Cheap Travels

Choosing the right pack for your Camino de Santiago is no doubt one of the most important decisions you’ll make while preparing for this trip. If your backpack is too small, it will likely be bursting at the seams, and if it’s too big, it’s easy to fill with unnecessary extra gear.

I have another article detailing how to properly fit a backpack, different types of packs and different features that you should be looking for in a Camino pack.

For this post, I put together a list of what I consider to be ideal packs to bring on your Camino adventure. Because this hiking route is dotted with places to sleep and eat, it required significantly less gear than most other point-to-point hiking trips. The Camino requires no stove, no tent and only a minimal sleeping gear set-up. As far as thru-hikes go, this is as luxurious as it gets.

Many of the packs listed here are also available in different size versions, so you can get the same features in a slightly smaller or larger package. Just be careful if you intend to fly with oversized backpacks as a carry-on, because if the airline decides it’s too big, you’ll be forced to check it.

At the end of this article, I have also included a list of a few reputable brands that stand by their products and make high-quality gear. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it should help you get started with your research.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the list.

Quick list of top picks:

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Men’s Packs

Osprey Stratos 34

This backpack would be my first choice for the Camino if I were to do it all over again. I ultimately brought a different Osprey pack, the Exos 38, on my 2022 Camino but only because the Stratos was sold out.

34 liters is an ideal size for hiking the Camino de Santiago, limiting excess gear, yet leaving just enough room for all of the essentials.

Both packs great pieces of gear, and I plan to use my Exos for several backpacking trips in the coming years. If I could go back, though, I would absolutely buy the Stratos 34.

With robust straps that can easily support the weight you carry and attachment points for your trekking poles, this pack earns top marks for functionality.

Between Osprey’s dedication to quality, the size and features included in this pack, and the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction, I would choose this company nine times out of ten.

Features:

• AirSpeed suspension system for ventilation.
• Integrated rain cover for weather protection. Trust me, you’ll need it on the Camino.
• Internal hydration sleeve with hose port.
• Multiple pockets for interior organization.
• Trekking pole attachment.

Why to Purchase:

• Excellent back ventilation for comfort during hikes.
• Versatile with various pockets for organized packing.
• Weather protection with the integrated rain cover.

Deuter Speed Lite 30

Deuter is another brand that really stands behind their products which is why I do not hesitate to recommend a Deuter pack.

At 30 liters, this smaller pack features robust shoulder and waist straps. The Speed Lite 30 is an ideal size for Camino hikers who have their gear dialed in and only want to bring the essentials.

This is the smallest size men’s pack on my list. You could certainly bring a smaller, lighter pack, but for a trip that often lasts over 30 days it’s nice to have some extra room in case you need to bring home a few trinkets or souvenirs.

With a detachable hip belt that can easily be removed, this could make a great multipurpose bag that you can use in dozens of different contexts. This flexibility makes this one of the most versatile packs in this lineup.

Features:

• Lite Air back system for lightweight performance.
• Hydration system compatible.
• Detachable hip belt for customization.
• Trekking pole attachment.

Why to Purchase:

• Lightweight design suitable for various outdoor activities.
• Customizable with a detachable hip belt.
• Hydration system compatibility for on-the-go hydration.

Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 30

Gregory has been making quality outdoors gear since 1977 and just like the other two brands, stands behind all of their products.

This bag is small, at 30 liters, but still features robust shoulder straps for optimal comfort. With their patented FreeFloat system back panel, you’ll be sure to stay cool on those long hot Camino days.

Along with adjustable shoulder straps, this pack also features extra large hipbelt pockets and hydration pack compatibility.

If you’re looking to find a good balance between a minimal pack size and features that are commonly only found on much larger packs, this could be the backpack for you.

Features:

• FreeFloat suspension system for comfort.
• Adjustable torso length.
• Integrated rain cover.
• Trekking pole attachment.

Why to Purchase:

• Balanced design for comfort and organization.
• Adjustable torso length for a personalized fit.
• Integrated rain cover for weather protection.

Women’s Packs

Osprey Sirrus 34

Tailor made specifically for a female torso, the Osprey Sirrus offers all the same comfort and ventilation as the Stratos pack does. By choosing a backpack that is custom-made for your body type, you can rest assured knowing that the pack will fit just right.

While there are plenty of unisex backpacks on the market, getting a pack that is made specifically for your size will help you dial in your fit for maximum comfort.

This pack offers all of the same great features and the same great guarantees as the Stratos. It has the same carrying capacity but is just made with slightly different measurements, and it comes in a few different colors.

Features:

• AirSpeed suspension system with a women’s specific fit.
• Integrated rain cover.
• Multiple pockets for organization.
• Hydration system compatible.
• Trekking pole attachment.

Why to Purchase:

• Women’s specific fit for enhanced comfort.
• Adequate organization with multiple pockets.
• AirSpeed suspension for ventilation to keep your back dry while hiking.

Deuter Women’s Trail Pro 34

A women’s specific trekking pack, the Trail Pro 34 combines supportive design with hydration system compatibility and trekking pole attachment points.

Keeping your pack neat and organized will help streamline your hiking experience so you can focus on your surroundings more than on your gear.

Features:

• Aircontact Lite back system for support.
• Women’s specific fit.
• Hydration system compatibility.
• Trekking pole attachment.

Why to Purchase:

• Specifically designed for women for a better fit.
• Supportive Aircontact Lite back system.
• Hydration system compatibility for convenient hydration.

Gregory Jade 28

The smallest backpack on this list, the Jade 28 is ideal for pilgrims who know exactly what they need to bring with them. Thoughtfully designed with a hydration sleeve, multiple pockets and trekking pole attachments, this pack has everything most pilgrims need and nothing they don’t.

If you want a minimalist, no-nonsense Camino pack, this pack makes a great, compact lightweight option.

Features:

• Women’s specific Response LTW suspension system.
• Hydration sleeve.
• Multiple pockets for gear organization.
• Trekking pole attachment.

Why to Purchase:

• Women’s specific design for enhanced comfort.
• Adequate organization with multiple pockets.
• Reliable suspension system for support.

List of backpack brands with outstanding guarantees on their products

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start looking for a quality backpack that you can confidently trust.

I have personally sent in two Osprey packs after years of use and have been extremely satisfied with the care I have received. All of the following companies will help repair or replace your pack if there is a quality issue.

• Deuter – Promises to repair any Deuter pack, free of charge, regardless of when you got it.
• Gregory – Lifetime warranty on packs for original purchaser, so long as it is reasonable wear and tear.
• North Face – Has a repair facility and will repair most damaged items from normal wear and tear.
• Osprey– All Mighty Guarantee – Osprey will repair any damage or defect to an Osprey pack, free of charge. If they are unable to repair the pack, they will replace it for free. Note that you will have to pay to ship it to their repair facility.
• Outdoor Research – OR gear is guaranteed to perform throughout the lifetime of the product. For approved claims, they offer direct or comparable replacements.
• Patagonia – Encourages people to learn to fix their own gear, but will replace most products if necessary. They have something called the Ironclad Guarantee, which allows customers to either send products in for repairs or replacement

Final thoughts

Each one of these backpacks caters to different preferences and needs, so the best choice really depends on factors like body shape, preferred features, and the type of outdoor activities you plan to undertake.

As every outdoor adventurer knows, the correct number of bags to own is (n+1), so it never hurts to add another pack to your arsenal. Bad jokes aside, I think any one of these options would make an excellent choice for a Camino hiker.

When purchasing, if you aren’t sure about your pack size, consider trying on the backpack in-store to ensure a proper fit and comfort. Or, pick a backpack that has adjustable shoulder straps that make it easier to customize your pack fit.

Remember that no matter what bag you choose, you should try it out on several hikes to break it in before embarking on the Camino. A little bit of training goes a long way, both for you and your equipment.

If you enjoyed this piece, check out my article on setting a budget for your Camino trip, or this one on which airport is best for each of the popular Camino routes. I hope you found this article helpful, if you have any questions about the packs, feel free to drop them down in the comments section. ¡Buena suerte y Buen Camino!