Love the message of acceptance & encouragement. The Camino is for ALL ABILITIES. People assume that being overweight cannot participate in physical activity because of the excess weight. There was another Camino video posted that was very ‘fat shaming” in my opinion, with much judgement. It really irked me. I didn’t comment because I do not have the energy to try to deal with the rude, judgy comments. Obesity is a very complex metabolic process. It is not as simple as eat less move more. I am overweight, have been most of my life, very active and I hike 20-25km. I would even say I am more fit than my 120 lb friend who is severely nutritionally deficient, but “THIN”. Society would look at us both and assume she is more capable because of her body size. Not the case AT ALL. So good on you for putting out a very different narrative on walking “THE CAMINO”.
Thanks Sherry. The Camino is such a forgiving distance exercise. If folks will just attend to THEIR ability and learn to listen to their body then almost anyone can do this. All that said, one thing that we can be very sure about: except for a very small percentage of persons, walking Camino is better for your health than not walking it. I am sure that there is some level of obesity that a doctor would say "don't do this walk." But for almost all of us, the health benefits, mental health benefits, and increased self confidence are a good thing.
Thanks for the video. I'm a large woman who is just learning about hiking and my goal is to backpack. I so appreciate the openness about overweight bodies and how to help be safe, happy, and successful with them on trail. Ty
This was great. The good news is some major backpack companies are starting be inclusive...ie they are making plus size versions of some of their packs. Gregory was the first I think, Osprey is doing it now too. Even better they aren't charging a premium price for them. I got an Osprey Tempast - Extended fit. It fits beautifully. ( the way your photo of the fit person with the pack on) The waist belt is extended, the waist belt pockets are larger and sit further out front.
thank you for the tips i have made a belt extention for my bag because well the old bag o mine doesnt fit other wise lol. 315 lbs, thats my now weight, i was 180kg or 396 when a heart attack made me rethink a lot of my life.
Thank you for sharing this topic! I am considering buying my dad a backpack but I am afraid he would be uncomfortable with the hip belt and end up not using it.
Excellent video great content. This is a wonderful video. Im almost 50 and 5'7" about 290 and i want to get into hiking and backpacking. I used to hunt fish in my younger days i still love the outdoors. This is very encouraging. Im in Arkansas and i plan on setting out on some of the trails marked easy. Until i get in better shape. Anyways thanks for the info and encouragement.
One thing I would suggest about your pack is never be afraid to make modifications to the straps. I am a former football player from Tennessee and have very broad shoulders and a big belly of course, so the chest and belly straps were not long enough, so even though it can void a warranty, I had wider and longer belt material sew on at an alteration shop to conform to my fit.
Great point. On one of my packs, I considered sewing on an extension so there was something good to pull and never did it. PS. I'm a lifelong UT fan and just went to Neyland for my first game in 2019...my dad and I are planning on going back in October for another game. VFL!
I have no real experience, I'm learning so I can backpack. I have seen another video where they called the manufacturer about needing a bigger belt and was sent, for free, and extention piece. So maybe other company's have them and maybe worth checking.
Thank you so much for this video. I am so worried about those first few days to Orisson (I hope I can get a reservation there in 2022) and Roncesvalles (I'm not doing it all in one day), so just knowing that others have done it makes me feel better for sure. Thank you. Also, Gregory Packs just came out with plus size packs that have new sizing 2x to 6x. They have day packs and thru-hiking packs as well. I haven't looked into them yet, because I'm pretty happy with my REI pack, BUT...just an option if others are interested. Anyway, thanks again.
This is really cool about Gregory. I don’t really need a larger pack now. I’ve lost some weight. But the belt was a problem before. As for the first couple days. The hike up to Orisson is short but very steep. The hike from Orisson to Roncesvalles is very long but not steep. The downhill into town is pretty steep actually. I think if it is split in two then no problem. All in one day would make for a long day if you aren’t in shape.
@@CaminoGuide Oh awesome and congratulations!! Also, thank you so much for the reviews on the first few days! That is where most of my anxiety is. I appreciate your videos, they are very helpful on many aspects of the planning!! 👏🏼👏🏼
You’ve totally got this. I’ve never had someone say “I can do this” and then they are not able to. I’ve had plenty say “I can’t” who learn they can. So if you are saying it, I know that you can!!
im french sorry for my "frenglish" but really great thanks in france alls videos are without overweight.... as if france population is ......slim ...butis no the reality so more tanks
This was a very interesting video I stumbled upon. You've sparked my curiosity about Camino de Santiago! I just subbed & excited to learn more about this pilgrimage! I see an IU shirt...I live in Dayton, OH!
Thanks for the video! I find my biggest issue is the shoulder straps pinching in the armpit/side of breast area. I like the idea of changing the straps to longer ones to see if that helps. If anyone has tips feel free to reply!
Good question. I think the belt fit is the same. But particularly the chest fit could be very different. I don’t have a lot to offer on that part, but I think the belt should be okay.
Hello, I just heard last month that Gregory Packs and Gossamer Gear have come out with plus size packs. Finally!! I haven't tried them yet to know if there are any differences between the packs, but they might be a good place to start the research. Happy Researching :)
63 year old very overweight female from Perth Australia here. I went to my local Paddy Palin hiking gear for a backpack fit. A very helpful young man spent a lot of time with me fitting an osprey pack and changed out the waist belt for an extra large size one. He also put weight in the pack for me to try and taught me how to put the pack on and make the necessary adjustments and just as importantly he taught me how to take the pack off properly too.
Don't apply a tourniquet around your waste. Fluffy people don't have wastes, so waste belts don't work very much. You are transferring the load to your guts. Hip belts are supposed to transfer the load to your pelvis. Accept that fluffy geometry means a backpack load will primarily rest on the shoulders. Ultralight gear is the best way to go. Try to keep your backpack below 20 pounds total to lessen the load on your spine and loosen that belt. Another option is to go with alternatives to backpacks. You don't have to concentrate your entire load out into a backpack. I know that's the norm, but take advantage of your girth and large surface area and spread the load over your entire body. Get some overalls with big pockets everywhere you can load with gear and you won't have to worry about the weight pulling your pants down. Put soft things like ponchos, hats, clothes, gloves, or a pillow in the leg pockets so you don't have hard things banging you in the legs when you're hiking. Put hard items in the hip and chest pockets. Get a load bearing vest like the military uses. You can pick them up used for $20. Its basically a padded molly 6" wide waste belt with mesh connecting thin wide heavy duty material that goes over your shoulders and adjustable straps down your back. The circumference adjusts quite large, maybe 55". Then you have a waist belt that actually goes around a fluffy person with the bottom even with the belly button. Adjust it so it is a snug vest but not squeezing the snot out of you. Get molly pouches (large ones are called sustainment pouches). Attach a couple of pouches on your side for food, clothes, cookware , fuel. Attach a couple of water bottle pouches on you belly. Now your using your guts to carry a load without cinching a 2" strap tightly around. Your stomach and love handles carry the load and the shoulders of the vest keep it from sliding down over time. Then get a small backpack without a waste belt. Put just a sleeping bag and an inflatable pad in the bag and strap your tent to the bottom on the outside. That will weigh less than 10 pounds. No problem for a backpack with no waist belt. Traditional backpacks just don't function well if you don't have a waist.
Hi I’m a 22 yr old female with 90 kg weight and a height of 160 cm , I wanted to go for easy to moderate trek ( elevation is 12,500 ft) in late December (winter cold) I wanted to know if it’s good decision to for trek ?? I really want to get this experience but I don’t see much info on internet regarding the same and I would be glad if you could help out
I love that you want to do this! I assume that part of your question is about your health and ability given that this is on my post about overweight backpacking. I’m no medical professional, but I would assume that if you feel strong enough to do it then you probably are. At 22 you are stronger than you know and resilient. I would suggest two things. If you haven’t done much of this kind of backpacking then plan for short mileage until you know what you can do. At elevation like that, maybe only walking 5-6 miles in a day. My bigger concern is that you plan to do this in December and at elevation. Winter requires carrying a lot more weight (for warm clothing/tent/etc). And the costs of a mistake are much higher. There are so many skills you need to do an overnight in the cold. If you have not backpacked in the cold then I’d suggest sleeping in a place where you can easily get back in your car for the first very cold night. Do you know how to survive at -20C or 0F? If not then I wouldn’t do an overnight at elevation in the winter. But if you can go for a long hike where you can sleep in a cabin after hiking? Then this sounds like a wonderful adventure. Be sure to prepare for the worst temps you can imagine when doing a winter mountain hike though…unprepared people can die in bad conditions. If you know how to survive, then get out there and walk!! 😃
@@CaminoGuide thanks for your quick reply, my ques was regarding the weight mostly which might affect my balance during trek Also, I plan to do only 3-4 miles a day (cover 8 miles over 3 days probably) with a group of friends About winter, yes I was concerned about that as well -the temp goes to around -4 /-5 degrees (acc to last yr stats) so can I assume it is okay to camp ?
I've been wanting to use a tumpline to see how it works. But I just use my shoulders at 300lb guy that doesn't go far with a 50 lb framless pack. Would like to see how I do compared to other big guys. Anyone for a hike im in ohio
I have never tried the Tumpline thing but that seems almost as miserable as carrying fully on your shoulders. Since I made this video, Gregory starting making a line of packs for overweight people. Have you seen these? Gregory Katmai (amzn.to/3jYJWyo) or Stout (amzn.to/2ZOE040) seem to be the best bets for multi-day trips. You can search for Gregory Plus Size to see the whole line.
Thank you!! I’ve definitely been loading up the pack. It helps exercise be more efficient when it’s loaded down. But in not doing a lot of trips. I’m actually not a backpacker really. I’m going for 8 days in May, but I don’t love the camping part. I like walking which is why I do Camino each year. Lots of walking and no camping!
![A Summer on the Appalachian Trail [2023]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cIYzOdJ5OE4/mqdefault.jpg)
Been looking for advice all over the internet for a larger guy wearing hiking backpacks. This video was exactly what I needed! Thank you!
Glad it works for you! Big guys backpack too!!
Love the message of acceptance & encouragement. The Camino is for ALL ABILITIES. People assume that being overweight cannot participate in physical activity because of the excess weight. There was another Camino video posted that was very ‘fat shaming” in my opinion, with much judgement. It really irked me. I didn’t comment because I do not have the energy to try to deal with the rude, judgy comments. Obesity is a very complex metabolic process. It is not as simple as eat less move more. I am overweight, have been most of my life, very active and I hike 20-25km. I would even say I am more fit than my 120 lb friend who is severely nutritionally deficient, but “THIN”. Society would look at us both and assume she is more capable because of her body size. Not the case AT ALL.
So good on you for putting out a very different narrative on walking “THE CAMINO”.
Thanks Sherry. The Camino is such a forgiving distance exercise. If folks will just attend to THEIR ability and learn to listen to their body then almost anyone can do this. All that said, one thing that we can be very sure about: except for a very small percentage of persons, walking Camino is better for your health than not walking it. I am sure that there is some level of obesity that a doctor would say "don't do this walk." But for almost all of us, the health benefits, mental health benefits, and increased self confidence are a good thing.
Thanks for the video. I'm a large woman who is just learning about hiking and my goal is to backpack. I so appreciate the openness about overweight bodies and how to help be safe, happy, and successful with them on trail. Ty
Backpacking is for people of every size! The equipment can be a little more challenging but there are options.
This is a great video and great message! Get that pack in the right place for you and use those poles! Thanks for sharing!
This was great. The good news is some major backpack companies are starting be inclusive...ie they are making plus size versions of some of their packs. Gregory was the first I think, Osprey is doing it now too. Even better they aren't charging a premium price for them. I got an Osprey Tempast - Extended fit. It fits beautifully. ( the way your photo of the fit person with the pack on) The waist belt is extended, the waist belt pockets are larger and sit further out front.
thank you for the tips i have made a belt extention for my bag because well the old bag o mine doesnt fit other wise lol. 315 lbs, thats my now weight, i was 180kg or 396 when a heart attack made me rethink a lot of my life.
i watched and liked ALL of your videos 🥰
Thanks!!
Thank you for sharing this topic! I am considering buying my dad a backpack but I am afraid he would be uncomfortable with the hip belt and end up not using it.
Excellent video great content. This is a wonderful video. Im almost 50 and 5'7" about 290 and i want to get into hiking and backpacking. I used to hunt fish in my younger days i still love the outdoors. This is very encouraging. Im in Arkansas and i plan on setting out on some of the trails marked easy. Until i get in better shape. Anyways thanks for the info and encouragement.
One thing I would suggest about your pack is never be afraid to make modifications to the straps. I am a former football player from Tennessee and have very broad shoulders and a big belly of course, so the chest and belly straps were not long enough, so even though it can void a warranty, I had wider and longer belt material sew on at an alteration shop to conform to my fit.
Great point. On one of my packs, I considered sewing on an extension so there was something good to pull and never did it.
PS. I'm a lifelong UT fan and just went to Neyland for my first game in 2019...my dad and I are planning on going back in October for another game. VFL!
I have no real experience, I'm learning so I can backpack. I have seen another video where they called the manufacturer about needing a bigger belt and was sent, for free, and extention piece. So maybe other company's have them and maybe worth checking.
Thank you so much for this video. I am so worried about those first few days to Orisson (I hope I can get a reservation there in 2022) and Roncesvalles (I'm not doing it all in one day), so just knowing that others have done it makes me feel better for sure. Thank you. Also, Gregory Packs just came out with plus size packs that have new sizing 2x to 6x. They have day packs and thru-hiking packs as well. I haven't looked into them yet, because I'm pretty happy with my REI pack, BUT...just an option if others are interested. Anyway, thanks again.
This is really cool about Gregory. I don’t really need a larger pack now. I’ve lost some weight. But the belt was a problem before.
As for the first couple days. The hike up to Orisson is short but very steep. The hike from Orisson to Roncesvalles is very long but not steep. The downhill into town is pretty steep actually. I think if it is split in two then no problem. All in one day would make for a long day if you aren’t in shape.
@@CaminoGuide Oh awesome and congratulations!! Also, thank you so much for the reviews on the first few days! That is where most of my anxiety is. I appreciate your videos, they are very helpful on many aspects of the planning!! 👏🏼👏🏼
I’m glad you are liking the videos!!
Great!!! Tks!!! I can do it. Keep doubting myself. But I can do it! Tks!!!
You’ve totally got this. I’ve never had someone say “I can do this” and then they are not able to. I’ve had plenty say “I can’t” who learn they can. So if you are saying it, I know that you can!!
You can do it
im french sorry for my "frenglish" but really great thanks
in france alls videos are without overweight....
as if france population is ......slim ...butis no the reality
so more tanks
This was a very interesting video I stumbled upon. You've sparked my curiosity about Camino de Santiago! I just subbed & excited to learn more about this pilgrimage! I see an IU shirt...I live in Dayton, OH!
You're a realist. Thanks. Regards
Great video people forget that things are harder for overweight individuals
Thanks! For those who haven't been overweight, they just have no frame of reference for what challenges come up. But we have to go walk anyway!
Great video!! We get left out on these youtube videos. Thanks again!
Thanks! Glad I can be helpful!
Thanks for the video! I find my biggest issue is the shoulder straps pinching in the armpit/side of breast area. I like the idea of changing the straps to longer ones to see if that helps. If anyone has tips feel free to reply!
What is also annoying is that those waist straps are often incredibly short and I cannot event fit them around my belly.
Is there a difference in pack fit for an overweight woman, considering there is a difference in body build?
Good question. I think the belt fit is the same. But particularly the chest fit could be very different. I don’t have a lot to offer on that part, but I think the belt should be okay.
Hello, I just heard last month that Gregory Packs and Gossamer Gear have come out with plus size packs. Finally!! I haven't tried them yet to know if there are any differences between the packs, but they might be a good place to start the research. Happy Researching :)
63 year old very overweight female from Perth Australia here. I went to my local Paddy Palin hiking gear for a backpack fit. A very helpful young man spent a lot of time with me fitting an osprey pack and changed out the waist belt for an extra large size one. He also put weight in the pack for me to try and taught me how to put the pack on and make the necessary adjustments and just as importantly he taught me how to take the pack off properly too.
Don't apply a tourniquet around your waste. Fluffy people don't have wastes, so waste belts don't work very much. You are transferring the load to your guts. Hip belts are supposed to transfer the load to your pelvis. Accept that fluffy geometry means a backpack load will primarily rest on the shoulders. Ultralight gear is the best way to go. Try to keep your backpack below 20 pounds total to lessen the load on your spine and loosen that belt. Another option is to go with alternatives to backpacks. You don't have to concentrate your entire load out into a backpack. I know that's the norm, but take advantage of your girth and large surface area and spread the load over your entire body. Get some overalls with big pockets everywhere you can load with gear and you won't have to worry about the weight pulling your pants down. Put soft things like ponchos, hats, clothes, gloves, or a pillow in the leg pockets so you don't have hard things banging you in the legs when you're hiking. Put hard items in the hip and chest pockets. Get a load bearing vest like the military uses. You can pick them up used for $20. Its basically a padded molly 6" wide waste belt with mesh connecting thin wide heavy duty material that goes over your shoulders and adjustable straps down your back. The circumference adjusts quite large, maybe 55". Then you have a waist belt that actually goes around a fluffy person with the bottom even with the belly button. Adjust it so it is a snug vest but not squeezing the snot out of you. Get molly pouches (large ones are called sustainment pouches). Attach a couple of pouches on your side for food, clothes, cookware , fuel. Attach a couple of water bottle pouches on you belly. Now your using your guts to carry a load without cinching a 2" strap tightly around. Your stomach and love handles carry the load and the shoulders of the vest keep it from sliding down over time. Then get a small backpack without a waste belt. Put just a sleeping bag and an inflatable pad in the bag and strap your tent to the bottom on the outside. That will weigh less than 10 pounds. No problem for a backpack with no waist belt. Traditional backpacks just don't function well if you don't have a waist.
Im struggling with the fit but not because of belly, becase of overly large chest. WHAT do we do about that ???!! Ugh.
Is it already women’s pack? That’s the difference between men’s and women’s. It’s all in the chest straps.
Hi
I’m a 22 yr old female with 90 kg weight and a height of 160 cm , I wanted to go for easy to moderate trek ( elevation is 12,500 ft) in late December (winter cold)
I wanted to know if it’s good decision to for trek ?? I really want to get this experience but I don’t see much info on internet regarding the same and I would be glad if you could help out
I love that you want to do this! I assume that part of your question is about your health and ability given that this is on my post about overweight backpacking. I’m no medical professional, but I would assume that if you feel strong enough to do it then you probably are. At 22 you are stronger than you know and resilient.
I would suggest two things. If you haven’t done much of this kind of backpacking then plan for short mileage until you know what you can do. At elevation like that, maybe only walking 5-6 miles in a day.
My bigger concern is that you plan to do this in December and at elevation. Winter requires carrying a lot more weight (for warm clothing/tent/etc). And the costs of a mistake are much higher. There are so many skills you need to do an overnight in the cold. If you have not backpacked in the cold then I’d suggest sleeping in a place where you can easily get back in your car for the first very cold night. Do you know how to survive at -20C or 0F? If not then I wouldn’t do an overnight at elevation in the winter.
But if you can go for a long hike where you can sleep in a cabin after hiking? Then this sounds like a wonderful adventure. Be sure to prepare for the worst temps you can imagine when doing a winter mountain hike though…unprepared people can die in bad conditions. If you know how to survive, then get out there and walk!! 😃
@@CaminoGuide thanks for your quick reply, my ques was regarding the weight mostly which might affect my balance during trek
Also, I plan to do only 3-4 miles a day (cover 8 miles over 3 days probably) with a group of friends
About winter, yes I was concerned about that as well -the temp goes to around -4 /-5 degrees (acc to last yr stats) so can I assume it is okay to camp ?
I've been wanting to use a tumpline to see how it works. But I just use my shoulders at 300lb guy that doesn't go far with a 50 lb framless pack. Would like to see how I do compared to other big guys. Anyone for a hike im in ohio
I have never tried the Tumpline thing but that seems almost as miserable as carrying fully on your shoulders. Since I made this video, Gregory starting making a line of packs for overweight people. Have you seen these? Gregory Katmai (amzn.to/3jYJWyo) or Stout (amzn.to/2ZOE040) seem to be the best bets for multi-day trips. You can search for Gregory Plus Size to see the whole line.
Keep going man . Use heavyweight backpack , go multi days trips and cut calorie gaining in the wilderness by meals. You have the will 👊
Thank you!!
I’ve definitely been loading up the pack. It helps exercise be more efficient when it’s loaded down. But in not doing a lot of trips. I’m actually not a backpacker really. I’m going for 8 days in May, but I don’t love the camping part. I like walking which is why I do Camino each year. Lots of walking and no camping!
Your hip belt is too high.
It’s working great!