The best backpack for you to enjoy the Camino de Santiago
One of the most important decisions to make when preparing for the Camino de Santiago is the choice of your backpack. More and more people decide to hire a transfer of the backpack, especially for the stages of the French Camino de Santiago. There are also many pilgrims who decide to carry your backpack all the way, so it is essential to choose well the backpack that you are going to carry.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming but the right backpack is essential to ensure comfort and enjoyment on your journey. In this post we leave you some key tips to help you choose the perfect backpack for the Camino de Santiago.
Type of rucksack
Comfort is key when you are walking long distances day after day. The backpack should be anatomical, so that it fits your body perfectly, with adjustable and padded straps, especially at the shoulders and lower back. This will alleviate the impact on your body. A good fit will distribute the weight evenly and reduce pressure on specific areas, preventing discomfort and injury.
Backpack weight
The first thing to bear in mind is that, unless you hire the backpack transfer service, the backpack is going to be your travel companion all along the Camino. In the case that you hire the transfer service, you will not have to worry more than to leave it in the morning in the place of the hostel to take you to the hostel destination that day. Otherwise, there are many pilgrims who prefer to carry it on their backs and do the whole Camino de Santiago with it.
It is important that it does not exceed 10% of your body weight, i.e. a person weighing 80 kilos should carry a backpack weighing a maximum of 8 kilos. On the other hand, considering that you will be walking an average of seven hours a day, it is important to carry only what you need and to keep your backpack as light as possible.
You should look for backpacks that are durable, made of strong materials, but not unnecessarily heavy.
Size and capacity
The capacity of the backpack is important; if it is too small you will lack space to carry everything you need, but if it is too big you may find it uncomfortable. Most pilgrims opt for backpacks with capacities ranging from 30 to 40 litres. This should be enough to carry your clothes and other essentials without overloading your backpack.
Placement and compartments
Once we know that the backpack should not be overloaded, the next thing to do is to place it inside. If you're carrying a sleeping bag, it's best to place it at the bottom to cushion what's on top, or else it can be outside the backpack, hooked on top. Items that are heavier, such as a toiletry bag, should be placed near the back, and lighter items or garments such as T-shirts should be placed last.
Items such as a badge, which will need to be taken out frequently, or a wallet, can be placed in side pockets or top inner pockets.
Snacks and a water bottle can also be kept on the side for easy access. Looking for backpacks with multiple compartments and pockets will help keep your belongings tidy and easy to access. This will allow you to distribute the weight evenly and make it easier to find items without having to empty the entire pack.
Resistant material
The climate on the Camino de Santiago can be unpredictable, so it's essential that your backpack is waterproof, or at least has a waterproof cover. This will protect your belongings from the rain and ensure that everything inside is dry. On the other hand, you should look for a backpack with a good ventilation system in the back to prevent sweat build-up and keep your back cool and dry, as walking long distances can lead to heat and sweat.
Conclusions
It is recommended that you try the backpack before you buy it. Make sure it fits comfortably on your back and shoulders and that you can adjust all the straps to suit your needs. Ultimately, choosing the right backpack is an important decision that will affect your comfort and enjoyment on the trail. Camino de Santiago.
A well-chosen backpack will allow you to concentrate on the experience that comes with the Caminoknowing that you have everything you need with you, comfortably and safely. Bon Camino!
