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Post by redshoes on Oct 9, 2005 11:12:38 GMT -5
Hi guys!! only 51 more days till departure! ;D ;D I'm having a serious problem with my new bag, I originally bought hiking pack from Canadian tire, but it wasn't fitting right so I returned it. I went to novacks and looked around there and tried on a 65 litres backpack but it didn't fit right either, so I asked the guy if the eagle creek Continental journey women’s fit bag might fit me better. He said it would most likely feel better then the ones I was trying on, and that they were great bags. So I bought one, but I don't think it fits either I've packed it and it weighs with all my stuff about 50 pounds with daypack on, but when I put it on I feel strain on my shoulders. When the straps are looser it kind of just sits above my butt. Is this supposed to happen? Its just not very comfy but maybe I’m expecting to much, I know its going to be heavy and hard to carry I just don’t think my shoulders are suppose to feel strain. What should I do?? Any advice would be great. christal
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Post by LHR02 on Oct 9, 2005 12:28:47 GMT -5
My first reaction is.........50 pounds!!!!! Girl, what in the world are you taking? Second, once I get over the weight issue, when you bought it did they do the adjustments available to fit it properly to your torso? I am only 5' even, so mine had to be set on the shortest possible and to tell the truth I don't know how to do it. The store took care of that after fitting me. I have the exact pack you are speaking of in a woman's fit. Two things I did find with it.....frankly I don't like the 'feel' of having the hip belt fastened so rarely used it. Hence, my shoulders carried it all and no wonder that they ached at the end of the day. Every once in awhile I would hook the belt and do realize it was a much easier carry...I just hate anything that tight around me. Also, the little latch/strap across the front that holds the two straps together across your chest...rarely used that either but on occasion when I did it helped as well to level the load so to speak. I will say that my pack does seem to be adjusted properly and even if I am not using the hip belt, the bottom of the pack is still resting just above my hips. Are you using the hip belt and chest strap in your trials? That alone can make a big difference in how it feels to you. I did find that letting the straps out, hip belt or not, only increased the strain on my shoulders and back. The higher up I carried it the less strain it seemed to me. Perhaps you have your straps just too loose? If it is resting on your butt I would guess it is simply too loose for the weight you are carrying. I am surely no expert at all with this topic....hopefully others will chime in with a bit more specific advice. But I will say again.....50 pounds!! ging ....who is looking at 36 days myself, give or take a day or two either way
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Post by redshoes on Oct 9, 2005 12:56:47 GMT -5
Frist i want to say YAYEEE for you Ging!! congrats on a great trip planned!!! I was fallowing your thread and am so excited for you!! I guess 50 pounds it alittle much its 20 pounds in my day pack which is carrying: 2 guide books (that I'm taking to kenkos to remove the binding and shorten down the pages) 3 small t-shirts 4 socks 1 pair of long johns 1 long sleave undershirt journal shampoo soap laundry kit hand cream net mess for bugs in egypt off bug spray hair brush make up (eye liner, eye shadow, and mascara) My pack is 30 pounds and is carrying: 3 long sleeve shirts 2 jeans 1 pair of capries 1 pair of quick dry capries 1 pair of cords 10 pairs of undies 8 pairs of socks. 4 bras 1 pair of long johns 2 t-shirts 1 pair of pj pants. bathing suit towl sleeping bag. its a tight fit but I'm worried about the fact that its going to be chilly in some places and really warm in others. and i need a my sleeping bag for the feleccan sail boat in egypt. I bought the pack online but the guy at novacks said i could bring it in and he would help me adjust it, but i wanted to try myself. I don't like the hip strap either!! it just feels weird. I did use the chest strap and it fit nicer. do you know if the frame can be moved? I'm 5'7 and it seems like it might be alittle to short for me god i hope not. thanks ging!!! Christal. ps: I'm going to go to novacks and see if they can help me out.
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Post by Eagle on Oct 9, 2005 13:26:22 GMT -5
Christal, it sounds like you haven't yet had a Pack that was properly fitted according to your specific torso size. That's one of the pitfalls in buying a Pack online. From what I recall, the design range of the Continental Journey is 15"-21" (not sure if this is the same on the newer models, or on the women's model?).
Unfortunately, the hip belt is an important component of proper fitting, and if you don't want your shoulders to ache, it's necessary to use it. The idea is that most of the weight rests on your hips, which are better able to support the weight (especially 50 pounds!!!).
One option that was available on the older CJ Packs was to "front carry" the Daypack in order to balance the load a bit better. I don't know if this option was carried over on the new models? I'm able to do this with my Pack, and although it's not something I use all the time, it's nice to be able to if desired (the other nice thing about that is that it keeps the Daypack in view, to hopefully prevent "pilfering").
Some women have commented in previous Posts that they found the men's version of the CJ was a better fit for their particular body shape. That's something you might want to consider? Also, have a look at some of the other Eagle Creek models, as one of the other models with an adjustable harness system might be better for you.
I'm not sure where you're located, so can't suggest any shops you might try. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions, post another note.
Ging, 36 days to go! I can understand that you're getting nervous. I won't be going until next spring, but now that I know my trip is a certainty, I get nervous just thinking about it! The thought comes to mind "I can't believe I'm really doing this". There are still a few minor details to be worked out such as home and pet care, but other than that everything has fallen into place. It will be great to start getting reports from your trip, as I don't know much about the Scandinavian countries and I'm sure it will be a big help to others here as well.
Cheers!!!
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Post by LHR02 on Oct 9, 2005 13:47:38 GMT -5
Well right here I see a problem! I am 5'0" and you are 5'7".....common sense says it's highly unlikely we could use the same pack, no matter if it is adjustable or not! I agree with Eagle....sounds like your torso would be better fit with a mens version. And don't be alarmed....mens vs womens fit is simply about the length...there are men of less stature who would do best with the womens fit...but doubt most would ever want to admit that! Eagle is right about the hip belt....it does make a difference in a big way...but as I said, I just find it so uncomfortable. Hopefully the shop you are going to will have someone knowledgeable to really be able to help you. I lucked out and found a great shop when I bought mine who seemed to know everything and fitted it perfectly to me. But again, at least for me, hip belt or not, the higher I could carry it on my shoulders the better off I was. Hanging low down on my back just added further strain. Understand that you are going to different regions/weather so it makes packing harder...but 5 pairs of pants, 9 shirts, et al seems a bit on the heavy side. If weight is an issue...and it seems it is...I think you could safely cut back on your clothing just a wee bit and still be fine. But I do understand....Ray is tempting me with unbelievable low prices on trips to Egypt from Prague (one of my most wished for places to see) but as I told him, I am going 'north' in winter and trying to figure in hot weather clothes in that mix just baffles my mind. ;D Good luck with your pack. Let us know what you find out and decide. This sort of discussion helps so many others out! ging
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Post by LHR02 on Oct 9, 2005 13:58:25 GMT -5
Eagle...not nervous at all really....and I damn well should be! Have two small rooms packed thus far and not a darn thing else. With 20 days to go till my son is here to help me move it all. Oh well...Ill get it done, I always do when I have to. Have been checking airfares several times a day now and they vary $40 from hour to hour, but no big drastic change either way. Looks like I am going to have to suck it up and pay $500 Atlanta to London and back....4 month return. Actually not that bad, but I have been spoiled with $375 fares in the past. Every site nowadays gives the standard 'increased fares due to high fuel costs'.....liars! ;D But, need to purchase something in the next 4 or 5 days regardless or I will be less than 1 month out and then watch the prices climb! Now an rerouting the whole thing again due to rail pass. Makes no sense to go to Scandinavia on a eurail pass, then Germany, then Eastern Europe (off pass countries) and back to Hungary/Austria. Thinking now about a Scanrail pass for just as much as I need, from Helsinki to Tallin, down through the Baltics, Berlin for Christmas and validate my eurail there. Or something like that....I'm still playing with the whole thing. I like to have a general route mapped out.....but hey, fly to London, fly to Copenhagen, and see where I go suits me okay. Just hate to waste pass days if I don't need to. Later.....ging
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Post by redshoes on Oct 9, 2005 16:08:10 GMT -5
Eagle, My torso is 21" from back of my neck to my hip. So I think it should fit. I must say I was slightly disappointed with the packs available adjustments; there really isn't any I can make. The hip belt and the shoulder straps are all I'm seeing. I think the newer model is a little more basic then the old ones. I'm working two jobs so getting to novacks (adventure and camping travel gear store) will be difficult but as soon as I get the results I will post them. The great thing is the pack fits my friend Miranda really well and she wants the same one, so if I really am not suit for the pack she will buy it from me and I can go for the men’s fit or maybe a slightly bigger bag. Like the Transcontinental 85 liter one. Ging, Your right, I’m bring way too much I’m going to cut out a pair of jeans, but I forgot to put in that I’m also bring 3 sweaters two thin ones (great for layers) and one thick one. I’m also packing a small ran jacket (no zippers just a pull over). Ahhhh!! There’s just too much, I’m going to post my packing wish list and see what everyone says. it just sucks that I have to have a mix of warm and cold clothes. Your also going to be in Europe the same time I am, maybe I could get your email off of you before we leave and we could plan a meet up for coffee or dinner. Just a thought. Thanks guys!! Christal.
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Post by LHR02 on Oct 9, 2005 16:49:17 GMT -5
Red Shoes....don't listen to me, I let the nice young man in the shop do this...but I did at least watch! ;D He somehow took the thing apart and got to the innards that you can't see....it was a flat, hard plastic looking thing that he adjusted. It's in the back, the part that lies against your back....and it sort of snaps in and out of place in a series of 'slots' that lengthens or shortens the overall length of it. Sheesh...wish I had asked more questions or paid better attention. But I do know you can lengthen or shorten it back there.
I strongly urge you to adjust your packing list. IMHO....you are taking too too much. 50 pounds is a killer girl!
Depending on what flight I ultimately buy I am looking to be in London 14/15/16 November, then fly straight to Copenhagen and around the Scandinavian area till about 13 December...then heading south trough the Baltics from there and still am looking at Berlin over the Xmas holidays. From that point....I've no real plans as yet. Where are you going to be during that period? My email is dustoffmom@gmail.com...or dustoffmom@msn.com.....drop me a line and let's see if we can work out a meeting place somehow. I would love it!
ging
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Post by redshoes on Oct 13, 2005 22:25:01 GMT -5
Well the verdicts in and the bag is too short. I went to novacks and they said that there’s no way to move the frame up and down because all there is for the frame is a single piece of plastic. And the shoulder straps are sewn on to the bag. He said I would be best with one that had these things adjustable.
When i put the bag on he said it should wrap around my hips, with my bag the hip straps were just above my hipbone and kept riding up towards my bellybutton.
I tried another bag on while I was there with 35lbs of weight in it and it felt MUCH better. He adjusted it to my length and it fits like a dream. The bag is an infinity-outdoor: Vagabond 60
60 litres Full size convertible travel pack Full feature slide-out daypack Top and bottom entries Zip in lower divider in main New sliding torso adjusting back
Every thing has worked out, the eagle creek bag fits one of my travel companions very well so I don't even have to return anything. Thank you guys for all your help!
I’m modifying my pack list and it should be around 30lbs, I know that’s still a lot of weight but come on its better the 50 right. ;D ;D ;D
Thanks guys and I hope this post helps other ppl out! Christal
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Post by LHR02 on Oct 13, 2005 22:42:58 GMT -5
I am not familiar with the bag you got...but I simply knew there was no way a 5'0" woman and a 5'7" woman could easily use the same pack! So glad you went and had it 'professionally' checked. Your back and shoulders will thank you every day of your trip.
I don't have any issues with 30 pounds, assuming you can fill my personal rules with that weight. Can you pick it up from a dead stop and lift it onto your back? Can you grab it and lift it totally over your head? In my opinion, if you can do those two you don't have excessive weight for your physical limits.
What a real bonus to have a travel partner willing and waiting to buy your too short pack!
thanks for letting us know the results!
ging
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Post by me on Oct 13, 2005 23:51:54 GMT -5
this is way off topic, but the subject line makes me think of the song lyrics: “He ain’t no drag, pappa’s got a brand new bag”--James Brown
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Post by Jules80 on Oct 14, 2005 7:47:30 GMT -5
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