picking a pack

[kit1049]

I have been browsing packs to bring on a 3 week trip to europe this summer. i looked at eagle creek but i thought the packs were sort of ugly.

www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=APH8


is that pack going to be too big? Do i not need that much space? what is the average amount of space my pack should have?

thanks!

[dumbdiety]

Welcome to the boards! There are many threads here discussing backpack sizes.
Generally, Eagle Creek are the 'preferred' brand around here. They may be ugly, as you say, but damn do they hold up well. To really help you out though, we need to know your gender and size. You want a backpack properly fitted for your torso or else it will start to weigh down on you. Where are you? Do you have someplace you can go to try these on before you purchase one? That's your best bet.

[Eagle]

kit1049, a few comments to add to those that dumbdiety posted. It's unfortunate that you found the Eagle Creek packs to be "ugly", as those are the preferred choice around here. I use a 2003 vintage Continental Journey pack and so far it's worked really well for me. However, I'm not as familiar with the styling of the newer models (I'll have a look when I get a few minutes).

Some of the things that I think are important in a Backpack are:

> Panel-loading design (zippers) instead of top-loading - Zippers are much easier to secure (lock) than drawstrings. Also, I find it much easier to access items (especially in the bottom of the pack) with a panel-loading Pack. Most top-loaders have too many openings to secure for my preferences.

> Detachable Daypack - I really like having a Detachable Daypack, as it's useful both for day touring as well as for carry-on luggage during air travel. With my Pack, I have the choice on whether to attach it to the main Pack at the rear, or use it in a "front carry" configuration for better weight balancing and security.

> Stowable Harness - I really appreciated that feature on my last trip, as I simply stored the harness in the back pouch instead of having to wait for it to be "Saran wrapped" as with others. It also makes it much quicker to access at the other end, instead of having to struggle to unwrap it.

> Rain Cap - my Pack also has a stowable Shower Cap, located in a small pocket in the bottom. I encountered some fierce rain storms on my last trip and it was great to have that feature. In my experience, even Packs that have a rubber lining will eventually leak a bit, making things inside a bit "soggy". I found that out with my Daypack, which doesn't have a "shower cap".

As mentioned in the prevous post, it's essential that you are properly fitted according to your torso length. Rather than re-hash a bunch of stuff that's already been posted on the subject, read through some of the other posts in the "Packing" section.

Hope this helps. Cheers!!!