Shoes and backpack

[caroeurope]

Hello!

I am wondering whether a 62 or 75 liters backpack would be better for a 2 months trip to Europe. I measure 5'7" and I'm a solo woman who tends to bring a lot of things when I travel ; P I actually just bought a 62 L backpack, but I can return it if I want it bigger...

I am also wondering what to do about shoes... I am going to be travelling between April 8th and June 12th. Although I am unsure of my itinerary (I am planning to "see as I go"), I will start of in Paris, then go to England, then Czech Republic, Austria, Italy and maybe Turkey (I might add a few countries here and there). Anyways, I just found a pair of leather hiking boots that are really comfortable, and I was wondering if I should bring hicking boots along. On the one hand, I find them really comfy and I hears that hicking boots are really important when backpacking... On the other hand, I am not planning to do a lot of hiking (although I might do a little). However I will walk a lot ; P Nonetheless I am afraid that my feet will cook in these boots ; S However, I am also planning on bringing nice shoes, sport sandals and flip-flops...

What do you think?

Thanks in advance for your help : D

[googleygoo]

I would opt for the 75 liter if you need to "bring a lot of things." Or just stick with the 62 liter and bring a separate day pack for the little extra things. As for shoes, I don't think hiking boots are necessary if you're not hiking. But if they're comfortable, then heck, wear them. The key is to just have comfortable shoes to walk in. Definitely bring flip flops for showers or just for walking around the hostels/hotels. I don't really think you need more than a pair walking shoes, flip flops and comfy sandals. And you probably won't even wear the sandals until the later part of your trip. England and Paris will probably be a bit chilly in April.

[caroeurope]

Thanks! : D

[caroeurope]

I had another question for the hiking shoes/boots... Are they comfortable to walk around in towns (with the hard sole and lack of breatheable materials)? I've never owed a pair of hiking boots...

[WillTravel]

Do you have a nearby city or town where you could try an extended day of city walking? That would be the best way to see what works for you.

And personally, I need to have at least two pairs of shoes with me, often one "heavier" pair, and one "lighter" pair. Wearing just one type of shoe for a trip will do me in every time.

[caroeurope]

I was hoping on deciding whether to bring them to Europe before actually buying them... but I guess that I can always use them in future camping trips even if I decide not to bring them after buying them... Trying them would indeed be the best thing to test them ; P

And since I am already bringing 4 pairs of shoes with me I'm rather not bring both hiking boots and running shoes.. I'm trying to chose one of these 2 pairs...

Thanks for your help!

[me]

willtravel said:

And personally, I need to have at least two pairs of shoes with me, often one "heavier" pair, and one "lighter" pair. Wearing just one type of shoe for a trip will do me in every time.

i limited myself to two pair, as well. but one of those were flip-flops, primarily for use in the shower. the others - my main pair, were black walking shoes with "Vibram" soles. Vibram soles were recommended by Rick Steves. [it's nearly 4 years later and i still wear those shoes often]

- d