I realise that many of you are sick of the luggage question, but being from NZ we do not have the same shopping options that are recommended on this board. I could order through the internet, but I like to see, touch, lift, unzip, etc, etc

Please critique a backpack that I have been looking at for myself & daughter to take to Italy, France and UK for 6.5 weeks Sept/Oct.

http://www.firstlight.co.nz/main.cfm...59&pid=183

For a wheeled backpack it seems lighter than the wheeled suitcases. It also unzips like a suitcase unlike other backpacks that are only accessible from the top. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Jan

ttt

It looks really great! I would love to use it especially for your type of trip. The wheels will be an advantage too. I vote for it.

I assume that you don't need one of those each! That is a large backpack, and you might struggle when you have to CARRY it any distance. You'd be better off with two smaller ones. I'm going to Europe again in August-September from Australia, and I take a 40 litre packpack, and that's big enough to (a) carry my stuff, and (b) tote around.

I know it says 70 litres - but I didn't see the actual dimensions. (us metrically challenged Yanks - or this one anyway - have a hard time converting volume to cm/in)

It does seem fairly large.

Maybe I am off but I figured it weighs eight pounds. I havent figured out the mass yet.

Hi all!
I am in Australia and working on bags to get for a trip next April. Can any one enlighten me as to how a 22 inch bag converts to litres?
22 inch seems the most popular but we don't work that way here ....we are imperically??? challenged!
Ta
Rosie

To calculate the volume of a 22" bag (or anything else of approximately right angle dimension) into liters (or any other volume:

Measure the internal dimensions of the bag and multiply all together (i.e., length times width times depth). This will give you the internal volume in cubic inches. Then go to this web site: http://www.processassociates.com/pro...ert/cf_all.htm, scroll down to "volume", and enter the simple choices to to the conversion.

Example: I have a 22" Travelpro rollaboard that measures approximately 20" X 12" X 10" internally. That's 2400 cubic inches, which converts to just about 40 liters.

Alternatively, simply measure in centimeters, do the multiplication, and divide by 1000 (isn't the SI [so-called "metric" system] wonderful?).

Can't really help you w/ the volume -- but 22 in = just under 56 cm. Hope that helps a bit.

The airline don't deal w/ volume. They consider linear dimensions and sometimes weight.

"(us metrically challenged Yanks - or this one anyway - have a hard time converting volume to cm/in)"

Google <b>70 liters in cu in</b> or <b>2400 cu in in liters</b> - stuff like that.

&quot;Metrically challenged&quot; is an understatement.

Hi Jan,

My wife and I each have a rolling backpack that's very similar to the one you are showing there - except ours are somewhat shorter. Imagine it without the bottom-most section. How much space you need depends on how much you bring along (or bring back).

I can say that the zip off day pack is great. I've used that bit as a lapop bag, a camera bag, a carry on when flying on one of the more severely restricted airlines and had to unexpectedly check the main body of the bag.

I've never had much luck with wheeled backpacks. Admittedly, I've only used one- a SwissArmy, about the size of the bag you're looking at. I found it too heavy, and I found that using a rolling bag was easier to, well, roll instead of carry. But if you're a serious backpacker ( which I'm not) then this looks like a good bag.

My vote always goes for either something that rolls OR a backpack. Because the wheeled mechanism adds weight and the frame can be uncomfortable (even in a suitcase it can bang against your legs).

I would try to decide if having wheels or having a backpack is more important to you. To me it seems awful big for women to carry. Try not to think of packing as for 6-1/2 weeks, rather 1 week and do some laundry along the way.

I'm the first to admit I am very metrically challenged! But from what others have said here, it sounds like the bag you selected is pretty big... possibly the size of mine? My boyfriend and I just bought new luggage, each 24&quot;, which holds quite a lot of stuff - and when completely filled, both were fairly heavy but still negotiable.

I personally think the combo wheeled/backback is ideal. In my experience, you sometimes need a bit of both in negotiating the narrow cobblestoned streets and lengthy Metro passageways in Paris (for example). My new luggage doesn't have a backpack option and there were times I was definitely jealous of my boyfriend's maneuverability with his. The backpack frame does add some weight, but he and I both thought his bag was actually a little lighter than mine.

This is the bag he bought (in grass green/black, which was great on the luggage carousel!):
http://tinyurl.com/ovomc
He loves the zip-off backpack, which became his day bag touring around Paris and his carry-on in-flight. Another plus is that the bag is slightly curved to better fit as a backpack - but is still able to stand on its own either with or without the smaller pack attached.

One last thing I will mention, getting back to those cobblestoned streets and Metro passageways I mentioned earlier: it is much easier to travel in Europe with a smaller bag! If smaller isn't an option, go with narrower: having the ability to lift the bag through narrow turnstiles or zig and zag along crowded sidewalks is definitely something to consider. My old luggage is wider than my new bag, and I had a terrible time with it in Europe.

I hope this helps! Sounds like a great trip!