backpack 10% of body weight

[sunflower]

Hi, I'm a bit concerned because I read somewhere that ideally we shouldn't be carrying more than 10% of our body weight. If 10% of my body weight is 5kg, would I still be able to carry enough to make the trip? Would 5kg cover all the necessities?

Thanks
SF

[Covey]

You see packs of all sizes and weights on the Camino ranging from those struggling along with 16-18kgs on their back to a Japanese lady I saw last year who carried everything she needed in two small supermarket style carrier bags!

The 18kg pilgrims are soon looking for a Post Office to post as much as they can on to Santiago or home, and we all carry items we could really do without. One can become somewhat obsessive about saving weight, down to shortening the tooth brush handle and only carrying half a tube of toothpaste!!

You start saving weight with your choice of pack. If you are doing a minimal kit walk, then a 35L pack is fine and the pack on its own should not weigh more than 1-1.25kg. Most seem to go for a 50L pack which is more than ample.

Most try and aim for a pack weight of 8kgs EXCLUDING any food items and water. With food and water you should aim for 10kgs MAX.

The 10% "rule" is fine for the average male but seems a bit severe for the female species! 5kgs minus 1kg pack and 1.5kg food leaves you little weight for much in the way of clothing, let alone sleeping bags etc.

Given that one is on the trail for 30 - 45 days and walking every day it is tempting to carry more than you really do need. eg: I take four changes of shirt, pants and socks. One set I wear and three travel in the pack. A bit of a luxury, but it does mean that I am not committed to having to do a laundry wash every day or two and given the uncertainties with the weather once you are in Galecia the flexibility is worth the extra 1kg in weight.

[dbird10]

My partner and I walked roncesvalles to Sanitiago this spring, we carried 17 kg between us, we used 30 litre packs which were more than sufficient. Pack for 3 days. I carried 1 pr zip off pants, 1 pr shorts, 3 t shirts, 3 pr liner and 3 pr outer socks, light down bag, gore tex jacket, light sweater, and toiletries. I also carried quite a heavy book and a heavy pair of sandals and this is where I could have cut down weight. I also recommend hiking poles.

Dave

[toledo]

I reckon 9 kilos is enough to carry. I found it strange that some days it felt as though it weighed a ton and other days it felt as though I had no pack on at all. Get rid of all luxuries, don't carry too much water because it is heavy and is available in every village you pass through.