Hey, I'm trying to decide where I can purchase a nice but not too expensive backpack. I'm still not sure what I want, but I know I don't want to spend a lot of money. any thoughts in Fodor land

Having been a professor at a university for many years, so I have seen hundreds of day type backpacks because almost every student has one. The field is so competitive that almost everyone makes a good variety of quality bags. Sierra Designs, JanSport, North Face, REI, etc. all have very sophisticated models. <BR> <BR>The ones I see most seem to be from L. L. Bean. My own personal day pack is also from Bean. I bought it mainly because it seemed to offer the best features for the money. Bean has a good track record for replacing goods that do not satisfy. <BR>If you are talking about the overnight type, with a metal frame and 3,000 cubic inches of space, Bean still has a wide variety to offer, but so do the others. <BR>I think you need to decide what is the most extreme condition under which you need the bag or pack to come through for you and buy accordingly. I don't want seams to rip out when I am up on the Iceline in Yoho or slogging over the Hohturli in the Berner Oberland. <BR>

I like Jansport Packs. Not too expensive and really practical. I got mine at Footloose Travel. I really like it plus I got a free Lets Go Europe with it! - www.footloosetravel.com. Eagle Creeks are nice to, but I found them to be too expensive for my wallet. Good luck

Jeff- it really depends on what you're going to be using it for, size of pack and your size. If you're looking for a day pack - LL Bean and Jansport are great ideas. I live in the Rockies so I use mine for backpacking as well as travel. I use a Kelty internal frame pack with straps that are detachable for checking luggage on flights. Also, I'm short so I really needed to go and try on and make adjustments to find the right pack. If all you're going to be using it for is travel, my sister has a great pack from REI. It is similar to the Eagle Creek packs but less expensive. These packs have straps that zip into the back and look like regular soft sided luggage and also have a day pack that zips off. I recommend going to an outdoor store and trying some out and see what you like. REI, EMS, LL Bean - then theres a bunch of catalogs (and some of the stores) that offer the previous yrs models at a sizeable discount. <BR>

Jeff, I'm assuming that you want a backpack for Backpacking Europe. <BR>Look for one with a range of 40-50 liters or 2500 to 3200 cubic inches. Anything bigger and you'll overpack. It's also a convenient size if you have to sit with your pack on a train or bus. I've worked in a mountain sports shop, and I have no respect for JanSport packs. Cheap price, cheap workmanship. Try <BR>www.campmor.com and <BR>www.sierratradingpost.com They are discounters with previous season's merchandise. <BR>Try everything on and walk around the store with weight in the pack, make sure it really fits.