Pack Weight

[Eyskens]

Whatever you think you need, you probably don't.  The most unique rig I
saw in two seasons on the Camino was a gentleman carrying a 'gimme'
Marlboro daypack with a blanket tied on with string. I know he made it
across Navarra and Rioja-I lost track of him after I took a rest day in
Burgos.  Then there was the woman who carried a pair of dress high heel
shoes with her across Spain, putting them on every night after checkin
and a shower.  Definitely a Camino fashion statement.  In other words,
you have to find where your comfort level is.  You can probably get away
with carrying virtually nothing, but will you be comfortable
(emotionally) with such minimal packing?  As Jeff mentioned I know
people on the Camino who checked in with 40 ib plus packs and declared
the load to be all essential and it probably was to them.  Likewise,
there were those who came in with noting more than daypacks, who seemed
to be just as comfortable.

I did however, have a pilgrim tell me that the heavier the pack the more
(spiritual) burdens one was carrying-I mention that as an aside with no
comment.

Jim Eyskens

-----Original Message-----
From: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage [mailto:GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU] On
Behalf Of Tania
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 3:13 PM
To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
Subject: Pack Weight


Hello all,

With the subject of boots in topic, it got me thinking about the weight
of one's pack?

I have heard varying things from people who have hiked long distances,
the one thing that stuck in my mind has been "that your pack should
weigh no more than 10-15% of your body weight?"  Is it personal
preference?  or does it depend on what kind of shape you are in?  the
boots you are using? etc. What type of packs have you used and found to
be the most comfortable?

I currently hike with no more than 10% of my body weight in my pack and
lately have increased that slightly when walking to work (40 mins) to
see how it feels.  I guess I am also curious if anyone has done any
"training" with their packs on?  Last year a friend who hiked the West
Coast Trail in BC dragged me along with her to our local "ski hill" and
we did reps up and down with and without packs.  It definately improved
my running and prepared her for the trail.

Thanks very much in advance for your responses,
Tania

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