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Advice on Pack Size and Weight
Tue, 08/10/2004 - 12:36
vtaylor3515
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I am leaving tomorrow for my first backpacking trip EVER. YEA! I am headed to Europe for a month. First question: How heavy of a pack is recommended for a woman who is 5’7" 135? Second question: do I have to carry my pack on to the trains or can I have it stowed? I am definately checking it for my flight from Dallas to London and for the return flight. I just can’t imagine that my backpack is small enough for an overhead bin on a train, but I have never been on a train! THANKS!

Tue, 08/10/2004 - 13:32
#1
JonDD
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You can carry your backpack onto trains no problem. As for pack size and weight go to a sporting goods store and try some on!

Good Brands

The North Face
Kelty
Lowe Alpine

I would reccomend an internal frame pack.

Hope this helps!

Tue, 08/10/2004 - 14:00
#2
vtaylor3515
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Thanks JonDD. I actually am borrowing a backpack from a good friend with a similar build. I put it on fully loaded and it weighs a hefty 28 lbs. YIKES. Unfortunately this is after removing a number of items I decided I could live without. 28 lbs isn’t too bad for a bit but I imagine after a long walk it will be rather heavy. Oh well, I am tough kid I can handle it!!! It is an internal frame. THANKS SO MUCH. I am so excited about leaving tomorrow.

Tue, 08/10/2004 - 17:23
#3
delfrio
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28 lbs. is heavy, but not unreasonable. There are no overhead "bins" on trains. There are overhead gratings (or whatever you want to call them), but they are not divided off – a backpack of any length would fit. There are also sometimes places to put your pack at the beginning/end of each rail car, but I usually feel less safe with that option.