Great video again Nadine, so honest and very informative... and backed up by real experience.

Cool vid Nadine. The difference in newish to 10 years of use is quite something. I think I'd mount the old one and put it on the garage wall as a reminder. I was hoping to get a pack sized 37 to 42 litres for an April/ May camino, but try as I might my gear won't fit, so its a 50 litre for me. On the silver lining side of things it is well padded and comfy. And I'm 5 feet 8 and around 170lbs. Smallish sleeping bag, minimal clothes, wet weather gear, 6 weeks of meds, it all adds up. Just trying to keep it minimal if possible. Thanks Nadine.

Thanks again Nadine, I have been thinking that maybe my 28L pack maight be too small for the Camino. Today i went looking for a larger one but could not find one I liked. Now I watched your video and it reassured me that my 28L will be just fine. 🙏💖🌟🤸‍♀️

Very formative and honest to what suits you and of course our height and body size. I have just downsized to 25lt Osprey, think we might be the same height, its really a great fit and comfy..has everything I need in a backpack, my third actually, after walking 4 Camino’s keep it simple and take the basics, your feet will appreciate over the long distance…I try to keep the weight to around 4 kilos, now I know why your packing list is simple and basic no frills, it all comes down to the size of your backpack….watched sooo many so called light packing lists, they should be taking some tips from you…love watching and keep sharing 🇦🇺🙂

Thanks so much for yet another thoughtful video on prepping for the Camino. It’s been a dream of mine for about 15 years, and I’m finally taking steps to actually do it, now that my kids are old enough to manage with just my husband for a few weeks 😂 Still full winter here, so more gear planning than training, but bought a smaller pack to try out and training with. I’m amazed how much I’ve been able to fit in it - 6 tops (2 l/s, 2 tanks, light fleece, sun hoodie), 4 bottoms (all variations of hike-type pants I’m trying out), dress (will double for sleepwear), 3 pairs underwear, 3 pairs socks, microfibre towel, silk sleep liner, warm fuzzy shawl as placeholder for blanket/light sleep bag, eye cover & ear plugs, vaporub, bandaids, mints, reusable shopping bag, lip balm, cardholder & passport, flip flops… I think that’s it so far… and all in the Osprey Talon … 11L … Maybe I’ll be buying a pack your size instead of the 30-33L I originally thought I’d need! 😊

I love my Osprey. First two Caminos I used a 44L but now I use a 32L with a waist pack. The waist pack has all the documents , phone, money, etc. as well as snacks (nuts & raisins etc.). The 32L is never full but as my shirts are XL, shoes size 12, I just can’t stuff them into a 24L.

The previous pack has such character!!!

I just want to say I really enjoy your videos. Last month I (67) walked the Camino de Invierno. This September I'll be walking the second half of the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland and in 2023 I hope to be back in Spain on the San Salvador and maybe the Primitivo. Until then I'll be watching and rewatching your videos on all those beautiful walks you've done. Thank you so very much, I wish you many more happy trails 🙂!

I'm also very excited to try my new backpack. I have a Deuter futura 30L. 😃

My tip is to use waterproof compression sacks for all your stuff so that you can carry a small pack. Also because you know which compression sac has your stuff you can organise things better. Another bonus is you have dry clothes after a storm !

Nadine, I always appreciate the way you approach providing advice - very approachable for all. Love the veteran pack! I have veteran Tilley hats as my journey keepsakes. One helpful tip I got from long distance hikers is to work out what you are going to take before picking your pack rather than vice versa - helps you know what size you need. I guess I can add a couple of my own suggestions. I use a 42l pack which I found beneficial for a couple of reasons - it is nice to be able to carry some fresh food in my pack out of the weather - fresh bakery items etc, without squashing them. Also I use some really light insulated clothes items (and down bag if travelling in colder months) which are a bit ‘puffier’ and benefit from not being squashed so much. When it is raining I like being able to rummage through my pack when I need something without pulling everything else out to find it. It is sometimes assumed smaller means lighter, but this is not always the case, I found that my ‘larger’ framed pack was quite a bit lighter (525g) than most smaller packs (my 34 litre Osprey weighs 1100g) and it is made from fabric that makes it waterproof so I don’t use a raincover either - so funnily enough it ended up being half the weight of the smaller pack options at the time. I guess my learning was that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean heavier, or carry more stuff. Your advice regarding comfort is spot on in my experience- I have seen many people swap packs for a heavier but more comfortable one for them. Weight doesn’t trump everything else. Thank you again so much for them time and effort you take to make your videos and share your learnings and experiences - always a nice watch when I am pining to return.

Thank you again Nadine. Your experience is, as always, well presented 😊, I also use a dueter pack 28 l, I absolutely love. I do waffle everytime I travel, especially re: size BUT, it fits ,as carry on and it always holds enough. I wonder if you've ever approached Dueter to see about repairs (or replacement, you've given them an excellent review here 😊).

my husband and I watch your video on TV so sometimes - if I have time- it is easier to write a comment - later. I am so happy that you got a new ( but the same) backpack. I am totally amazed when you said it was a 24 l. Wow. Apparently mine is 43 l. We hiked today and I decided to put a few things in it to "start" our training on trails. We will be on the CP at the end of April. So looking forward to go back on the Camino ( last time was May-June 2019).

Thanks Nadine! Great video. Love that you've worn one out and found another of the same vintage. You should take something from the old and attach it to the new, for luck! 🙂

wow! what a great video! very informative! my first pack was a deuter too! I don't know if there is a perfect backpack. that being said, a couple of important things, have the folks at the store school you in how to use the adjustment straps to make the pack fit as well as you can. I would then after packing for the Camino take the pack back to REI or such a place to have them show you how to adjust again because your stuff is different that the weights they have in the store. Being able to reach for you water and replace it is a must! Check that with a full pack. I later switched to a ULA pack which was half of the weight of my original deuter, still not perfect but the weight savings was critical. As you say it is still all about what feels comfortable. REI has a great return policy, so check that out too, if something is not working during your preparation. buen camino, Nadine!

The Deuter is a really great brand. I used a 32 litre. Really comfortable.

It is actually a Deuter and tge same colour as yours !!! It does have the air comfort mesh you explained on the video. 👌

I just purchased a backpack called Hajker Pro 18L from the Swiss company USWE. I'm 5 ft 1 in and 115 lbs so I got a tiny bag. I have already packed it with my packing list items (8lbs right now/may add a lb or 2, before water and food) and it is surprisingly roomy and had great pockets (such as on waist belt, at the base of the pack, a hidden zippered pocket behind water bladder (not using) and zippered side pockets behind water bottle pockets on both sides). It is 100% water proof. Super pricey! However, I found it new for half off from one online store. I also have a Gregory Mountain Juno 30 that I bought last year when I first started dreaming about this trip. I wish I would have gotten the 24. The 30 is too big for me, but ok for non-hiking vacation carry-on.

Thank you, Nadine for this very useful video. I totally agree with you in that you have to take your time and try out the one that feels comfortable. For walking the Camino Frances I went up to our Montain Equipment Co-Op and with the help of the sales agent, help me try a few and was happy to land on the Osprey Tempest 40 ... it served me well abd even though the sternum strap came out loose, I had to finagle and tied up to the shoulder strap. I used it for 46 days and it took a lot of abuse and when I came home, I washed it & stored it away. I have got it out of storage, repaired it as I will take it again at the end of March to do the Portuguese from Lisbon😊

A good video Nadine. I did 5 Caminos...allways French. When i walk i count differents brands of people carry. American ussually Osprey, there are a lots of Deuter and Vaude, in my case i wear a Low Alpine Airzone 45:55L. But I only carry 7,5 kg maximum. Also there are many backpacks from Declathon (very known sport market french). Italian people carry sometimes Ferrino. also French people perhaps Millet. In my case i am very proud with my Low Alpine i had a Quecha basic in my firts Caminos. The difference with my actual backapack or a Deuter Vaude or Osprey is very big, Thank you for share your experience.

Another great video, thank you Nadine. Personally I’ve used a Lowe Alpine Skyline 55L, for the last quarter of a century. It’s a great mountain pack and as many people will tell you, virtually bomb proof. Their down side is, that empty they weigh around 3kilos. Their upside is I can get my poles on board for air transport. However, I’ve been toying with the idea of a much smaller shoulder pack. I guess if I Camino in high summer, I could get away with it. We’ll see…..

Zpacks sells separate hip pockets you could attach to the waist belt. Love your videos.

Great video Nadine. It amazes me the size of packs people plan to carry. To me they are "standard " backpacking bags meqnt for real camping with standard weight gear. Also as a gearhead it amazes me that they will use a large pack just cause they have it. To me for such a trek having a proper sized backpack it worth getting a new one (or at least new to them)

Thank you Nadine

I just watched a video on the Ginger Vicar's channel. It's called Best Camino KZfaqrs of 2023/24 and you are number 4! Congratulations! I don't know if you've seen it. Among other praise he says your videos gave his wife and daughter the confidence to walk the camino by themselves.

Ah, the sun-bleeched colors of the old pack... that's a badge of experience. Ventilation on the back... I had never considered that before. In other news... I read last week that there will be a season 6 of the BBC Pilgrimage series... this time it goes through Wales. It is interesting that since the Santiago one is thriving that other old pilgrimage routes are being re-opened. Cheers and adventure on!

Nadine - perhaps good to know - the comfort fit you speak of is due to a semi rigid back plate that moulds and flexes with you. For those seeking similar comfort towards the 35 litre sweet spot for Camino walking - Osprey Talon (mens - Tempest womens) 34 litre as a panel (front) opening version or 36 litre Talon / Tempest Top Lid opening versions. UK brand Rab - same semi rigid back panel and moulding comfort, top lid opening in the Rab Aeon 35 litre - at 1050g weight and pretty good value compared to pricier Osprey offerings. There are now light weight pricier versions of these back packs but they only really designed for lighter end load outs - that supposes a deep pocket on light wt hiking packing list throughout. Completely agree - restrict your back pack size - forces good packing list and weight discipline! Thanks for sharing Nadine!

Great video Nadine! I'm sure your old pack appreciates it's retirement!

Like all things Camino, it's finding the right balance for oneself. I use a 38l Osprey but I carry meds, contact lenses stuff & I like the capability to rummage around, without having to unpack to find something. I carry two middle-size water bottles, having 2 exterior pockets & I love my padded pockets on my hip belt, 2 on each side, in which I carry lip balm stick thing, sun cream, hand sanitiser, tissues etc. Perhaps you will have to invest in a larger pack, if you win the lottery, are able to take 3 mths off & walk the Via Francigena (from Canterbury to Rome). That is certainly on my bucket list.

Oh, and definitely want to reinforce the importance of going into a store to be properly fitted & try stuff on. I always knew that I had a long torso, having to buy tall tops & most dresses despite being only 5’6”; now officially confirmed by friendly local outdoors store. Apparently my 20.5” torso would be proportional for a 6’2” man! 😂 So I need the largest of packs in each model for it to sit properly on the hips, even pushing into the Men’s L/XL. Sadly they only have a very limited range of packs, so may have to narrow it down and put in a trial order to Amazon.

We love our Black Diamond because it has hip swivels.

Nadine..I just ordered a Deuter 28 from REI! was on sale…I bought an Osprey 24 but it’s a bit too small I think…hoping this 28 Deuter will be enough!

Hi Nadine, great information! You speak about second hand websites to purchase gear. Which ones did you use?

The downside of waist belt pouches is they stay with the pack when you put it down. I prefer a waist pouch for stuff I need it get at frequently during the day 😊.

Great Video!

I love all your videos and you inspire me as even though you don’t always have 2-4 weeks to vacation, you still make great walks work in a week! One question that feels very elementary, is what app or system do you use to know where you are when you are walking and how far you have to go? Do you sue google maps? I have walked the Camino Portuguese and mainly followed the arrows

I’m sure the new pack will get the job done. But Nadine laments sweaty backs and stink from the old pack and lack of hip belt pockets. A frameless, hip-belt less pack would be great for her - like a Palante or Nashville Packs Cutaway. They have running style vests which are super comfortable and redistribute weight in a totally different way that doesn’t need a hip belt for lower weights (under 15 lbs, esp comfortable under 10 lbs). Pack itself is about 2 lbs lighter than a deuter or typical internal frame pack with hip belts. Packs have pouches underneath that can be accessed while hiking- more room than a waist pack or hip belt pockets, more comfortable to carry and nothing to block visibility or bump around in front of you. For back sweat, you can get a Vaucluse separator that separates your back from the pack, creating about 1-2 inches of space for ventilation. Very comfortable. These running style vests frameless packs have been growing in popularity and are used by world record holder hikers getting FKT (fastest known times). But every day hikers, the point isn’t necessarily to be fast, but to comfortable and safe. It just so happens that those packs, when light (under 10lbs), are very comfortable and very safe. They also have roll tops which allow for more volume when you need it, and large mesh pockets in the back, so you can have rain gear and sandals and other items handy. The new Ultra material is durable, very rain resistant (I consider it rain proof in my experience), durable and light. This is the future of hiking backpacks - expect to see these get more common in coming years. Just saw a French company making a similar pack based on this new design for Europeans.

Love your channel now I am thinking about doing a Camino trip after I finish the PCT. What Camino would you start with? Also which Camino are you planning next? Thank you

Well, we certainly think along similar lines! Last night I uploaded a backpack video for release next week, I’ve been working on it for about 3 weeks Tonight, up pops a video from my favourite KZfaqr ….. 😂.

Hi Nadine. What is the best backpack for carry-on luggage on a plane and then hiking the Camino de Santiago?

Happy new pack Nadine, do you strip clips off the old one as spare parts for future?

doesn’t deuter have a lifetime warranty?

do you have a pet name for your backpack? :)

OK. Tell the truth. Did you name your original backpack? :-)

How will we recognize you now ? 😊

hahaha...you're too young to sweat more because of your age...but that's cute... 😂😂😂😂

Aside from the points you've made, my big consideration for a camino pack is the dimensions... as in, will it fit in airline overhead or underseat on the budget airlines, particulary in Europe. Hate to pay extra for checked luggage and love the convenince of stow and go. My goal was to find a sub 22" in height or at least can be cinched down to that height or has a removable brain that can be used as the other carry on "purse", but not compromise on the comfort and fit of the pack It seems that every camino I try a new pack... tried most of the big players including Osprey, Deuter and Gregory. My last pack was a Granite Gear Perimeter 35L, which has a removable and highly adjustable waist belt (with pockets). You can even get an XL size for larger hips. Also adjustable back plate. Under 3 lbs. Well priced, guaranteed and reviewed. Love it.