Backpacks:how large

[rissama]

how large of a pack should I get for 2-2.5 months?

[mango]

how big are you and how much stuff do you want to take? are you taking a tent and/or sleeping bag?

how much weight can you carry? do you want to be able to walk around for a day with a pack on your back or is it just getting between the train station and the hostel?

however big it is it is not going to seem big enough

but maybe 60 litres is a good size for a smaller person, up to 80 litres for a bigger person. IF you're planning to carry a full pack any distance it's not so much the size of the pack that's important, but whether the pack is the right size for your back.

I think the packs that have a zip off daypack are particularly useful. Also you can afford it there are some good lightweight backpacks that have built in wheels for those times when you are too lazy to carry your stuff and the terrain will allow it.

[Eagle]

rissama,

how large of a pack should I get for 2-2.5 months?

I usually try to use the principle that one should pack the same for 2 weeks as for 2 months. The average size for "backpacking" seems to be about 55-70 litres, but you'll have to decide if that meets your needs.

As mango mentioned it's important to choose the correct size for your Pack. To elaborate on that, the Pack needs to be fitted according to your torso length. Any competent salespeople should be able to measure this for you. Most of the weight should rest on the hip belt, and not on your shoulders.

Some other features that are useful (IMO) are a detachable Daypack (I use that for carry-on, when checking the larger Pack), and a stowable harness (if the straps can be stowed behind a zippered panel, they are less likely to be torn-off by airport baggage handling equipment). I also prefer "panel loading" packs (ie: with zippers) rather than top loading packs (with a drawstring at the top). I find it's easier to access the contents and in addition the zippers can be locked (provides a minimal level of security).

Check other Posts in the packing section, as you may find some good inforamation in older Posts.

Cheers!!!

[rissama]

thanks

[nshs2010]

if we leave the hostel that we are staying at, do they have a place to keep a backpack or do we leave our stuff sitting where people can get to it?

[me]

"newman smith high school class of 2010," i presume? ;D

just a little joke: newman smith high is in a Dallas suburb.

as to your question; the answer is "yes!" some hostels have very secure lockers, some have a storeroom near the main desk (to discourage thieves) some have none of the above. it varies from hostel to hostel. but, most have some way to secure your stuff.

- d

nshs2010 said:

if we leave the hostel that we are staying at, do they have a place to keep a backpack or do we leave our stuff sitting where people can get to it?

[Eagle]

nshs2010, as David mentioned, most Hostels have some sort of storage facilities. If Lockers are provided in the Dorm rooms, they are usually only big enough to store a Backpack and not much else. You'll have to provide your own Padlock, and I'd suggest choosing a good quality Lock (medium to smaller size, as the fittings on the Lockers won't normally accomodate large Padlocks).

From what I've observed, most people just leave their Packs sitting beside or on their Bunks, often not even locked. I usually lock the zippers on my Pack when out touring, but I also don't leave any valuables in it. I always have a stainless steel security cable along, so can lock it to the Bunk if necessary. However, given the inherent weaknesses of a fabric Backpack, there's only so much one can do to prevent theft or damage.

If there's something you're really concerned about, you could ask the Hostel staff if they have a secure storage at the Front desk.

Hope this helps. Happy travels!

[rissama]

No, Em, we just leave our stuff lying around in a hostel, in a foreign country, with strangers, who will steal our stuff.
p.s. i saw 2 culs-de-sac yesterday!
;-P

[nshs2010]

actually david it's "north side high school class of 2010"
just so you know....

[me]

nshs2010 said:

actually david it's "north side high school class of 2010"

i really feel old now. i graduated high school in the eighties!!

[rissama]

me said:

nshs2010 said:

actually david it's "north side high school class of 2010"

i really feel old now. i graduated high school in the eighties!!

Wow, you're as old as my parents.

[rissama]

and Em didnt even reply to me mocking her. thats a new one.

[me]

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
- Mark Twain

rissama said:

me said:

i really feel old now. i graduated high school in the eighties!!

Wow, you're as old as my parents.

[rissama]

people have two ages....the one that says how long they have been in existence. the other says how they act. the former for me is 15 years, 8 months, 16 days, and 5 hours. the latter is sometimes 40, and sometimes 5.