Your backpack is without doubt the most important item you will bring with you on the Camino walk, so be careful how you select it. It cannot be too small or you won't be able to carry your stuff, and it must definitely not be too big or you won't be able to make it to your destination.
My choice was the U.S.
Adjust harness for the best torso sizing (vertical position on your back); adjust hip straps to ensure that most of the weight is on the hips with the straps as tight as possible without causing discomfort; adjust back, shoulder, and chest straps (in that order) to balance the pack on back and shoulders. With the exception of the harness, all these adjustments can be made on the go.
Adjust harness for the best torso sizing (vertical position on your back); adjust hip straps to ensure that most of the weight is on the hips with the straps as tight as possible without causing discomfort; adjust back, shoulder, and chest straps (in that order) to balance the pack on back and shoulders. With the exception of the harness, all these adjustments can be made on the go.
But because the backpack's contents change position with each overnight stop and straps get tightened and loosened during the walk, all straps should be adjusted daily before the start of the walk.
Other very good features of the Kestrel 48 include a mesh back panel for good ventilation to keep your shirt or blouse reasonably dry on a warm summer day, an integrated rain cover, and lots of pockets.
The backpack's weight distribution on the torso and balance on back and shoulders are absolutely critical and will - after the first few days on the Camino - mean the difference between being able to walk a not very long distance, maybe quitting, or keeping a good scheduleand feeling well at the end of the day. I averted some stumbles, and who knows maybe a twisted ankle or a broken leg, by always having a proper weight distribution (as much as possible on the hips) and the backpack well and and firmly balanced on back and shoulders.
It is sad to see many walkers with their backpacks thrown onto their backs and seemingly no clue about weight distribution and balance. The result is a terrible posture, bent badly forward with the entire weight on the back. These poor people never see anything but the trail a few feet ahead of them!
Also built into the Kestrel 48, between the pack's main body and the harness, is a water reservoir compartment. I bought a water reservoir (bladder) at considerable expense, never used it and carried it empty all the way inside its compartment. I realized that the reservoir was too difficult to pull out of the fully packed backpack, too difficult to fill, and too difficult to put back in. Instead I walked the Camino with a clear plastic water bottle or two - mostly two half-liter bottles - in the backpack pockets or one in my hand. Always ready for a drink and always knowing how much water was left.
I chose not to take trekking poles along. Though I had used poles on previous and more challenging walks and appreciate their usefulness, I thought, correctly, that the Camino terrain is less demanding. Had I walked in the rainy season, i.e. Spring, I would probably have used trekking poles to avoid slipping on trails covered with wet shale (very common on the Camino). I also found that walking without trekking poles freed my hands to carry and have a water bottle or a guide book handy. For a reasonably agile person what may be lacking in stability with poles can fairly easily be compensated by careful steps and using the arms for leverage and balance. If you bring trekking poles, use both to avoid walking lopsided.
One disadvantage of walking with trekking poles or a stick is that, because they redistribute your weight, including the backpack, you will allow them compensate for a poorly strapped or balanced backpack. When walking without trekking poles or a stick you will be forced to strap and balance the backpack correctly or your will be physically exhausted, sore and bruised at the end of the day.
One disadvantage of walking with trekking poles or a stick is that, because they redistribute your weight, including the backpack, you will allow them compensate for a poorly strapped or balanced backpack. When walking without trekking poles or a stick you will be forced to strap and balance the backpack correctly or your will be physically exhausted, sore and bruised at the end of the day.
Watching other walkers I noticed that those using trekking poles tended to walk with a stooped posture, staring at, almost inspecting the ground just a few feet ahead, whereas those without poles walked more erect, more freely. It sometimes made me wonder if the pole bearers saw less of the landscape than those without.
If you think that must use trekking poles, I recommend ultralight (carbon fiber) collapsible (telescopic) poles that can easily be put away when you don't need them.
If you think that must use trekking poles, I recommend ultralight (carbon fiber) collapsible (telescopic) poles that can easily be put away when you don't need them.
