Backpacking

[Knife-Fingered Sue Sanderson]

I'm going to Europe for a couple weeks at the end of this month, and while I'm not exactly going to be backpacking, I will be traveling around enough that I don't feel like toting around my little carry-on wheelie. So, I'm in the market for a big ol' backpack.

Any suggestions or tips? I'm not exactly sure what I should be looking for. I would like something where I could fit about 4-6 days worth of clothing, some toiletries, and a few pairs of sandals. I'll be checking it in, so it doesn't have to be too small, but I don't want to be tipping over because it's so big.

[Shishio]

Well, there's two types of packs you can get, internal frame, and external frame. If you do some research, you'll find arguments for both, but when I was looking this stuff up, I noticed that most people favoured internal frame ones.

I would suggest you conduct some research on sites that have to do with backpacking, and also places like the Survivorman forums. Then after that, shop around your local sporting goods shops and see what they have to offer.

[ellie]

A good backpack may set you back a few hundred dollars, but if you like hiking and camping, I think it's worth it. I bought a really nice backpack a few months ago, but my parents live in the mountains and I love going on long hiking trips whenever I am visiting them in the mountains.

Anyway, I'd suggest an interior frame backpack, and something light but versatile. You might want to check out www.rei.com, or go to a store (I think there are stores like all across the USA).

Oh here, check these out, these are "travel backpacks" http://www.rei.com/camping/shoplette/Backpacks/Travel+Backpacks?cm_re=toc*10*travel_backpacks
Something along those lines would probably be what I would suggest.

[Trump]

Well, that depends on what you consider "travelling around". Backpacks are great for backpacking, and by backpacking I mean carrying everything on your back. If you are going to be travelling by car or taxi or whatever, then I would not recommend getting a backpack. The frame (whether internal or external) adds a lot of bulk and a some weight. If you are just using it to hold things I would recommend more of a duffle bag or something similar (with wheels preferably).

If you are going to be actually hoofing it, there are a few considerations. External frames provide excellent support for other items like sleeping bags, tents, etc while internal frames are a little easier to transport because you don't have this wierd shaped bulky frame to worry about fitting in things and catching on things. However, most backpacks can be easily removed from the an external frame so if you don't need a frame don't worry about it.

The whole point of a frame, internal or external, is based on the waist belt. The frame of the backpack redirects all of the weight down on to your waist while the shoulder straps pretty much just keep it upright next to your back. Your shoulders are not supposed to carry any weight at all.

Regardless, I'd recommend you use tons of ziploc bags. Pack one days worth of clothing in each bag and squeeze all the air out. Take clothes out and put your dirty ones back in the bag. It saves you lots of space and makes it easy to find things.

Anyway, I hope that helps. If we knew a little more about what you were planning to use the pack for (specifics!) I'm sure we could help more!

[Neon Pink Shoehorn]

I imagine that you're doing this a bit like Rick Steves does. He hosts a PBS show about traveling in Europe, and is an advocate of carry-on only style travel (even if you're going for weeks). Having spent three weeks in Australia living by his rules, I found myself much more comfortable than the others in my tour group. It worked for me, so...

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm

[Knife-Fingered Sue Sanderson]

Well, I was looking for a backpack because I hate rolly carry-on bags. I always get them stuck on things, or I hold people up trying to get them on a bus.

And I normally would pack very light, but I'm going to be meeting my boyfriend in Rome and I haven't seen him in 4 months, so I want to look pretty :) Not to say that I'm going to be carrying an obnoxious amount of stuff, but I'm not leaving home without a hair dryer and my make-up.



But thanks for all the tips, guys!

[Trump]

Watch out... backpacks are deceptive. I've seen tons of people turn on a plane and smack the person behind them with their backpack!! heh

Anyway, I'd recommend a duffle bag with a shoulder strap and wheels. Wheels for in the airport going the thousand miles between parking lot and baggage drop, shoulder strap for busses, etc.

[erbiumfiber]

I used a really cool canvas (no frame) suitcase that had shoulder straps so you could carry it around on your back. It was called "train" and my sister bought it for me in Sweden. It was designed to fit in the overhead luggage compartments of trains. It is the best suitcase I have evern owned (opens like a suitcase, packs like a suitcase yet is carried on your back). I have looked really hard on the Internet but can't seem to find it (I believe it is still widely sold in Europe). If I find it again, I'll post the link because I used this for YEARS after my trip to Europe (it's in kind of sad condition these days but still useable).

[seiji]

I don't know much about backpacks or Europe, but the best thing about a little canvas duffel is that it takes up no more space than the stuff inside it. If you pack only soft things and don't fill it all the way, it can fit under your feet or in the spaces between other people's luggage. That leaves plenty of room in your frame backpack for shoes and toiletries and fragile souvenirs. Of course the downside to a little canvas duffel, especially if used in conjunction with a backpack, is that you have to carry it around.

PS: not to be obvious or condescending or anything, but I hope your blowdryer works in Italy. >_>

[Knife-Fingered Sue Sanderson]

I was thinking about a duffel bag, but I think I'd get too tired having to carry it around - I don't have a lot of upper body strength (I have to struggle with 10 lb weights at the gym). I do fine with backpacks, though.

I have the converter and all that jazz, and if it ends up not working I'll just buy one there.