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I agree completely. Whilst reviews may seem like a good starting point I would reverse your process. Go try on backpacks until you find two or three that are comfortable, and then look at the reviews. The Pack I use, a Deuter Futura 32l (mid range ) has the features you're looking for and yet isn't even on your list. Deuter are a very good German brand. I saw quite a number of Deuter packs on Camino, and a quick check of the reviews for mine shows pretty good results.One issue is that you may buy a pack that does not fit you well just going by reviews.
I have a Lowe Alpine 24 and a bum bag of 4l and have found that plenty big enough but I do travel very light!In preparation for starting a multi year process of discovering the Camino, starting with doing the Ingles in May, I trawled the Web to find and compare all the backpacks from not only US but European brands within a 30-45L capacity range.
ETA: It's easy to see why some of the most commonly mentioned packs are so frequently used -- namely, the Osprey Kestrel / Kyte, Exos / Eja and Talon / Tempest series, the Gregory Zulu / Jade series, the Deuter Trail and Futura series, and the REI Trail 40. The things that are important to me are: reasonable weight, a stash space for wet clothing / rainwear, appropriate torso length and an attached rain cover, and these packs definitely hit the above criteria.
However, there are also quite a few models that theoretically have good specs when assessed on the same criteria, but for which there don't seem to be much reviews at all. Wonder if anyone has used any of these, or perhaps they are less well known due to less exposure on Amazon / REI / blogger reviews?
Ultra-Budget (USD 100 or below):
Mid-range (USD / EUR 150 - 200):
- Berghaus Arrow 30 -- https://www.berghaus.com/unisex-arrow-30-rucsac-black-red/13139984.html
- Decathlon Quechua MH500 (US prices are actually more expensive than prices outside the US):
- Patagonia Altvia 36 -- https://www.patagonia.com/product/a..._48915_color=BLK&cgid=luggage-technical-packs
- Thule Stir 35
- Gregory Stout 35 / Amber 34 (the Zulu / Jade series gets much more exposure) --
- Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail Camino
I have a Lowe Alpen 24l pack and aIn preparation for starting a multi year process of discovering the Camino, starting with doing the Ingles in May, I trawled the Web to find and compare all the backpacks from not only US but European brands within a 30-45L capacity range.
ETA: It's easy to see why some of the most commonly mentioned packs are so frequently used -- namely, the Osprey Kestrel / Kyte, Exos / Eja and Talon / Tempest series, the Gregory Zulu / Jade series, the Deuter Trail and Futura series, and the REI Trail 40. The things that are important to me are: reasonable weight, a stash space for wet clothing / rainwear, appropriate torso length and an attached rain cover, and these packs definitely hit the above criteria.
However, there are also quite a few models that theoretically have good specs when assessed on the same criteria, but for which there don't seem to be much reviews at all. Wonder if anyone has used any of these, or perhaps they are less well known due to less exposure on Amazon / REI / blogger reviews?
Ultra-Budget (USD 100 or below):
Mid-range (USD / EUR 150 - 200):
- Berghaus Arrow 30 -- https://www.berghaus.com/unisex-arrow-30-rucsac-black-red/13139984.html
- Decathlon Quechua MH500 (US prices are actually more expensive than prices outside the US):
- Patagonia Altvia 36 -- https://www.patagonia.com/product/a..._48915_color=BLK&cgid=luggage-technical-packs
- Thule Stir 35
- Gregory Stout 35 / Amber 34 (the Zulu / Jade series gets much more exposure) --
- Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail Camino
Sorry my messages got messed up! I also have a large 4l/fjallraven bum bag which I think will be the best day bag I’ve ever hadI have a Lowe Alpine 24 and a bum bag of 4l and have found that plenty big enough but I do travel very light!
I have a Lowe Alpen 24l pack and a
I love an external frame pack, but harder to find now and less likely I can get it on as a carryon I think. What is your experience with that.This is what I have used (but not that colour) on 5 long pilgrimages with great success.
Trekker 65
Hike with a legend. The light and rugged Trekker 65 external frame backpack is inspired by founder Dick Kelty, and made to haul and organize heavy loads.www.kelty.com
It has an enormous number of adjustments including e.g. frame length, pack vertical position along the frame, optional lateral offset of individual or both shoulder straps, etc. etc. The combination of the external frame and the trampoline band across the back hold the pack away from my back, thus enabling ventilation. The manufacturer sells replacement parts.
It is of large capacity but there is no need to fill it up; I certainly do not.
How well does the Durston Kakwa transfer load to the hips And away from the shoulders? My current Aarn pack has such a good design that there is never any weight on the shoulders. But I’m interested in the Kakwa.I’m a gearaholic and have at least 9 backpacks, several you mentioned :REI Trail 40, Gregory Zulu and Jade (for my daughter), Osprey Exos and Talon, and others.
I think it might have been Dave Bugg that first brought to my attention the cottage industry makers like Gossamer Gear and others. I have both the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 and the Durston Kakwa 40, and I am trying both out for my walk this spring. Both packs are very light and comfortable, lighter than any of the big names above, they are innovative in their features, and the more I walk in Spain, the more appreciate the thought the small makers put into their packs.
Packs like these cost a little more unless you buy from EBay for example, but I might have not bought so many packs if I had researched a little more, and then paid a little more for a nicer pack. (Or maybe not, as once a gearhead)
I have never attempted to carry this into the passenger compartment of an aircraft. It is probably too big for carry-on. The pack dimensions are probably available on the Kelty website.I love an external frame pack, but harder to find now and less likely I can get it on as a carryon I think. What is your experience with that.
It has a really good hipbelt and a low weight, which is why I like it.How well does the Durston Kakwa transfer load to the hips And away from the shoulders? My current Aarn pack has such a good design that there is never any weight on the shoulders. But I’m interested in the Kakwa.
Aarn backpacks are brilliant for that ... rebalancing the load away from the shoulders!How well does the Durston Kakwa transfer load to the hips And away from the shoulders? My current Aarn pack has such a good design that there is never any weight on the shoulders. But I’m interested in the Kakwa.
The model of my Aarn backpack is «Natural Exhilaration» size small [short backlength] ... is the perfect shape and size for a female of short stature ... has been redesigned since I bought mine 6 or 7 years ago but still fundamentally the same ... you can check it out here :Wow, the Durston Kakwa does look good for an ultralight pack. Thanks for sharing that!
I'd also love to hear more about your Aarn packs, @BlackRocker57 and @Joynz, and any other Aarn users out there. Which model do you use? What do you think of it?
I love my Aarn backpack with its balance pockets on the front.Aarn backpacks are brilliant for that ... rebalancing the load away from the shoulders!
I've seen these online and wondered whether it was worth a try. My concern would be whether it the frame is supportive enough. Interested to hear your thoughts, @Puck1.The Montane Trailblazer series is nice with lots of practical storage. The 30L is great for caminos and weighs about 820 grams. Since this line has been updated recently, older ones are still around at great prices. They have adjustable back lengths and a pretty wide range of volumes. They can be a little warm as they sit directly on the back. I cannot use packs with trampoline backs and do caminos and most hiking in shoulder seasons so it’s not a issue for me
They’re sort of a hybrid between ultralight and traditional packs. I have upper back and neck issues so need supportive hip belts and can’t use ultralight packs. It’s not quite as comfortable as my osprey talon, but I really like it for when I want my pack tight to my back on more difficult walks. It’s very adjustable and is super easy to organize. I’m using it this spring on the Salvador and Primitivo. I’m in the US, and, if I’m using an online store exclusively, I’ll take a pack on 8-10 mile hike, tucking the tags in, and see how my neck and shoulders feel the next day. For me, that’s the best way to decide on packs and shoes. It’s a very close second to my osprey, and I would definitely buy another.I've seen these online and wondered whether it was worth a try. My concern would be whether it the frame is supportive enough. Interested to hear your thoughts, @Puck1.
They’re sort of a hybrid between ultralight and traditional packs. I have upper back and neck issues so need supportive hip belts and can’t use ultralight packs.
I hope it works for you! I should say that I try to be careful with my base weight and it’s usually in the 9-11 pound range. Obviously not super light but low end of normal for the Camino? I also don’t carry water on my back since it’s so heavy. My experience with any pack probably doesn’t exceed 12-13 pounds with food@Puck1, Thank you so much for the helpful reply. I'm in the same situation as you, so I have been looking for that elusive blend of light yet supportive pack.I think I will give the Trailblazer a try.
This is what I have used (but not that colour) on 5 long pilgrimages with great success.
Trekker 65
Hike with a legend. The light and rugged Trekker 65 external frame backpack is inspired by founder Dick Kelty, and made to haul and organize heavy loads.www.kelty.com
It has an enormous number of adjustments including e.g. frame length, pack vertical position along the frame, optional lateral offset of individual or both shoulder straps, etc. etc. The combination of the external frame and the trampoline band across the back hold the pack away from my back, thus enabling ventilation. The manufacturer sells replacement parts.
It is of large capacity but there is no need to fill it up; I certainly do not.
Arrgh! I offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your pack. The loss of your fiend, not so much.This brings back so many memories
Mine lasted many miles and trips, until I lent it to a friend …who totalled it
Lowe alpine, recommendation from a user. My first one, 25 litre, excellent. My walkng companion had one that was basically a no name, and slightly larger. We managed, between us. My second, a slightly larger, not as cute, but roomier, also good. The 25 litre had a small pocket that zipped and separated the two sections of the bag, and great for organising, so if that is your skill, you can open just the section you want.If you are into pockets/compartments, have a look at this one:
Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail 30L Hiking Pack
Built to keep you cool and dry on summer hikes and days in the mountains, this adaptable 30L trail pack is equipped with the highly breathable, lightweight AirZone™ back system and multiple handy pockets.rab.equipment
The loss of your fiend, not so much.
Lowe alpine, recommendation from a user.
I now just have the slightly larger one. I do not need to spend more money on another one, no matter how smart.
Have you got a picture of that backpack? I am smaller than you and yes, I was recommended a smaller backpack up to a maximum of 55L in a traditional camping store.Looks like I wasn't clear enough on my original post. I'm not trying to make recommendations to others (or seek recommendations for myself per se) but rather to try to ferret out which options might go beyond the "obvious" and might work for some people.
I've already dialed in my semi-temporary setup for my upcoming first Camino, but what works for me won't be what works for most other people because I'm a 5'1" Asian female with an Asian build. My pack is a no-name Chinese brand, which is rated as 45+5L but seems to me to be more of a 40+8L in practice. It fit my minimum criteria -- 15-16" torso length, internal frame, sleeping bag compartment of the right dimensions for the bag I already own, and 35-45L total capacity. I ordered it online but immediately loaded it up with my indicative gear (about 5 kg total without water) and put it through its paces on my training walks (running up 12-20 km a weekend currently. It feels great, and I am now more convinced of my choice after trying on the Quechua MH500 30L and 40L size S packs as well as their 28L kids pack at Decathlon. The torso length of the size S is good for me, but the shoulder straps are too wide and gap out - but probably it would mean that what fits me would feel uncomfortably constrictive for someone with a bigger build.
After stress-testing what I have, I went back to my original packs list to create a mental shortlist of upgrade / fallback options. I know that going with a budget backpack means a possible tradeoff in durability -- I have no doubts my pack will last for the 116km from Ferrol to Santiago and probably follow me along if / when I plan a longer next Camino, but I want to have a focused list of possibilities so that if it were to break in the field and I need to buy something locally, I already know the specs and can zoom in on the ones I want to try. Especially more so now that I know the Quechua MH500, which was my planned fallback, isn't working for me.
Thus, I wanted to put out a "widest possible list" of suitable backpacks to bring to light some of the non-standard choices that I uncovered in this process, in case it helps others too. For myself, I am planning to try out the REI Tarn and MEC Discovery youth packs, as well as the various Gregory and Osprey options, the Patagonia Altvia, and the Deuter Futura / Trail series locally (I live and work in the US and spend 1-2 months per year with family in Singapore), to build up my own contingency list.
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