6 months...a packing nightmare?

[brendan]

Hello all,
I am a little confused as to what kind of bag(s) I am going to bring on my trip to europe. My plans are very flexible begining July 1- December 20, but are as follows: 6 week study program in Paris-but I will probably stay there another 2-3 weeks, then I am going to be traveling along the southern coast of France stopping for a couple days in various cities/towns. I am then heading to Croatia for 2 weeks, then through Italy for 3 weeks, Austria, Czech Rep, Germany, and up to Denmark.

The more I think about it, the more it seems I am going to be traveling quite a bit, but my time frame seems to be on the longer side (6 months). My problem is deciding whether to pack one of the three following choices: 1) a large patagonia wheeled suitcase (which travels great) that i would check in on planes and a day pack; 2) a large high sierra wheeled suitcase that converts into a backpack that i would also have to check; or 3) buy a large backpack/day pack (i was looking at the new world journey by eagle creek or far flung pack by dana designs).

I am planning on bringing some club clothes and possible internship pants, shits and tie, etc. and that is what seems to be fouling me up the most in making my decision. Otherwise I leave in seven days, two hours, and maybe a minute and a half, and can't wait!

Thanks for any help on this one, I appreciate your replies, Brendan

[Kim]

Hi Brendan!

I'd go with C - buy a large backpack/day pack.

Reason being is that the wheeled suitcases aren't practical for travel in Europe due to a good number of the roads being cobblestone. It will just chew up the wheels. Plus, not being able to throw it on your back will be a major hindrance on the train and other places with not much room, skinny aisles etc.

A wheeled pack isn't a good idea due to the lack of comfort when wearing it as a pack.

Definately go with an Eagle Creek bag. Our trip was 7 months and my fiancees pack was amazing, still in great shape when we got home. I had to replace one pack and even the new one was falling apart by the time we got home, next time I won't be so cheap! ;D Plus, his was SOOOO much more comfortable. The removable daypack is a must have.

The weird thing with a long trip is that you actually don't need too many more clothing items that you would for a short one, you just end up wearing them more. You still will probably do laundry once a week and wearing the same stuff over and over.

Once you are done with your internship clothes, pack them up and mail them home along with anything else you want to get rid of.

You must be getting so excited!

Kim

[Eagle]

I agree completely with Kim! Go with Option C, the Eagle Creek Backpack. I think you'll find this will be the easiest to travel with, especially since you might be gone for six months. Eagle Creek packs are excellent quality, and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Whichever model of Backpack you buy, make sure you are properly fitted for your torso size. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, NOT your shoulders. If possible, try this out fully loaded for a few hours to see how the fit works for you. If possible try to get a model that allows the straps to be stowed behind a zippered panel during transport, as that's a great feature to keep the straps from getting caught on airport conveyor belts (that way you won't have to "Saran Wrap" your pack). I also like the front carry option and the built-in "shower cap" on some pack models.

Give some careful thought to how much gear you want to pack along. As Rick Steves frequently says, "you pack the same for three weeks as for three months". You might find that you can get by with a smaller Pack than you first thought. I can well appreciate the fact that you have to pack some dress clothes for this trip, as I had to take a dress suit on a recent trip to England. I will DEFINETELY be packing lighter on the next trip!

Hope these few comments will be of some help to you. Good luck on your Backpack shopping and have a great time on your trip!

[jennifer]

Well, to the risk of repeating, I'm totally with Kim on this one, sending stuff home and buying as you go is a great way to to it!
xoxo
Jen

[brendan]

you guys are great! thank you so much for the help...it is greatly appreciated. i just ordered the eagle creek explorer and also got the 20% off because the order was over $150. Thanks again, kim, eagle and jen, your replies helped me make my decision ;D

fill you in when i get back. brendan

[jennifer]

That's what we're here for!
Be sure to keep us posted!