Choosing the right backpack...
 

I'm going travelling for 3 months and need a decent backpack, they're so expensive, can anyone recommend the right pack?

That bag is hideous.

This one is better looking, holds more, is better organized, can hold a computer, can be turned into a shoulder bag, and comes in colors other than red: http://www.amazon.com/eBags-Mother-W.../dp/B0068B7LIY

It's pretty durable too.

That being said, the best option is to go somewhere where you can try out multiple backpacks and see which one feels the best. be sure to bring stuff to fill it up. Do you have an REI or similar nearby?

I used an Eagle Creek convertible happily for over ten years. But if you can visit an REI store you will get good advice and the opportunity to test drive a pack.

BTW, I think the OP is asking about a MAIN pack, not a day pack.

I think you're right. The bag I linked isn't a daypack but it's also not a "hardcore" "backpacker" backpack. It can hold quite a lot of clothes and gear though.

OP, go to an REI or other outdoor shop and try what they have.

Somewhere I have an image of an ALICE pack and how (and what) to pack in it for a long backpacking tour (non-wilderness). if I can find it, I'll link it.

better looking? not really its a freakin bag afterall and just the right size. no need for the kitchen sink.

Hey, thanks so much. It's the main bag I'm after. I thought something about 60 litres would probably be big enough.

Try this:

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/rincon-65l/d/1002_c_116

My backpacking days are over, but I ended up using a travel pack instead of a conventional backpack. It wouldn't be very good for mountaineering or serious trekking, but was great for ordinary travel. The features that won me over were:

● Straps that could be tucked away so they wouldn't get snagged on airport conveyor belts/carousels.
● A day bag that fastened onto the main bag.
● It unzipped at the front, making it easier to reach items without emptying the whole bag.
● A cross-shoulder strap as well as conventional backpack straps.

I can't find my particular model anymore, but it was something like this: http://store.berghaus.com/p/travel-p...el-pack/420302

You really need to shop in person. A backpack is different than a suitcase in that it needs to "fit".

Hey, Tolkein, I don't understand why your post was removed. The comparison link was very useful.

Tolkein: It was probably removed because it was your very first and <u>only</u> ever post on Fodors. When a first post is a link to a website it is most often someone advertising or spam.

So if you are legit and it wasn't advertising . . then re-post the info.

(folks can post links and do all the time - but when someone has never been on the site before - it does look suspicious - welcome to Fodors BTW :) )

Hey Janisj - fair point well made! Oh and thanks!!

I think you should browse in online store to find right backpack for you, But still the backpack you should have that like a home that cater all your things to fit in.

The people at REI or other outdoor store can help you. It is basically impossible for us to recommend a pack for you because individual needs and fit are so critical.

Where's Improviser when you need him!

Apparently he went away just like he promised . . . and aren't we all happy about that >)

He went away on a three week vacation. He's visiting three countries in three different continents. It's research for his book on the traveling rules of three.

Three compasses?

Currently travelling around South America for 6 months using a http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowe-Alpine-.../dp/B001V5O450 . It fits within most airlines carry on dimensions so no need to check bags in which saves time and avoids the possibility of lost bags. I supplement thesis with a small packable day pack http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skyflite-Lug...skypak+luggage

<i>Apparently he went away just like he promised . . . and aren't we all happy about that.</i>

It may not have been completely his own doing...otherwise, look forward to a long, boring summary of his findings while irritating everyone on Fodor's. I don't know about you, but I won't be reading it. :-))

<i>Three compasses?</i>

That went without saying.

cheers guys!

<It may not have been completely his own doing...>

I don't think so, because he's still registered. If he was kicked off the forum his profile page would be gone too.

Apparently his MO on Thorntree was to change his user name frequently.

He is/was the self-anointed backpack expert over there for the two years that he posted.

Maybe we are lucky that his "reign" here was much shorter.

He had the user name BpGuru at one time - Bp being backpack, I suppose.

Does anyone really believe he has travelled anywhere outside his hometown? Seems like a classic "Wikipedia expert" to me

:))

Here's my two cents on the options, after trying out a lot of different ones for a travel gear blog.
http://www.cheapestdestinationsblog....erm-travelers/

If I were going out and spending my own money, I'd probably go with one of these brands.

<his MO on Thorntree was to change his user name frequently>

re "improviser" if he comes back here with a new screen name, he certainly won't be hard to spot.

You got that right.