My Best Camino Backpack
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- Let's talk backpacks! While the right backpack is going to be different for each person walking the Camino, there ARE some considerations you might want to make! I'll show you my beloved backpack and tell you why it was the right choice for me.
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The previous pack has such character!!!
Great video again Nadine, so honest and very informative... and backed up by real experience.
I'm glad you enjoyed it... I wish I could give more info on other types of backpacks, but at least I feel pretty confident in my review of this one!!
Thanks again Nadine, I have been thinking that maybe my 28L pack maight be too small for the Camino. Today i went looking for a larger one but could not find one I liked. Now I watched your video and it reassured me that my 28L will be just fine. 🙏💖🌟🤸♀️
Then it sounds like the 28L pack you already have is the perfect one for you!! (I love that's it also a green Deuter!) :)
Cool vid Nadine. The difference in newish to 10 years of use is quite something. I think I'd mount the old one and put it on the garage wall as a reminder. I was hoping to get a pack sized 37 to 42 litres for an April/ May camino, but try as I might my gear won't fit, so its a 50 litre for me. On the silver lining side of things it is well padded and comfy. And I'm 5 feet 8 and around 170lbs. Smallish sleeping bag, minimal clothes, wet weather gear, 6 weeks of meds, it all adds up. Just trying to keep it minimal if possible. Thanks Nadine.
Buen Camino, pilgrim🙏
It DOES add up, but you'll see plenty of pilgrims with "larger" packs (and many larger than yours)... the trick will be to not be tempted to pack more because you have the room! So yes, just try to keep it minimal and it will be fine :) And what a great idea to mount my old pack!! It deserves a place on honor, somewhere...
Very formative and honest to what suits you and of course our height and body size. I have just downsized to 25lt Osprey, think we might be the same height, its really a great fit and comfy..has everything I need in a backpack, my third actually, after walking 4 Camino’s keep it simple and take the basics, your feet will appreciate over the long distance…I try to keep the weight to around 4 kilos, now I know why your packing list is simple and basic no frills, it all comes down to the size of your backpack….watched sooo many so called light packing lists, they should be taking some tips from you…love watching and keep sharing 🇦🇺🙂
I've definitely added a few things to my initial packing list, and last summer for some reason I was carrying too much sunscreen! It's like I've forgotten that I can pick up things in Spain when I run out :) But it's really true, the small pack keeps the weight down, and it feels so good to walk with a light pack that fits my body so well. I think, especially for my first Camino, it's a large reason why my body held up so well (the training helped too, of course, but my pack was super light!) I hope your new pack works well for you!
I love my Osprey. First two Caminos I used a 44L but now I use a 32L with a waist pack. The waist pack has all the documents , phone, money, etc. as well as snacks (nuts & raisins etc.). The 32L is never full but as my shirts are XL, shoes size 12, I just can’t stuff them into a 24L.
Try using lighter weight and thinner (lower volume) material for your clothes, like merino wool or alpaca, polar tec fleeces. Thin but keeps you warm or cool as needed, takes up very little space in a bag. Roll top packs also provide more volume when you need it (vertically), but roll down to the size of the contents, allowing for better balance. These roll top backs pretty much all have giant mesh pockets on the outside for stuff like shoes and rain gear. So you needn’t get a bigger, heavier osprey just for the shoes and clothes. Osprey style bags are getting less and less popular among PCT and AT hikers over the years as roll top packs with big mesh pockets get more popular. The Camino is always 5-10 years behind what’s happening on the American trails, which are more demanding and requiring more gear and heavier gear. But Camino pilgrims typically have much heavier packs- not because it’s needed, but because it attracts people with far less hiking experience who do far less homework.
I use hi tech clothing and have a base weight of under 5kg and am happy with that. Size 13 (US) shoes just don’t fit in a small bag and, as I use polls i have to check my pack for flying, that limits me as well. Even dismantling them I can only just get them to fit. But the difference is less than 200g,
AT/PCT requirements are very different.
@@johnavery5384 i see. I’m assuming the shoes you wear are your hiking shoes and the shoes in your pack are just for the Camino showers. In that case, the issue of the shoes is volume. There are high quality thin sandals from shamma, Luna and xero, that are also good for casual walking, don’t take up much space at all. They can also be used as training shoes to strengthen feet. Crocs, by contrast, take up huge amounts by volume (not saying you have crocs, but just what I used to have and it needed a bigger bag). Don’t know what shoes you use for albergues, but I found great benefits training in minimalist sandals that are also lightweight and very low volume (and so fit in mesh pockets).
I used flip flops for my first four Caminos but have used Crocks for the last three. The additional 50g is offset but the greater comfort. As I can wear them to the Bar it gives my boots longer to vent.
I see. If the only thing requiring a larger bag is the Crocs, shock cord should be good on a smaller bag and hang the Crocs tightly on the outside of the pack. Crocs also fit in outer mesh pockets just fine, even size 13.
It is actually a Deuter and tge same colour as yours !!! It does have the air comfort mesh you explained on the video. 👌
I just want to say I really enjoy your videos. Last month I (67) walked the Camino de Invierno. This September I'll be walking the second half of the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland and in 2023 I hope to be back in Spain on the San Salvador and maybe the Primitivo. Until then I'll be watching and rewatching your videos on all those beautiful walks you've done. Thank you so very much, I wish you many more happy trails 🙂!
Thank you so much for this lovely comment! Your Camino plans sound great (and so does the Cape Wrath Trail... I walked the West Highland Way back in 2016 and loved it so, so much. I really want to get back to Scotland for more hiking!)
The Deuter is a really great brand. I used a 32 litre. Really comfortable.
I've loved it so much!!
Thanks so much for yet another thoughtful video on prepping for the Camino. It’s been a dream of mine for about 15 years, and I’m finally taking steps to actually do it, now that my kids are old enough to manage with just my husband for a few weeks 😂 Still full winter here, so more gear planning than training, but bought a smaller pack to try out and training with. I’m amazed how much I’ve been able to fit in it - 6 tops (2 l/s, 2 tanks, light fleece, sun hoodie), 4 bottoms (all variations of hike-type pants I’m trying out), dress (will double for sleepwear), 3 pairs underwear, 3 pairs socks, microfibre towel, silk sleep liner, warm fuzzy shawl as placeholder for blanket/light sleep bag, eye cover & ear plugs, vaporub, bandaids, mints, reusable shopping bag, lip balm, cardholder & passport, flip flops… I think that’s it so far… and all in the Osprey Talon … 11L … Maybe I’ll be buying a pack your size instead of the 30-33L I originally thought I’d need! 😊
Sundress for sleeping? That may be fine if you get a lower bunk, but not very convenient to climb to top bunk ...😚
It IS amazing how much these small packs can fit, and on the Camino- as you've just described- you really don't need much.
@anne - have you done your camino? Aside from the things you've listed, I suggest bringing a battery pack (for your phone) and adapter for the outlet. Also, instead of flip-flops, consider using trek sandals like Teva (esp if you're going in summer). I've read/ from others that they sometimes alternate wearing shoes & sandals on the trail. Sometimes they wear socks with sandals (to prevent blisters). Also, try to keep your pack to 10% of your body weight (accdg to others). Good luck!
My tip is to use waterproof compression sacks for all your stuff so that you can carry a small pack. Also because you know which compression sac has your stuff you can organise things better. Another bonus is you have dry clothes after a storm !
Yes, great tip! I use packing cubes but have a set that compress a bit, and it really helps give me more room in my smaller pack. Waterproof should be my next upgrade... thanks for the tip!
Nadine, I always appreciate the way you approach providing advice - very approachable for all. Love the veteran pack! I have veteran Tilley hats as my journey keepsakes. One helpful tip I got from long distance hikers is to work out what you are going to take before picking your pack rather than vice versa - helps you know what size you need.
I guess I can add a couple of my own suggestions.
I use a 42l pack which I found beneficial for a couple of reasons - it is nice to be able to carry some fresh food in my pack out of the weather - fresh bakery items etc, without squashing them. Also I use some really light insulated clothes items (and down bag if travelling in colder months) which are a bit ‘puffier’ and benefit from not being squashed so much.
When it is raining I like being able to rummage through my pack when I need something without pulling everything else out to find it.
It is sometimes assumed smaller means lighter, but this is not always the case, I found that my ‘larger’ framed pack was quite a bit lighter (525g) than most smaller packs (my 34 litre Osprey weighs 1100g) and it is made from fabric that makes it waterproof so I don’t use a raincover either - so funnily enough it ended up being half the weight of the smaller pack options at the time. I guess my learning was that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean heavier, or carry more stuff.
Your advice regarding comfort is spot on in my experience- I have seen many people swap packs for a heavier but more comfortable one for them. Weight doesn’t trump everything else.
Thank you again so much for them time and effort you take to make your videos and share your learnings and experiences - always a nice watch when I am pining to return.
I agree with everything you said👏
Thanks so much for a very kind, and very helpful, comment! I think there's so much wisdom here... and you're right- a slightly larger pack can definitely be beneficial in some ways. I doubt anyone would have picked up on this in my videos, but sometimes when I'm leaving a town or city on the Camino, I'll stop by a bakery to buy a croissant, with the idea being that I'll eat it a bit later on the walk. But then I have to carry it in my hand for awhile, because there's just no way to fit it in my pack without completely crushing it!! I have a funny story from the first time I walked the San Salvador- I was in the last town with services for a long while, and asked for a croissant 'to go' in a bar, and they packaged it up so beautifully: paper and ribbon... the works! There was even some kind of cardboard contraption that formed arches over the croissant so that the paper wouldn't stick to it... really quite impressive. But of course there was no way it would fit in my pack and I had to carry that thing in my hand all the way up the mountain!!
I just watched a video on the Ginger Vicar's channel. It's called Best Camino CZcamsrs of 2023/24 and you are number 4! Congratulations! I don't know if you've seen it. Among other praise he says your videos gave his wife and daughter the confidence to walk the camino by themselves.
I DID see it! (in fact, he reached out to me before posting the video to make sure that I was okay with being included, and for using a bit of my footage. I thought it was so considerate of him to ask!). Thank you for making sure that I knew; he makes great videos and to be included in that particular video was an honor :)
Ah, the sun-bleeched colors of the old pack... that's a badge of experience. Ventilation on the back... I had never considered that before. In other news... I read last week that there will be a season 6 of the BBC Pilgrimage series... this time it goes through Wales. It is interesting that since the Santiago one is thriving that other old pilgrimage routes are being re-opened. Cheers and adventure on!
Ooh, I've really got to find some time to watch these series that you've recommended (and shared with me!) And now that a new season is announced, I've really got to get on this!!
Oh, and definitely want to reinforce the importance of going into a store to be properly fitted & try stuff on. I always knew that I had a long torso, having to buy tall tops & most dresses despite being only 5’6”; now officially confirmed by friendly local outdoors store. Apparently my 20.5” torso would be proportional for a 6’2” man! 😂 So I need the largest of packs in each model for it to sit properly on the hips, even pushing into the Men’s L/XL. Sadly they only have a very limited range of packs, so may have to narrow it down and put in a trial order to Amazon.
Wow, what a fun torso fact!! That would be a fun one to bring out at dinner parties ;) I actually don't think I've ever had my torso measured, but I really should (especially because I'm sure that, one day, I'll buy a different model pack...)
Like all things Camino, it's finding the right balance for oneself. I use a 38l Osprey but I carry meds, contact lenses stuff & I like the capability to rummage around, without having to unpack to find something. I carry two middle-size water bottles, having 2 exterior pockets & I love my padded pockets on my hip belt, 2 on each side, in which I carry lip balm stick thing, sun cream, hand sanitiser, tissues etc.
Perhaps you will have to invest in a larger pack, if you win the lottery, are able to take 3 mths off & walk the Via Francigena (from Canterbury to Rome).
That is certainly on my bucket list.
Which Osprey 38l do you have? I am struggling to get my hands on one. Thank you
Yes!! The Via Francigena is on my list if I can ever get more time off (which, right now, either means quitting my job/making a switch and taking a break... or retirement (which is a long time away)...) and for that I'll need a bigger pack, I think! I really WAS going to buy a bigger pack for this upcoming walking season, but when I found the secondhand Deuter pack, I just couldn't resist!
A good video Nadine. I did 5 Caminos...allways French. When i walk i count differents brands of people carry. American ussually Osprey, there are a lots of Deuter and Vaude, in my case i wear a Low Alpine Airzone 45:55L. But I only carry 7,5 kg maximum. Also there are many backpacks from Declathon (very known sport market french). Italian people carry sometimes Ferrino. also French people perhaps Millet. In my case i am very proud with my Low Alpine i had a Quecha basic in my firts Caminos. The difference with my actual backapack or a Deuter Vaude or Osprey is very big, Thank you for share your experience.
I should start to pay closer attention to the backpacks that other people carry (I always notice the other Deuters!) And Decathlon is a really great store- perfect for Camino gear!
I just purchased a backpack called Hajker Pro 18L from the Swiss company USWE. I'm 5 ft 1 in and 115 lbs so I got a tiny bag. I have already packed it with my packing list items (8lbs right now/may add a lb or 2, before water and food) and it is surprisingly roomy and had great pockets (such as on waist belt, at the base of the pack, a hidden zippered pocket behind water bladder (not using) and zippered side pockets behind water bottle pockets on both sides). It is 100% water proof. Super pricey! However, I found it new for half off from one online store. I also have a Gregory Mountain Juno 30 that I bought last year when I first started dreaming about this trip. I wish I would have gotten the 24. The 30 is too big for me, but ok for non-hiking vacation carry-on.
Great video Nadine. It amazes me the size of packs people plan to carry. To me they are "standard " backpacking bags meqnt for real camping with standard weight gear. Also as a gearhead it amazes me that they will use a large pack just cause they have it. To me for such a trek having a proper sized backpack it worth getting a new one (or at least new to them)
Thank you Nadine
You're welcome! :)
Great video Nadine! I'm sure your old pack appreciates it's retirement!
I think it probably does, I've certainly put it through its paces!!
I love how faded it is!@@NadineWalks
I'm also very excited to try my new backpack. I have a Deuter futura 30L. 😃
Yay for Deuter!!!
wow! what a great video! very informative! my first pack was a deuter too! I don't know if there is a perfect backpack. that being said, a couple of important things, have the folks at the store school you in how to use the adjustment straps to make the pack fit as well as you can. I would then after packing for the Camino take the pack back to REI or such a place to have them show you how to adjust again because your stuff is different that the weights they have in the store. Being able to reach for you water and replace it is a must! Check that with a full pack. I later switched to a ULA pack which was half of the weight of my original deuter, still not perfect but the weight savings was critical. As you say it is still all about what feels comfortable. REI has a great return policy, so check that out too, if something is not working during your preparation. buen camino, Nadine!
Thank you again Nadine. Your experience is, as always, well presented 😊, I also use a dueter pack 28 l, I absolutely love. I do waffle everytime I travel, especially re: size BUT, it fits ,as carry on and it always holds enough. I wonder if you've ever approached Dueter to see about repairs (or replacement, you've given them an excellent review here 😊).
Yes, having it fit as a carry on is definitely a bonus! I'm glad your pack has worked out pretty well for you, I do love Deuter :) And I've never contacted them, mostly because I've used my pack so hard that it was so beyond worth the money that I initially spent on it! And sometimes to get a replacement you have to send the old one back in, and I just can't imagine parting with it (I get awfully sentimental with the things I love!) But hey, I'm always open to having Deuter sponsor me... ;) (I can always dream!)
Great Video!
Thank you!!
Thanks Nadine! Great video. Love that you've worn one out and found another of the same vintage. You should take something from the old and attach it to the new, for luck! 🙂
Yes, someone else suggested that and now I'm trying to think about how to do that! And which part to take... I want to preserve the old pack so I can use it as a backup, but I'm sure I can snip something away...
Zpacks sells separate hip pockets you could attach to the waist belt. Love your videos.
Oh that's really good to know!!
Hi Nadine. What is the best backpack for carry-on luggage on a plane and then hiking the Camino de Santiago?
my husband and I watch your video on TV so sometimes - if I have time- it is easier to write a comment - later. I am so happy that you got a new ( but the same) backpack. I am totally amazed when you said it was a 24 l. Wow. Apparently mine is 43 l. We hiked today and I decided to put a few things in it to "start" our training on trails. We will be on the CP at the end of April. So looking forward to go back on the Camino ( last time was May-June 2019).
How exciting to be planning a return to the Camino! I'm sure it's going to be so great :) And sometimes I wonder whether that pack is ACTUALLY 24L, ha! I do really cram a lot into it sometimes, which could explain some of the rips and tears...
Love your channel now I am thinking about doing a Camino trip after I finish the PCT. What Camino would you start with? Also which Camino are you planning next?
Thank you
Thank you, Nadine for this very useful video. I totally agree with you in that you have to take your time and try out the one that feels comfortable. For walking the Camino Frances I went up to our Montain Equipment Co-Op and with the help of the sales agent, help me try a few and was happy to land on the Osprey Tempest 40 ... it served me well abd even though the sternum strap came out loose, I had to finagle and tied up to the shoulder strap. I used it for 46 days and it took a lot of abuse and when I came home, I washed it & stored it away. I have got it out of storage, repaired it as I will take it again at the end of March to do the Portuguese from Lisbon😊
Isn't it great when you find a pack that really works for you? It sounds like you've got yours, and I'm glad you were able to make some repairs so you can keep using it! I've heard great things about Osprey packs.
@@NadineWalks Thank you, Nadine ... I am loving your videos from the Camino, especially those lesser travelled. Thank you for your channel, quality of content and your on-going support for those newbies like me. Buen Camino, pilgrim🙋
We love our Black Diamond because it has hip swivels.
I don't even know what hip swivels are!! I'm going to have to go look this up...
Another great video, thank you Nadine. Personally I’ve used a Lowe Alpine Skyline 55L, for the last quarter of a century. It’s a great mountain pack and as many people will tell you, virtually bomb proof. Their down side is, that empty they weigh around 3kilos.
Their upside is I can get my poles on board for air transport.
However, I’ve been toying with the idea of a much smaller shoulder pack. I guess if I Camino in high summer, I could get away with it.
We’ll see…..
Even if the pack you have now is bigger than you need for a Camino, it doesn't really matter if it works for you and you're used to it! Though if you ever DO walk the Camino in the summer, it could be a fun experiment to wear a smaller pack! You'll probably fly down the trail with a smaller/lighter pack :)
Happy new pack Nadine, do you strip clips off the old one as spare parts for future?
That's actually not a bad idea... I never considered it!
I love all your videos and you inspire me as even though you don’t always have 2-4 weeks to vacation, you still make great walks work in a week! One question that feels very elementary, is what app or system do you use to know where you are when you are walking and how far you have to go? Do you sue google maps? I have walked the Camino Portuguese and mainly followed the arrows
For the most part I just follow the arrows, too! But I do have the 'Buen Camino' app that has a map of the Camino route and will show you where you are. If there's ever a confusing part of the path (especially in a city!) I'll sometimes use the app to figure out where to go. And in terms of how far I'm going, I'll refer to the stages on Gronze.com... usually in the morning I'll take a screenshot of the stage I'm on, and will sometimes refer to it to see when a village is coming up, etc. Hope that helps!
I’m sure the new pack will get the job done. But Nadine laments sweaty backs and stink from the old pack and lack of hip belt pockets. A frameless, hip-belt less pack would be great for her - like a Palante or Nashville Packs Cutaway. They have running style vests which are super comfortable and redistribute weight in a totally different way that doesn’t need a hip belt for lower weights (under 15 lbs, esp comfortable under 10 lbs). Pack itself is about 2 lbs lighter than a deuter or typical internal frame pack with hip belts. Packs have pouches underneath that can be accessed while hiking- more room than a waist pack or hip belt pockets, more comfortable to carry and nothing to block visibility or bump around in front of you. For back sweat, you can get a Vaucluse separator that separates your back from the pack, creating about 1-2 inches of space for ventilation. Very comfortable.
These running style vests frameless packs have been growing in popularity and are used by world record holder hikers getting FKT (fastest known times). But every day hikers, the point isn’t necessarily to be fast, but to comfortable and safe. It just so happens that those packs, when light (under 10lbs), are very comfortable and very safe. They also have roll tops which allow for more volume when you need it, and large mesh pockets in the back, so you can have rain gear and sandals and other items handy. The new Ultra material is durable, very rain resistant (I consider it rain proof in my experience), durable and light. This is the future of hiking backpacks - expect to see these get more common in coming years. Just saw a French company making a similar pack based on this new design for Europeans.
Such interesting information, I'm going to have to keep my eye out for the packs you described. They could certainly be a good solution and a good possibility for my future Camino walks!
Nadine - perhaps good to know - the comfort fit you speak of is due to a semi rigid back plate that moulds and flexes with you. For those seeking similar comfort towards the 35 litre sweet spot for Camino walking - Osprey Talon (mens - Tempest womens) 34 litre as a panel (front) opening version or 36 litre Talon / Tempest Top Lid opening versions. UK brand Rab - same semi rigid back panel and moulding comfort, top lid opening in the Rab Aeon 35 litre - at 1050g weight and pretty good value compared to pricier Osprey offerings. There are now light weight pricier versions of these back packs but they only really designed for lighter end load outs - that supposes a deep pocket on light wt hiking packing list throughout. Completely agree - restrict your back pack size - forces good packing list and weight discipline! Thanks for sharing Nadine!
Thanks for such good and helpful information! I'm really hoping that others who watch this video will read through the comments... there's so much good information here (more than I can provide!)
Nadine..I just ordered a Deuter 28 from REI! was on sale…I bought an Osprey 24 but it’s a bit too small I think…hoping this 28 Deuter will be enough!
That's so great!! So similar to the pack I have, I bet. Hopefully the 28L will be the perfect size for you!
Well, we certainly think along similar lines! Last night I uploaded a backpack video for release next week, I’ve been working on it for about 3 weeks Tonight, up pops a video from my favourite CZcamsr ….. 😂.
We are definitely on the same wavelength!!
The downside of waist belt pouches is they stay with the pack when you put it down. I prefer a waist pouch for stuff I need it get at frequently during the day 😊.
I have just purchased a USWE bag and the waist belt detaches so that you can put the bag into a locker and still use the waist belt as a 'fanny pack' when you out and about in the evenings.
Hmm, that's really true and a great point!
doesn’t deuter have a lifetime warranty?
They might (I haven't checked), but I've used that pack so hard that I don't know if I'd feel right about getting a replacement and not paying for a new one! Plus, I might have to send my old pack in and I'm WAY too attached to part with it :) I've always been super sentimental about my beloved things...
do you have a pet name for your backpack? :)
I'm sorry to say that I don't! Which makes me wonder if I should try to name the new pack? (but I've never really named my things- when I was younger all my friends had names for their cars, but I just couldn't get into it!)
OK. Tell the truth. Did you name your original backpack? :-)
I feel like my answer is going to disappoint you... the backpack never got a name :( (but that doesn't mean I love it any less!!)
@@NadineWalksNot disappointed at all that you are not a little weird like me. Moreover, I'm very happy that it also means your backpack doesn't have unusual pronouns. You know what I mean. LOL. Meanwhile, I'm considering hanging a big luggage tag that looks like large "googly eyes" off the back of my backpack just to let the deadly but silent cyclists that are racing up behind me on the trail at full speed, that they are being watched. And because it might look pretty funny... up until the point I get reprimanded by some super-hiker for carrying 30 grams of unnecessary weight. LOL. Yeah, still might be worth it. Thanks. Cheers. 😁
How will we recognize you now ? 😊
I don't know! You'll see a pilgrim with a shiny new pack and not even stop to consider that it might be me!
hahaha...you're too young to sweat more because of your age...but that's cute...
😂😂😂😂
I swear I sweat more now than I did even just a few years ago!!!
@@NadineWalks hahahah......should I welcome you to the "oldies club" 🤣🤣
Aside from the points you've made, my big consideration for a camino pack is the dimensions... as in, will it fit in airline overhead or underseat on the budget airlines, particulary in Europe. Hate to pay extra for checked luggage and love the convenince of stow and go. My goal was to find a sub 22" in height or at least can be cinched down to that height or has a removable brain that can be used as the other carry on "purse", but not compromise on the comfort and fit of the pack
It seems that every camino I try a new pack... tried most of the big players including Osprey, Deuter and Gregory. My last pack was a Granite Gear Perimeter 35L, which has a removable and highly adjustable waist belt (with pockets). You can even get an XL size for larger hips. Also adjustable back plate. Under 3 lbs. Well priced, guaranteed and reviewed. Love it.
Very good point about considering dimensions when flying... this one is small enough that I've always taken it as carry-on, which has been really nice!