What Backpack Size Do You Need for the Camino?

[@robscamino]

What pack size are you bringing with you in Camino?

[@auzzygirl8175]

Osprey 40 here. I'm a very plus size lady so all of my clothes are bigger than average so I needed a bigger pack. I had myself fitted by a very helpful Spanish man at Paddy Pallin in Perth Western Australia. He put various weights into the pack to give me an idea of how the pack fit and would feel when I'm carrying it. Thanks Rob. Lots of great tips as usual.

[@robscamino]

You're welcome, Auzzy! Proper fitting is so important when it comes to backpacks. So, we have to pack wisely!

[@christiaantheron9080]

As a larger man I have the Gregory Stout 35L. Did you try the Gregory Stout backpacks?

[@robscamino]

@@christiaantheron9080 no, i haven't seen those.

[@seansixfive]

Talon 33 is more than enough. Next to skin items such as socks, pants and t shirts wear one and have two spares of each in your bag. Mid layers and shorts wear one and have one spare, outer layers just one. Flipflops for the shower and albergue use. Block of shampoo and very modest toiletries. Water containers. You dont really need anything else. I live on the northern route and see thousands of pilgrims every year with 65+ liter packs. They look miserable and their feet are sore, they blame their shoes and never blame their 65 liter packs. Travel light, you will be happier!

[@robscamino]

Totally agree. My pack is 34L. Most Pilgrims carry way too much stuff!

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

I like how you categorized the layers and quantities. Question: I’m taking those sexy pants with zip off legs. How do I count that? Underwear? My feet sweat heavily. I was planning on doubling my socks and changing out mid day as my comfort splurge. Thoughts from experienced walkers…

[@seansixfive]

@@DunRovinRanch-1969 zip off legs are pretty handy for a chilly morning. As the day warms up you can strip down. I love merino wool socks and t shirts. Worth their weight in gold. They resist odors, shed sweat and you can wear them fir a couple if days if necessary.

[@rbailey294]

Your videos have been so consistently helpful to me. Thank you!

[@robscamino]

My pleasure.

[@antonmuhlbock9486]

Very good video I am packed will do the Madrid San Salvador and the Primitivo I have got a Gossamer fast Kumo 36 lt everything fits in there On the 6th of April the fun starts

[@robscamino]

Glad that you've managed to fit everything you need in it. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and experiences along the way!

[@ChristiaanCorthier]

Very informative

[@robscamino]

Glad it was useful......

[@chiarab5802]

I had a ferrino 40 liters for my first camino along the Portugal coastal route and although it was fall ( end of October) and I had bulkier clothes,it was too much. Now I have got an Osprey Myra 32 liters for my June camino and my extra week of holiday around Spain and I think it is a great size. For a woman I wouldn’t go over 32/34 liters, if you have lots of space you add more stuff and it gets heavier! I think in the summer two items of each work great and maybe in fall/spring 3 items are great.

[@robscamino]

Sounds good to me. I'm using a 34 L and it's not quite full.

[@tmrwic]

Spot on with the "CPAP" mention. lol I use CPAP machine and now in a dilemma whether to carry a bigger bag or hire a transport service.

[@robscamino]

I'm close to needing one. So I made sure to lose lots of weight before I went. If I needed a CPAP, I'd get a lightweight travel one and carry it. I've used transport services in the past due to injury and they are a pain to be honest. One more thing to worry about, restrictive.......

[@tmrwic]

@@robscamino "Restrictive". Our thoughts exactly. It's a hindrance to flexibility. I'll take your advice on board and grab that mini-air travel CPAP and find the best bag possible. Hoping it's not going to be too heavy. The travel CPAP plus all the essential accessories are around 1.5kgs. I'll have to find the lightest materials of everything we'll carry with us. :)

[@robscamino]

@@tmrwic this one seems very light. easycpap.com.au/products/resmed-airmini-travel-machine

[@DavidHRyall]

I walked October/November and has the Osprey 33L - was more than enough for warm gear and rain gear. And was good to limit the bad to that size as it kept me from "packing my fears" and taking too much

[@robscamino]

I know that problem well.

[@reyvaldes611]

Osprey Manta 24 for me. Doing the Camino Frances in June. As usual, another great video. Insightful and informative. Thanks.

[@robscamino]

I wish I could manage with a 24! Well done. I always seem to end up packing a few 'extras'......

[@peterfontaine4627]

Rob--than you for this timely subject. I have four mountaineering backpacks and I was hoping to use one of those, to save myself having to buy a new backpack. I have two that are 55L--I know, much bigger than most people use but it just doesn't seem to make sense to go out and buy a 40L when I have a garage full of backpacks. I guess the trick would be to just not fill it up! Of course, I would refrain from using my 75L!

[@DavidHRyall]

Exactly, the risk with taking a bigger pack is taking too much stuff 😂 I walked with a 33L and it limited me from overpacking

[@robscamino]

It's my pleasure, Peter! Using one of your mountaineering backpacks for hiking is a great idea. Just be mindful of how much you pack. It's always good to pack just what you need for your hike for it to be more comfortable and manageable.

[@louiselessels117]

My 35L Macpac Voyager. Good size, a separate bottom area and easy to use zip design. Worked well last camino

[@robscamino]

Sounds perfect!

[@louiselessels117]

Also good carry on plane size, very important.

[@johnavery5384]

I use a 33lt Osprey and a 4lt Osprey bumbag/fanny pack. Neither is full but they fit me really well, particularly the back length/ hip belt geometry. The bumbag has documents, phone, snacks etc. great for access and security. The weight saving on going to a 22lt backpack is noticeable (I have one as a day bag) but would be overstuffed and less comfortable. The other issue is water bottles. I keep two bottles in the side pockets and I find them difficult to reach on the 22lt. One of the benefits of being an old geezer no doubt.

[@robscamino]

Whilst it's not a great look, i put my water bottles on the front. Attached to the pack shoulder straps. One advantage is that they 'balance' the pack weight a bit.

[@nightmaresallie]

I actually just bought the Osprey Sirrus 34 for our Autumn Camino del Norte this year. It fits PERFECTLY, and I can’t wait to give it a go 😊

[@robscamino]

That's great to hear! Have a great time on your Camino del Norte adventure!

[@amb97vb]

I used the REI flash 45 for my first Camino in 2017 and while it was good I definitely could of sized down. I realized about half way through that a lot of the stuff I brought I didn’t even use! I think I’m going to try a small pack for my next one.

[@robscamino]

Me too! When I reach Santiago in 4 days, I'm going to ditch more gear before walking to Finisterre and muxia!!

[@dontetzlaff3914]

Thanks Rob, I have been looking at this pack to purchase. It is a little long (23.62") for the maximum size for airplane carryon (max 22"). have you had any issues with this pack as a carryon or do you check your backpack?

[@robscamino]

I carry it on. But depends on the airline. They have different allowances. On Emirates they allow 45 x 35 x 20 cms. Which my pack is. Maybe the pack is 46 high. It's close. Sorry. No idea what that is in inches.

[@gregorygwilliams]

Yes, Comfort is paramount. If you have a long torso your frame length is more important than pack volume. I had to go to a 60 plus liter Osprey before I had enough space between my hip belt and my shoulder strap. attachment point..FYI, I removed the detachable top zipper pouch to reduce some unnecessary volume and weight.

[@robscamino]

Sounds like it worked well for you

[@PJHMX]

The Osprey Stratos 34 is indeed ideaI. I chose this as my Camino backback!

[@robscamino]

I like it. It's classed as a 'day' pack due to it's size, but carries all I need for a Camino.....

[@Lizzybeth1973]

I used that same pack on my first Camino. It’s awesome!

[@cathy5986]

Deviating from this subject Rob (apologies) Do you still use the Blue Desert(?) Water bottle tubing system .. or have you changed to an alternative?

[@robscamino]

I still use it. I had considered one small change, in cutting the tube short to save weight. Currently it goes from the left bottle, across my shoulders to hang on the right side. But I like the idea of it being able to reach to a bottle inside my pack, or to a side pouch if required.

[@cathy5986]

@robscamino Thanks so much Rob. I am going to give it a go. The brand ... you are happy with it??? PS .. enjoy your videos, 10/10 .. very helpful 👌

[@robscamino]

@@cathy5986 glad you enjoy the videos. I have some more interesting ones coming up, shot 'on location'....

[@robscamino]

@@cathy5986 I'm sure most brands are OK. it's just a tube and a bottle top and a bite valve

[@hilarymac3706]

I use an osprey tempest 30l perfect size for my annual September Camino. Definitely big enough for me but I may need a bigger one as I’m thinking of bringing my CPAP.

[@robscamino]

You might... i'm using a 34 l now on the vdlp and i have a bit of space left

[@teampopulierkens6782]

Last year I had a 40l Quechua (Decathlon). This year it’ll be An Osprey tempest 34 (32l), wich fits me better and is still under 55cm long (handluggage airplane).

[@robscamino]

Sounds good!

[@chesshead3943]

Hi Rob! I've been enjoying your videos, thank you! Did you walk the VLDP in 2022? How did your weight-loss journey go for you? For weight loss my wife really likes intermittent fasting. There is a book by Gin Stephens called Fast Feast Repeat that has really helped her.

[@robscamino]

I walked the VdlP in 2023. Got back a month ago. I'm glad I lost weight before I started!

[@StepsbyKaatje]

A bigger pack has the advantage that packing is very easy, you just throw it in! 😉 All the best! Kaat

[@robscamino]

That's true, a bigger pack can certainly make packing easier.

[@DavidHRyall]

But then it has the risk of overpacking.....

[@StepsbyKaatje]

@@DavidHRyall what I often do, is take a smaller backpack, make sure it all fits and after that put it in a bigger one which often has better support. 😉

[@jrgengregers3638]

On my first Camino I had a 65L backpack weighing 3 kg - way too big and heavy, then I bought an Osprey kestrel 48, which was a little too big and a litte too heavy, next backpack was an Osprey Exos, regrettably a 48L - should have been a 38. but it is very comfortable and weighs a little less than the Kestrel. In 4 weeks I am doing part of the Francigena, this time I will bring a Mammut Lithium 30L, its is light - 930g, my stuff fits in it, and I can take it as carry-on. I have other backpacks for other uses - you can never have too many backpacks :-)

[@robscamino]

Having the right gear for each adventure is always a good idea. Good luck with your upcoming Camino on the Francigena!

[@georgiaturner8210]

I’ll be walking my first Camino in April , I have a 34 L from REI, I’m struggling with keeping the weight down. Everyone says I need to be prepared for cold and warm weather. I think my pack shouldn’t weigh over 15-15.5 pounds. I am planning on transporting my pack on the first several days from SJPP so I have a lightweight pack for those days. I live in Florida US. I’m not used to walking on steep inclines.

[@Bob-oo7sm]

It may pay for you to stop of at orrison .that's what I done.I booked the first 3 nights when I started

[@georgiaturner8210]

@@Bob-oo7sm I did! Thank you for your suggestion!

[@Bob-oo7sm]

I would book something before you reach zubri also .I got caught out their and had to get a pension.

[@robscamino]

Yes, Zubiri can be busy!

[@elodiedt]

I have a very comfortable 36, I don't regret it

[@robscamino]

A good size

[@jesperkjaer8268]

I think most of us have learned lessons on the camino. In August I'm going on my 7th camino. On my first it was a fjellraven 65L kajka. On my last one it was a patagonia refugio 28L and the next the new patagonia refugio 30L. In the summer months I've used a sleeping bag liner instead of sleeping bag and are generally very aware of what to bring and what not to bring.

[@robscamino]

Sounds like a great size. I'm just back from walking 1,200 kms with a 34 litre pack. I realise now, I can still cut down my packing list. I'm sure I could manage with a 28 litre.

[@jesperkjaer8268]

@@robscamino I've seen people with the Fjellraven kanken 20L so it's definitely possible. I guess it's all a matter of what we really need. But I must admit that the 28L was/is the limit for me.

[@somehappenings246]

What’s in your wife’s 24L? How is your gear different?

[@robscamino]

Our gear is remarkably similar! Exactly the same items and brands. She just adds a couple of sports bras! She is a lot smaller than me so can manage with 24 L. (smaller clothes etc ) Obviously we are not both carrying some items. So I've got the 1st aid stuff, the laundry stuff and so on.

[@robscamino]

Here is Pat's packing video in Thai and English. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opO9i5toopWUnqs

[@ltlarrow1]

I have been stressing about getting the Stratos 34 onto the plane. 22 inch max length, and the 34 is 24 inches. My karma says I will be the one to not get past security or the gate, and then I am up a creek. So...I have decided to go minimalist with the Stratos 24 and a "large" waist pack that will go under the seat. I am hoping to be able to buy poles in Spain.

[@robscamino]

That sounds like a great plan! It is indeed stressful trying to get a larger backpack onto a plane, especially if it exceeds the maximum length.

[@DavidHRyall]

I got the Talon 33L on the plane, just have to pack tightly - and no poles of course

[@anastasiiahushcha594]

@@DavidHRyallcould you tell please, did you buy a cabin bag or somehow carried the back pack as free small bag??

[@BobVerVoorn]

what did pilgrims carry on the camino de santiago 100 years ago ?

[@robscamino]

Probably a leather or canvas backpack. The modern backpack concept has been around about 150 years I think.

[@robscamino]

@@RC-qf3mp wow. Interesting…

[@julianlord5366]

If you're young and healthy, and walking in Summer, a tiny 10 to 15 litre bag should be enough. Just spare t-shirt, underwear, toiletries, and a block of soap to wash yourself and your clothes with. A small lightweight sleeping bag can hang off of it, it should be large enough for a bottle of water and some food, and so on. It's when you get older and less healthy, and/or walk in a wetter or colder season, that you start to need something larger -- medicines, warmer clothing, better sleeping kit, and really just a greater volume of necessaries than one needs in one's youth. And I agree that over 40L is too much for nearly any Camino in southern Europe, I've found that sufficient even on the most isolated Camino routes in midwinter where I've had to sleep out. You could conceivably only need larger on some of the actual mountain Camino routes where some camping gear might be required ; or for some particular special needs, if it's a working Camino for example and you need a laptop with its protective cover or other more voluminous gear.

[@robscamino]

You make a great point Julian!

[@DougASAP]

I originally bought a Kestrel 48 for my first Camino, fortunately I exchanged it (at REI) when I realized that I didn't need so much space.. I carry a small sleeping bag and an Altus poncho. I think 33-40 is probably very good for the majority of people. I wouldn't mind having a clamshell rather than top and bottom loading pack. ¡Buen Camino!

[@robscamino]

I think you're right. 33-40 L seems to be the sweet spot. Mine is a kind of clam shell. The whole top half unzips. Saves me digging down to find things.

[@BobVerVoorn]

6 ear plugs 47 space blanket 94 ul swim shorts 98 tooth brush, Dr Bronner's soap 144 silk liner 175 black rain poncho ==== 564 g 19.89 oz 1.24 lb at night change into your swim shorts and poncho, wash your clothes. What else do you really need ? water bottle pilgrims passport money

[@robscamino]

Hmm. So you go out for dinner in swim shorts and poncho, while your clothes dry for the next day? 🙂

[@BobVerVoorn]

add a short sleeve shirt, small day pack, lite weight shoes and eat at the albergues. is it doable ?

[@robscamino]

@BobVerVoorn I'm sure it's 'doable' ....but it's about the level of comfort and convenience too I think. It's always a balance between not carrying enough and carrying too much.

[@BobVerVoorn]

@@robscamino true for me minimalism can feed ego/pride