You haven’t said yet but it would be nice to know which one of these can be taken his carry-on. Also if the top portion of the pack is removable on a 50 L, I would think that would make it closer to carry-on size. I love your videos, and I am a subscriber. Thank you very much for the time you invest in doing this.
I’ve actually carried ALL of these packs on. The 50L is my primary carry on for air travel and I have used it probably 50 times without incident. It’s never packed all the way. I think anything less than 35 L will fit even if fully packed.
Thanks! I have heard of the brand but I don't know that pack at all. Sometimes big packs are just more comfortable if you aren't tempted to fill them up!
Thanks, Jeremiah, for covering this topic. I'd never seen the "swivel-hip" strap option before that is on one of your "cadillac" packs. I appreciate the advice about getting professionally fitted. I will make a point of doing so. A popular and highly respected gear store/chain on Canada is Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and I will visit one of their stores in Alberta this fall to make a selection and get fitted. Looking forward to practice hikes. For now just building up my walking capacity and Spanish language skills.
Sometimes you can even train with a light school style backpack just to get used to the weight. But I’d say only carry 5-7 pounds in a school backpack will be similar strain to 12 lbs in a proper backpack. When you go into the store, ask them to help you adjust torso length and load lifters too. They can help you know how the pack rides properly.
My go to brand to choose between cadillac and lightweight packs is Osprey. I walked with an Osprey Kyte 36 (for men it's Kestrel 38) which is very comfortable and has a lot of adjustments. My current pack is the Osprey Tempest 30 which still is roomy enough for average camino gear but much lighter. I need a little frame, hipbelt and some cushioning so most ultralight packs are not for me
For people who don’t really want to think about a pack decision, I always suggest the Kyte/Kestrel. It’s a great Camino pack and one of their more affordable options.
@@CaminoGuide Great suggestion. I've watched a number of videos that recommend those Osprey packs. And I've found that when I start to research other brands, I'm more on my own.
@@jjquinn2004 There are usually videos for most brands somewhere on RUclips. I'd just recommend watching a few if you don't know the reviewers from other videos. Some are positive about everything they pick up, and others are critical of everything they pick up. So I like to watch 3-5 people talk about the same pack before deciding what I think.
I'm planning on going late April to late May 2024. Will it be cold in the upper elevations still at that time of year? Would I need a backpack that could carry a coat and a sleeping bag?
Yes. You should definitely plan for temps as low as 30F/0C that time of year. As for sleeping bag, many albergues have returned to providing blankets. But it’s possible you’d have some cold nights if you skip it. I would recommend a light sleeping bag other than during he summer months.
I’m pretty sure x-pac material is waterproof, but the seams that are stitched together are not taped, which allows some water to enter the pack at the seams. DCF, aka Cuban Fiber, is waterproof and most packs made out of DCF are seam taped making them much more waterproof. However, the cost is higher.
Yes. DCF is also lighter than XPac. Probably a bit less durable. X-PAC can also be seam sealed, but I’m sure there are packs out there like this one that don’t come that way. I think if it were seam sealed then it would also be 100% waterproof.
Camino Guide Yes, I believe you’re correct on the seam sealing. Although none are 100% waterproof because if they are submerged in water for a bit of time stuff will get wet. But they can handle a heavy rain down pour.
Thank-you for a very informative and useful video. Being in India, I don't really have the option of visiting specialty stores to try on various packs, so I rely on videos such as yours to select a pack for the Camino. I'd like your opinion on a point made by another RUclipsr who has done the Camino Frances. In discussing the pros/cons of the Osprey Kestrel 38L & 48L packs, he suggested going for the larger as there is virtually no weight difference between the two (The Osprey website shows no weight difference), but then have the discipline to still pack conservatively. It also makes the pack more useful because as you pointed out, you can use it on non-Camino hikes when you do need to carry more. What do you think?
I think that’s mostly true. And if there is no weight difference (often there is a minimal difference, but it’s possible the frame or something is different on the larger one) then that isn’t a bad choice. The only downside is that with a small Camino load, it will be hard to get it all cinched down. I was just packing my Dueter tonight with my load for July section…it is VERY empty. But that’s not a big deal. Sometimes you are pushing the limits of being an airline carry on too. I’ve walked on with
@@CaminoGuide Good point about the loading, esp. as I don't think I'll overpack for a number of reasons. BTW, I was just looking on Amazon India and I noticed they do stock the Deuter pack you mentioned.
@@jjquinn2004 you may check for the smaller Futura packs as well. I’ve seen a 30 and a 38. They are pretty affordable and their frames are second to none. I love mine.
What about maximum carry on dimensions? I found a Pakt Backpack whihc meets international carry on size regulations (which are more strict than the US), but it’s 30 litres. It opens like a clam, arnd I’ve used it extensively, I would really recommend it. but the packs you are recommending do not seem to meet the carry on size regulations, so you would have to check your back and retrieve it at baggage claim. Thoughts?
You are probably right that non-US airports would be more strict. I have boarded every plane with a 50L pack for the last decade and never been stopped. Never a fully loaded 50L of course. More like 30L of gear in a 50L pack. But at US airports it is basically never a problem. It is technically beyond limitations so they could force you to check it. When I leave Spain to come home? I check my pack. So I don’t try to go through Spanish airports with it. Your 30L pack is enough unless you are going when it’s very cold.
When you say, 30-35L is enough for summer camino, is the backpack is really really full? Or does it leave a little room? I'm 5 feet tall, so my clothing is small and I take only 2-3 each (as you recommend). With sandales and all other minimum necessary items, I don't think it'll fit in 35L.
I am 5’8” and 260 pounds so my clothing is all quite large (XXL). I have a 30L backpack that I bought since making this. Everything fits on the inside, including camera equipment I bring to make these videos. Nothing is strapped to the outside which is okay too. I think a small woman will fit in 30L very easily in the summer, as long as your sleeping bag/blanket is not very large. But everything and take it to the store to load it up and see?
@@CaminoGuide I re-checked everything, and it did fit in 30L ! (even a pair of Salomon inside) I didn't have a small quick dry towel, thin poncho, etc. so I think that's why it didn't fit. Your video is so helpful, thank you!
I am still in a quandry as to how to get the backpack to Spain from U.S. A 36+ litre pack is beyond size limit for carryon. If you check the pack, what are the odds of damage and/or theft? I would hate to get to the Spain, and have no backpack
I’ve NEVER been stopped with a pack of less than 40L. In fact, I’ve only been stopped a couple times with my 55L pack. You can absolutely carry on a loaded 36L if you are from the US. European airports can be a little more restrictive.
Usually yes. Almost all pack companies put the number of liters in the title of their packs. I’m not sure if you are referring to mine…I think that is an Osprey Atmos 50 and it is 50L. Notice not all Liter ratings are identical. If a company says 50L then it could be anywhere from 46 to 53, for example. Each of their sizes (S/M/L) will be slightly different. So they just give it a nominal size (“50L”). But those differences aren’t a big deal usually.
Learn more and register for one of my pilgrim groups over on my website!
www.caminoguide.info/guidedgroups
I like the dog in the background.
His name is Harley. It’s his first cameo on the channel!
You haven’t said yet but it would be nice to know which one of these can be taken his carry-on. Also if the top portion of the pack is removable on a 50 L, I would think that would make it closer to carry-on size. I love your videos, and I am a subscriber. Thank you very much for the time you invest in doing this.
I’ve actually carried ALL of these packs on. The 50L is my primary carry on for air travel and I have used it probably 50 times without incident. It’s never packed all the way. I think anything less than 35 L will fit even if fully packed.
I have a Lowe Alpine Airzone Camino Trek 40:50 and its unbelievable the comfort provides!!! Nice review my friend!!
Thanks! I have heard of the brand but I don't know that pack at all. Sometimes big packs are just more comfortable if you aren't tempted to fill them up!
@@CaminoGuide Agree!
Great tips! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Thanks, Jeremiah, for covering this topic. I'd never seen the "swivel-hip" strap option before that is on one of your "cadillac" packs. I appreciate the advice about getting professionally fitted. I will make a point of doing so. A popular and highly respected gear store/chain on Canada is Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and I will visit one of their stores in Alberta this fall to make a selection and get fitted. Looking forward to practice hikes. For now just building up my walking capacity and Spanish language skills.
Sometimes you can even train with a light school style backpack just to get used to the weight. But I’d say only carry 5-7 pounds in a school backpack will be similar strain to 12 lbs in a proper backpack.
When you go into the store, ask them to help you adjust torso length and load lifters too. They can help you know how the pack rides properly.
My go to brand to choose between cadillac and lightweight packs is Osprey. I walked with an Osprey Kyte 36 (for men it's Kestrel 38) which is very comfortable and has a lot of adjustments. My current pack is the Osprey Tempest 30 which still is roomy enough for average camino gear but much lighter. I need a little frame, hipbelt and some cushioning so most ultralight packs are not for me
For people who don’t really want to think about a pack decision, I always suggest the Kyte/Kestrel. It’s a great Camino pack and one of their more affordable options.
@@CaminoGuide Great suggestion. I've watched a number of videos that recommend those Osprey packs. And I've found that when I start to research other brands, I'm more on my own.
@@jjquinn2004 There are usually videos for most brands somewhere on RUclips. I'd just recommend watching a few if you don't know the reviewers from other videos. Some are positive about everything they pick up, and others are critical of everything they pick up. So I like to watch 3-5 people talk about the same pack before deciding what I think.
I'm planning on going late April to late May 2024. Will it be cold in the upper elevations still at that time of year? Would I need a backpack that could carry a coat and a sleeping bag?
Yes. You should definitely plan for temps as low as 30F/0C that time of year. As for sleeping bag, many albergues have returned to providing blankets. But it’s possible you’d have some cold nights if you skip it. I would recommend a light sleeping bag other than during he summer months.
I’m pretty sure x-pac material is waterproof, but the seams that are stitched together are not taped, which allows some water to enter the pack at the seams. DCF, aka Cuban Fiber, is waterproof and most packs made out of DCF are seam taped making them much more waterproof. However, the cost is higher.
Yes. DCF is also lighter than XPac. Probably a bit less durable. X-PAC can also be seam sealed, but I’m sure there are packs out there like this one that don’t come that way. I think if it were seam sealed then it would also be 100% waterproof.
Camino Guide Yes, I believe you’re correct on the seam sealing. Although none are 100% waterproof because if they are submerged in water for a bit of time stuff will get wet. But they can handle a heavy rain down pour.
Thank-you for a very informative and useful video. Being in India, I don't really have the option of visiting specialty stores to try on various packs, so I rely on videos such as yours to select a pack for the Camino.
I'd like your opinion on a point made by another RUclipsr who has done the Camino Frances. In discussing the pros/cons of the Osprey Kestrel 38L & 48L packs, he suggested going for the larger as there is virtually no weight difference between the two (The Osprey website shows no weight difference), but then have the discipline to still pack conservatively. It also makes the pack more useful because as you pointed out, you can use it on non-Camino hikes when you do need to carry more. What do you think?
I think that’s mostly true. And if there is no weight difference (often there is a minimal difference, but it’s possible the frame or something is different on the larger one) then that isn’t a bad choice.
The only downside is that with a small Camino load, it will be hard to get it all cinched down. I was just packing my Dueter tonight with my load for July section…it is VERY empty. But that’s not a big deal.
Sometimes you are pushing the limits of being an airline carry on too. I’ve walked on with
@@CaminoGuide Good point about the loading, esp. as I don't think I'll overpack for a number of reasons. BTW, I was just looking on Amazon India and I noticed they do stock the Deuter pack you mentioned.
@@jjquinn2004 you may check for the smaller Futura packs as well. I’ve seen a 30 and a 38. They are pretty affordable and their frames are second to none. I love mine.
What about maximum carry on dimensions? I found a Pakt Backpack whihc meets international carry on size regulations (which are more strict than the US), but it’s 30 litres. It opens like a clam, arnd I’ve used it extensively, I would really recommend it. but the packs you are recommending do not seem to meet the carry on size regulations, so you would have to check your back and retrieve it at baggage claim. Thoughts?
You are probably right that non-US airports would be more strict. I have boarded every plane with a 50L pack for the last decade and never been stopped. Never a fully loaded 50L of course. More like 30L of gear in a 50L pack. But at US airports it is basically never a problem. It is technically beyond limitations so they could force you to check it.
When I leave Spain to come home? I check my pack. So I don’t try to go through Spanish airports with it.
Your 30L pack is enough unless you are going when it’s very cold.
When you say, 30-35L is enough for summer camino, is the backpack is really really full? Or does it leave a little room? I'm 5 feet tall, so my clothing is small and I take only 2-3 each (as you recommend). With sandales and all other minimum necessary items, I don't think it'll fit in 35L.
I am 5’8” and 260 pounds so my clothing is all quite large (XXL). I have a 30L backpack that I bought since making this. Everything fits on the inside, including camera equipment I bring to make these videos. Nothing is strapped to the outside which is okay too. I think a small woman will fit in 30L very easily in the summer, as long as your sleeping bag/blanket is not very large. But everything and take it to the store to load it up and see?
My 30L backpack is new since this video and I will make a video to update since this one.
@@CaminoGuide I re-checked everything, and it did fit in 30L ! (even a pair of Salomon inside) I didn't have a small quick dry towel, thin poncho, etc. so I think that's why it didn't fit. Your video is so helpful, thank you!
I am still in a quandry as to how to get the backpack to Spain from U.S. A 36+ litre pack is beyond size limit for carryon. If you check the pack, what are the odds of damage and/or theft? I would hate to get to the Spain, and have no backpack
I’ve NEVER been stopped with a pack of less than 40L. In fact, I’ve only been stopped a couple times with my 55L pack. You can absolutely carry on a loaded 36L if you are from the US. European airports can be a little more restrictive.
I have heard that women's packs have narrower straps in order to accommodate women's narrow shoulders.
Us I were to do it again...I would just use pockets to carry the minimal.
Back packs are unnecessary on el Camino.
How many Litres is the Osprey50? Is it 50L?
Usually yes. Almost all pack companies put the number of liters in the title of their packs. I’m not sure if you are referring to mine…I think that is an Osprey Atmos 50 and it is 50L.
Notice not all Liter ratings are identical. If a company says 50L then it could be anywhere from 46 to 53, for example. Each of their sizes (S/M/L) will be slightly different. So they just give it a nominal size (“50L”). But those differences aren’t a big deal usually.
@@CaminoGuide Thank you!
Gregory Zulu 30 for men Jade 28 for women 👍
I’ve never owned one but most Gregory owners are very happy with their packs.