I use a pack similar to this one. Mine is 1000 cubic inches smaller (not sure what the conversion is to liters and I am too lazy to look it up). I am 5’02" and I bought my pack specifically because of my shorter stature, and as suggested by the fella at REI. I love it.
http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/index.cfm?fuseaction=Packs.Home

For day use, I pack this along. It has a good number of pockets and storage areas and it looks good too. I really like the zippered bottom for storing a rain jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, etc. I generally sling the bag around my front when I have my backpack on and I can carry both with little hassle and I still have easy access to items in the bag. Otherwise, it will easily roll for packing. http://www.healthyback.com/store/traveling/healthybackbagmicrofiber.htm

Oops. The link for the Kelty backpack apparently does not take you to the actual pack I referred to in my post. At the Kelty website, click on Internal Frame (at left) and choose Redwing 2500 ST.

The Lynx 2750 is another version for short torso-ed people, and there are likely other short torso styles available if you dig a bit more into the website.

try a disposable plastic grocery bag

it looks yucky but it worked for me
i have a MEC Sojourn which comes with a detachable daypack but i found that i hate having a backpack if i’m going to be on my feet all day
as long as you don’t have much in the bag – i had my jacket, hat, guidebook – it was much more comfortable having a bag in hand than one with more and heavier stuff in the dayback

I use a small messenger bag instead of a daypack (the MEC small carryall bag). I like it because it’s big enough to fit water bottle, camera, sunglasses, journal, & book but still not too huge to lug around all day. Plus, I prefer to carry these valuables in front of me, rather than on my back. It’s convenient, but I find if I carry it and my big backpack at the same time for long periods, it can become uncomfortable because the weight pulls on one shoulder rather than both. As for my detachable daypack, I often leave on my backpack and just put a few, light items in it so that weight distribution isn’t an issue.

I vote for the messenger bag as well. I used one and found it so easy and less touristy looking. And you can swing it around front so you’re always aware of where your things are. I got one for $20 US at some knockoff store and it has lasted me about 18 months as my everyday bike-to-work bag and my travel day pack.

I have an Eagle Creek Subcontinental bag (40L, no detachable backpack)http://www.eaglecreek.com/10036.html which served me well for a 9 day trip recently. I also brought a smaller sized backpack and my MEC carry all shoulder bag. Why 2 other bags, you ask?

For the day I used the MEC bag – it’s the right size to carry a camera, small notebook, a bottle of water, etc. along with my other normal purse stuff – wallet, tissues, lip balm, etc.

For travel days, the MEC bag went into the smaller backpack (along with any other items that I couldn’t fit into the main pack, or items which I wanted faster access to, like snacks or a magazine) which I wore in front, because it’s much easier to maneuver when you are balanced.

I could probably do without bringing the extra bag, but it sure worked for this trip since it was only a week and I tend to overpack anyways.

Well, the first thing to consider is how much stuff U carry??? pack light, and don’t worry about wight then. It definitely helps to use the small daypack in the front, as your valuables are safer and it compensates wight from the heavier load on your back…I know it may sound very strange, but I use a small camelback as a day pack. it has hidration, and is good for packing just what I need for a day …light rainjacket, my documents pasport etc, a big srl camera lens and maps or something else. that’s it for a day !!! my camera is in a fannypack in the front too at all times. good luck !!!

I’m a light and efficient packer. I’m just having a hard time finding a backpack that fits properly. Most of them are too tall for me, even the small sized and women’s ones. I’ve been to a bunch of stores including MEC and I can’t seem to get fitted properly. Maybe I’m best off just using the one I have – after all, if a new one won’t fit either, at least the one I have is free.

I’m not sure what a messenger back, but there are lightweight nylon ripstop bags in all sizes and shapes. They fold up into nothing and are durable. Many come with an adjustable shoulder strap.

Well, I guess, u should keep on looking for a new one, but keep in mind the one you already have may be still usable and as U said, it’s free. If U find something better and if it’s worth the price go for it, otherwise use the old one… not too mush to say…. !!! Good luck !

I went across europe with my girlfriend last summer… she’s even smaller than you.

My suggestion? Get a boyfriend, or at least some big dumb lacky… joking. It all depends on how much you’re going to want to carry around. If you’re a non smoker, then you should be fine without anything except for shorts and pockets..

All u really need to carry with you is maybe, $$$, gum, ID, tampons. That shot be able to fit in a couple of pockets. I took my jeans to a tailor and had velcro put in the pockets so shit wouldn’t fall out… may sound dorky, but it saved me from getting pickpocketed TWICE. probably more, but twice where I caught the guy.

Or, get one of those tiny backpacks that were in style a couple of years ago (i.e. hello kitty)

D

Well. I agree with Jave, and if U agree I can help U carry stuff…. ( I’m just kidding)… I guess if U’r a lightpacker U’ll be just fine… good luck!

I am now in depth with planning my trip this spring Late May until late June. A little over a month. I am trying to see what backpack will be best for this long of a trip. I am male, 5’9", about 145 lbs. This backpack is the front runner now.
http://www.ebags.com…
Does anyone have any suggestions or comments relating to this backpack being too big, too small, or whatever. I have tried it on at a local store, but am going to buy it cheaper online. Thanks for the advice.

i’d say, following the advice of Rick Steves, that if the bag doesn’t meet the carry on baggage requirements, it is too big

plus, there is a review on the site you listed that says the bag is made of shoddy material

i suggest MEC products. www.mec.ca

After much deliberation I have nixed the messenger bag idea after all. It was great in theory but I decided that having all the weight of my day bag on one shoulder wasn’t for me.

I’m either going to take my existing backpack and daypack – ill-fitting though it may be – and try to simply pack it with lots of empty space… or I may splurge on a smaller backpack that fits better and has a daypack. But messenger bags don’t fit me comfortably and invariably leave me with an aching shoulder.

bumping this up. messenger bags, love ‘em or hate em?

Those who travel with them more often than not, can i hear your thoughts?

Possible pros- less touristy, like the style more, closer to body/eye for safety purposes, easier access?

Possible cons- invariably the weight is on one shoulder, less space?, does not fit well into bigger pack?

I am still debating if I want to take a messenger bag or stick with the Jansport backpack that I own. Segacs and delfrio, I know you’ve contemplated this topic…any new thoughts?

Wow, where did this topic come from after all that time?

I ended up taking my existing backpack with detachable daypack to Costa Rica, and it worked just fine. I rarely attached the daypack to the large pack; I wore it in front when I needed to carry both, and I had a lot of use for it on hikes through the rainforest, trips to the beach, etc.

Unfortunately, the third piece of the ensemble, my favourite convertable waist pack/purse, was stolen by muggers in San Jose. It was the perfect size for wallet, map, sunscreen, camera, and odds and ends. I tried to replace it but it’s been discontinued (grrrrr) so if anyone knows where I can find an Eagle Creek Exit Pouch in black, please let me know.

http://www.rei.com/o…

Here’s the exit pouch on clearance!!!

I like the messenger style bag but carry it slung across me and it has a cushioned pad so it doesn’t dig in.

I think it’s totally a personal preference. I packed mine up and walked around during an all day event in my town to see how I liked it.

My bags get smaller everytime I go to Europe – There are several things on how to fit a pack to your height on line – hope you find something that works for you. Nothing is more miserable than carrying something awkward for a long period.

Happy Travels

Yeah, I really wanted to get the pouch in black again, cause I found it was just passable enough as a purse in the evenings. But since it seems to exist nowhere in black, I finally ordered it in khaki. Oh well. C’est la vie.