On the Camino de Santiago, your backpack is with you for every step of hundreds of kilometers. The lightest, best-fitting pack wins over the biggest one.
We chose packs between 35 and 40 liters with good ventilation, hip belts and rain protection for the long, varied stages of the Camino.
The Outdoor Recreation is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Quick Picks
- Best for women: Osprey Kyte 38 Women’s
- Best for men: Osprey Kestrel LT 35
- Best budget: Maelstrom 40L Waterproof Backpack
- Lightest budget: Nerlion 40L Hiking Backpack
- Best with bladder: IX INOXTO 40L with 3L Bladder
- Best packable daypack: IGOLUMON 40L Packable Backpack
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Kyte 38 Women’s | Best for women | 38L | AirScape back, adjustable torso | View |
| Osprey Kestrel LT 35 | Best for men | 35L | Adjustable torso, raincover | View |
| Maelstrom 40L Waterproof Backpack | Best budget | 40L | 9 pockets, water-resistant fabric | View |
| Nerlion 40L Hiking Backpack | Lightest budget | 40L | About 0.9 kg per brand | View |
| IX INOXTO 40L with 3L Bladder | Best with bladder | 26L/40L | Includes 3L water bladder | View |
| IGOLUMON 40L Packable Backpack | Best packable daypack | 40L | Packs into its own pocket | View |
Detailed Reviews
1The Kyte 38 is Osprey’s women’s hiking pack in the 40L class. Its injection-molded AirScape back panel lets you adjust torso length and keeps the load close and stable on technical ground.
It comes with an integrated raincover, trekking pole attachment, a top lid and a fixed hip belt. It is a strong pick for long day hikes, hut-to-hut routes and light overnights for women who want a dialed fit.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Women’s fit with adjustable torso
- Raincover included
- Stable carry on rough trails
Watch out for
- Fixed hip belt
- Premium pricing
Key Specs
- Capacity: 38 liters
- Fit: women’s, adjustable torso
- Back panel: AirScape
- Raincover: integrated
- Extras: trekking pole attachment
2The Kestrel LT 35 is a classic top-loading rucksack with a men’s fit and an adjustable torso length, so you can dial it to your back instead of hoping a fixed size works.
Osprey gives it a fixed top lid with a zip pocket, stretch side pockets, a front shove-it pocket, trekking pole attachments and a side zip that reaches into the main compartment without unloading from the top. It ships with a raincover. At 35 liters it is the right size for long day hikes and efficient overnights where you carry a light sleep system.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Adjustable torso length
- Side-zip access to main compartment
- Raincover included
Watch out for
- Men’s fit only in this listing
- 35L is tight for cold-weather overnights
Key Specs
- Capacity: 35 liters
- Fit: men’s, adjustable torso
- Loading: top lid plus side zip
- Raincover: included
- Extras: trekking pole attachment, shove-it pocket
3This version of the Maelstrom swaps to a more water-resistant fabric and spreads storage across nine pockets: the main compartment, two front zip pockets, two hip-belt pockets, two side pockets and two mesh pockets.
The brand lists the pack at about 13.4 x 8.6 x 22 inches, a tall and narrow shape that stays close to your back on narrow trails and in crowded train aisles. Hip-belt pockets are the standout here; snacks, a phone and a map stay reachable without stopping. Like the standard Maelstrom it has no real frame, so treat it as a big daypack rather than an overnight hauler.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Two hip-belt pockets for snacks and phone
- Water-resistant fabric
- Slim profile for trails and transit
Watch out for
- No frame for heavy loads
- Back panel runs warm in summer
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Size: about 13.4 x 8.6 x 22 in (brand listing)
- Pockets: 9 including 2 hip-belt pockets
- Fabric: water-resistant nylon
- Frame: none
4The Nerlion 40L is a simple, light hiking and travel pack. Nerlion lists the bag at 0.9 kg, and the thick nylon is treated to resist water and abrasion.
One main compartment, several zip front pockets and two side pockets keep it easy to pack. It is a good all-rounder for students, casual hikers and travelers who want one bag for many uses without spending much.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Light for a 40L pack
- Water-resistant nylon
- Simple, easy layout
Watch out for
- No frame
- Basic hip strap
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Weight: 0.9 kg (brand listing)
- Fabric: water-resistant nylon
- Pockets: main, front zips, 2 side
5IX INOXTO bundles a 3-liter water bladder and a rain cover with its hiking pack, which is unusual at this price. It is offered in 26L and 40L sizes; choose the 40L.
The fabric is high-density water-resistant polyester, and stress points and straps are reinforced. Hands-free hydration is the selling point: you drink more often when you do not have to stop and dig out a bottle.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- 3L bladder included
- Rain cover included
- Reinforced stress points
Watch out for
- Bladder quality is basic
- No frame
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40 liters (also 26L)
- Hydration: 3L bladder included
- Fabric: water-resistant polyester
- Rain cover: included
6The IGOLUMON is a featherweight, packable 40L bag that folds into its own pocket, which makes it the backup pack we would throw in a suitcase or carry-on for day trips once you arrive.
It has one main zip compartment, two front zip pockets, two side pockets and a separate wet pocket for a damp towel or swimsuit. There is no padding to speak of, so it is not a pack for long days with heavy gear, but for a market run, a beach day or a light summit walk it does the job and disappears when you are done.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Folds into its own pocket
- Separate wet pocket
- Very light for its size
Watch out for
- Thin, unpadded straps
- No hip belt support
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Fabric: nylon
- Design: packable / foldable
- Pockets: main, 2 front, 2 side, wet pocket
- Frame: none
How We Chose
We compared published specs, materials, fit ranges and features for more than 40 backpacks in the 30 to 50 liter range, then read verified owner feedback to spot durability and comfort problems that spec sheets miss. We did not receive free products, and we do not claim hands-on testing. TOR Scores combine published specs, verified owner feedback and overall value.
Choosing a Backpack for the Camino de Santiago
Most pilgrims walk 15 to 25 kilometers a day for weeks, so pack weight and comfort matter more than capacity. A common rule is to carry no more than about 10 percent of your body weight.
- Size. 30 to 40 liters is plenty, because you sleep in albergues and buy food along the way.
- Hip belt. A padded hip belt shifts weight off your shoulders over long days.
- Ventilation. Spanish summers are hot; a mesh back panel helps.
- Rain protection. Galicia is rainy, so bring a rain cover or pack liner.
- Access. Hip-belt pockets keep your credential, phone and snacks close.
Typical Camino kit: two sets of quick-dry clothes, a light sleeping bag liner, rain jacket, sandals, a small first aid kit with blister care, a headlamp and toiletries. Leave anything you are not sure you need at home.
How to Fit a 40L Backpack
Fit matters more than brand. A 40-liter pack with the wrong torso length will hurt even if it is made from the best fabric. Measure your torso from the bony bump at the base of your neck (the C7 vertebra) down to the top of your hip bones. That number, usually between 15 and 21 inches, tells you which size or adjustment range to choose.
Load the pack with about 15 pounds before you adjust it. Then follow this order:
- Hip belt first. Center the padding on your hip bones and tighten until it carries most of the weight.
- Shoulder straps second. Pull them snug so they wrap your shoulders without lifting the hip belt.
- Load lifters third. On framed packs, angle them about 45 degrees to pull the top of the pack toward you.
- Sternum strap last. Clip it about an inch below your collarbones, just tight enough to stop the straps from sliding outward.
If the shoulder straps leave a gap above your shoulders or the hip belt sits on your waist instead of your hips, the torso length is wrong. Packs with adjustable back panels, like the Osprey Kestrel and Kyte, solve that without exchanges.
Related guides: best 40L backpack for trekking, best 40L backpack for women, best 40L backpack for men, best 40L backpack ultralight. Browse every pick in our backpacks category.
Sources and further reading: National Park Service: the Ten Essentials, Leave No Trace: the 7 Principles and National Park Service: camping basics. Product specs come from brand listings on Amazon; always check your airline’s current carry-on size rules before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size backpack is best for the Camino de Santiago?
Most pilgrims use 30 to 40 liters. Albergues provide beds and food is easy to buy, so you only need clothes, a sleeping bag liner, rain gear and basic toiletries.
How much should a 40L pack weigh empty?
Frameless 40L packs often weigh around 1 to 2 pounds, while framed hiking and travel packs usually weigh 2.5 to 4 pounds. Wheeled backpacks are heavier, often 4 to 6.5 pounds.
Are 40L backpacks waterproof?
Most are water resistant rather than waterproof. Seams and zippers let water in during heavy rain. Use a rain cover or a liner bag for anything that must stay dry.
How do I know what size backpack I need?
Measure your torso from the C7 vertebra at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. Match that number to the pack’s size chart or adjustable range.
How do I clean a backpack?
Empty it, shake out debris, and hand wash with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid the washing machine unless the brand allows it, and air dry away from direct heat.
Final Verdict
For the Camino, choose the Osprey Kyte 38 (women) or Osprey Kestrel LT 35 (men) for a comfortable, adjustable fit over long days. On a budget, the Maelstrom 40L Waterproof has hip-belt pockets and water-resistant fabric.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!