I spent way too much money this weekend

[Libby]

but I think it was worth it!

I picked out and purchased a pack. I almost bought a Continental Journey but I liked this pack a bit more. The straps had a bit more padding and despite being 2L smaller than the CJ listed size it is MUCH bigger.

www.reisefieber.cimag.de/bilder/Tatonka_Great_Escape.jpg

I also bought shoes. I hope these are the ones I take, but we'll wait to see how they break in. These guys are made for the European market (specifically Germany) and my big feet LOVE European shoes.

shop.neckermann.de/reebok_walkingschuh-40.asp

I also picked up a microfiber towel and two Woods Canada (a company I love) packing cubes. The Woods cubes were 1/4 the price of the Eagle Creek cubes I saw.

What do you all think? Wise decisions?

[Kim]

I think you did great, Libby!

The most important part about a pack is that it feels good on and it sounds like, with all that padding, that this one does. You'll appreciate the comfort quickly, after wearing it for a few hours!

I love packing cubes, and packing cubes at a quarter of the price - well, I love that even more!

Kim

[Libby]

Kim,
You are in Canada right? Woods Canada is introducing a Travel Gear line exclusive to Canadain Tire! The packing cubes I bought are from that line and the small ones only cost me 5.99! One will be perfect for my toiletries and the second for the first aid kit and stuff. My bag will have NO loose items. ;D

I'm happy!

[jennifer]

Wow, I think you seem really happy with what you bought and that is what is important. I have a few friends who asked me info about travelling after I got back and I had a hard time helping them with the pack.

I think it's a personal choice and one can probably only suggest a brand, but not the pack itself as everyone if sized differently, wants different things from their pack. If you think it's comfy, then that is perfect and it means you won't regret it. I think when you shop for a pack, if there is one little detail that bothers you about it, don't buy it, or at least not right away. Worse comes to worst, you go back 54 times to try it on, and then you take your decision. Nothing is worst than having a backpack that will drive you nuts during your travels!

And wow, Canadian Tire will have a travel line? I'm impressed! Is it already in stores or online?

Thanks
Jen
xoxo

[Kim]

Really? Wow, that's very cool!

I will definately keep an eye out for that!

Kim

[Libby]

I had no idea Woods did travel stuff, but I'm very familiar with their camping equiptment as I own several pieces. While searching the web for more information about their products I found an article in the Globe and Mail announcing their travel line at Canadian Tire.

;D

[Nicstar]

attempt number two to try and post.....

Libby, your purchases look great. Having just received my tax cheque back, which was $1000 more than anticipated, I am sooooooo looking forward to doing a big shop for things!

Shoes are still driving me insane trying to work out though.

[dougjones]

nice stuff. what size is the pack?

i had a horrid time finding decent shoes that can take a serious beating, travelling or at home. in the last year i've gone through maybe 5 pairs of shoes. when you walk an hour or more a day shoes need to hold up. so far my new balance have won that one. no blisters=good thing!

i had a hard time with packs until i went to a few stores, its hard to tell how big a pack actually is until you see it. i was set on getting something like an 85L pack until i saw how huge they were. i went with an asolo 65l pack.

i love the camping section at canadian tire. they have a lot of excellent stuff there for good prices.

[Libby]

OH! Shoes are hell and finding something comfortable isn't an easy thing to do. I have high hopes for these.

Doug,
The pack is the perfect size for me. I stuffed it last night and it held much more than I need (and weighed more than I could carry!) That will be great because I plan on using it as regular luggage between now and the trip.

The main body is 55L and the daypack is 5. I thought the daypack would be too small but it is a great size and won't throw off the pack when it's full.

Costs weren't as bad as I thought. The pack was 189+ tax and the shoes were on 1/2 price.

[WillTravel]

With my shoes (Rockports), I purchased them in February and hoped to use them in July for Europe. I walked a whole bunch in them for months and they seemed perfect. But 2 days before departure, they started hurting! I think it's possible it was the summer heat, or just the fact I had really stepped up the walking at that point, in preparation. So I had to run out and buy another pair of shoes (which turned out to be fine) and luckily I had my walking sandals. So pay close attention to your shoes.

I have such a hard time finding shoes that I both like and feel comfortable with. My husband's suggestion in the past has been to buy 10 pairs when I find one I like. But I always rejected this idea, because what usually happens is that one pair is great for some time, and then just quits working for me and I don't want to see it again.

[Libby]

Willtravel,
Buying multiple pairs isn't that bad an idea if your feet don't change much over time. Mine doo. I used to play hockey and my left knee is messed up and that causes my foot to swell. I'll have to take it a bit easy on this trip I'm afraid. Another bonus of travelling by myself..I set the pace ;D

[Libby]

I've got bad news to report about my Reebok. I've been wearing them now for about two weeks and they haven't felt bad...but I don't think they are what I need for Europe. They are just too heavy; both to carry and on my feet. I started looking for a new pair on Friday and lucked into a great pair yesterday.

Clarks Springers Sunstorm.

www.walkingonacloud.com/Xq/asp/intid.6517/qx/details.htm

These guys are light and were 100% more comfortable than the Reebok. I can also wear thiner socks with these guys and my didn't get as hot.

Anyone ever own a pair of these?

[jennifer]

Well, then, you've got a winner pair of shoes!

It's better you weren't cheap about it and went out and bought another pair. It's not worth your feets' sacrifice in exchange for extra money!

xoxo
Jen

[Libby]

Jennifer,
I can't afford to be cheap with my feet at any time. I'm a Librarian..the jokes about "sensible shoes" have never been truer. I'm on my feet all day, every day.

The Clarkes feel really good. I bought them on my lunch hour and wore them the rest of the day at work. 4 hours later and my feet still felt great.

I'm happy with the Reeboks though. I needed a new pair of sneakers anyway.

[jennifer]

Well, even more if you're a librarian, but i think no one should neglect their feet, especially travelling!