For 2 weeks, nothing huge.  Around 3000 cu.in. (50 liter) would be fine.  Go to an outfitters store to get a read on brand quality and sizing, the workers there will probably be the most current and knowledgable.

I’m going for 3 weeks, but will be in different climates – may – London/Amsterdam (still cool), South France/Italy – warm. I am looking at packs now. I also want something that I will be able to use after for camping – so preferably can fit a sleeping bag and other gear + clothes (although I would bring less clothes camping than backpacking europe probably). I am thinking 60-75 L. Probably won’t bring 75 L worth of stuff on this trip, but maybe good to have for later trips?

Thoughts?
is 75 way too much?! as long as I am not tempted to fill it for this trip…?

75L is fine, just keep yourself in check!  Haha you could stuff 50 lbs worth of gear in that pack and be miserable all trip long.  That’s a really good size pack overall, so it’ll still be useful when you’re home.  Then keep in mind souvenirs, gifts, etc.; anything you’ll pick up on the road.  Always helps to have some buffer room in there just in case you find a must-have!
 
Kelty’s got some great packs…not too expensive either.  Steer clear of Osprey, Arc’Teryx, North Face (unless you can afford them!)…they’re amazing packs but super pricey.  Lowe Alpine’s another good option.  Mountainsmith and Black Diamond are getting into the market too, but there’s no way to tell how durable their first packs will be.  Not sure about pricing on those either.  Check out Kelty and LA packs in an outfitter store.  Make sure they put weight in the bags and let you walk around so you can get a good feel.  Don’t let them talk you into anything excessive—those punks usually get paid on comission haha.

I understand that you’re flying out of Toronto — You may already be aware of these places,  but don’t forget to check out MEC and Europebound. They’re both downtown, accross from one another, about one street east of Spadina and King. I own two packs from MEC.

I’m guessing those are outfitter stores?  Might be perfect places to size up and pick out the right pack!  Once you decide what you definitely want, check prices online first.  You can usually find some good deals…or at least better than MSRP.  If it’s not very significant though, just buy from the store.  They’ll appreciate the business and may just “take care of you” next time you’ve got gear to buy!  I bought an old Kelty pack and some Soloman boots a few years back, and they tossed in a free $60 Camelbak

ya, the ones i have looked at so far (online) are from MEC. Went in there VERY briefly last week (had no time) to just look inside the packs and see if I thought there would be enough room for my stuff – and the 60L seemed sufficient. Might still go with the 75L (which I think is actually 76L for the small size of the 80L version) of the MEC ibex – of course I still need to go try a few on. I like the idea of a zip on/off day pack, which this one doesn’t have, but I have other bags that could potentially be used for this purpose… so it’s not a necessity.

hi all,
 
Im 5’3” tall, what is the max litre is suitable for my body height, im still clueless bout all these litre thingy for backpack. Goin to buy my own backpack soon so need advice.
Thanx in advance!..
 
Cheers
 
dee

Dee, my wife is 5’2”-5’3” and did ok with a pack that was about 55 liters.   Your problem will be finding one made for shorter torsos, so I’d definitely try to get fitted at a store, and if you shop online look for women’s packs.  I’ve seen this pack in the store and think it has some great features (might be pricier than some here want to spend, and not sure if you live where REI ships):
http://www.rei.com/p…

On a general note, here are some closeout deals on packs I saw while browsing the REI outlet site:
http://www.rei.com/R…
http://www.rei.com/R…

Am I crazy for planning to use my 2300 cubic inch. (37L) pack for a one month trip? I used my pack for a 4 day ski trip, and had no problem fitting all my ski gear (minus jacket and boats) and clothes. Everyone keeps saying 50L and above, but idk.
 
What do you guys think?   This is my pack by the way: http://www.backcountry.com/store/MAR0778/Marmot-Eiger-35-Backpack-2100-cu-in.html

that will be big enough

i like the rick steves bag. on his website: ricksteves.com. it’s the size of a carryon and will be guaranteed to be able to store as cabin baggage to avoid checking in your bag

i like MEC stuff too…..but any bag will do really.  the smaller it is the less excess you’ll have

I use a (60L + 10L) backpack and I am very happy with it (brand: Tatonka). On my trip to Australia it had the right size and even when I do some short trips I use it.

For our trip this summer, we (my girlfriend and I) are going with 50L internal bags, both made by Osprey. Very comfortable, low key colors and carryonable.

Brian

Most of my previous backpacking trips have been solo week-long hauls on the Appalachian Trail or backcountry Colorado, so my Kelty Red Cloud 6650 (yes, that’s cubic inches haha) is the definition of overkill for a Euro-trip of just about any length. I’m not about to buy a new pack though, so I’ll be the guy with a half empty pack (or is it half full?), trying not to buy too much stuff over there to fill it out haha.

I say go for 50L. Always remember to pack light. Personally, I always assume that somewhere somehow there is a laundry mat. Of course, except if I’m traveling somewhere not city-ish.