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Post by Caitlin on Dec 26, 2003 16:26:05 GMT -5
So heres my deal....I'm going to Sweden to study abroad for a month in June then I'm going off to travel mostly western Europe and maybe Russia ending hopefuly in Athens for the Summer Olympics around the start of August. So I will be traveling for a little over a month maybe 40-50 days. I will be 21 and it will be my first time traveling abroad I might be on my own but may hook up with a friend and will be staying in Hostles. I looked at Kelty packs and it was suggested for me to get the New Red Cloud when they come out in the Spring but its 5000cu in but that includes a removable day pack. Also they suggested a pack bag so when I tavel on planes it goes in another bag so no straps are lost is this really a good idea?  Any suggestions on packs would be great  Thanks Caitlin |
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Post by Eagle on Dec 26, 2003 19:26:27 GMT -5
I can provide a few suggestions for you, but pack selection is somewhat personal, and depends on the needs and preferences of the user.
I don't have much information about Kelty Packs, however 5000 cu.in. seems a bit large. The general trend with many travellers is to pack as light as possible, and many experienced travellers seem to get by with a 40 L. / 2200 cu. in. Pack. In my own case, I use an Eagle Creek Continental Journey (64 L. / 3900 cu. in. total, with the Day Pack), and this has worked well for me so far. I like the removeable Day Pack feature, but this is again a matter of personal preference. The CJ has the capability to stow the straps & waist belt on the main pack behind a zip panel, so losing the straps to a conveyor belt is not a problem. A "suitcase" handle is provided to carry the pack if the straps are stowed. The main pack is supposedly "carry on" size with the Daypack removed, however whether this is allowed seems to depend on the whims of each airline (I don't like waiting for baggage carousels, but sometimes this can't be avoided).
It would probably be a good idea to check out the best features of many of the top brands (Eagle Creek, Gregory, Osprey, Arcteryx, MacPack) to get a good idea of which features and size would work best for you. You will have to decide whether a "top loader" or "panel loader" is best for you (each has benefits & disadvantages). Whichever pack you decide on, make sure you are properly fitted for torso size, and it's also a good idea to try it out fully loaded for a few hours to make sure the fit is good.
As you are a guest (and therefore don't have a profile), I couldn't tell where you are located, so didn't have any idea on which pack brands or stores might be available to you. You will probably have further questions as you plan your trip, so you might find it useful to register on this site?
No doubt there will be a few more suggestions for you shortly.
Good luck with your Pack selection, and hope you have a great time on your trip!!! Cheers!!!
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Post by Leon on Jan 26, 2004 15:01:15 GMT -5
I honestly haven't been on a huge European expedition before. As far as choosing a pack, I just took the advice I found on these boards. I went to my local backpacking outfitter (Shawnee Trails in Carbondale, Illinois) and explained my plans and needs, as well as the options I wanted. I tried out a variety of packs, and found that 5000cu was WAY to much! I am 5' 10" tall and 145 lbs. I felt extremely comfortable in a 3200cu. This turned out to be perfect for me, as I don't want to be overweighted. Remember, the weight should rest on your hips not your shoulders or back. I wouldn't suggest shopping for a pack on the internet, this MUST be made a personal experience. You could be wasting your time and money otherwise.
So what are you studying in Sweden? How are you able to do so? Through your school? I'm interested in doing the same. if you could drop a few lines of info., I'd appreciate it! If we are both going the same route at roughly the same time, we could correlate our schedules in order to travel together if you'd like. That way we'd not be going it alone the whole time. Do you have a Eurail Pass? What about a Hostelling International Card?I've got to get going, but I'll be posting my travel itenerary later on as it solidifies.
Anyone wishing to reply outside of the Message boards, feel free to email me at leon7@hotmail.com under the subject heading EUROPE2004. Thanks!
Leon
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kena
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 64
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Post by kena on Jan 27, 2004 8:53:02 GMT -5
I agree with Eagle that 5000 cu. in. seems large. I own both a 45 L pack, and a 65 L one, and I'm glad I took the smaller one to Europe last summer.
It was small enough to fit as carry on, so I could skip the baggage carroussel and be at the customs before everyone. And I had no problem storing it in even the smallest lockers in hostels, or keeping it in bed with me when I slept in trains.
You also need a bag that you can carry for long periods and that you can hold above your head to put in the overhead compartments (in trains and buses). For me, 45 L. was the absolute limit in terms of weight.
Also, you wouldn't want to get stuck in a metro or a bus at rush hour with a huge pack. That's just asking for trouble.
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Post by Caitlin on Feb 3, 2004 13:59:50 GMT -5
I'm doing a study abroad program through CIS not from my school, Quinnipiac University, for sports science its in Gothenburg, Sweden and one of my friends did it last summer and had a blast. My program starts at the end of May and finishes in the end of June then it off to where ever I can find a ticket for hopefuly the UK then to Paris or Amsterdam then rail it all the way to Italy then jump over to Athens.
I am going to get a eurail pass I'm thinking the unlimited one for 10-15 days worth of travel but not sure yet. I dont know if I should get a Hostel International card b/c there are 2 types and not sure yet if its worth it. Is it? And what about this student ID card does anyone know anything about that?
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