Hey

I signed up just so i could reply to this topic. I honestly don’t think you have enough room to fit 3 weeks worth of supplies in those bags. I went to Paris, with my school for 2 weeks and I had an entire full sized suitecase. I didn’t really buy anything or overpack. 3 weeks worth of clothes and necessities & books if you’re studying will probably take up way more room than you have. Maybe you could borrow a bigger backpack from a friend? I bring a school backpack when i have a sleepover not when i go on a trip!

we were told specifically not to bring a suitcase and not to pack for 3 weeks, only pack for 3-5 days and we’re supposed to wash our clothes at the youth hostel. we don’t take any of our study books with us, they are all supposed to be read before the trip, then we write a paper after the trip, so no schoolwork while we’re there.

Yeah, not taking a suitcase is the right idea. Even if you pack really light I don’t see how you’ll fit all your stuff in the packs you have. If you’re hell-bent on carrying on here are two packs to look into. The first is about 33% bigger than your Timberland pack, but still might be tough to fit everything into:
roductId=39169312” title=“http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&amproductId=39169312”>http://www.campmor.c…

The second pack is a really good size, and you SHOULD be able to get away with carrying it on, even though it exceeds the standard 45" allowance for carry ons by 3":
roductId=39166731” title=“http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&amproductId=39166731”>http://www.campmor.c…
These are both really good quality packs, and the prices are very good.

about how many cubic inches should i be looking for in a new pack?

i could entertain the idea of checking it, i just don’t want to lose it. and nothing horribly huge, i’m about 5’7, but barely 115 pounds in weight. (i’m scrawny)

- check your airline website for the baggage size/weight restrictions for both carry-on and check-in luggage.
– are you traveling a lot while abroad for three weeks or are you only taking day trips out of the city you are studying in? You might just want to buy a sturdy duffel bag (check it) and a comfortable day bag (carry on).

I use a messenger bag as a daypack rather than a backpack. They are sturdier, carry more, and are more theft resistant than a standard two-strap backpack.

http://www.timbuk2.c…
http://www.crumplerb…

i went to europe for three months with 2 pairs of jeans, 6 t-shirts, 2 bras, 10 pairs of underwear, sandals, runners, 3 pairs of socks and a sweatshirt and one nice outfit of black slacks and a girly top. it’s possible, depends on creature comforts, though.

I’m going for 2 months and I’ve practice packed my 70L backpack with more than enough to get me by… just have to be able to live without 7 days worth of undies I guess! haha

hi!

My sister’s the same hight as you but about 10 lbs skinnier (and she can eat anything she wants!)anyways we do alot of backpacking trips and she has a pack from MEC that is fairly small compaired for some. I think the packs you have listed there are not very appropriate. with a larger pack you will have room for the amount of clothing you listed and all the other necesities plus a bit of room for a few souveniers.
make sure you try on your pack before you buy, and consult someone experienced who will help you pick out the right pack for your trip/size!

best of luck and I hope you have a great trip!!

I would recommend anyone traveling to read:
http://travelindepen…
http://www.onebag.co…
http://www.verber.co…

They recommend 35L to 55L, which is 2100 cubic inches to 3300 cubic inches. As long as you’re willing to do sink laundry each night, this is plenty of space. However, the smaller sizes are for more adventuresome travel (where you don’t mind wearing one or two outfits). For studying abroad, I assume that you’d want to dress up some more, but even Rick Steves’ only recommends 2500 cubic inches or so for travels.

My friend who went to Europe over the summer for a month took 2900 cubic inches, and he told me later that he felt it was too much stuff. I took a much bigger bag (4300 cubic inches) and definitely regretted it.

I think 35l is for the hardcore, gung-ho, ultra-lightweight packer; I know I’d never want to make myself do that. I like having a decent outfit to wear out at night instead of one of two grubby t-shirts I’ve been wearing for the last four weeks, and not having to wash my clothes in the sink every single night. I’d say 50-55l is a great size that’ll give you enough room for everything you need without having to worry about being too loaded down.

My advise to you is TEST before you LEAVE! Fill up your bags and try going up and down a long flight of stairs. If you get tired really quick, you packed way too much. 2 backpacks is good. One on your back and one to wear in front of you. One bigger size and one smaller which can be used as your carry on and also as a day bag when you are out on the town. Keep in mind that you will do a lot of walking, climbing stairs, going through narrow walk ways. There are hardly any elavators, no escalators and no portors or hotel doormen to help you with your bags. You will not need alot of clothes. You can wash. Trust me. I went for 3 weeks, took a suitcase and cried alot. I ended up dumping a lot of stuff every stop I made. Its not worth it.

I ended up with a 3500 cu in bag and i’m also taking the messenger bag from my first post. think that will be good?