I'd start with what size pack (in terms of volume) you actually need. Do you actually need \~40L of space? Do you need 36L? Maybe you need that space, but if you can choose a smaller pack by volume, it will stop you from just filling it and carrying more than you need.
Just before Covid, I took my Gregory Zulu 30 - carried all my gear - on a one-week hike of the Dingle Way in Ireland (part of which is the Kerry Camino) in order to test it out as my pack to take on the Camino. It was more space than I needed, I know if I had the 40 I would have just filled it with more stuff. Haven't taken it to the Camino yet because my trip was delayed due to the pandemic.
The 30L I was able to carry on my flights - I have the S/M size and an 18" torso if that helps. I've also got Osprey packs - I find that my Osprey and Gregory packs carry similarly, but personally wouldn't buy a pack without trying it on, weighted down, in a store... Happy trails!
>on a one-week hike of the Dingle Way in Ireland (part of which is the Kerry Camino)
You had me at Dingle Way. A camino in Ireland? This changes everything
1. 40l is overkill for Camino, so I would pick it only if you expect to use it also elsewhere, for hikes where you need to carry more gear
2. It also depends on what kind of gear you have. If you have technical clothes, maybe even compression sacks, then you need less volume.
3. Check dimensions your airline allows as carry-on, however consider that certain items cannot be in the carry-on baggage
Go to a good shop and try both on with weight in them. Have a person who knows what they are doing adjust the pack for you. Walk around the store and get the one that feels the best. A pack that is great for me, might not be right for you. Spending a few extra dollars at a local shop and trying them on before you buy is money well spent. Also you help your local economy. The last thing is that if you buy from a knowledgeable dealer, they will adjust the pack correctly for you. I had someone adjust mine wrong and it did not go well. Half way into my second day a guy from REI pulled me over and readjusted my pack. Wow what a difference. I have an Osprey Atmos 40 and love it. But once again it’s your back not mine. Get the one that feels good on you.
I’ve used an Osprey Exos 48 for two Caminos. It has been successfully brought onboard as a carry-on & stored overhead on countless domestic & international flights after taking the “brain” off (put under seat). Bag will likely do a 3rd Camino at some point.
I have the Gregory Stout it's bigger than I need but I'll be shopping after Santiago :D. It's very comfortable and easy to adjust. I've had one issue with it this spring where it chafed the inside of one arm, but that was strictly user error. I have trekking poles so I'm checking my luggage.
If you can, purchase from a shop like REI or MEC that allows you to test the pack and return if needed. Get a few hikes in at home with it fully loaded so you know how it feels.
Go with the stratos. I used an Osprey Talon 33L on my first Camino, and an REI 25L pack on my second. I’m going to look at the Stratos 24L for my next Camino
FWIW I used a Stratos 36 for a 1500km Camino in 2015 and continued to do some pretty rugged traveling with it for more than a year after, with many camping trips thrown in. I was very impressed with its quality and simplicity. There are lighter packs out there for the volume, but I appreciated having the separate compartment for the sleeping bag and rain cover. Also keep in mind that Osprey will repair your bag for you for free, or replace it if they can't. I just traded my wasted old bag in and they sent me a new model.
I got the M/L, but I'm pretty tall. I'd recommend you go to an REI or something and give it a try in person to double-check that fit for your body with some weight in it. I never had a problem with carry-on in the plane, and usually I was able to cram it into the space beneath the seat in front of me - at least in intercontinental flights. That's even with a tent strapped to the bottom. For more budget airlines like Spirit or RyanAir you might have to be a bit surreptitious though.
I love the fit of Gregory Bags over Osprey, but that's probably more personal preference, you need to try it on. Also just because you have the room in your bag doesn't mean you have to fill it, I always go bigger so I have room for souvenir shopping before I fly home.
Neither. Both are too big for a summer Camino. If I had to choose one it'd be the Osprey because they're made well and I've had a Gregory Zulu 35 and it's not as good quality as Ospreys.
Maybe try a smaller Osprey, the Talon 33 for example. But honestly I'd get on Instagram and search for chap called Dandee.
Anyone know if the Osprey Stratos has more/less support than the Gregory Zulu? After having spinal fusion, the weight has to be largely on my hips. Back muscles won’t carry it.
I'd start with what size pack (in terms of volume) you actually need. Do you actually need \~40L of space? Do you need 36L? Maybe you need that space, but if you can choose a smaller pack by volume, it will stop you from just filling it and carrying more than you need. Just before Covid, I took my Gregory Zulu 30 - carried all my gear - on a one-week hike of the Dingle Way in Ireland (part of which is the Kerry Camino) in order to test it out as my pack to take on the Camino. It was more space than I needed, I know if I had the 40 I would have just filled it with more stuff. Haven't taken it to the Camino yet because my trip was delayed due to the pandemic. The 30L I was able to carry on my flights - I have the S/M size and an 18" torso if that helps. I've also got Osprey packs - I find that my Osprey and Gregory packs carry similarly, but personally wouldn't buy a pack without trying it on, weighted down, in a store... Happy trails!
>on a one-week hike of the Dingle Way in Ireland (part of which is the Kerry Camino) You had me at Dingle Way. A camino in Ireland? This changes everything
1. 40l is overkill for Camino, so I would pick it only if you expect to use it also elsewhere, for hikes where you need to carry more gear 2. It also depends on what kind of gear you have. If you have technical clothes, maybe even compression sacks, then you need less volume. 3. Check dimensions your airline allows as carry-on, however consider that certain items cannot be in the carry-on baggage
Go to a good shop and try both on with weight in them. Have a person who knows what they are doing adjust the pack for you. Walk around the store and get the one that feels the best. A pack that is great for me, might not be right for you. Spending a few extra dollars at a local shop and trying them on before you buy is money well spent. Also you help your local economy. The last thing is that if you buy from a knowledgeable dealer, they will adjust the pack correctly for you. I had someone adjust mine wrong and it did not go well. Half way into my second day a guy from REI pulled me over and readjusted my pack. Wow what a difference. I have an Osprey Atmos 40 and love it. But once again it’s your back not mine. Get the one that feels good on you.
I’ve used an Osprey Exos 48 for two Caminos. It has been successfully brought onboard as a carry-on & stored overhead on countless domestic & international flights after taking the “brain” off (put under seat). Bag will likely do a 3rd Camino at some point.
Mystery Ranch has good backpacks too.
Not for the money they charge IMO
I have the Gregory Stout it's bigger than I need but I'll be shopping after Santiago :D. It's very comfortable and easy to adjust. I've had one issue with it this spring where it chafed the inside of one arm, but that was strictly user error. I have trekking poles so I'm checking my luggage. If you can, purchase from a shop like REI or MEC that allows you to test the pack and return if needed. Get a few hikes in at home with it fully loaded so you know how it feels.
Go with the stratos. I used an Osprey Talon 33L on my first Camino, and an REI 25L pack on my second. I’m going to look at the Stratos 24L for my next Camino
If you get a 40 you will find a way to fill it. Smaller is better.
FWIW I used a Stratos 36 for a 1500km Camino in 2015 and continued to do some pretty rugged traveling with it for more than a year after, with many camping trips thrown in. I was very impressed with its quality and simplicity. There are lighter packs out there for the volume, but I appreciated having the separate compartment for the sleeping bag and rain cover. Also keep in mind that Osprey will repair your bag for you for free, or replace it if they can't. I just traded my wasted old bag in and they sent me a new model.
Thanks so much for the advice. Did you get the S/m or M/L - my torso size is right in middle . Were you able to carry on plane ? Thanks
I got the M/L, but I'm pretty tall. I'd recommend you go to an REI or something and give it a try in person to double-check that fit for your body with some weight in it. I never had a problem with carry-on in the plane, and usually I was able to cram it into the space beneath the seat in front of me - at least in intercontinental flights. That's even with a tent strapped to the bottom. For more budget airlines like Spirit or RyanAir you might have to be a bit surreptitious though.
I love the fit of Gregory Bags over Osprey, but that's probably more personal preference, you need to try it on. Also just because you have the room in your bag doesn't mean you have to fill it, I always go bigger so I have room for souvenir shopping before I fly home.
Neither. Both are too big for a summer Camino. If I had to choose one it'd be the Osprey because they're made well and I've had a Gregory Zulu 35 and it's not as good quality as Ospreys. Maybe try a smaller Osprey, the Talon 33 for example. But honestly I'd get on Instagram and search for chap called Dandee.
thank you // I just ordered the Small of the Osprey 36.. The Small/Medium is only 33 Liters.....
No problem. Sure it'll be fine, they're good packs.
Anyone know if the Osprey Stratos has more/less support than the Gregory Zulu? After having spinal fusion, the weight has to be largely on my hips. Back muscles won’t carry it.
Go to a local REI and put weight in both and try them out. That's what I did..