BACKPACKS
The most common item that pilgrims research, debate, argue and compulsively shop for is the humble backpack.
Here is a list of the most common questions about how to choose a backpack, in no certain order:
1: What size do I need?
2: What brand should I buy?
3: Should I buy a “waterproof” pack?
4: How much should I spend?
5: How do I wear a pack all day?
Let’s dig down on each of these. Oddly, they all have the same answer.
Backpack sizing has 2 variables.
One is the physical size of the pack, the other is the carrying capacity in cubic litres. You will need to be professionally measured to determine the correct physical size for your body. Please take the time to do this, it can make the difference in wearing a pack you never notice and a 799km torture device.
So, while you may need a 45 litre pack with a large size frame, your smaller Camino partner may need a 45 litre pack with a small or medium frame. Both carry the same load, but are sized to be more comfortable for your different body sizes.
How large of a pack in litres you may need depends on how far you are walking and how much gear you are taking. Sounds insultingly simplistic, but many new pilgrims buy a large(70 litre or larger) and then fill it to the top simply because they have the room and then worry about weight.
To determine proper pack volume, buy it after you have purchased all of your other gear. Clothing, outer layers, toiletries, sleeping gear, etc. Take everything that you need for your Camino and either pile it all up and get some measurements of the pile, or better yet take it all to a reputable outdoor shop and let them assist you in determining the cubic litre size that is right for your load.
Most people find they can easily fit in a 30-40 litre day pack instead of a 70 litre plus pack. If you have other outdoor activities that demand the larger pack, by all means purchase what is right for your lifestyle.
Choosing a brand of pack can be frustrating.
Once you have been properly measured and know your litre requirement it is time to choose one of hundreds of packs. Who makes the best packs? That all depends on what you need! Pack manufacturers try to differentiate themselves by offering weight, colour, material choices and a dozen other variables to tempt you to purchase their products. Yet again, the proper pack you you is the one that fits you correctly. While you may like the looks of a pack from one company, the shoulder straps may not be tailored correctly for your body style. Women often do need specific packs that are tailored for the female form, that is not just marketing. Try on many packs, fully loaded with the weight of your camino items and wear them around the store for a while. If the store wont let you, please consider going to a real outfitter for help.
Consider also the little things about the packs you are looking at. Some pilgrims love hip belt pockets, some don't. Some prefer “top cap” closing packs, some prefer a full opening compartment packs. Play with them in the store and see what you enjoy.
Picking your Camino pack is incredibly personal should be a full or multi day process!
Waterproof packs can be great, but are expensive.
Many companies, especially the high end ultra light hiking suppliers are making some amazing waterproof packs. Are they necessary for a Camino? Probably not. Most packs are vaguely water resistant and a good rain cover that most packs now come with should be just fine. If you are really worried, the old backpackers trick of lining the inside of your pack with a trash compactor bag works just fine and can save you hundreds over buying a waterproof Cuben fibre or Dyneema pack.
How much you spend all depends on what pack fits you correctly.
On your Camino you will meet couple or groups that are carrying packs that cost from $29 to $500, all depending on what fits them correctly. Do not get trapped into believing that tons of money means tons of utility. Get the pack that meets your needs!
Wearing a loaded pack while walking all day is all dependent on getting the right pack.
If you have followed our advise listed above, you are most of the way there in getting prepared to carry 12-20 pounds on your back for weeks on end. During your fitting and trials in pack shopping, your outfitter should have given you a quick primer in wearing you pack. If not, here are some quick hints.
You should carry most of the pack weight on your hips. Not your waist, your hips. Cinch the belt down on your hip bones well above where you wear a belt. This puts the weight of the pack on a bony structure that will not interfere with the movement of the upper leg muscles.
Your shoulder straps should be quite loose and nearly float above your shoulders. Never should you have much if any weight bearing down on them. The standard test is to insert 2 stacked fingers under the straps. They should slide between the strap and your shoulder quite easily.
Use the chest strap to keep your shoulder straps from sliding too far out across your chest. This can lead to constriction of your pectoral muscles and cutting off blood supply to your arms. If you feel your hands or arms going tingly and then numb while wearing your pack, cinch down the chest strap. Again, proper fitting of the pack will prevent this sort of problems.
Noticed a trend in this section?
Good, it is intentional. Choosing a pack is a tremendously personal activity and the right choice always comes down to the needs of each and every pilgrim. Buy it last, buy it smart, buy it once.
.
