Sorry, but 60L backpack on camino is totally wrong idea. My wife had 30L Quechua backpack without any problem, (Of course there are better backpacks than Quechua, but I just point to size). Any backpack larger than 40L you want to fill by "only if I need...." things.... (and throw them to the bin after first day.)
Hi, danvo, . . I would like to explain why I am in disagreement with you on the issue of backpack volume, and with stating that a 60L backpack is categorically 'too big'. I can understand the basis for your concern. Hopefully, my explanation will allow you to understand my viewpoint. agree that having a larger capacity backpack makes one likely to fill it with things not needed.
A lot of people use a backpack for different activities. I use backpacks for day-hiking, multi-week wilderness backpacking, Camino, even sometimes for going shopping
.
I use 55 to 60 liter backpacks. They weigh under 1.5 pounds / 680 grams. They also can be carried on to a plane. One was used to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. And both have been used on Caminos.
On multi-day or multi-week/month trips in the wild, they will carry up to 35 pounds / 15.9 Kg in weight, but most of the time between 17 and 25 pounds.
On Camino, my backpack only carries 9 to 11 pounds / 4 to 4.9 Kg. And I will only use about 1/3 to 1/2 the volume's capacity on Camino.
I will also gently disagree with the concept that a large volume backpack on Camino means that people will fill it up and overload themselves. Overloading comes from lack of knowledge and experience and discipline, not from the backpack itself. When someone is aware of what they actually need, and learns how to not pack items based on fear, THAT is what controls how much and what gets included in the backpack load.
So while one CAN get a smaller volume backpack due to the nature of the Camino and the limited items that actually need to be carried in a pack, it is definitely OK to bring a larger backpack.
Why a smaller backpack?
Sometimes smaller means lighter. That is not always the case, however.
Smaller often will work well for a carry on for a plane. With larger volume backpacks, you definitely want to keep an eye on the size specifications of the length and width of the backpack.
Why ANY backpack?
First is fit and comfort. Larger capacity or smaller, the best backpack is the one that you can live with.
Excellent and Easy Usability. A backpack that makes you go through contortions to pack an unpack stuff is to be avoided. A backpack that makes it hard to access items that are needed often during the day is not ideal. A backpack that makes carrying water harder than easy is to be avoided. A backpack that is so small that you must dangle clothes, shoes and souvenirs on it is a pain.
A backpack that is too small in volume can induce usability problems. A backpack with a large volume that has usability issues is that way due to its design, not its capacity.
So the best backpack for a Camino is the one that is the most comfortable and usable regardless of size.
Thank you, I'll look into it more carefully after all those questions?!
My naivety is glaring!!! Is it really realistic to be able test drive a fully loaded pack before one buys it?
I'll be off to see if I can take them on trial for a bit!
