Pointers on a backpack / shoes !?

[amusedcoconut]

So, in my reading a have picked up a certain amount of useful advice but would just like some pointers that are a bit more specific to me as I am not a man nor I am I particularly built
I'm a 19 year old girl, going on a month long trip in Eastern Europe. I'm around 5'7 or so, and I know I'm supposed to find a bag that will fit my torso, but about what capacity backpack should I be looking for? I had not really budgeted for spending that much on a bag ... I would hope not to have to shell out too much (is E50-70 completely unrealistic?!).

On the shoe front, I realise that we will be walking a lot, even sightseeing etc but I don't think we're planning on doing any actual hiking per-se, in which case do I really need proper footwear? I hadn't really thought about this as being an issue until very recently, and had originally planned on bringing a pair of flip flops, a pair of fairly inexpensive strappy sandals and a pair of lowie converses! I realise that I may now need to rethink this! It would still be handy to bring the converses though as we're going to a festival while there...

[Mikul]

I am backpacking in Europe right now (currently in Budapest) and shoes are very important. I purchased some New Balance walking shoes and have not had any problems with them. Last year, after one day of walking around in Paris had blisters from my sandals. I didn't want to deal with the pain and uncomfortableness of having blisters and decided to purchase real walking shoes this time. I constantly see girls wearing sandals and complaining of blisters or have band aids over where their blisters are. Just because you are not hiking in the mountains, does not mean you wont be walking a lot. It seems to me that girls try to be more fashionable and end up suffering more.

[amusedcoconut]

I will definitely start looking for some comfortable/supportive sandals. And yes that doesn't surprise me *at all* that girls try to be too stylish! ... I am still going to try to find nice looking practical sandals - compromise lol!

Could someone tell me what they think of these backpacks?
www.mountainwarehouse.com/Travel_Trekking/Travel_Bags_Rucksacks/sc1327/p12880.aspx

cgi.ebay.ie/KingCamp-Backpack-Rucksack-Hiking-Bag-40Ltr-New_W0QQitemZ330336478534QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_205?hash=item4ce996a546&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A3|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

About 40/45 litres is probably enough for me or would I want a bit more for a month? What kind of features am I looking for?
On second thoughts would I want less? Hand baggage restrictions are being a pain as well, my limit is 6 kilos... may end up having to check it in which will be about 30euro

[Eagle]

amusedcoconut,

Unfortunately, I don't have any information on the two Packs you mentioned, so can't offer any advice. However, a few general comments....

As you mentioned, being fitted properly for your torso length is extremely important. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders.

Some of the features I would consider important in a Backpack:

- Panel load design (with zippers, which can be locked to provide a minimal level of security)

- Detachable Daypack (works well for carry-on when the main Pack has to be checked)

- Stowable Harness system (the straps are stowed behind a zippered panel during air travel, which helps to prevent these from being torn-off by airport baggage systems)

- Front carry option for the Daypack (I find this useful both for better load balancing as well as for monitoring the pack in "high crime areas")

I use a 2003-vintage Eagle Creek Continental Journey. I can't recall the capacity, but it's a challenge sometimes to fit everything in.

Regarding footwear, I'd also recommend New Balance walking shoes, although I primarily use ECCO shoes when travelling. As I'm male, I'm not as concerned with the appearance of these. They're strictly for function and durability.

Happy travels!