Somebody help this girl! AND the rest of us.
IS THIS PACK SUFFICIENT FOR 4-5 WEEKS???
(assuming one packs mostly what’s on the recommended packing list)
OR should we up the anty to, let’s say, 4200-5000 cu. in.
http://www.campmor.c…

Feedback would be great.
http://store.yahoo.c…

Don’t go over 60L from what i gather? (3800-4000 cu. in.), otherwise our backs/bodies will pay for it?

Tons of poor saps like us, eager for backpacking excitement, need this essential info. Thanks in advance.

Depending on how much you’re going to be walking with it, I’d invest in a good hiking backpack of say, 50 or 55 lr. That’s enough space to take the essentials without leaving you space to pack all the crap you’re not going to need anyway.

Some people will recommend you just take a daypack, but I’ve never been able to pack quite that lightly. If you can, it’s very handy. If you can’t, a nice slender 50lr backpack isn’t much more hassle, and often wears more comfortably than a big daypack.

Best thing is to go to a good hiking/outdoor sport shop and fit some packs until you find out that’s comfortable. Have the staff advise you about back length, strap adjustment, and the right packing balance. It’s nicest to have a narrow model. If your pack is broader than you are (they sometimes are with sidepockets) you’re a bit less manouvrable in trains etc.

Ladies (and gents), I can’t stress enough how important it is to learn the fundamentals of backpacks before jumping into sites like eBay or a Yahoo Stores to purchase your own. I’d love to help you – and Dark Angel gave excellent advice – but buying a backpack really is a personal choice. (Would you count on strangers to help you pick out a dress?)

I also suggest you go to your local store that specializes in outdoor recreational equipment and talk to the employees there.

Happy Travels!
~Kahunna

More tips in this thread:
http://www.eurotrip….

I have the same question as the girl who started this thread, but I’m a male and I am a lot bigger than she is. I will be traveling a lot for the three weeks I’m there, so I don’t want to buy a pack that is too big, but I would rather have a large one with some extra room than one that is too small. These are the two I am considering:

roductId=39165314” title=“http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&amproductId=39165314”>http://www.campmor.c…

roductId=39165313” title=“http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&amproductId=39165313”>http://www.campmor.c…

I have only tried on the larger one and it fits well, but it is so much more expensive than the other pack. Is it worth the extra $50?

Kinda new to this, but I’ve been shopping for a backpack for a while. I highly recommend stopping by REI if there’s one near you. They have the REI branded travel packs, as well as Eagle Creek.

My girlfriend picked up the REI Tour Travel Pack … around 3900cu-in total, and it was on clearance for $69 (usually $140). She’s around 5’5" and fits her perfectly.

As for me … I’m still looking .. sigh. What do you guys think about this pack?

http://www.ebags.com…

With the 20% coupon + shipping, its around $130. However, I saw the Columbia Load Toad at a local store (same material specs as the Europacker), and its material was kinda thin compared to the REI ones. Was wondering if it’ll hold up. I’m going on a 2.5 month trip.

REI also has a larger one called Grand Tour that’s 5200cu-in (including the 900cu-in day pack) for $180. Still can’t decide which one to get … cause its really bustin my budget at that price.

Features I gotta have:
-Hide away straps for checking-in at the airports
-Good, supportive suspension straps with ventilation & internal frame & stays
-Approximately 4200-5200cu-in
-A built-in security wire would be nice too (the REI packs have them)
-All this for under $150? hahaha

Any suggestions?

One thing I did before actually buying my pack last year was going to a store and trying on several different brands and sizes. I ended up with the Eagle Creek Ultimate Explorer which is big, but so am I really.

All the advice given is good, and in the end as has been said it is a personal choice. But as remember if you take you carry it the whole time (or throw/give it away).

K-jax makes a good point… you carry what you take!
The bags some are choosing seem rather large to me… more the size of suitcases.
I think the thing to do is put everything out in front of you that you plan on taking with…. that will give you a good judgement of the size bag/ pack your gonna need… but remember that size is "Fluffy"… it well compress down!
Heck find any pack around the house… duffle bag.. whatever.. stuff all of the things your taking in that bag… another good way to judge the size bag/ pack.

Personally.. I’m looking for sumthing in the 2600 cito 3400 ci range… heck Large Army rucksacks can carry 3600 ++ cubic inches of stuff… and let me tell ya.. that’s ALLOT OF STUFF!!!! And heavy… boy your gonna be hatin’ life if you havta hump more weight then that pack with carry!!!

Anyway… a few ways to get a estimate of the size pack you may be looking for.

649

.. oh forgot to mention as well… after you get everything in that bag… put it on a scale.. er better yet… put the scale down and start putting your things on it… watch it rise!!!

649

I was in the same boat as all of you. I am 6’1" and weigh 250lbs. I shopped around the internet and decided on the Eagle Creek Continental and was going to order in on Campmor. For giggles I decided to stop by REI and a local place called Olympic Outfitters and boy am I glad I did. After putting on the pack it was obviouly way to small. I went down to the store with a bag full of cloths. 6 pair of socks, 6 short sleeve T shirts, three pair of pants, and two shorts, and a very light North Face jacket. The only pack that I could fit everything comfortably in was the Eagle Creek Ultimate and the Transcontinental.

I decided to get the Ultimate for my 36 day trip starting June 1st.

My son who is 9 bought the REI Kids pack and we should do just fine.