haha. So, I was wondering if any of you ladies have some suggestions for good, supportive bras for women with bigger cup sizes? I am in the Czech Republic so European brands that are available online would be a preference, but I can also order things, and have them shipped to my mom in the US and then she can send them on. Everything else I should be able to get here easily, but I am super worried about the bra issue.

Thanks
Megan

 

[WolverineDG]

Megan, unless you're going to be running the camino, the girls won't be bouncing around a lot, so a sports bra will do fine. I got some at Target, about $16 each. I like them & the fact that they come in colors other than white is a plus.

Kelly

 

[elzi]

Hi. I would go for clothing that feels comfortable. Definately try walking in the clothes first wearing a backpack to check out any potential rubbing/chaffing. I've actually found a pair of trousers I bought in evans (outsize clothing store - UK) far far better for walking in both lightweight and more comfortable than any of the much more expensive fancy walking trousers I've bought in outdoor specialist stores.
As for bras I'd swear by the sportjock (the most supportive/large sizes they have) range. They hold me in place and look more like a sports top than a bra.

And don't worry you will lose weight! That said I find it usually takes 1-2 months of camino (i.e. walking everyday) to make a noticeable difference. But I'm sure after 3 weeks you will be feeling much fitter. Keep training and don't push yourself too early on!

 

[JaneB]

what a great thread! I'm off to read it at length and in great detail, then I'm sure I shall have questions (and maybe some answers) of my own

I chose an Osprey Aura 35, medium fit, and it feels very comfortable. But it took me ages to find the right pack and many trips to the outdoor shop for trying on sessions.

 

[Ultreia et Suseia!]

So my question to any plus size gals out there, or any others who may be in-the-know, is for backpack and clothing suggestions.

Clothing suggestions too would be much appreciated. I’m in Canada, but not adverse to ordering on-line.

I know this is an old thread @Sheesh but I'm curious to know how did the backpack work for you and what clothes did you end up taking. Any advice would be great as I'm doing the camino in September as well.

I have yet to find a backpack that doesn't chafe my shoulders right above the breast when I make walking pole motion. I'm debating between Gregory Jade 28 and a Deuter transalpine 28. (I'm not carrying a sleeping bag.)

As for clothes, for the more fleshy of us in North America, I found excellent fast-dry, SPFd, good looking shirts and bottoms (with chub-rub guard ) at Eddie Bauer and Columbia in a huge range of sizes and pretty colours.

Ultreia!

 

[Sheesh]

Wow, yes @Ultreia et Suseia! this thread is an oldie.

Let me see now, in 2009 I took the Osprey Kestrel 48L and in 2013 the Kestrel 38L. These packs were heavy by comparison to today's lighter offerings, but they fit me well. I liked the adjustable torso, substantial hip belt, and load lifters, among many other features. I did stay in dorm rooms both times, so was carrying a sleeping bag. But even with that there was a lot of excess capacity, which I was able to cinch down for a comfortable carry. When I returned home the extra space came in handy to load up on spanish delectables.

If you are not carrying a sleeping bag, the 28L is likely a decent capacity, if the pack fits well and you are disciplined in your packing.

On my first camino, I packed WAYYY too much and ended up sending home about 2.5 kilos. I took much less in 2013. But the biggest difference for me between the two, was losing some poundage in the interval. It made a significant impact on my overall stamina and enjoyment.

I didn't have any chafing at the shoulder strap of my backpacks, and that is a big red flag for me. It is key to test out many styles under load in stores where you can get fitted properly (and that have a good return policy). Check out this excellent advice from DaveBugg: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-fit-and-adjust-a-backpack.73307/#post-999783

I can't remember much about the brands of clothing, except for the REI hiking shirt (long sleeve, roll up, SPF 50, ventilated, hidden stash pockets, etc.) which I took both times.

As for chafing of clothing, I do recall that my first choice of trousers in 2009 were almost entirely nylon. When I tested them on a 13k walk at home the chafing was a problem, and I switched them. So I suggest you test out your hiking clothes to identify and address issues beforehand, if you can. But it's not an enfallible solution; so for out on the trail when chafing is encountered, a stick of Body Glide (or similar) can be your best friend!

Have fun planning and Bom Caminho.

 

[Ultreia et Suseia!]

Thank you SO MUCH @Sheesh for this miraculous reply! I am so happy you're still here sharing your experiences after two successful caminos, brava!

Your tips are great and I've noted all of them!

Ultreia !

 

[MilenaS]

Pluss size camiga here! "Hated" hiking before I first came to the camino in 2016 and walked SJPdP to Logrono alone. Realised I did not hate hiking, but I hated comparing myself to everyone else and the shame that came along with that. Since than I have walked on the camino two more times arriving in Santiago May 30th this year The Camino gave me the love for hiking back! I am now part of the "unlikely hiker" movement and I love it. Hiking Norwegian mountains regularly.

My most important rule is to avoid chafing - as mentioned before I use Body glide or iRelief by Ivyverdue. And I am extremely strict with myself, if I feel any hotspots I have to stop and apply more of the sticks. Usually that is not necessary if I do it properly in the morning. On my feet I use a fat cream in the mornings.
Also, I used thin merino wool for different layers at different caminos (depending on what i had - shorts, t-shirts, sport bra etc) and loved it!

Also, I have carried poles with me and used tham at different rates, but I have loved having them there in case.

Buen Camino!

 

[Ultreia et Suseia!]

Pluss size camiga here! "Hated" hiking before I first came to the camino in 2016 and walked SJPdP to Logrono alone. Realised I did not hate hiking, but I hated comparing myself to everyone else and the shame that came along with that. Since than I have walked on the camino two more times arriving in Santiago May 30th this year The Camino gave me the love for hiking back! I am now part of the "unlikely hiker" movement and I love it. Hiking Norwegian mountains regularly.

My most important rule is to avoid chafing - as mentioned before I use Body glide or iRelief by Ivyverdue. And I am extremely strict with myself, if I feel any hotspots I have to stop and apply more of the sticks. Usually that is not necessary if I do it properly in the morning. On my feet I use a fat cream in the mornings.
Also, I used thin merino wool for different layers at different caminos (depending on what i had - shorts, t-shirts, sport bra etc) and loved it!

Also, I have carried poles with me and used tham at different rates, but I have loved having them there in case.

Buen Camino!

Thank you for the amazing tips!!!
Thankfully I'm at an age where what others think or do slides off me like water on a duck's back I am very happy you came to this realization at such an early age! I commend your new attitude and lifestyle

I do care about chafing, thanks for telling me about the glide stick! Someone else recommended seamless merino wool underwear so I have bought both! Having wool underwear sounds medieval but I will give this a try!

Thank you for mentioning the poles, during my trainings I have found that these can ease the pressure on your back. So worth it.

Having said that and regarding the backpack (in case other bodacious camigas are tuning in ) I found that regular/unisex backpack shoulder straps will chafe the fleshy bit of your upper breast if you're using walking poles! (I am so thankful to have a wonderful outdoor shop that let's your try all your prospective equipment purchases on a treadmill!!!) So yes, there's a good reason to buy backpacks made for ladies with an "S" shoulder strap. What a difference!

Buen camino to all!

Ultreia

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

So, I was wondering if any of you ladies have some suggestions for good, supportive bras for women with bigger cup sizes? I am in the Czech Republic so European brands that are available online would be a preference, but I can also order things, and have them shipped to my mom in the US and then she can send them on. Everything else I should be able to get here easily, but I am super worried about the bra issue.

These are not cheap, but they are the most comfortable and supportive sports bras I have ever had. I don't wear any others any more, anytime.

As you can see, they come in a huge range of sizes. I think the company, Panache, is based in the UK but they seem available all over, even on Amazon in some countries.

https://www.panache-lingerie.com/us/shop/product/sports-non-wired-bra-2/colour-teal-pink