This Year's Camino Backpack - The Osprey 36L Kyte

*** UPDATED***

Thought I still believe this is an excellent pack, after loading it up and trying it out on a long hike, I decided I was too short for this pack. The top of it kept hitting my head, like those headrests in cars that bug me too. So I went back and bought the Jade pack again and used it for my VDLP. It worked out better for me.  I will leave this review up, however, because I still think this is a great pack.

*******

If you've been following me for long, you'll know that I always suggest a small backpack for the Camino, usually no larger than 28L-32L.  

For years I carried an Arcteryx 30L top loading pack, which I loved for its simplicity, great fit, and small size.  I cut off all the extra daisy chain loops and decorated the pack. 

I used it for about 10 years until it smelled so bad I discarded it after my trek from Malaga. 

Big mistake. 

Arcteryx stopped making that pack, and I've struggled to find a good replacement since.  

Two years ago I bought the Gregory Jade 28 pack. 

It was a nice pack, but didn't quite fit the bill for me. I was looking for a pack for this year's Via de la Plata trek. There is no pack transport on that route so I needed a pack that fit well.

I wanted a small top-loading pack with a good WIDE padded hip belt, excellent suspension, room for a water bladder in case I decided to carry one, padded comfortable shoulder straps, a sternum strap that wouldn't squish my breasts, that was small enough to carry on the plane.

So yesterday, while in Oregon pet-sitting for my son, I stopped at REI and tried on packs.

I loaded each pack I tried on with 15 pounds, the amount I planned on carrying. 

I am 5'3" and right now, I weigh about 155 lbs.  I know from experience I have a short torso and usually wear a small pack.

I began by looking at 28L packs. Sadly, everything they had in a women's 28L pack, except for the Jade, came in a "one size"  -  and that is not good when you'll be wearing a backpack for 6-7 hours a day, every day for 6 weeks.

I moved up to 30L packs. Osprey makes the Talia pack at 30L, but again, it was one size.  The Kresta 30L snowpack looked good, but there were none in stock.

The Gregory 32L Targhee pack only came in Medium and Large. The Deuter ACT Trail Pro looked good, but it was too long in the torso and "one size." 

The "one size" packs just wouldn't work for me. Shoulder straps should wrap around your shoulders. Even the adjustable ones sat way too high above my shoulders, with 1 to 3 inches of air between the strap and my body. Many had tiny little hip belt straps. I knew those would dig into me as I walked.

I continued to look and finally moved up to 34L packs.  Same issue. Either they only came in "one size" or in Medium, Large.

I had loaded and tried on about 10 packs, and was just about to give up when the sales clerk, who had been VERY helpful and VERY patient suggested I try on the Osprey Kyte 36L pack.

I said, "No, that's too big. I don't want to carry a 36L pack."

He said, "Yes, but since you need an X-Small pack, the Kyte, even though it is CALLED a 36 liter, is ACTUALLY a 34 liter pack."

Really?  How would anyone have known that?

So, I tried it on.. and Voila!
It fit like a glove.
It felt like I wasn't carrying any weight at all.

I wore it around the store for about 15 minutes, and decided it was the pack for me. Although it is in reality a 34 liter pack, the lid can be pulled down very tight. The difference between 34 and 32 liters is a small space. Think of a 2 liter Pepsi bottle and that's the amount of space we're talking about. With the ability to pull the lid down, and the various compression straps on the pack, it can be made small enough for carry-on.  

I bought it.

Here are the features I love about this pack.

1) The hydration sleeve is EXTERNAL which means not having to open the pack up to refill it. I don't usually carry a hydration bag on the Camino Frances, but other routes with fewer options for water sometimes call for it.

2) The pack is fully adjustable and I was able to lower the shoulder straps to perfectly fit my short torso. The "Airscape"  backpanel provides air flow between my body and pack, making it more comfortable to carry temperature wise, less sweating. 

3) There is an integrated and detachable rain cover. I won't use this on the Camino but might use it when walking in Oregon, where it's sometimes misty, but not wet enough to wear an ALTUS poncho.



4) There is a zippered pocket at the bottom of the pack to hold my sleeping bag (or whatever you want to put in here that may be heavy). If you do not need the extra pocket, there is a floating divider that can be removed from inside the bag to make one large space inside. I like that the sleeping bag can be removed from the bottom. In the past, with a top loading pack, I put my sleeping bag at the bottom, then put my clothes in on top. This means I don't have to unpack my entire bag to get to my sleeping bag.

There is a side zipper.  Even though I love a top loading pack, this means I COULD get into the side of the pack if I needed to without having to unload the pack.

The lid zipper is on the INSIDE of the pack, next to my neck, not on the outside where pickpockets can easily access the contents.  The lid also has an under-lid zippered mesh pocket. 

There is an expandable pocket on each side of the pack, great for water bottles or guide books/maps. 

There is a pocket on the front panel with a drain hole making it perfect for storing wet rain gear! 

On each side of the the hip belt there is a roomy pocket for holding my phone, camera, chapstick, headlamp, or whatever tiny gear I need to get to quickly. 

There is a stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment, making it easy to carry your poles when you aren't using them. 

Additionally, there are a series of "daisy chain" loops down the front of the pack for attaching small things, like maybe a carabiner and wet socks? Or maybe to carry your shower sandals? I probably will cut them off as I did on my old pack. I find they just get in my way more than I find them useful. But that's me.

And lastly, there are a ton of compression straps to compress the pack as small as I need it to be in order to carry it onto the plane with me. 

This pack fit so well, I almost did a happy dance in the middle of REI!

As you can see from my experience, you need to TRY ON a backpack. You cannot expect to buy a one-size-fits-all pack and have it fit, without being extremely lucky. 

So please, don't just order your backpack on the internet without trying it on.

Here is a little guide as to what you should look for when trying on a pack:

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html

You can find other videos online with a Google Search. There also are several review videos on this Osprey 36L Kyte pack. 

In my opinion, this is an excellent pack for the Camino.

I'm stoked and as soon as I return to the desert from my son's house, I'll pack it up and show you what I'm going to carry this year.

Happy shopping!

Love,

Annie

Buying a Backpack for the Camino 2018

Buying a backpack for the Camino can sometimes cause anxiety in a new pilgrim.  How large of a pack will you need? What features should the pack have? What makes a good fitting pack?

Here are some of my own thoughts on the matter.

Capacity:  Unless you are doing a winter Camino, you do not need a pack with more than a 32L Capacity.  For a summer Camino, or if you are not carrying a sleeping bag, a 28L or even smaller will work fine. I've walked all of my Caminos using an Arcteryx 30L bag and it has been perfect.  This year, I've purchased a new 28L to try out for 2 months. I'll be walking the Madrid Route, the Camino Frances, and then 2 weeks on the Via de la Plata or southern Spain, I haven't yet decided.  But I'm thinking this 28L pack will be perfect!

If you are walking in winter, you are going to need heavier clothes and a heavier sleeping bag. In this case, you may want to go as high as 35L.

When you are shopping, these are called "weekend" packs or "overnight" packs or even "day packs."  Don't let a salesperson talk you into a bigger pack! We'll talk about that below.

FEATURES  

Internal Frame.  Today, the best packs in my opinion are internal frame packs. These packs hug your body and when you look at them from the side, often have a gentle "C" curve. They help stabilize you while you walk, and in my opinion are the best choice. The internal frame is often adjustable to better fit your body, so be sure to ask. On my pack, I can simply bend the frame into the shape I want.

External Frame: These packs are more for mountaineering or if you're carrying a kayak. You don't need this in my opinion, thought there are some lighterweight external frame packs that would work for the Camino. Again, you can often adjust the frame.

Frameless. If you are young (21-25) and strong and fearless, you could get away with a minimalist pack in the summer months. But honestly, I don't think they're comfortable for the amount of walking you'll be doing.

Top Lid. All 3 types of pack will usually have a top lid. The lid usually has a zippered compartment both on the top and underneath, where you can store items you want to get to quickly during the day. This is where I put my lunch and my rain gear (on top) and I put my shower/first aid stuff in the compartment under the lid.

Ventilation. That curved look in an internal frame pack allows the pack to set a few inches off your back. This is great for ventilation and will keep you from sweating too much and soaking your clothes and your pack.  There are a few different ways this is achieved. One is "tension mesh suspension" and that is what my new pack has. My Arcteryx, that I used for 10 years, also had it, and it sure was nice on those REALLY hot Spanish days.

This Osprey pack has a mesh back with space for air flow.

Hydration Pack Sleeve. Whether or not you use a hydration pack (Camelbak, etc.) is really up to you. When I walk the Camino Frances, I just carry an 8 ounce water bottle and fill it up at each fountain. If you're a big water drinker, you may want to carry 2 bottles, or if you're walking in the hot summer, a bit more. However if you DO like hydration packs, it's great to have a place to put it. And if you are NOT taking a hydration pack, it'll just mean a bit of extra space, so you really can't go wrong. I did not have a hydration pack space on my Arcteryx, and I did use a hydration pack on the Via de la Plata. I just slipped it down into the back of my pack, but a sleeve would have been nice. When I walk the Madrid route this spring, I will take a Camelbak as fountains are fewer and far between. It just depends on the route you will be walking. Hydration packs are a whole other blog.

Hydration sleeve in a Granite Gear pack.

Loading.  Some packs load only from the top. Some have all kinds of pockets and zippers.  Personally, I prefer a top-loading pack for the Camino for many reasons.

One reason is ease of loading. In my Arcteryx, I use a compression stuff-sack for my sleeping bag. Then I stuff it down into the bottom of the pack. I layer the rest of my things on top. To me, it's easier to get everything into the pack if I don't have to fiddle with opening/closing zippers, getting them stuck, etc. I'm a Leo and I want things done yesterday, not tomorrow. I'm the same with packing. I want it to be done so I can be on the road.  Joe has a zippered pack and I watch him trying to hold things in with one hand while he zips with the other hand. It just looks like too much work for me!

Another reason is security.  A panel-access pack usually has one or more long zippers that open up the pack. Easier access yes, not just for YOU but for a thief. No zippers on the outside means someone either has to sit and unpack my backpack to get to what's inside, or they have to cut it open. Chances are, in a busy albergue, they'll go to the next guy's pack and leave mine sitting. Thieves choose targets that are quick to access and quick to leave. My top-loading pack would just take too much time for a thief to get into! I like that security.

By the way, those zippered packs with locks at the top that give people such a sense of security are easy to get into in about 10 seconds with nothing more than a ball-point pen or other pointy object. Just stick the point between the teeth and pull the zipper apart. Thieves can do their pilfering, then rezip it and nobody knows they've been there. Don't believe me? Try it.

When I say top-loading, I'm not talking about the sleeve on the sides or a compartment for a raincoat. I'm talking about the main compartment of the pack.

Front-Loading.  or Panel Access Bag.
To me, this is too much "business!"

Top loader.
This person used the hydration sleeve for their laptop/ipad.

Pockets. Pockets on the sides and/or back are convenient for putting a water bottle or stuffing rain gear into. Things you'll need TODAY on your walk. I've used mine for a loaf of bread (they're long and slender - we'd call it a baguette), fruit, cheese, a can of tuna or sardines, etc.  Easy to access without digging through the pack, but nothing you couldn't afford to lose. NOTE:  More than one pilgrim has lost a pair of expensive sunglasses that were attached to a pack left outside a restaurant. Never leave your phone, sunglasses, or electronics in your pack if you aren't watching it.

Sleeping Bag Compartment. The size pack we're talking about usually does not have this, and to me, it's extra weight I do not want to carry.

Attachment Points are little loops on the pack where you can attach your walking sticks when you aren't using them, or your umbrella, or bread, or your jacket or ???

Padded Belt.  I would never walk the Camino with a pack that did NOT have a padded belt. You are going to be carrying this weight for 6 weeks and your hips will need to be protected.  And by the way, you carry the weight of the pack on your HIPS, not your waist and certainly not your shoulders. Practice adjusting the straps until the pack sits comfortably on your hipbones.  A skinny little waist belt is not sufficient, not even on a summer daypack. You'll thank me later if you buy a pack with a padded waist belt.

A padded lumbar pad is also essential with the amount of walking you will be doing. A pack that swings around is going to give you blisters on your back in a very short time.

Padded Shoulder Straps.  You WANT padded shoulder straps. Ten percent of your body weight for 6 weeks will wear you down quickly if you don't protect your shoulders. Blisters under unpadded straps could mean the end of your Camino.

WHISTLE!  Do you know that many packs have a built in emergency whistle on the chest buckle?   This is important, and many people aren't aware of this, so here are a few photos. Go check out your pack!:

Raincover. Most packs today have a built in raincover, but you don't 'really need it if you're going to take an ALTUS or other type of pack-covering poncho or coat.   If you're walking in summer, a raincover might be handy for short periods of summer rain when it's warm and you don't really need an ALTUS.

IT IS PREFERABLE NOT TO PURCHASE A PACK ONLINE UNLESS YOU HAVE TRIED IT ON IN A STORE FIRST.

All packs are not created equal.  I suggest you find a sporting goods store and try packs on.  Then, if you find something you like that fits, you can scour the internet for a better price. But just buying off the net without trying it on is asking for trouble, in my opinion.  Packs come in different sizes.

First there is torso length.  I am only 5'3" but I have a long torso and short legs. A short torso pack rides too high on me; it doesn't sit on my hips correctly. On the other hand, if you have a short torso, a long pack is going to ride up next to the back of your head and knock you on the head with every step!
There is a range of torso lengths available in most better-quality packs, so be sure to check.

Next is waist size. If you are extra tiny or extra large, you may have difficulty finding a waist belt that fits properly. Be sure your waist belt will either fit, or is equipped to handle an extender if you are large. If you are tiny, be sure you can swap out the belt easy (that it is not permanently attached).

There are also gender-specific packs. A woman's pack will usually be shorter and narrower. The shoulder straps will curve in a way that fits better and the sternum strap will be adjustable to fit above the breasts.  A woman can wear a man's pack, but she probably would have wider shoulders and should be sure the sternum strap is adjustable.

My pack has load-lifting straps. These are straps on the padded shoulder straps that I can pull or release to adjust my load and where the weight sits. I would not buy a pack without these.  The sternum strap is usually attached to the same configuration and is a strap that you can tighten and release to pull the shoulder straps in snug or to loosen them. It fits across the chest and above the breast in a woman. It should slide up and down so you can put it in the correct position across your chest so as to be comfortable.

Criteria for a good pack fit are:

1. Hip belt centered over hip-bone.

2. Back panel makes contact with the entire surface of the back

3. Shoulder straps make contact with the entire surface of the shoulder and do not "tent" where the load lifters attached.

For load lifters to work properly, the frame needs to extend above your shoulders enough to allow the lifter straps to have at least a 40-45 degree angle. That way, tightening the straps shortens the distance between the shoulders and the frame, creating the 'lift.'

Another thing to look at is the fabric that the pack is made of.

Nysil. While nysil is lightweight, it may not be sturdy enough to last 6 weeks on the Camino. I purchased a nysil shopping bag one year that was suggested by a friend. I wore a hole in the bottom in less than 3 weeks.

Here is a great article on pack materials:
Fabric Guide for Backpacks

ORGANIZING A TOP LOADER:

A search on Amazon for ultralight stuff sacks will give you lots of choices. I usually pack my clothes like this:

Stuffsack #1:  underwear, bras
Stuffsack #2: tops
Stuffsack #3: bottoms
Stuffsack #4: shower and sundries, first aid
Stuffsack (compression sack) #5: sleeping bag.

I label the outside of the stuffsack with a laundry pen so I can quickly find the sack I'm looking for.

To pack, my sleeping bag goes in the bottom with the other bags on top.
That's it.
I'm packed.

Here is my packing for a 3 month trip. I shave it down for shorter Caminos.

Well, that's about all I can tell you.

I hope this blogpost has been helpful.

Remember, the two most important items you will purchase 

for your Camino are 

1) your shoes and 

2) your pack.  

Choose wisely, for both will keep you healthy and walking strong!

I'll do a blog when I pack for this year,
as things change a little each time I walk.
Until then,

Buen Camino!

Annie

* * *

Need help planning your Camino? 

Don't want to walk alone? 

Don't want to race for a bed?

Walk with us in a small group or alone.

Booked lodging!

Anniewalkers Camino

Buying a Backpack for the Camino

Buying a backpack for the Camino can sometimes cause anxiety in a new pilgrim.  How large of a pack will you need? What features should the pack have? What makes a good fitting pack?

Here are some of my own thoughts on the matter.

Capacity:  Unless you are doing a winter Camino, you do not need a pack with more than a 32L Capacity.  For a summer Camino, or if you are not carrying a sleeping bag, a 28L or even smaller will work fine. I've walked all of my Caminos using an Arcteryx 30L bag and it has been perfect.  This year, I've purchased a new 28L to try out for 2 months. I'll be walking the Madrid Route, the Camino Frances, and then 2 weeks on the Via de la Plata or southern Spain, I haven't yet decided.  But I'm thinking this 28L pack will be perfect!

If you are walking in winter, you are going to need heavier clothes and a heavier sleeping bag. In this case, you may want to go as high as 35L.

When you are shopping, these are called "weekend" packs or "overnight" packs or even "day packs."  Don't let a salesperson talk you into a bigger pack! We'll talk about that below.

FEATURES  

Internal Frame.  Today, the best packs in my opinion are internal frame packs. These packs hug your body and when you look at them from the side, often have a gentle "C" curve. They help stabilize you while you walk, and in my opinion are the best choice. The internal frame is often adjustable to better fit your body, so be sure to ask. On my pack, I can simply bend the frame into the shape I want.

External Frame: These packs are more for mountaineering or if you're carrying a kayak. You don't need this in my opinion, thought there are some lighterweight external frame packs that would work for the Camino. Again, you can often adjust the frame.

Frameless. If you are young (21-25) and strong and fearless, you could get away with a minimalist pack in the summer months. But honestly, I don't think they're comfortable for the amount of walking you'll be doing.

Top Lid. All 3 types of pack will usually have a top lid. The lid usually has a zippered compartment both on the top and underneath, where you can store items you want to get to quickly during the day. This is where I put my lunch and my rain gear (on top) and I put my shower/first aid stuff in the compartment under the lid.

Ventilation. That curved look in an internal frame pack allows the pack to set a few inches off your back. This is great for ventilation and will keep you from sweating too much and soaking your clothes and your pack.  There are a few different ways this is achieved. One is "tension mesh suspension" and that is what my new pack has. My Arcteryx, that I used for 10 years, also had it, and it sure was nice on those REALLY hot Spanish days.

This Osprey pack has a mesh back with space for air flow.

Hydration Pack Sleeve. Whether or not you use a hydration pack (Camelbak, etc.) is really up to you. When I walk the Camino Frances, I just carry an 8 ounce water bottle and fill it up at each fountain. If you're a big water drinker, you may want to carry 2 bottles, or if you're walking in the hot summer, a bit more. However if you DO like hydration packs, it's great to have a place to put it. And if you are NOT taking a hydration pack, it'll just mean a bit of extra space, so you really can't go wrong. I did not have a hydration pack space on my Arcteryx, and I did use a hydration pack on the Via de la Plata. I just slipped it down into the back of my pack, but a sleeve would have been nice. When I walk the Madrid route this spring, I will take a Camelbak as fountains are fewer and far between. It just depends on the route you will be walking. Hydration packs are a whole other blog.

Hydration sleeve in a Granite Gear pack.

Loading.  Some packs load only from the top. Some have all kinds of pockets and zippers.  Personally, I prefer a top-loading pack for the Camino for many reasons.

One reason is ease of loading. In my Arcteryx, I use a compression stuff-sack for my sleeping bag. Then I stuff it down into the bottom of the pack. I layer the rest of my things on top. To me, it's easier to get everything into the pack if I don't have to fiddle with opening/closing zippers, getting them stuck, etc. I'm a Leo and I want things done yesterday, not tomorrow. I'm the same with packing. I want it to be done so I can be on the road.  Joe has a zippered pack and I watch him trying to hold things in with one hand while he zips with the other hand. It just looks like too much work for me!

Another reason is security.  A panel-access pack usually has one or more long zippers that open up the pack. Easier access yes, not just for YOU but for a thief. No zippers on the outside means someone either has to sit and unpack my backpack to get to what's inside, or they have to cut it open. Chances are, in a busy albergue, they'll go to the next guy's pack and leave mine sitting. Thieves choose targets that are quick to access and quick to leave. My top-loading pack would just take too much time for a thief to get into! I like that security.

By the way, those zippered packs with locks at the top that give people such a sense of security are easy to get into in about 10 seconds with nothing more than a ball-point pen or other pointy object. Just stick the point between the teeth and pull the zipper apart. Thieves can do their pilfering, then rezip it and nobody knows they've been there. Don't believe me? Try it.

When I say top-loading, I'm not talking about the sleeve on the sides or a compartment for a raincoat. I'm talking about the main compartment of the pack.

Front-Loading.  or Panel Access Bag.
To me, this is too much "business!"

Top loader.
This person used the hydration sleeve for their laptop/ipad.

Pockets. Pockets on the sides and/or back are convenient for putting a water bottle or stuffing rain gear into. Things you'll need TODAY on your walk. I've used mine for a loaf of bread (they're long and slender - we'd call it a baguette), fruit, cheese, a can of tuna or sardines, etc.  Easy to access without digging through the pack, but nothing you couldn't afford to lose. NOTE:  More than one pilgrim has lost a pair of expensive sunglasses that were attached to a pack left outside a restaurant. Never leave your phone, sunglasses, or electronics in your pack if you aren't watching it.

Sleeping Bag Compartment. The size pack we're talking about usually does not have this, and to me, it's extra weight I do not want to carry.

Attachment Points are little loops on the pack where you can attach your walking sticks when you aren't using them, or your umbrella, or bread, or your jacket or ???

Padded Belt.  I would never walk the Camino with a pack that did NOT have a padded belt. You are going to be carrying this weight for 6 weeks and your hips will need to be protected.  And by the way, you carry the weight of the pack on your HIPS, not your waist and certainly not your shoulders. Practice adjusting the straps until the pack sits comfortably on your hipbones.  A skinny little waist belt is not sufficient, not even on a summer daypack. You'll thank me later if you buy a pack with a padded waist belt.

A padded lumbar pad is also essential with the amount of walking you will be doing. A pack that swings around is going to give you blisters on your back in a very short time.

Padded Shoulder Straps.  You WANT padded shoulder straps. Ten percent of your body weight for 6 weeks will wear you down quickly if you don't protect your shoulders. Blisters under unpadded straps could mean the end of your Camino.

WHISTLE!  Do you know that many packs have a built in emergency whistle on the chest buckle?   This is important, and many people aren't aware of this, so here are a few photos. Go check out your pack!:

Raincover. Most packs today have a built in raincover, but you don't 'really need it if you're going to take an ALTUS or other type of pack-covering poncho or coat.   If you're walking in summer, a raincover might be handy for short periods of summer rain when it's warm and you don't really need an ALTUS.

IT IS PREFERABLE NOT TO PURCHASE A PACK ONLINE UNLESS YOU HAVE TRIED IT ON IN A STORE FIRST.

All packs are not created equal.  I suggest you find a sporting goods store and try packs on.  Then, if you find something you like that fits, you can scour the internet for a better price. But just buying off the net without trying it on is asking for trouble, in my opinion.  Packs come in different sizes.

First there is torso length.  I am only 5'3" but I have a long torso and short legs. A short torso pack rides too high on me; it doesn't sit on my hips correctly. On the other hand, if you have a short torso, a long pack is going to ride up next to the back of your head and knock you on the head with every step!
There is a range of torso lengths available in most better-quality packs, so be sure to check.

Next is waist size. If you are extra tiny or extra large, you may have difficulty finding a waist belt that fits properly. Be sure your waist belt will either fit, or is equipped to handle an extender if you are large. If you are tiny, be sure you can swap out the belt easy (that it is not permanently attached).

There are also gender-specific packs. A woman's pack will usually be shorter and narrower. The shoulder straps will curve in a way that fits better and the sternum strap will be adjustable to fit above the breasts.  A woman can wear a man's pack, but she probably would have wider shoulders and should be sure the sternum strap is adjustable.

My pack has load-lifting straps. These are straps on the padded shoulder straps that I can pull or release to adjust my load and where the weight sits. I would not buy a pack without these.  The sternum strap is usually attached to the same configuration and is a strap that you can tighten and release to pull the shoulder straps in snug or to loosen them. It fits across the chest and above the breast in a woman. It should slide up and down so you can put it in the correct position across your chest so as to be comfortable.

Criteria for a good pack fit are:

1. Hip belt centered over hip-bone.

2. Back panel makes contact with the entire surface of the back

3. Shoulder straps make contact with the entire surface of the shoulder and do not "tent" where the load lifters attached.

For load lifters to work properly, the frame needs to extend above your shoulders enough to allow the lifter straps to have at least a 40-45 degree angle. That way, tightening the straps shortens the distance between the shoulders and the frame, creating the 'lift.'

Another thing to look at is the fabric that the pack is made of.

Nysil. While nysil is lightweight, it may not be sturdy enough to last 6 weeks on the Camino. I purchased a nysil shopping bag one year that was suggested by a friend. I wore a hole in the bottom in less than 3 weeks.

Here is a great article on pack materials:
Fabric Guide for Backpacks

ORGANIZING A TOP LOADER:

A search on Amazon for ultralight stuff sacks will give you lots of choices. I usually pack my clothes like this:

Stuffsack #1:  underwear, bras
Stuffsack #2: tops
Stuffsack #3: bottoms
Stuffsack #4: shower and sundries, first aid
Stuffsack (compression sack) #5: sleeping bag.

I label the outside of the stuffsack with a laundry pen so I can quickly find the sack I'm looking for.

To pack, my sleeping bag goes in the bottom with the other bags on top.
That's it.
I'm packed.

Here is my packing for a 3 month trip. I shave it down for shorter Caminos.

Well, that's about all I can tell you.

I hope this blogpost has been helpful.

Remember, the two most important items you will purchase 

for your Camino are 

1) your shoes and 

2) your pack.  

Choose wisely, for both will keep you healthy and walking strong!

I'll do a blog when I pack for this year,
as things change a little each time I walk.
Until then,

Buen Camino!

Annie

* * *

Need help planning your Camino? 

Don't want to walk alone? 

Don't want to race for a bed?

Walk with us in a small group or alone.

Booked lodging!

Anniewalkers USA