My backpack

With my BFF walking shoes sorted, time to think about my backpack and, of course, the contents. Back to my favourite Camino website Spanish Steps and some other forums, for advice on a reasonable weight to carry.  In summary:

1.  Don't carry more than 20% of your body weight.
2.  If you keep it to 10kg or less, you'll be glad you did.

Well, the challenge was simple - 10kg. A nice round number - recommended for The Camino and it's less than 20% of my body weight.  So I should be able to manage. But will my iPad send me over the limit?  Hope not - I'm planning to use it to update this blog.

Back to the backpack. There are great brands on offer - Macpac, Osprey, North Face - but I have a Deuter day pack I'm fond of, and my sister Pam and brother-in-law Peter are long-time Deuter fans, so that's the path I chose to follow.  And, here's my choice - Deuter ACT Lite 35+10 SL

Deuter ACT Lite 35+10 SL

The SL stands for shorter length.  These packs are ideal for women as they have a shorter back length - and, like most Deuter backs,  the back is adjustable as well.  The only feature not included in this model is a raincover but you can buy that separately.  Deuter packs are excellent quality and highly regarded, but not top of the price range.  The retail price for this one (June 2011 in Sydney) was $235 at Larry Adler.  And, there was a 20% sale at the time, so less that $190.  Yeah.  And the pack itself weighs just 1.45kg.  Plug for Larry Adler, Kent Street, Sydney store. So helpful. Recommended.

I'm getting ahead of myself to tell you that, having done two training walks last weekend with a full pack (20km Saturday, 27km on Sunday), I'm  happy with my choice.  I think my pack and I will get along just fine. But I digress.

What you really want to know is what's inside - what makes up that 10kg? And, the big question - with the official weigh in concluded - did my iPad make the cut?  Suspenseful, isn't it?

You're just going to have to wait for my next post.