cyric
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 5
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Post by cyric on Apr 24, 2011 14:31:40 GMT -5
I am going to Europe (Amsterdam, Prague, Italy, & Greece) this summer for a 3 week trip and I am trying to decide on a backpack. I am thinking of getting the Osprey Waypoint 65 and was wondering if it would be a good pack to take for my trip. This is my first time backpacking so I am unsure about what size\brands etc to get but this one seems to have the things I want in a backpack.
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Post by Eagle on Apr 24, 2011 18:28:29 GMT -5
cyric,
Welcome to GFE!
The Osprey Waypoint 65 would be a great choice, however you'll have to decide whether the size will work for you. You didn't provide any indication of the type of kit you'll be travelling with, so it's difficult to say whether the size will be adequate. Osprey is known for making a quality product.
One of the most important factors in choosing a Backpack is proper fitting according to your torso range. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. Most of the internal frame packs have an adjustment (within certain limits) for torso range. Any competent sales shop will be able to fit this for you. Most of the time you'll probably only have to haul your Pack from the station to the Hostel, so you won't be carrying it for long periods of time. However, there might be times when that's necessary, so proper fit is important!
Some other features that I think are important, are a detachable Daypack (works great for carry-on) and a stowable harness system (keeps the straps stowed behind a zippered panel during air travel so they're not damaged by airport conveyor systems). The Waypoint has both of those features.
I travelled with a Waypoint 85 last year and it was great, although I felt it was a bit larger than I needed. It was completely full on the trip home, so was a bit of an effort to carry (although I managed).
My favourite Pack is an older Eagle Creek Continental Journey, which is about the same size as the Waypoint 65 and has the same features. I might try that again this year just for comparison. I won't be taking as much photo gear this time, so won't need the extra room. I find that with careful planning, I can manage with the smaller size.
Good luck with your decision!
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cyric
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 5
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Post by cyric on Apr 24, 2011 18:54:10 GMT -5
I am not used to traveling light so I will have to force myself to not carry as much as I normally do. I am hoping to just have jeans t-shirts and essentials with one pair of slacks and a dress shirt for going out. I am also looking at the Osprey Farpoint 55 but while I think it will be a smaller pack I am not sure if I can fit everything I need in the 55. my main concern with the Osprey waypoint 65 is if it will fit into the lockers at the hostels since I dont trust leaving it unattended in the room when I am gone if I can avoid it.
I am still making my packing list and doing research on what to take
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Post by Eagle on Apr 24, 2011 19:00:28 GMT -5
cyric, The Waypoint 65 is a good size for travel and IMHO I wouldn't go any less that unless you're a real "minimalist traveller". Some Hostel Lockers won't be large enough to handle a full-size Backpack, however if there are no valuables inside it should be adequate to just lock the zippers on the Pack and perhaps lock it to a stationary object. This is the Cable I use (along with a good quality Padlock) - www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/security_id/TSA-3-Dial-Lock-and-Cable-41028/Cheers! |
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cyric
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 5
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Post by cyric on Apr 24, 2011 19:58:08 GMT -5
thanks for all the help. I will get a lock cable and make sure I lock the backpack zippers.
thats my main concern is the safety for the trip such as someone cutting or stealing from my pack at night or when I am out of the hostel. I will make sure any valuables are either on my person or in the locker at all times and that my money and passport never leave my side.
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