Backpack Review After the Camino

/ Laurie A. Ferris

On my first Camino, I carried an Osprey Sirrus 24 backpack, in which everything fit fine, and there was still a little room to spare. It was only at the end of my Camino that I wished it had more capacity. On my return trip to Lisbon, where I was to catch my flight home, I had to carry the souvenirs I bought in Santiago in a separate bag. Yes, I know. I’m eating my words! Read my previous review about the said backpack being large enough. For the most part, it was perfect for my one-week Camino, but it would have been nice to be able to fit those extra items in it.


REI to the rescue! I bought the backpack in October 2015, so it was well within the one year return policy at REI. They resell used items at their monthly parking lot sales, so I exchanged my pack for the next size up, the Osprey Sirrus 36. I loved all the features of Sirrus 24, and the big sister Sirrus 36 feels just the same, but it has more wiggle room! There is a big zip pocket at the bottom and larger compartments at the top. It has a drawstring closure for the main compartment, but it also has the side panel zipper, which makes easy to find items and re-pack.

OspreySirrus36

The larger Osprey Sirrus 36, available at REI

The pretty Summit Blue color is exactly the same as the smaller pack. And my new patches, Portugal, Spain and Camino Provides 2016, really stand out.

See specs: OspreySirrus 36 Pack.

In 2017, this will be the pack I’ll carry on the Camino Inglés. I’ll bring the same items and maintain the base weight, but at least I won’t look like a bag lady on my return home! Because on the Camino, lessons are learned every day. 🙂

8 thoughts on “Backpack Review After the Camino”

  2. Pingback: My Camino Packing List | The Camino Provides

  4. Thanks for this review of the Cirrus 24 and 36! I have a larger hiking pack that is a tried and trusted friend, but was thinking about downsizing for an 8-10 day Camino in June. I had already looked at the Sirrus, but this review helped a lot in confirming that.

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  5. Thanks for this review of the Sirrus 24 and 36! I have a larger hiking pack that is a tried and trusted friend, but was thinking about downsizing for an 8-10 day Camino in June. I had already looked at the Sirrus, but this review helped a lot in confirming that.

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  6. Love all Osprey backpacks. Unfortunately, I left mine in the states so now I will have to buy a new one here in Spain. Has anyone bought one here? Any suggestions on where I might find them in Madrid? Or is there a used market?

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