Lostmymind

So I went shopping for the actual backpack part of my adventure and I was shocked to see that bags cost almost as much as my plane ticket to Amsterdam. Now you have to understand I am someone who does things to the extreme so if I am going to lose my mind and backpack through Europe in December, I might as well give myself a backache too.
Knowing that my fellow Fodorites(sp) would have some sort of opinion, I pose these questions to you: what backpack would you purchase for 14 days and where would you purchase said bag.

ssachida

For back country backpacking I like REI Aries (about $90).
For Europe backpacking I might go for the Rick Steves backpack ($100). I do own one, but I did not backpack through Europe. It has comfortable shoulder and hip straps, but, no back support whatsoever. It is completely unstructured. It is very light and I like the simple organization of the bag.

How much do you think you will be carrying the backpack? For an hour or less per day I would opt for the RS bag. For anything longer I'd go for a more traditional backpack with better support. If the latter, definitely go to a store and get fittef. You don't have to spend more than $200 for a good backpack. Look for a backpack that is light to begin with and has few bells and whistles. For a europe trip, the one option I'd want is a side zip (side/front loading) or some way to access your stuff other than just the top opening.

good luck!

CiCi

You might look at the Eagle Creek line. There are several to choose from.

cls2paris

I picked up the Eagle Creek backpack also. They have several styles and the one I got had some support bars and the waist and shoulder belts. I found that the waist belt really helped when I had to carry it for awhile. I think you can get them at a discount on ebags.com. I know a few people with the Rick Steves packs and they love them. I bought mine about 10 years and it was about $100. I'm sure the prices are different now. Have fun!

walkinaround

i often carry a rucksack/backpack on my travels. i have a dark coloured carrimor (don't know if they are sold in the US). it has great support and the straps can be hidden under a zip up panel. a shoulder strap can also be attached, therefore transforming the bag into standard looking luggage. this has the advantage of allowing you to be more discreet when checking into a nicer hotel and it can be checked in as normal luggage on the flight (where a normal rucksack with exposed straps must often be checked in at the odd-size luggage desk).

i would not recommend the convertable wheelie/backpack as they do neither job well. fortunately these days it is easy to find a "high-tech" rucksack that looks more like normal luggage rather than a multi-coloured thing that looks more like something to take up mt everest than to travel around in european cities.

in short:
-dark, single coloured
-high tech suspension system
-zip panel to cover straps

no, they are not cheap but for the sake of your back, do not skimp!

walkinaround

for example, something like this looks like what i was trying to describe:

http://www.letravelstore.com/TP10039.htm

and it comes in black. i don't have this particular pack but this is the idea.

cls2paris

I just looked on www.ebags.com. They have a good variety and price range. There are a couple by Victorinox that look pretty good. This Eagle Creek bag is similar to the one I used for a month of travel (I didn't have the removable backpack though):
http://www.ebags.com/eagle_creek/con...?modelid=51738

Have a fun time!

suze

I would go with Rick Steves. I know several people who swear by those bags. Check on his website. They are, as mentioned above, small and completely unstructured so very light weight.

For myself I prefer a medium sized duffle bag with a good shoulder strap. This is easier for me to maneuver (than hoisting a backpack on and off would be for me).

Remember the adventure is not about what kind of bag you are carrying! You can have an extreme journey with a suitcase or a boring one wearing a backpack... it's about your attitude not your equipment ;-)

moldyhotelsaregross

How about a consignment store?

5alive

When I went I used my boyfriend's Boy Scout backpack.

There were some handy side pouches on it. I was glad that the main access was from the top. On crowded trains, people couldn't easily open it from behind me.

I took it without its frame as the frame did not fit me correctly. Had I been going to more than three cities I would have regretted not purchasing my own (with frame).

suze

hi Lost, did you buy a pack for your trip? just wondering.

Lostmymind

I am bidding on a Kelty(sp?) backpack on ebay. I figure I can save a few bucks in case I decide after this trip that backpacking isnt for me.
I cant belive I am leaving in 24 days and I still havent made up my mind where I am going. I have truly lost my mind!
To top it off I just found out that I will be on the road for 6 days (getting back the night before) before this trip.

crazymina

Lostmymind, Kelty is a good (but not too expensive) pack. But please make sure it is the right size for you. An ill-fitting backpack WILL be the bane of your existence. I can guarantee it. BTW, is that pack a top loader? Mine was, and it is a pain to pack...use ziploc bags...they help. Hopefully the pack you are bidding on is also a women's pack.

REI has a great site for learning about packs. Check out http://www.rei.com/shop/Camping.htm then go to the backpacks section and read their tutorials about finding the right pack. Just scroll down on the backpack page to find the links.

BTW, I still vote for the wheeled luggage.

suze

but Lost, You don't need to know where you're going! That's the whole idea (or at least one way to see Europe with backpack which is your idea, right?).

You know you are going to Amsterdam, you know when you will come home, and you've got money, right? Hopefully you own or will soon buy one decent guidebook of general interest which you can read along the way. Even without one you could get by going to tourist/info booth at the train stations as you arrive into each new city.

When you are done with A'dam walk to the train station and choose another city to go visit. Buy ticket, get on train. That's how it's done.

While certainly some "backpackers" do plan itineraries, many go hostel to hostel. You can often email the next city for reservations from the place you are currently staying BTW.

I still think the backpack's a bit silly in this situation, but you know that already, but I think your trip is a GRAND idea and wish you the best of luck.

Remember the golden rule... all you really need to travel is a plane ticket, passport, and money. All the rest is fluff.

crazymina

Yes, Suze is right! But in addition to her list, I'd like to add that comfy underwear is essential. There is nothing worse than walking around town in underwear that is hell bent on being in places it shouldn't be!

suze

Now THAT is a valuable packing tip, Mina -LOL.