Backpacks

[LovinEurope]

By experience which backpacks are better, the ones with the internal frame or with out? What do MOST people use? Also what are some of the top brands?

Jaymi Dee

[Ryan]

Jaymi, i work ina backpackign store so i know my packs. I use an Osprey Crescent 75 , and i just got back from using it for 2 months in Europe. Other good brands you might want to try would be Greggory or Lowe Alpine. Personally, i like internal frame packs. -Ryan

[LovinEurope]

Being a girl that is only about 5'5, does it make a difference on what i should go after?

Jaymi Dee

[Kim]

Jaymi,

Check out this thread:

pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=Packing&action=display&n=1&thread=126

Kim

[Eagle]

LOVINEUROPE, a few comments on Backpacks.....

Yes, internal frame is the way to go! As far as top brands, I'm a big fan of Eagle Creek products, as that's what I use. I researched Packs for about three months before I made my purchase, and felt this was my best option for travel uses. Osprey, Gregory and Arcteryx also make excellent quality Packs. There is a section on this site about choosing a Backpack, which should help in this regard. A few things you might want to consider:

> Do you want a panel-loader (with lockable zippers) or a top-loader (more of a "trekking" style of Pack). Some people don't like top loaders, as they're harder to secure (no locking points) and also if you want to access something on the bottom, you have to remove a lot of gear to get at it. Some packs have made this a bit easier by adding side access points, however this means more openings to secure (less security?).

> What size Pack do you want? As you're 5' 5", I suspect you don't want a really large Pack. Give some thought to this, keeping in mind the pack light philosophy. A 50-70L. Pack would probably be a good range to look at?

> Do you want a detachable Daypack? A lot of people like this option, as it is useful as a carry-on for the Plane and also provides something to pack a light jacket, Camera, Lunch, Water, etc. while ou're touring.

> A Pack having a "stowable harness" is a good thing to have (where the harness straps are stowed behind a zippered panel for air travel, to prevent the straps from being caught in conveyor belts). My pack has this option, and I find it really useful. When I travelled in June, I noticed some Packs without this feature are being "saran-wrapped" by the airlines. However, in my "informal survey" I saw lots of Packs without any covering at all, so not sure if the "saran wrap" is a local option or used on a wider scale?

> MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, make sure you are properly fitted for torso size! Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. Most competent sales people will be able to measure this for you and fit the pack properly. If possible try this out fully loaded for a few hours to make sure it feels comfortable. Perhaps Ryan2 could offer a few hints on proper fitting? Check www.gregorypacks.com (Pack fitting section) for a good overview on how this is done.

If you want to have a look at Eagle Creek Backpacks, they have a good product line, and also lots of useful accessories such as the Packing Cubes (which I use a lot!). Check www.eaglecreek.com for further details. You can often find these at quite favourable prices by shopping around and on the Internet.

Hope these comments will be of some help. Good luck in choosing the perfect Backpack, and Happy Travels!!!

[Libby]

I really like the Eagle Creek Continental Journey. It fit well and it felt comfortable. I was also pleased with the size. That said, I haven't bought it yet because I'd prefer to have one with a few smaller compartments on the outside of the pack for nicknack stuff. The Continental Journey doesn't seem to have a single one

[LovinEurope]

Thanks a lot everyone.

Eagle - I'm going to go and check out those sites. Thanx

Jaymi Dee