Trimming Backpack Straps

[Kiwi-d]

Can I ask your thoughts on trimming backpack straps please? My Deuter pack seems to have very lengthy straps everywhere, which I'm thinking of shortening. I'm a bit concerned that if I do so, though, someone will point out something I've missed, like 'Oh, but they're meant to be long so you can portage your Yeti over the Pyranees'.

 

[michryan]

Can I ask your thoughts on trimming backpack straps please? My Deuter pack seems to have very lengthy straps everywhere, which I'm thinking of shortening. I'm a bit concerned that if I do so, though, someone will point out something I've missed, like 'Oh, but they're meant to be long so you can portage your Yeti over the Pyranees'.

Can't help you on this one but I have had the same thoughts on mine. Not sure if I should or will I regret it later for what ever reason. My old pack never had such long straps.

 

[Bajaracer]

I wouldn't cut any straps, I'd fold or roll them up and use duct tape or plastic wire ties.

 

[sriyantra]

I have also been wondering!

 

[sriyantra]

Hiya. ..

Not long to go now....

I had the same issue with my Osprey. So I rolled them up and stuck a rubber band around them. They stayed that way for two months.

I have no idea why they are that long either. I would also be too scared to cut them.

I have an Osprey as well. I kept thinking that there must have been something I was missing!

 

[Kiwi-d]

Hmmm. I've tried rolling them up too, with plastic wire ties, but have found that a slight nuisance, plus extra weight that I could devote to something useful, like a lipstick! The only reason I can think of not to trim them is that maybe I'll later want to sell the backpack to someone who is fatter/bigger......

 

[Kiwi-d]

Thanks Lise, for your two good suggestions. Now any ideas what I can use instead of the hot irons I'm dying to take?

 

[dougfitz]

Can I ask your thoughts on trimming backpack straps please? My Deuter pack seems to have very lengthy straps everywhere, which I'm thinking of shortening. I'm a bit concerned that if I do so, though, someone will point out something I've missed, like 'Oh, but they're meant to be long so you can portage your Yeti over the Pyranees'.

Provided you leave yourself enough adjustment, there is no reason that I can see not to trim the straps. You might make your pack less attractive to a larger person if you were to choose to sell it, but that might be a small price to pay for that all important lippie!!

 

[michryan]

Hiya. ..

Not long to go now....

I had the same issue with my Osprey. So I rolled them up and stuck a rubber band around them. They stayed that way for two months.

I have no idea why they are that long either. I would also be too scared to cut them.

Mines an osprey as well. Wonder why they are so long?

 

[obinjatoo]

I might hesitate to cut straps. But that's me. If you do cut them, I suggest taking a lighter to the cut ends or they will fray. Just be careful, that nylon gets very, very hot and stays hot if it touches your skin it hurts and continues to burn (think napalm). Also don't breathe the fumes and do it outside.
Yes folks, this is what modern gear is made of... Imagine the factories where they make this crap. Just a side bar.

 

[hotelmedicis]

@dougfitz seems to have sound advice. If you are not too worried about resale value, and you have tested your pack wearing a large coat (necessitating longer straps) I would go ahead and cut them to suit your needs. You will also save weight in the process.

 

[zolarose]

Sriyantra......have you found your whistle on the Osprey?

FYI- Osprey isn't the only pack with the "hidden" whistle. My husbands simple REI day pack has the same thing. The difference is that his is bright orange so you can't miss it. Lol

 

[LesBrass]

Sriyantra......have you found your whistle on the Osprey?

I found mine... walking down a busy street near the sports shop in Bordeaux... backpack on my back... husband beside me. What does this sound like I pondered... so I blew. It's quite loud isn't it

 

[sriyantra]

Sriyantra......have you found your whistle on the Osprey?

No I haven't. Where is Wally? (sorry my sense of humour has overtaken me this morning) Please let me know.

 

[sriyantra]

Provided you leave yourself enough adjustment, there is no reason that I can see not to trim the straps. You might make your pack less attractive to a larger person if you were to choose to sell it, but that might be a small price to pay for that all important lippie!!

Doug, I did wonder about lippie and it appears that you are the one to ask. I presume I just take the one and have to decide on whether it will be red, pink or orange. I am leaning towards the pink lippie. Do you have any other advice re makeup? I have been wondering the last week about what to take. I mean how much weight is there really in an eyebrow pencil - hey I could do the Kanga double up and use the same pencil for writing and my eyebrows. I am in a silly mood this morning, must be getting ready for that Camino air! Buen Camino

 

[Kanga]

Thanks Lise, for your two good suggestions. Now any ideas what I can use instead of the hot irons I'm dying to take?

How about a heating coil used for a morning cuppa?

 

[Bungkus]

I was reading an 'ultralight' blog, and they suggested to cut the straps! The ones that hang down from the shoulder adjustments I find useful to hang onto to, to 'let my armpits air' while I walk (that's without poles), or just while you rest.

 

[jayree]

How about a heating coil used for a morning cuppa?

These should only be plugged in when immersed in water and unplugged before removal.

 

[Kiwi-d]

Thanks for the laughs re make-up and heating coils/hot irons, and the excellent advice, particularly re burning the cut ends and trying the pack on over a thick jacket. That's going to eliminate the eyebrow pencil though!

 

[Kanga]

These should only be plugged in when immersed in water and unplugged before removal.

Blast! I did think about the reverse, I.e. hair irons used to heat water, but that is an instantaneous way to Camino glory - death by electrocution....
Is St James saying "no female vanity on Camino"?

 

[sriyantra]

Hey there.
The whistle is part of the buckle for your chest strap. It has a little hole on top.
Its like finding a secret compartment when you find it. [/QU
Wow, how cool is that. The salesman obviously didn't know to tell me that as part of his sales pitch. I have something my husband hasn't got! His backpack is a Kathmandu one, but no whistle.

 

[Kanga]

I must admit I went make up free for the camino. But the day before I left I got plucked, waxed, tinted and dyed. So as to look as "natural" as possible.
!

I try to treat myself somewhere along the way with an extended visit to the peluquería. Makes for a lovely rest and I enjoy the whole atmosphere - Spanish women in a hairdressers remind me of the movie Steel Magnolias.

 

[dougfitz]

Doug, I did wonder about lippie and it appears that you are the one to ask. I presume I just take the one and have to decide on whether it will be red, pink or orange. I am leaning towards the pink lippie. Do you have any other advice re makeup? I have been wondering the last week about what to take. I mean how much weight is there really in an eyebrow pencil - hey I could do the Kanga double up and use the same pencil for writing and my eyebrows. I am in a silly mood this morning, must be getting ready for that Camino air! Buen Camino

@sriyantra, I would really quite like to give you some insight here, but I have found that for someone my age, providing advice to women of any age that might be construed as suggesting that they should attempt to look more attractive after a day on the camino only ends up making one look just a little sleazy! Adding the prospect of making you even sillier as you prepare for the Spanish air makes suggesting anything even more daunting. In short, the coward in me has won! I will now remain mute on the subject.

 

[s. brown]

I will be taking eye liner and lipstick no matter how much they weigh! No negociation on that. I am even considering taking a feathery powder puff for perfumed talc. The powder, of course , will be in a zip lock bag, not the lovely Jean Patou container it comes in. I have a lovely traveling antique glass container with a sterling silver top with holes to shake out talcum powder. That, alas, will have to stay at home.

 

[christian527]

Take your make up with you!!! It's your camino and if you feel better with use it!!!

Some people don't get that if a women uses make up is not only about being sexy, but about feeling good after a long day of walking

 

[s. brown]

Take your make up with you!!! It's your camino and if you feel better with use it!!!

Some people don't get that if a women uses make up is not only about being sexy, but about feeling good after a long day of walking

Amen!

 

[indyinmaine]

This thread really lost it's way from backpack straps to eyeliner?

 

[Denisealldridge]

It has lost its thread from straps to eyeliner ...ha! But I am taking lip gloss, eye liner and tinted BBCream 30 sun screen in it .. After you walk all day and you arrive and shower .. How nice it is too look and feel great .. These small items do not take up any space ..

 

[HELM]

I'm a gear manufacturer. May I suggest you simply fold or roll it instead of cutting/trimming it. Straps are always made longer to fit the many body types. I've produced packs with straps that are too long for someone considered a medium but when you have another who's XXL, that straps is going to be too short. Use rubber bands, tape to if you can get some, double side Velcro. The latter is worth having cos you can also y

 

[HELM]

Whoops premature 'send'! As I was saying, you can also use it to secure other gear.

 

[Kiwi-d]

Okay, I'll keep the straps then, however it's very reassuring to see others consider a couple of items of makeup essential. I was beginning to think I'd have to hide furtively behind a bush to apply any, out of the sight of the Spartans. Christian, you are right on the mark. Helm, thanks for the Velcro suggestion.

 

[Kanga]

I find the Camino incredibly freeing from even the most deeply ingrained habits and behaviours. It leaves me free to choose the best for my own flourishing, Makeup is completely irrelevant.

 

[christian527]

I also find boots irrelevant ....everything is a personal choise

 

[Peregrinandbearit]

Hmmm...I never wear makeup. Just sunscreen lotion. Life's so much simpler for me without the fuss.

 

[Kiwi-d]

Ah, but following Lise's dual purpose advice, I have a tinted moisturiser, with 30+ sunscreen....

 

[Kanga]

Ah, but following Lise's dual purpose advice, I have a tinted moisturiser, with 30+ sunscreen....

But if it is tinted, I might not be able to use it as hair tamer/conditioner.....

 

[Al the optimist]

I try to treat myself somewhere along the way with an extended visit to the peluquería. Makes for a lovely rest and I enjoy the whole atmosphere - Spanish women in a hairdressers remind me of the movie Steel Magnolias.

Arrived in Burgos on my birthday and stayed two nights so I could celebrate. I found a gents hairdressers the next day and had a haircut. It was accompanied by an extended conversation about his love of classical cars and included frequent stops while I had to admire photographs of his VW camper van and other cars he had owned. Well I suppose it makes a change from someone talking about " Where are you going on holiday this year" or football.

 

[Kanga]

Arrived in Burgos on my birthday and stayed two nights so I could celebrate. I found a gents hairdressers the next day and had a haircut. It was accompanied by an extended conversation about his love of classical cars and included frequent stops while I had to admire photographs of his VW camper van and other cars he had owned. Well I suppose it makes a change from someone talking about " Where are you going on holiday this year" or football.

I've walked past barber's shops in Spain where they were shaving men used old fashioned cut-throat razors. You weren't tempted?

 

[Kanga]

From trimming pack straps to make-up to cut-throat razors? Signed, Bewildered.

 

[dougfitz]

I've walked past barber's shops in Spain where they were shaving men used old fashioned cut-throat razors. You weren't tempted?

I have been, but not in Spain. One of the most wonderful ways to be shaved. I wouldn't do it myself, despite recently being passed a memento tin with my grandfather's cut throat razors in it.

From trimming pack straps to make-up to cut-throat razors? Signed, Bewildered.

Dear Bewildered - from trimming pack straps to trimming beards seems logical enough to me. It was all that makeup stuff in the middle that had me befuddled.

 

[Elsabe Beard]

Take your make up with you!!! It's your camino and if you feel better with use it!!!

Some people don't get that if a women uses make up is not only about being sexy, but about feeling good after a long day of walking

I couldn't agree more!!

 

[Kiwi-d]

Just to get back on track then, the suppliers of my Deuter advised it's no problem to trim the straps, but to make sure to allow an extra 18cm and to burn the ends with a lighter. If I do it, I'll only trim a little at first, then when satisfied with the length, I'll sew the ends back on themselves.

 

[Kanga]

I have a little specialist tool I use in jewellery making - it has a fine wire that heats up to seal the ends of cord. Much neater than using a naked flame. Only costs a few dollars.

 

[Robo]

Try a simple soldering iron. Not expensive. I use one to seal the ends of boat mooring lines.