jet,

I just bought a great backpack from a brand called High Sierra It’s prety neat, in that it has wheels and a retractable handle (like regular luggage), so you can just wheel it through airports and train stations…you don’t always have to wear it. Also, when you rest it flat, it has duffel-bag handles on the front/top side. It’s got two large compartments, and backpack straps that you can zip away during airport transit. It’s pretty neat, and I bought it at Marshalls. Before you buy one at full price check out the discount outlets like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Syms, Filene’s Basement, or Burlington.

Check out High Sierra’s various luggage products:
http://www.highsierr…

I’m also interested in what SIZE of backpack to get. I already have a 55L pack (which of course looks larger than other 55Ls I’ve seen) but I’m only going for a month and I’m worried that it will be too big.
What would the ideal size be for a month long trek AND what’s the biggest pack you get away with in carry on luggage.
Thanks!

What would you carry on a longer trip that you won’t be carrying for a month?

That’s really interesting…I’ve never looked at it like that. I’m confident that my Marmot Eiger 55 http://www.backcount… would be more than enough for what I need to bring but I’m wondering what’s most recommend as far as size goes, even if it’s for two weeks.

55 liters is my perfect size. Big enough to where you have room for everything you need (and a little extra), won’t have to wear the same thing over and over or worry that you didn’t get to do laundry the day you planned to, and still very manageable on trains, etc. I’ve seen people carry on 50 liter packs, but if the airline had been enforcing their carry-on rules they would not have fit the criteria. 40-45ish is around the size most airlines technically allow.

Hi there,

I found some good information on this website:

https://sites.google…

One tip I have, if you are doing decent amount of walking, stay away from packs with wheels. They are just uncomfortable after a while

I’m planning a two month trip for next year and I have an Osprey Porter 65. Got it at REI. Its the kind of back pack that will come in handy for a lot of things, not just travel. It has straps that fold inside of it for convenience. It doesn’t stick out too much over the head, or too low. I’m 5’7” and it sits on my lower back. My brother is 6’1” and it should fit him a lot better because he’s taller. It folds inward so its not too bulky. Its around $129.

I researched packs for the last year getting ready for my trip too. My roommate also wants me to start taking backpacking camping trips with her, so I did need to get a bit of a larger bag. REI has several really greay packs on clearance right now for the season. If you want really durable quality, I would say go with Gregory or Osprey(the Aura not the Ariel). I ended up with a $300 Gregory pack(60L) for only $175 at REI. They also have a 60L REI brand back on clearance for about $130.

A good site I found was BackCountryEdge.com. They give you an inroductory 20% off when you sign up for their free membership. And they tend to have really good deals.

What I really suggest is to go to REI and have them size you, and then try on all the packs you seem interested in. They all fit different, and I like the Gregory and Osprey fit me more comfortably, but the High Sierra(only $100 at REI right now at 60L), fit my travel buddy better. So it’s really all about comfort. And 60L does sound like a lot, but you don’t HAVE to fill it…I will most likely have a little less than half my pack available.

If you live somewhere where there are lots of sports stores headquarters (like Colorado where I live) you can frequently find sample sales or closeout sales where companies are just trying to get rid of last years stock. This year I went to a closeout sale for Golite and got a brand new backpacking back pack “The Pinnacle” which can get up to 4000 cu but can compact to 1300 cu with these cool straps. It is also made out of this material that is slash proof which isn’t as important in Europe but was when I went to South America last Spring where theft is a big issue. I got the back pack for $50 because it was “last years style”. Similarly I got a brand new Kelty back pack for $15 by going to their sample sale. All that is wrong with it is that is has SAMPLE stamped on the inside. Shop your sales. You can get really great deals for brand new packs!

ahhhh I think i made a mistake i bought the northface zealot 85 and now im afraid it may be to big for my trip im going to do europe for 45 days is 85 too big or will it be manageable. I intend on taking a sleeping bag system and my clothes 2 outfits total 1 pair of shoes and minor other items my big thing is i wanted a system i could use that i’d have room for souvenirs

Why are you taking a sleeping bag? Most hostels won’t let you use them due to the possibility of bringing in bed bugs from some other hostel.

I wouldn’t worry about the big pack, as long as there are straps and ties to compress it to a smaller size if it’s not full. Just don’t use the extra space as a reason to pack too much stuff or to buy more souvenirs than you can reasonably tote.

Sleeping bag is for when we want to use a campsite

Sorry for the comments back and forth but Oldlady I think I’m convinced im going to go smaller one of the packs i’m looking at is Arc’teryx Axios 50 I’ll have to get the tall one as im a pretty tall and big guy but i decided against a sleeping bag I’m going to just do hostels and scratch the campsites.

Wow the information on that website RawSouth is so helpful! I never would have found out about it otherwise. Thanks!