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.