will these packs work?

[megamay]

I see everyone raving about the Eagle Creek bags and now I really want one - they look awesome! But my husband and I already have backpacks that we use for camping - top loading internal frame packs.

hubby's is like this
www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47697748&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1

mine is considerable smaller but rather similar. I know that having top loading packs will be a pain when unpacking and packing, and that they will be hard to lock. But other than that, will these work? The overwhelming advantage is that we already own them, we could buy new Eagle creek ones, but at around $150 each that would be almost three days' worth of budget! Should I take some of our splurge money to buy the better pack, or deal with what we have and have money for more meals out or adventures?

[Kim]

Really, you can make any pack work. The Eagle Creeks just offer more for the traveller.

For example, with a removable daypack, you can just zip it on to your main pack rather than using valuable space inside for one. A daypack is definately needed either way to take stuff out for the day - your lunch, camera etc.

Really, it depends on how long you are going. For a couple weeks, I could handle a top loader but if you are going for a month and a half or a few months, it will get on your nerves in a major way.

Also, can you lock the main compartments? If not, I wouldn't be too eager to use them as you need to lock them constantly - not just when you leave them at hostels but when you are the train etc. This keeps sticky hands out of your stuff.

Is it comfortable for long periods of time? You don't want a pack that towers over your head, it will throw you off balance. The fact that they have a waist belt is good, I would never recommend using a pack that doesn't have one.

It's up to you really and how you feel about it - anything can be made to work. My first trip I had a piece of crap pack for 3 months and I don't think I could do it again. That said, if it's just for a few weeks I probably wouldn't buy new ones.

Kim

[megamay]

our trip is going to be for 3 months!

You can lock the outside pockets, but not the big inner compartment. They are really comfortable though, we use them backpacking in the woods all the time, with a tent and sleeping bags and lots of really heavy stuff.

do you really think that having someone steal your dirty clothes and sleep sack is a big worry? We bought cables with locks to tie them to something on the train so someone cant just run off with them, and we have good day packs. hmmm, maybe we could split the difference and just one of us get a new pack.

[LHR02]

Speaking only for myself here.....I really believe that the only thing other than 'bad' shoes that can effectively put a big hurt on any trip is a bad pack. If your shoes are uncomfortable and your pack just isn't working....well, you are going to spend hours and miles on your feet and what might seem a minor thing at home will become a HUGE issue on the road. No, actually, no one really wants your dirty clothes. The problem is, they see an unlocked bag and they don't know that it is only clothes in there. And if they take the pack coz part of it is not locked, well, a knife will quickly get them into the locked sections. I would consider not being able to lock my pack a real problem....if for nothing else than the darn worry factor. If you camp and hike a lot and these packs work, go with them then. But...the trip you are planning will be much more physical, loads more walking and hopping on and off trains than the usual camping expedition. Or at least my experience was. I say again, next to shoes, nothing is more important than a great pack matched for your needs and style.