Backpack and Contents
This is the weight of your backpack itself and everything inside or attached to your backpack.
The heaviest item in this weight category is usually the backpack itself or possibly your water, depending on how much water you carrWe’ll cover backpack selection in more detail when we get to Gear Selection. For now, just keep in mind that there is a trade-off between backpack weight, durability and comfort. For my money, I’ll always choose comfort over saving a few hundred grams, within reason. You’ll feel discomfort with every kilometre you walk, while a few hundred grams become insignificant in the bigger scheme of things.
Another point to keep in mind is the size of your backpack - the bigger the volume, the more likely you are to add extra, unnecessary, items. Smaller packs are also more likely to be allowed as carry-on luggage.
By being selective about what you pack, it is quite possible to get your backpack weight down to around 7kg, including a 1.4kg backpack but excluding water. That leaves 5.6 kg for everything else. It is possible to go even lighter, but that requires careful planning and some compromises.
Remember, water is part of your backpack weight, not something to be added as an afterthought and it is heavy. Always carry enough for your needs, but not too much. Depending on your chosen route, you may find plenty of water fountains (fuentes) along the way, but don’t assume they will always be operational. Check what lies ahead and carry enough water to get you to the next reliable water source.