How big backpack do I need?

Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 04:30 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How big backpack do I need?

Hi,

In August I'll do a 14-day island hopping trip in Greece and I wonder how big and what kind of backpack should I buy? I'm limited by easy-jet's hand luggage dimensions (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) and I have to take with a camping equipment (2 person classic dakota tent + sleeping bag), a laptop, beach equipment (swimming shorts, big towels, slippers), daily casual clothing (few T-shirts, two jeans, multiple pairs of socks and underwear, 2 pairs of shoes) , a shirt or two for poshy occasions, a smaller backpack, a hygiene kit and possibly some misc stuff that I forgot to mention. Comfort should be a priority since I expect a lot of walking around.
jimbeam is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 04:40 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,727
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You're limited to a backpack and you have to bring a tent? I have no advice! But I offer my best wishes!
joan is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 04:46 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
@joan: it's that small tent tube in the same size as sleeping bang, that one can attach on top of a backpack.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kKQiJ1ZZPg...0/DSCF1250.JPG
jimbeam is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 04:46 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,607
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
If you live in the US visit your neighborhood REI store and ask for advice. I've traveled with a backpack, but never with a tent. And you're going to have to check whatever you come up with if you are taking a tent and sleeping bag (and what about cooking equipment?)

You would do better to pick one of the islands recommended on your other thread and take whatever room is on offer on arrival.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 05:07 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,426
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
ditch the laptop, find a phone

ditch the slippers, you only need (worn) hiking sandals for the whole trip. Two pairs of shoes.... (I give up)

go buy a small towel from a hiking store, the one you can wring dry an fits in your hand. Don't worry about using a towel to hide you "junk" if you change on the beach, this is europe, we've seen everything and no one cares.

jeans.... what time of the year are you coming, you'll roast in jeans.

a posh shirt of two. 1 posh shirt max. Socks, you'll only need to cover up if you get sunburnt, so two pairs max and wash them out.

The less you bring the more you'll enjoy yourselves.

When I do a bike tour I bring two panniers which together are smaller than the EJ limit.

Pack for weight, lay all your gear out on a bed. If it will not fit on the bed you have too much, then go through and pack for weight and sunburn. If in doubt bring worn out clothes and throw away as you go.
bilboburgler is online now  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 05:08 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,426
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
If you think I'm wrong, pack $30 and you can buy bits you are missing and take home a memory
bilboburgler is online now  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 05:09 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
@thursdaysd: i'm limited with bucks so in case I end with expensive accommodation as only option, then I'd head straight to camp site.

And I need no cooking equipment - I almost never used it on holidays, instead I rather went with the junk food route.
jimbeam is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 05:19 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Why jeans? They're heavy and hot. Totally unnecessary for Greece at any time of year for a traveler.

Why the laptop? You don't have an android or iPAD?

Big towels? Why? Take a super lightweight hammam towel. Dries in minutes and only weighs a couple of ounces. Good for multiple uses.

Slippers? WTH for?
StCirq is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 05:27 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,607
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
And if you're so broke you're camping, how come you need a shirt for "poshy" events?
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 06:06 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 17,892
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Be careful with Easy Jet and a tent attached to your rucksack. Depending on the check in agent they may declare it another piece of luggage. Happened to my son flying home from Sicily.

Buy a microfiber towel. Don't take a laptop. Do take a sink plug, and a Coghlan peg less washing line. Wash your clothes by hand every couple of days. You can get soap leaves and washing powder leaves to save size and weight.
Take half the clothes you think you need. You can always buy stuff if you really need it.
Slippers for the shower I assume?
hetismij2 is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 06:37 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,589
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
One that is not so big that it knocks out everyone you encounter on planes and trains. Can't tell you how many times I have been hit in the head by the overstuffed back pack whose owner seems to be oblivious to the fact that their huge backpack is taking out other passengers.
denisea is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 06:41 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What denisea says..it is such a PITA to be knocked over by oblivious packpackers and their huge backpacks.
StCirq is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 08:26 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,549
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
>>Can't tell you how many times I have been hit in the head by the overstuffed back pack whose owner seems to be oblivious to the fact that their huge backpack is taking out other passengers.
janisj is online now  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 08:29 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,607
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
People pulling cases and veering off course are just as bad. The problem is not the backpack, I never hit anyone with mine, the problem is oblivious people. (See selfie-sticks. See groups. Apparently now see Pokemon Go. Etc.)
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 08:57 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,831
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
for heaven's sake, Easyjet doesn't charge that much to check a bag, only about 15-18 euro if you buy in advance. Has nothing to do with being a budget airline, any airline I know would not allow you to meet the carryon limit (one bag or whatever) plus also take on a tent and sleeping bag.

Easyjet's hand luggage dimensions are quite generous, bigger than many regular airlines. Air France's for example is only 55x35x25.

If I were you, I'd pay to check a bag if you have to take a tent and sleeping bag.
Christina is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 09:35 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 6,629
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have flown easyjet often. Their dimensions limits for carry-ons are NOT a suggestion. Weight, however, does not matter.

You can check a bag when you check in but it's about double the cost of booking a bag on line.
Cathinjoetown is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 12:16 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,137
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Ditch the laptop, first off. Then I see all kinds of contradictions in your packing list... If you are so broke you need to take camping equipment, then why do you need two "posh" shirts? For August in Greece why do you need 2 pair of jeans? You don't need "big towels" (plural!).

Basically there is NO backpack big enough to fit everything you listed packing that will be small enough for the EasyJet dimensions you describe. IMO what you request is impossible.
suze is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 12:59 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,549
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Christina: >>for heaven's sake, Easyjet doesn't charge that much to check a bag, only about 15-18 euro if you buy in advance.if you buy in advance. . . . But the point was . . . IF he shows up at the airport w/ an extra piece of luggage, it will not be cheap. He MUST pre-pay or he'll be nailed.
janisj is online now  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 01:15 PM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,137
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Per the other thread with camping information, if you don't have reservations for a campsite, I'm not sure I would pack all that camping gear. Wouldn't it be easier (make better sense) to pick a location where you have a good chance of finding a room to rent?
suze is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2016, 01:35 PM
  #20  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
@suze: The place I'm aiming at is a party central. I'm rather in that place as a camper, than being in some retirement home in the other corner of the island for budget price.

And about the posh shirt contradiction, come on - less bucks spent on accommodation, more bucks left for booze.
jimbeam is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -