Ideas on what kind of pack to buy

[fsuhsl]

Hello all, I am planning my first trip to Europe next spring (April or May) and was hoping someone can provide some advice on the best type of backpack to buy. I will be traveling for a month and will be visiting Dublin, Ireland, Amsterdam, Munich and Paris with a few day trips in between. My girlfriend will be joining me as well and she has never traveled either. My initial thoughts were to have myself get a larger pack something with 5000 to 7000 cubic in. of space with multiple compartments and a waist strap. In the pictures these seem much taller than other packs and want to make sure this is the route I should go.

Would you advise for my girlfriend to get something of the same size or would it be best to get her something a bit smaller? That way I am able to carry all the miscellaneous items while all she needs to carry are her clothes and bedding supplies.

Also if you have any cool ideas for the day trips around any of the larger cities I mentioned above that would be great.

Thanks!

[Libby]

I think alot has to do with preference. Do you want a top loading pack or one that opens up. Do you want a removal day pack?

I went with the Tatonka Great Escape. I loved it and lent it to a friend of mine for her backpacking trip and it survived both really well. The difference is I'm probably 75 lbs heavier than she is. Find a pack that iscomfortable but adjustable!! I can't stress that enough. I found I adjusted mine day to day depending on the load.

Mine is a 55L with a 5L removable day pack that I never used

[Eagle]

fsuhsl, I also have a few comments regarding Backpacks....

First of all, you'll have to decide whether you prefer a top-loading (drawstring on the top) or a panel-loading (zippers) design. There are pros & cons with each type. The panel-loaders seem to be more common with travellers, while the top-loaders seem to be used more by outdoor hikers. The zippers on the panel-load Packs can be locked, which provides a slight amount of security, while often the top-loaders have draw strings on the top and multiple access points so they are more difficult to secure. A size of 7000 cu. in. seems a bit large for "normal" travel.

Some of the features to consider are:

> Detachable Daypack - I find that I use my Daypack for "carry on" when flying, as the main pack invariably has to be checked. The Daypack can also be worn in a "front carry" configuration to balance the load better. That's a feature I like, but probably not everyone finds that useful.

> Stowable Harness system - this is an excellent option! It's great to be able to stow the straps behind a zippered panel, so they aren't torn off by airport baggage handling equipment. It's a good idea with Packs that don't have this feature, to ask the airline to "Saran wrap" the Pack to provide the same protection (however it can be a nuisance to remove the wrap at destination, especially as sharp instruments will be inside the wrapped Pack).

> Adjustable Harness - the most important critieria in selecting a Backpack is to buy one that fits your torso size! Any competent sales person will be able to measure your torso length (basically from C7 vertebrae to the top of your Pelvic bones). Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. Well designed Packs will be provided with "load leveller" straps to allow the user to balance the weight between hips and shoulders. I can tell you from experience that having a well fitted pack is extremely important. During a trip to Europe this spring, I spent one-two hours on a platform waiting for a train in Austria and never bothered taking my 50+ lb. Pack off, as it was so comfortable. Except for taking more effort to get moving, I hardly noticed the weight. However, I left the Daypack disconnected as attaching it to the front does put more weight on the shoulders.

I don't know where you're located, but some of the brands you might want to look at are Eagle Creek, Osprey or Gregory. They are all excellent products and I believe all have a limited lifetime warranty.

When you narrow down your selection to one or two models, I'd suggest that both you and your girlfriend try the Packs out fully loaded for a few hours to see if the fit works for you (AFAIK, many shops will allow this as long as you leave a credit card imprint or whatever). Your girlfriend will probably find that a slightly smaller Pack will be better for her, and note also that some Packs have a harness designed for women. However, don't let that be a limiting factor - use whichever Pack fits the best.

Good luck and happy travels!

[fsuhsl]

Thank you both for the great information. Initially, I was looking at a top loader but after reading more in depth, I think the panel-loading w/ detachable day pack will work best. Will 3800 Ci work for a month long trip? Should I get something a little larger? I like the Eagle Creek's Voyage 65L which has 3800 cubic inches and can be carried on instead of checked. I like that idea so not to worry about losing/mishandled luggage.

[Libby]

I can't see how a 65L could be used as a caryon. Mine is smaller than that and there is no way they would allow it on.

[fsuhsl]

Yea, I was surprised myself. On their website for that product, it is listed as one of the product features and it notes *for most airlines. So I guess it depends on the airline.

[Libby]

I can't think of a single airline that will let you take on a bag that big. It's huge!

[Eagle]

fsuhsl, the Voyage 65L Pack that you mentioned is the upgraded and redesigned version of the EC Continental Journey that I'm using. The spec's for my Pack also said "Carry on legal for most airlines".

However I can tell you from numerous experiences that it's very unlikely you'll ever be able to haul that onto a plane, even with the Daypack detached! While it might be "technically legal" in terms of size, there are several factors that cause problems with that idea:

- when the pack is empty or lightly loaded, it will probably fit through the sizing frame. However, when it's fully packed in a "real world" situation it will be denied either due to size or weight.

- airlines are becoming much more strict with carry-on, especially as an increasing number of passengers are deciding to stuff huge pieces of luggage (often hard sided) into the overhead bins or under the seats. It's becoming a bit of a nuisance and a safety problem! Many these days seem to be trying to adapt to the "carry-on only" approach, but unfortunately they're still trying to cram the same amount of kit into a smaller bag.

- if you travel with any of the Euro budget airlines, I can almost guarantee there's NO way this will ever travel as carry on. Be prepared to be "nicked" with an oversize and/or overweight charge even if you check it (this is especially applicable to RyanAir!).

The Voyage 65L is a fairly good size to travel with, but again be sure it fits your torso size and that it's large enough to fit everything you're going to pack. Try to "pack light" and remember the immortal words of a well known travel writer - "I've never met anyone that says they're going to pack heavier than they did on the previous trip".

You could also have a look at the Explorer LT, or the Grand Voyage 90L (you) along with the Maiden Voyage 70L (your girlfriend).

Good luck!

[fsuhsl]

Thanks for the great advice Eagle, this will certainly help in my trip planning!

[excited4europe]

my friend is wanting to take an army bag as her backpack from one of her relatives. the only thing is i'm really nervous about is how many foreigners view the american army. do you think this will be a problem?

[Eagle]

excited4europe, I can't comment on how Europeans might view someone travelling with an Army bag?

However, I wonder how functional an Army bag will be if you have to walk any distance (for example from rail station to Hostel)? It's probably going to be a bit awkward and uncomfortable to carry, so either a Backpack or "wheelie bag" might be more practical.

Cheers!