I’ve completed 4 Caminos, 2013, 14, 15 and 2017. Will be walking again in 2023 or 24. I initially fell into the Camino premise of smaller is lighter and therefore better, which caused me more problems, both in back and shoulder pain. I then chose (at the time) a popular model - Osprey Kestrel 48, but found it limiting and packed to the brim, which others felt I must be carrying too much; that was not the case. I’m 188cm (6’2”) at 79kg (175lbs), which translates to larger clothes and shoes, etc… My pack weight, minus a 900ml water bottle, is 7.5kg (16.5lbs). Regardless, I opted for comfort on my last 2 Caminos and used the Deuter AirContact Lite 50+10L at 1.75kg (3.85lbs), and it worked the charm. Packed nicely, room to add lunch when required, was extremely comfortable and sat on the hips taking the weight easily, so no strain on the shoulders. Anyone asking me about Camino backpacks, I always suggest finding one that works for you; fits well and allows you room to pack and find items comfortably. When you focus on size and weight over comfort, you’ll typically pay the price in discomfort. To be fair most weight differences are negligible in today's packs. I don’t do carry-on, so I purchase the plastic aircraft bags and seal my backpack and poles up; have never had a problem.
Yeah I think too many times people think they're doing something wrong if they don't go ultralight but that's a different style of hiking, not just different gear. For the Camino it's more like luggage than camping. :)
I know this video is 4 yrs old… but have you ever tried the Osprey Talon packs? The 33L Talon is very popular on the Camino, super light & definitely carry on friendly.
I've carried the Talon 22 for years as a daypack. I like it but I've moved past the heavy, multi-feature nylon packs. At 40 oz., the Talon 33 would be one of my heaviest and smallest packs. :) However, if I was looking for those cool Osprey features it would be a contender for sure. Thanks!
Hi Doug. Interesting video. You raised some of the same issues I had when choosing a backpack - comfort, capacity and airline carry-on size. I did the first 150km of the Camino from St Jean Pied du Port to Vianna in May 2019 and planned to go from Vianna to Santiago in June/July 2020, but that’s all cancelled now because of Covid-19. The Camino is not like back country trekking - you pass through several towns and villages each day, so you need easy access (not inside your backpack) to things like wallet and cash, phone, camera, spectacles, sun glasses and water bottle as you walk along. Apart from a couple of days, there’s no need to carry a full day’s supply of food and drink. I might binge watch your channel while we’re all confined to our homes in the UK.
I went through the same trauma … and ended up buying and taking the S/M version of the Osprey Stratos 50l . This im telling you is the holy grail of backpacks. It cost me a fortune to find that out … but it was worth it. my load was appx 14-15kg most days and i often forget it was on my back … even after 4-5 hours if walking. In my opinion and 830km of actual use …. I would have to say … this is the PERFECT camino pack !
Oh I thought you had the Atmos which is like 72 oz. and I was comparing it to my current UL pack which runs about 20. (My ULA, despite its name, is more jn the lightweight category). I didn't know Osprey made a Stratos 50.
Great video Doug. I took the Atmos AG 50 in 2018 on the Camino Norte. You wouldn’t need the brain but I did end up taking it. Next Camino I’ll leave it behind for a shorter more nimble look and fit. The AG is super comfortable. I did purchase the Osprey carry bag and checked it with my pack enclosed with no problems. Buen Camino!
Well it was the one I chose haha. I'm just too paranoid about getting my pack taken away to get checked. But with the way things are right now who knows? The rules might change dramatically in the next couple of weeks.
Awesome video. I have the Osprey Stratos 36 myself it's a great pack if I'm overnight backpacking. But I'm looking at buying a Daylite Plus for day hikes, and I really like that Atmos for the extra volume, and it looks like a better suspension system as well. Great info, thanks and be safe brother!
Yeah I liked the Stratos a lot right up until I didn't haha. Might have just been off that day but I wasnt taking any chances. Wearing the Atmos is like being hugged by a pillow. :)
Interesting. How did you carry the fanny pack? Can you wrap it around the backpack? I'll be carrying a travel size CPAP machine which is giving me a puzzle to solve. Lol
With the Zerk 40 it has no substantial hip belt so a fanny pack can be worn like normal. With a bigger pack like the Atmos, I can be worn loosely around the waist and kind of sit on the hip belt but I don't like having all that stuff in my way. I'd advise getting your gear first and shopping packs in person if you can once you know what you'll need. It can make a huge difference!
Doug you forgot Hyperlite mountain gear, ULA Backpacks, Mountain Laurel Designs, Gossemer Gear, Superior Wilderness Designs.........You must keep searching!!! The perfect pack is still out there somewhere....aaaaahg!!!
I've just purchased the osprey ag 50 l in S/M blue colour precisely for my camino in May 2023. By far the most comfortable bag I own, or have even tried on. However, my first 15 mile Hike I was amazed by the weight kind of being held up by the design of the bag. The exoskeleton seems to carry the weight. 10 miles in and My hips were very sore. I readjusted to ensure my belt strap was nice & high. Again, it felt very comfortable & did help for the final 5 miles before jumping on a train home. I'm a skinny, boney guy so now I'm going on a weight gain mission for the next 5 months. I'll decide after 100 miles. I have heard very good things regarding Osprey customer service so may well contact them for advice. I'm also considering purchasing a 36/38l. I do a lot of bushcraft so my bags will all get used over time. I'm aware this seems a mixed comment but maybe the side belt material, which is real solid, takes some breaking in. Again I will now more after 100 miles. What is clear to me though is how comfortable the bag actually is, it is not the weight causing me issues, far from it, its a almost self carries the entire weight, I just seem to have a friction issue with immediate thoughts maybe towards extra padding or a comfort belt like a weight lifting belt. I was wearing jeans & a army type belt so in shorts I assume less weight band material, underwear, jeans, belt, jumper etc. Excellent video was a real help & I think my situation is just a personal one but no risks will be taken in Spain! Looking forward to trying it out more. Thanks for the great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You're doing the right thing by testing it out. I've heard similar complaints about hip discomfort about this pack which seems odd to me since it is so overly padded. I wonder if its being tightened too much on to other elements (like you said, belt etc.), and it goes unnoticed precisely because it is so padded?
@Backcountry Pilgrim it's really interesting as the bag is so well padded. I have used it again yesterday and made sure my jeans & belt were underneath the waist belt which seemed to eliminate hot spots on my hips. I think it's a skinny body issue as the exoskeleton is padded but solid so I just think if skinny like me, then waist band, belt etc must be below the rucksack waist band, which Makes sense anyway. Only did a 6 mile walk, bag packed correctly & with a heavy-ish weight & it was so comfortable. Not an issue at all at that distance. I still can't get over how the bag carries the weight, its like it defies gravity, I also had zero friction issues which was a huge relief. I'll be doing a 20 miler soon & will let you know, I really hope I have no hip issues at that distance as I really want to use this bag on the camino. It hugs me so well! I've also asked Osprey for any advice. Thank you! Best regards 👍🏻👍🏻
I switched to the Zerk 40 myself (from the Exos 58) and it’s been great so far. I took my hip belt off entirely and up to about 35 lbs total weight it’s super comfy on carries up to 8 miles so far.
The packs made by kelty are excellent also i got a kelty redwing 50l for 80 bucks and also a redwing 32l i also been checking out deuter there 28l trans alpine pro multi day biking pack is the best ive used besides the stratos 34. I found the trampoline backs on osprey nice but your sacrificing space for that. i noticed also the airspeed backs are curved making the packs curved like the manta AG 36 . This makes packing things more akward and waste space that can be used for something else. . The trampoline material used isnt the strongest in the world if u rip that while on the trail your screwed iam starting to prefer dueiter for there desighn on the back panels
My daypack was a Deuter 24l for many years. I love it! A bit heavy for its size but comfortable and well made. My buddy that I first started backpacking with had a Kelty and he liked his. I've never had one though. Maybe next time!
Your height doesn't really matter as much as torso length which is critical in a full harness backpack. Be sure your torso length has been measured properly and keep an eye on backpack sizing (not volume) and you should be good to go!
Nice video. I'm also searching for the "perfect camino backpack". Everything you mentioned I'm looking for plus the one with additional zippered side entry to the main compartment. Any suggestions?
I can't vouch for it as I've only tried one out once, but they're a good company and I've heard some good things about it. One issue is the open pockets (bad in rain). Otherwise it seems well designed.
Id guess the smaller but it really depends on how much you're taking and how you like to carry it. BTW, my first "real" pack was a giant Lowe Alpine, loved that thing but it hydrolyzed after being stored in a hot attic for too long. :(
@@BackcountryPilgrim I have had a bergaus airflow 25L for at least 10 years and only just retired it last year for a Lowe alpine airzone 20L - both are legendary! I watched your video to help make my mind up for a bag for the French route this July. I haven’t put as much effort in as you yet, so I’m hoping to just get it bought without clocking up the research mileage
I hoped you'd find this one haha. Didn't want to overwhelm you with links. So yeah the Atmos and the Zerk are my two backpacking packs as of now. The Atmos for heavy loads and the Zerk for fastpacking. :)
Buddy, stor deal dewa arimasen. Az caminoban tapasin egy monk som Santiago in ikimashita sans possessions. Not edes cipőe volt. Sorry go giella de Baabel parlons.
@@BackcountryPilgrim Haha, just some languages I heard on the road. On my first camino I met a monk who had no possessions - not even shoes, just a robe. I would not do the Camino without shoes - that's too hardcore - but I am thinking of going with no backpack. First time I had way too much stuff, so why not swing to the other extreme?
Well it's about time you made a decision. That took almost as long as it takes to get tested for the Coronavirus. LOL Although, you could probably still take the AG50, the way that travel is going, you may be the only person on the plane.
@@BackcountryPilgrim I do wish it was sub 3 pounds, but I'm mostly a weekend 2-3 day warrior so I can account for it elsewhere. I carry a 16oz Zpacks tent so a little heavier pack is ok for me.
Doug... I did the Camino 2 years ago and started with the Stratos 50AG. Unfortunately, the trampoline back materials stretched to the point that it served no purpose & became very uncomfortable. So, I bought a new pack on Day 21 (of 33 days) through my Camino (Osprey Exos 48) but it worked great for the rest of the trip. Here is a link to my daily blog on the day I switched. Might find a few ideas and tips as well. jjscamino.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/day-21-reliegos-to-leon/ Good Luck!!
![TEEDEE TADA - DIAMOND NARAKORN X LEGO LYKN [Special Dance Performance]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QgtZedFeumA/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve completed 4 Caminos, 2013, 14, 15 and 2017. Will be walking again in 2023 or 24.
I initially fell into the Camino premise of smaller is lighter and therefore better, which caused me more problems, both in back and shoulder pain. I then chose (at the time) a popular model - Osprey Kestrel 48, but found it limiting and packed to the brim, which others felt I must be carrying too much; that was not the case. I’m 188cm (6’2”) at 79kg (175lbs), which translates to larger clothes and shoes, etc… My pack weight, minus a 900ml water bottle, is 7.5kg (16.5lbs). Regardless, I opted for comfort on my last 2 Caminos and used the Deuter AirContact Lite 50+10L at 1.75kg (3.85lbs), and it worked the charm. Packed nicely, room to add lunch when required, was extremely comfortable and sat on the hips taking the weight easily, so no strain on the shoulders. Anyone asking me about Camino backpacks, I always suggest finding one that works for you; fits well and allows you room to pack and find items comfortably. When you focus on size and weight over comfort, you’ll typically pay the price in discomfort. To be fair most weight differences are negligible in today's packs. I don’t do carry-on, so I purchase the plastic aircraft bags and seal my backpack and poles up; have never had a problem.
Yeah I think too many times people think they're doing something wrong if they don't go ultralight but that's a different style of hiking, not just different gear. For the Camino it's more like luggage than camping. :)
I did all the Camino with my Osprey Stratos 50 and had no issues at all, my best backpack ever owned and I have tried many!!!
Nice! Glad you got to go. Ultreia!
Same pack same camino … its the perfect pack for this walk ! Ill never ever sell mine
Is it the Atmos 50?
I know this video is 4 yrs old… but have you ever tried the Osprey Talon packs? The 33L Talon is very popular on the Camino, super light & definitely carry on friendly.
I've carried the Talon 22 for years as a daypack. I like it but I've moved past the heavy, multi-feature nylon packs. At 40 oz., the Talon 33 would be one of my heaviest and smallest packs. :) However, if I was looking for those cool Osprey features it would be a contender for sure. Thanks!
Thank you... wish more people would mention the carry-on compatibility.
Yeah on a trip like this you don't want to find out on the way there!
Hi Doug. Interesting video. You raised some of the same issues I had when choosing a backpack - comfort, capacity and airline carry-on size. I did the first 150km of the Camino from St Jean Pied du Port to Vianna in May 2019 and planned to go from Vianna to Santiago in June/July 2020, but that’s all cancelled now because of Covid-19. The Camino is not like back country trekking - you pass through several towns and villages each day, so you need easy access (not inside your backpack) to things like wallet and cash, phone, camera, spectacles, sun glasses and water bottle as you walk along. Apart from a couple of days, there’s no need to carry a full day’s supply of food and drink. I might binge watch your channel while we’re all confined to our homes in the UK.
Yeah for long hauls you cannot beat the Atmos, but I think the convenience and size of the Zerk is outstanding for the Camino! Now we wait . . . ;)
I went through the same trauma … and ended up buying and taking the S/M version of the Osprey Stratos 50l .
This im telling you is the holy grail of backpacks. It cost me a fortune to find that out … but it was worth it. my load was appx 14-15kg most days and i often forget it was on my back … even after 4-5 hours if walking. In my opinion and 830km of actual use …. I would have to say … this is the PERFECT camino pack !
For heavy loads I agree!
@@BackcountryPilgrim I tried all those ultralight options and to be honest… id rather cary an extra pound and be comfortable and not sweaty
Well it's an extra 3 or 4 pounds but I get it. ;)
@@BackcountryPilgrim how do you figure that … the stratos is 3.5 pounds and ula packs are usually 2 thats a diff of 1.5 ?
Oh I thought you had the Atmos which is like 72 oz. and I was comparing it to my current UL pack which runs about 20. (My ULA, despite its name, is more jn the lightweight category). I didn't know Osprey made a Stratos 50.
Great video Doug. I took the Atmos AG 50 in 2018 on the Camino Norte. You wouldn’t need the brain but I did end up taking it. Next Camino I’ll leave it behind for a shorter more nimble look and fit. The AG is super comfortable. I did purchase the Osprey carry bag and checked it with my pack enclosed with no problems. Buen Camino!
Glad to know it worked for you! :) I still might go with my Zerk40 instead, but it looks like I have a few years to decide now. :(
Wow!! I really thought the Osprey was going to be the one. Cool video and I’m super excited for your trip Doug.
Well it was the one I chose haha. I'm just too paranoid about getting my pack taken away to get checked. But with the way things are right now who knows? The rules might change dramatically in the next couple of weeks.
Awesome video. I have the Osprey Stratos 36 myself it's a great pack if I'm overnight backpacking. But I'm looking at buying a Daylite Plus for day hikes, and I really like that Atmos for the extra volume, and it looks like a better suspension system as well. Great info, thanks and be safe brother!
Yeah I liked the Stratos a lot right up until I didn't haha. Might have just been off that day but I wasnt taking any chances. Wearing the Atmos is like being hugged by a pillow. :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim keep talking haha, your gonna have me eyeballing one for myself.
Interesting. How did you carry the fanny pack? Can you wrap it around the backpack? I'll be carrying a travel size CPAP machine which is giving me a puzzle to solve. Lol
With the Zerk 40 it has no substantial hip belt so a fanny pack can be worn like normal. With a bigger pack like the Atmos, I can be worn loosely around the waist and kind of sit on the hip belt but I don't like having all that stuff in my way. I'd advise getting your gear first and shopping packs in person if you can once you know what you'll need. It can make a huge difference!
Doug you forgot Hyperlite mountain gear, ULA Backpacks, Mountain Laurel Designs, Gossemer Gear, Superior Wilderness Designs.........You must keep searching!!! The perfect pack is still out there somewhere....aaaaahg!!!
Nooooooo! Lol. No one said this was over. :)
I've just purchased the osprey ag 50 l in S/M blue colour precisely for my camino in May 2023. By far the most comfortable bag I own, or have even tried on. However, my first 15 mile Hike I was amazed by the weight kind of being held up by the design of the bag. The exoskeleton seems to carry the weight. 10 miles in and My hips were very sore. I readjusted to ensure my belt strap was nice & high. Again, it felt very comfortable & did help for the final 5 miles before jumping on a train home. I'm a skinny, boney guy so now I'm going on a weight gain mission for the next 5 months. I'll decide after 100 miles. I have heard very good things regarding Osprey customer service so may well contact them for advice. I'm also considering purchasing a 36/38l. I do a lot of bushcraft so my bags will all get used over time. I'm aware this seems a mixed comment but maybe the side belt material, which is real solid, takes some breaking in. Again I will now more after 100 miles. What is clear to me though is how comfortable the bag actually is, it is not the weight causing me issues, far from it, its a almost self carries the entire weight, I just seem to have a friction issue with immediate thoughts maybe towards extra padding or a comfort belt like a weight lifting belt. I was wearing jeans & a army type belt so in shorts I assume less weight band material, underwear, jeans, belt, jumper etc. Excellent video was a real help & I think my situation is just a personal one but no risks will be taken in Spain! Looking forward to trying it out more. Thanks for the great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You're doing the right thing by testing it out. I've heard similar complaints about hip discomfort about this pack which seems odd to me since it is so overly padded. I wonder if its being tightened too much on to other elements (like you said, belt etc.), and it goes unnoticed precisely because it is so padded?
@Backcountry Pilgrim it's really interesting as the bag is so well padded. I have used it again yesterday and made sure my jeans & belt were underneath the waist belt which seemed to eliminate hot spots on my hips. I think it's a skinny body issue as the exoskeleton is padded but solid so I just think if skinny like me, then waist band, belt etc must be below the rucksack waist band, which Makes sense anyway. Only did a 6 mile walk, bag packed correctly & with a heavy-ish weight & it was so comfortable. Not an issue at all at that distance. I still can't get over how the bag carries the weight, its like it defies gravity, I also had zero friction issues which was a huge relief. I'll be doing a 20 miler soon & will let you know, I really hope I have no hip issues at that distance as I really want to use this bag on the camino. It hugs me so well! I've also asked Osprey for any advice. Thank you! Best regards 👍🏻👍🏻
Thays so great! Finding the best paxk for you is life changing! :)
I switched to the Zerk 40 myself (from the Exos 58) and it’s been great so far. I took my hip belt off entirely and up to about 35 lbs total weight it’s super comfy on carries up to 8 miles so far.
That's great! I love the pack.
The packs made by kelty are excellent also i got a kelty redwing 50l for 80 bucks and also a redwing 32l i also been checking out deuter there 28l trans alpine pro multi day biking pack is the best ive used besides the stratos 34. I found the trampoline backs on osprey nice but your sacrificing space for that. i noticed also the airspeed backs are curved making the packs curved like the manta AG 36 . This makes packing things more akward and waste space that can be used for something else. . The trampoline material used isnt the strongest in the world if u rip that while on the trail your screwed iam starting to prefer dueiter for there desighn on the back panels
My daypack was a Deuter 24l for many years. I love it! A bit heavy for its size but comfortable and well made. My buddy that I first started backpacking with had a Kelty and he liked his. I've never had one though. Maybe next time!
Very nice comparison video! I hope it all works out for you with the carry on. 👍
Yeah The Atmos is really nice but for the weight I'll be carrying the zerk should be fine. :-)
I’m am doing the Camino in September, I’m under 5 feet tall , any suggestions out there for short women?
Your height doesn't really matter as much as torso length which is critical in a full harness backpack. Be sure your torso length has been measured properly and keep an eye on backpack sizing (not volume) and you should be good to go!
Nice video. I'm also searching for the "perfect camino backpack". Everything you mentioned I'm looking for plus the one with additional zippered side entry to the main compartment. Any suggestions?
Tall order haha. You might check out the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight. :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim Thank you..I just checked...Very promising. I will definitely consider it.
I can't vouch for it as I've only tried one out once, but they're a good company and I've heard some good things about it. One issue is the open pockets (bad in rain). Otherwise it seems well designed.
@@BackcountryPilgrim I figured that could be remedied with a rain coat. Over it. I hope. I'm going to REI today. 😁🙏
The poncho I have works well for that!
Lowe alpine 35L airzone trail or the Lowe alpine airzone pro trail 35-45
Id guess the smaller but it really depends on how much you're taking and how you like to carry it.
BTW, my first "real" pack was a giant Lowe Alpine, loved that thing but it hydrolyzed after being stored in a hot attic for too long. :(
@@BackcountryPilgrim I have had a bergaus airflow 25L for at least 10 years and only just retired it last year for a Lowe alpine airzone 20L - both are legendary!
I watched your video to help make my mind up for a bag for the French route this July. I haven’t put as much effort in as you yet, so I’m hoping to just get it bought without clocking up the research mileage
I'm happy to provide my geeky research haha!
Haven't you tried the Ferrino Finisterre ? I heard that a lot of people liked it
Never heard of that one, I'll look into it!
Lmaoo, the end cracked me up!
I hoped you'd find this one haha. Didn't want to overwhelm you with links. So yeah the Atmos and the Zerk are my two backpacking packs as of now. The Atmos for heavy loads and the Zerk for fastpacking. :)
Buddy, stor deal dewa arimasen. Az caminoban tapasin egy monk som Santiago in ikimashita sans possessions. Not edes cipőe volt. Sorry go giella de Baabel parlons.
I can't read this but thank you! :) (En voi lukea kaikkea tätä, mutta kiitos.)
@@BackcountryPilgrim
Haha, just some languages I heard on the road. On my first camino I met a monk who had no possessions - not even shoes, just a robe. I would not do the Camino without shoes - that's too hardcore - but I am thinking of going with no backpack. First time I had way too much stuff, so why not swing to the other extreme?
Doug, your voice is only coming out of one speaker
Yeah there was a glitch in the audio on this one. unfortunately YT doesn't let you replace a video without wiping out all the views, comments, etc. :(
Can we order stickers of your logo anywhere?
I was thinking about getting some - what did you have in mind?
Well it's about time you made a decision. That took almost as long as it takes to get tested for the Coronavirus. LOL
Although, you could probably still take the AG50, the way that travel is going, you may be the only person on the plane.
Good point, the backpack could probably get it's own seat!
The gregory Paragon 48 is tremendous.
Never got around to that one but if my Atmos or Zerk wear out I'll check it out!
@@BackcountryPilgrim I do wish it was sub 3 pounds, but I'm mostly a weekend 2-3 day warrior so I can account for it elsewhere. I carry a 16oz Zpacks tent so a little heavier pack is ok for me.
Doug... I did the Camino 2 years ago and started with the Stratos 50AG. Unfortunately, the trampoline back materials stretched to the point that it served no purpose & became very uncomfortable. So, I bought a new pack on Day 21 (of 33 days) through my Camino (Osprey Exos 48) but it worked great for the rest of the trip. Here is a link to my daily blog on the day I switched. Might find a few ideas and tips as well. jjscamino.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/day-21-reliegos-to-leon/ Good Luck!!
Awesome thanks! I'd never heard of that happening to an Atmos, sorry! I'll check out your blog, much appreciated!
I don’t believe you. You will pick a different one...
Probably. LOL!