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Where to get a backpack?
Thu, 10/14/2004 - 16:17
lauradyan
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Hi. I’m Laura. In January, I’m moving to England for two months of student teaching. After that, I plan on backpacking around France and Italy.

Here is the problem: I’m having the hardest time finding a good backpack. Since this will be my first pack, I’d like to buy it at a store (rather than online) so I can try it out before I buy it, but I can’t find any good stores. Does anyone know of stores to look at?
At this point I’ll take web sites too.

Also, are there certain things a backpack must have in order to check it on the plane? (For example, if a pack has plastic buckles, will they break being tossed around with the other luggage?)

Sorry for so many silly questions. I’m new at this.

Thu, 10/14/2004 - 16:53
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Where do you live? This is important as many good stores are regional, not national. If you have an REI near you (rei.com), I’d definitely recommend them as customer service is good and you’ll have no trouble bringing back something that doesn’t work for you. Most camping stores will be decent.

When you pack for the plane, the last thing you should do is wrap up all the straps of your pack so that there’re no loose buckles, etc. Sometimes, the airline will also let you put your pack in a large plastic bag if you want to go that way (but they don’t provide them anymore).