Ideally, I’d suggest an internal frame pack, and one that’s designed for travel as opposed to outdoorsy use (a travel pack vs. a technical pack). This doesn’t mean that you can’t get by with a pack that was designed for outdoor use, just that travel packs have features that are a little more convenient for backpack travel. Some of these features include side/panel loading, zip-away straps or covers for when you check your bag on the plane, and detachable daypacks. I wouldn’t go too big, nor too small with your bag. If you get a travel pack that includes a detachable daypack, a total volume for both bags of around 4,000 cubic inches/65 liters should be fine.

Remember, if you can’t find a travel pack in your budget a technical pack is fine, just have priorities when choosing. The two most important things are quality and fit. Don’t buy something really cheap that’s made from poor quality fabric/not constructed well, and make sure the pack fits right or you will be miserable carrying it. The best thing to do is go to an outdoor outfitter like REI and have the staff help you try on different packs and fit you correctly. You can buy there or try to find a better price/pack online. I was at REI a few weeks ago and looked at this bag and really liked the construction, size, and features. It’s about $50 cheaper than the Eagle Creek pack that’s quite similar:
http://www.rei.com/p…

Buying online is ok if you know what size backpack you require. Go to a store to try on some packs to see what size you need. Then if you want to buy online, you’re set.

ebay.com is a really good option because you can email and see what size the person selling it is. Can’t trust everyone though.
[url=‘http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/311,85709_Lowe-Alpine-Sirocco-I-Backpack-60+15-.html’]Here is a good deal.[/url]

P.S. – I’d suggest a backpack, if you don’t like the one suggested, with openings on the top and near the bottom so that you don’t have to unload everything to get to the bottom.

Don’t spend too much for casual backpacking.

What is the Men’s version of that Sirocco? It looks great.

Also, what stores carry that brand? I’m hoping to find one nearby.

hey mollyorlando,
go to ebags.com. I’m leaving in september to spend 5 weeks over yonder in Europe. Just bought a bag at ebags, they had some pretty good deals.

TC

i’d suggest a pack small enough to carry on the plane
i got mine at ricksteves.com

I am the same height as you and I got a short- 60L pack with a detachable pack that can come in handy! The people at the store might suggest a medium but I found it too long and I felt like I was going to fall backwards. I believe you meansure your spine from the base of your neck ( you will feel a predominant bump or two)to your coccyx (tailbone) that measurement will put you into the catagory of small medium or large. If you are looking to buy online I agree that you should go to a store try on a pack with weights in it. Then look online for a bag with similar measurements. In Canada we have MECwww.mec.ca it might be worth having a look you might be able to save yourself some money with the exchange rate!
Good luck