Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Travel Topics > Travel Tips & Trip Ideas
Reload this Page >

Choosing the right backpack...

Search

Choosing the right backpack...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 02:38 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
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?
jonadave is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 04:52 AM
  #3  
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,763
Likes: 0
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?
sparkchaser is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 05:26 AM
  #4  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
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.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 05:28 AM
  #5  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
BTW, I think the OP is asking about a MAIN pack, not a day pack.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 05:36 AM
  #6  
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,763
Likes: 0
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.
sparkchaser is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 07:25 AM
  #7  
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 0
better looking? not really its a freakin bag afterall and just the right size. no need for the kitchen sink.
Katzgar is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 07:35 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Hey, thanks so much. It's the main bag I'm after. I thought something about 60 litres would probably be big enough.
jonadave is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 08:52 AM
  #10  
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,686
Likes: 0
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
Heimdall is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 02:45 PM
  #11  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,232
Likes: 12
You really need to shop in person. A backpack is different than a suitcase in that it needs to "fit".
suze is online now  
Old Sep 2nd, 2013 | 11:51 PM
  #12  
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,686
Likes: 0
Hey, Tolkein, I don't understand why your post was removed. The comparison link was very useful.
Heimdall is offline  
Old Sep 3rd, 2013 | 10:44 AM
  #13  
Community Builder
Conversation Starter
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,049
Likes: 50
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 )
janisj is online now  
Old Sep 3rd, 2013 | 12:12 PM
  #14  
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Hey Janisj - fair point well made! Oh and thanks!!
Tolkein is offline  
Old Sep 3rd, 2013 | 09:49 PM
  #15  
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
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.
mkey is offline  
Old Sep 4th, 2013 | 09:39 AM
  #16  
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 13,616
Likes: 0
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.
november_moon is offline  
Old Sep 4th, 2013 | 05:39 PM
  #17  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,622
Likes: 0
Where's Improviser when you need him!
Peter_S_Aus is offline  
Old Sep 4th, 2013 | 06:42 PM
  #18  
Community Builder
Conversation Starter
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,049
Likes: 50
Apparently he went away just like he promised . . . and aren't we all happy about that
janisj is online now  
Old Sep 4th, 2013 | 09:24 PM
  #19  
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,763
Likes: 0
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.
sparkchaser is offline  
Old Sep 4th, 2013 | 09:30 PM
  #20  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,622
Likes: 0
Three compasses?
Peter_S_Aus is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -