Buying a backpack/rucksac

[vjpulver]

Looking for the ultimate backpack? Here's a little April Fool's Day foolishness: check out this video on the ULTIMATE backpack!

A little long but pretty funny.

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nM6wfjuirE&NR=1
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nM6wfjuirE&NR=1>>

FYI: my own Camino pack wieghs a mere 22 ounces and fits well. I really like to travel light - makes the whole adventure sooooo much better!

Leaving for Spain in less than three weeks!

[Covey]

Buen Camino!!

[rekkapix]

hi vj,

i had a read at your blog, interesting stuff, no offense intended but your cutting off of labels and extra buttons kinds freaked me out a bit, it would be a bit excessive for me, but good luck to you trying to get your weight down. i packed mine without much streamlining and got 6.5kg, which is ok for me i think.
maybe see you along the way

[vjpulver]

I am laughing at your being "creeped out" by my clipping excessive tags, labels, straps, etc. It is pretty common among ultralight backpackers. I am doing it mostley just to see how much wieght I actually save by paying attention to this kind of detail.

So far I have cut off a total of 11 ounces of excess stuff - does not sound like much, but when you consider my pack wieghs only 22 ounces and my trowsers wiegh about 12 ounces, my fleece wieghs 12 ounces...my t-shirt is only 3 ounces. Wll you see it makes a difference.

Why not shave off unneccessary decorations and non-functional stuff?

My feet, knees and back will be happier as I dance down the road thinking pleasant thoughts. "Less is [definately] more" when it comes to carrying a pack!

I'll post my packing list and wieghts (on my blog) - probably on the 18th...I am still vacillating a bit on what to take and what to leave behind (I loooove clothes). Forty days with only one change of clothes - I better really like what I take. 8-)

Happy packing!

[rekkapix]

agh don't laugh, I don't know these things
I guess that's the difference between someone who likes 'ultralight' backpacking and has done it before and, well, me

buen camino

[vjpulver]

Oh it is not derisive or cruel laughter...just my nature to laugh frequently! 8-)

I wiegh in at about 120 pounds so I don't want to carry too much stuff. I am travelling in April so I am taking a sleeping bag and some extra layers to accommodate colder temperature extremes. (I camped in Galicia years ago and about froze one cold August night! You never know!)

Travelling light just makes the journey easier so I watch the ounces. I can also indulge in some foolish item if I scrimp on the weight in other areas. I always travel with one or two "comfort" items to buoy my spirits if I am feeling blue or missing home.

Well, off to walk the dog...wish I could take her along! 8-)

Wieghing in from Santa Fe...

[sunflower]

Hi,
I was wondering if a 34L pack would be sufficient to fit the essential for the walk? I'm quite small built and wondering if a pack this size would be OK to fit everything for the trip?
thanks
SF

[Covey]

The smaller the pack, the less un-necessary kit you will be tempted to take!!

As a rough rule, you should aim for 10kgs which includes the pack, clothes water and food. The smaller the pack, the less the empty pack should weigh. I use an Osprey Atmos which is approx 1kg for the pack. I allow 6kgs for clothes, 1kg for bits & pieces such as mobile chargers, 1kg for water and 1kg for food items.

I don't carry maps or guide books cos everybody else is carrying them and all you have to do is follow the little yellow arrows.