I’d most definitely get an internal frame pack for travel, and for a trip the length of yours don’t skimp and buy a cheaply made bag. You may want to look into packs specifically designed for travel that have helpful features such as front/panel-loading, protective covers for straps/belts when you check them on the planes, and detachable daypacks. These features are nice but not having them won’t make your trip miserable. You want to find something that fits you well, so if possible find a store nearby to try on different packs. If you can’t do that, I wouldn’t worry about ordering online if you’re generally of average size and you buy a pack from a brand with a good reputation. Eagle Creek, Osprey, North Face, Gregory, and Deuter are a few good brands I can think of. REI also has their own line of packs, and this one has some nice features:
http://www.rei.com/p…

Thanks…i was reading about people bringing framed-backpacks and day packs and couldn’t figure out how they got the day packs into the bags and still had room for everything else. Now i see that they have day packs that are built into the backpacks so that is a lot of help. There is an Academy Sports and Dicks Sporting Goods here so I will start there. Thanks for the help!

You need to do some serious planning to avoid visa issues with a stay of over 90 days. That’s really more important than “which backpack” at this point in the planning process.

I agree with the internal frame suggestion. I like a zip-off day pack and full zip-open as opposed to “top loading” A day pack that can be attached to the front is also a nice option.

As for brands, I really love my Eagle Creek stuff. I have a backpack/briefcase that’s had over a decade of daily, very tough use with absolutely know signs of wear. Eagle Creek stuff is expensive, but probably worth if for such a long trip and if you think you’ll use it again.

I have a Dual-Citizenship one with the United States and one with the United Kingdom so i don’t have to worry about visas or anything which is a relief and money saver

Yeah i have been looking into the Eagle Creek stuff, and i know i will love backpacking Europe and plan to do a lot more backpacking leading up to it, and definitely some backpacking other continent and countries!!!

Well Jasimp88, it’s a good questions. Not bad advice so far. Before leaving on a rather long journey (6months) I had the same questions. My husband, Justin even ended up writing a great article about selecting the right backpack.

Check out his article, “A backpack, like a lover, must be chosen with care”:

http://www.nomadback…

It covers the basics on backpacks, and you can even consider the packs we selected.

Best of luck on your backpack selection!!! It can make or break your adventure.

You might want to get a 90L backpack for that long of a stay. I haven’t found any that size around here at the local stores like Dick’s. I had to order mine online.

Look in the camping section of the yellow pages to see if you have any such stores. You may not be aware of them since this is your first time delving into backpacks. Since your finishing college, you might be able to find someone at your school who has a backpack that you can try on and get at a good deal. The international studies department might be able to help you find someone.

I’m next door in Mississippi. Where are you graduating from?

Cool, cool i graduate in Spring maybe fall of 2011/2012…What about you?

December 2009. Belhaven College in Jackson, MS. Major in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics. Already have a business degree from Ole Miss. Where are you in school?

Cool cool. I am at the University of Alabama right now.