Backpack for 60 year old woman

I'm 75, and I've used the Rick Steves Appenzell for years. It's smaller than the Cotopaxi, at 23 liters, but it's been my main bag since 2009, and the size works for me.

And it's on sale right now, as are all the RS bags: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/appenzell-day-pack

Edit to add: I just watched the video for the Cotopaxi Allpa 35, and I must say it has some great features. I can see why people like it.

https://www.rei.com/product/168622/cotopaxi-allpa-35-l-travel-pack?CAWELAID=120217890013749568&cm_mmc=PLA_Bing%7C21700000001700551_1686220004%7C92700076049118136%7CNB%7C71700000081203252&msclkid=0056d5c7c5501f9fa69bb03fbbc4ddf6&gclsrc=ds

The Packing forum has pretty exhaustive threads, discussions and reports on packs. If I recall, one included the Cotopaxi you refer to. I think the woman who bought it may just be leaving for her trip to the UK today or has just left. Be that as it may, but Cotopaxi in the search function, reduce to searching for past year and forum and it should come up. There will be plenty of alternates, including Osprey Porter or Fairview. Fairview has a woman's fit as well as man's.

The packing report Maria alluded to is this one by Mardee: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/my-scotland-packing-report

I don't think age is the determining factor here. It has more to do with how you feel walking around with a backpack on your back.

I do want to point out as a public service announcement that one should always take off your backpack and carry it in front of you when walking down an airplane or train aisle. I have been smashed by too many well-meaning but completely oblivious people who don't understand that when you turn, your backpack also turns.......

Have you ever traveled with a backpack? If not, get a hold of one from a friend or relative. It doesnt have to be the exact size you would take. Fill it to about 20 lbs. Then take a walk. Not a short walk but at least 20-30 minutes. Include some stairs.

Afterwards, see how you feel. Are you feeling okay? Is your back all right? Would you be okay traveling like that for your entire trip?

There is no right or wrong answer. Just what's right for you.

I'm also 60 and 5' 4" even though my doctor insists I'm now 5' 3 1/2." HA! Anyway, my taller, stronger husband decided to mix it up on our last RS tour, and took a backpack, which he insists he will never do again. He felt it was too much weight on his back for his liking, and it felt awkward; and is back to carrying a rolling case. But everyone is different.

I agree wholeheartedly with Frank II.

20ish years ago on our first "everything I've learned from RS/all public transport" trip my husband and I each used the RS convertible carryon (similar to the roller bag without wheels, just backpack straps). He came home with a painful shoulder/rotator cuff that took months to heal. I think it was the putting a heavy pack on and off that he found awkward. He would gallantly help me lift mine in place and then tell me he didn't need help :( I can't say I enjoyed the backpack as primary carryon, although I'm a better packer now I wouldn't go back and I'm 60 now. I use a maxlite carryon and 24L backpack as personal item so I can spread the weight and not have excess in either piece.

Even if you go ahead and buy the Cotopaxi from REI you can return after testing if you decide it doesn't work.

Great and helpful responses so far, thank you! I did a search for this bag and read many reviews on it (although not the thread from mardee’s scotland trip)

I live about a half hour from an REI so I do think it’s worth a trip over there- especially with a 20% off coupon. Then I can see that bag firsthand- and other things of course! Frank, no I haven’t traveled with a backpack luggage. I did have a backpack purse once that I did not like, but that was bc I didn’t like having to shed it every time I needed to access it. Good idea about filling a backpack and going for a walk. I’ll try that in the next day or two.

I didn’t realize there was a separate packing forum on this site till today! My apologies for planting this thread here. Thanks for the input so far!

Before you head out to REI make sure the store actually has in stock and available to try on the packs you are interested in. One of the great things about REI is that their knowledgeable staff will help fit you and put weights in the bag so you'll know how it feels. Also consider how you pack. If you use packing cubes you may not like the Cotopaxi's built in mesh bags. By the way, I'm 5'2", 63 years old and use the older version of the Osprey Fairview in the XS/S size which means that it is 38L. I have used that bag and other Ospreys and LLBean bags since 2008. The current Osprey Fairview has an adjustable harness that allows you to more "customize" the torso fit.

I’m sitting here at MSP waiting on my flight and couldn’t help but chime in here. I love the Cotopaxi 35L Allpa, but it just did not work for me in Scotland. It was partly because of my choice of a personal bag so I can’t really blame the backpack. I have kept it and will use it in the future. I was thinking about taking it on this England trip, but my shoulder had an injury and I was worried about carrying a backpack on it.

Otherwise, I loved the bag. I love the compartments inside. I didn’t have any problems carrying it. It would’ve been easier if I had packed it better. But Jean is the one that you should talk to about this. And I’m sure she’ll pop in. She has taken it on several trips and does a great job of packing and using it to full capability.

ETA: I’m 68 and 5’4”. And I have a very dumpy body.

So happy to hear you’re about to take your next adventure mardee!

I’m heading over to REI this week just to eyeball things. I do use packing cubes, or at least I have in the past. They worked great for me last summer. I wish I had done more research about weights of these carryons. That Travelpro Platinum elite gets wonderful reviews and I do like it, but it is on the heavy side packed. When traveling with my husband by car it will be fine, but I didn’t love trying to lift it on the plane, up stairs.

I’ll do some more poking around. Thanks all and mardee… happy, happy travels!

Hi! Out delivering a meal to a sick person. And, Mardee, hope you’re trip goes very well!

Here’s a post that describes most about what I liked about the Cotopaxi 35L. Since that post, I did switch my personal item to a Sherpani Camden tote. I am 67 years old and 5’8”.

I first started using the Cotopaxi for 2023 trips, and I love it! I take a lot of trains when I travel, and this gives me both hands free (the Sherpani is worn crossbody). I used to have to carry my 2-wheel up/down stairs

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packing-ultralight-update

I will read through it again and give you any updates.

Update: Okay, now I can respond.

I do really love my Cotopaxi. It has helped me pack even lighter since I want to keep the weight as low as reasonable on my back. The hip belt will help keep the weight where it should be distributed. When mine is packed, it’s weighing 12-13 pounds total. I think that is the huge consideration.. I am being relentless with each time I am packing to keep it at 13.0 pounds or below. If mine was 16-17 pounds, I wouldn’t want to be carrying that much on my back. As is, I was walking over a mile in Europe sometimes to catch a ferry or train, and it’s not bothering me.

When the clamshell is open, I pack my heaviest items on the right side and my lighter items - underwear, etc. on the left side. (The left side has the extra little zipper pockets.). That keeps the weight as tight and close to my back as possible.

Since it has the mesh containing features, I stopped using packing cubes for my clothes now, except my underwear. The right side of the clamshell - top to bottom, is shirts/lightweight raincoat, dresses/pants, sandals in a shoe bag, & rectangular toiletry bag at the bottom.

The left side of the clamshell is mostly a small mesh bag of underwear, a swimsuit, a gallon Ziploc of misc, and my zipper envelope of adapters, phone & iPad chargers. I keep my passport and medicine in the small little zipper pockets. This side isn’t full.

My nightie and shoe bag for dirty clothes go in the top front opening during the trip. My iPad mini & itinerary papers go into the laptop sleeve access.

I’ve taken three international trips with my Cotopaxi - two with my husband. He has a 2-wheel carry on suitcase. I was surprised how many times I was waiting for him as we were moving between locations. With the backpack, I approached a flight of stairs and immediately walked down or up. He had to stop, pause, put the handle down into the suitcase, grab the fabric handle and proceed. He’s quick to do it, but it makes a difference! Same thing with uneven pavement or curbs that I didn’t really notice before how many pauses happen.

I am a female, age 79 and 5'3" tall. I've been traveling with a backpack since 2000, most recently last September. Just try to keep it under 20 pounds packed (17 is better!).

I agree with Frank's idea of you test driving a backpack carryon. I'm a 68 year old male and I have one that I use on my travels. I can pack a good 20-22 lbs. in it. It can get to you after 20-30 minutes of walking but it is convenient to have 2 free hands when looking at a map. If after your test drive you decide to get one I would suggest you get one with 2 wheels for when the pack gets heavy on your shoulders.

Note: make sure you put it on and take it off fully loaded.

Thanks to all of you for responding with all of your thoughts. Jean, I went and read some of your earlier posts about packing light… my dad was an engineer and I am fully aware of the methodical approach people of your background take with everything, but, wow… he would have definitely given you high praise for your packing techniques! 😊 I’m going to take notes on your approach. I’d love to streamline my packing and cut weight!

Janet, that’s a long time to use backpacks! It seems that the 15 pound and under range may something for me to aspire to. I may weigh some things tonight and try to get there, then use one of my husband’s backpacks to test the feeling.

Nestor, I was wondering if I should go with a lighter weight two wheeler, but have the spinner already. I guess having two wheeled pieces isn’t that unusual- I mean you should see my sneaker collection ☺️- so I could go that way if the straight lightweight backpack doesn’t work out.

If you want to try backpacks, the best thing to do is go to REI and try one that's made for your size body. Borrowing a friend's backpack will not give you a good idea of what works if they are taller/shorter/narrower/wider than you. I know this from a bad experience with a borrowed bag decades ago.

I have a smaller Osprey Farpoint (now Fairview) from 2017 that I bought for our RS Best of Italy tour in 2017. I'm about 5'5". Keeping it around 17 pounds made it easy for me to handle. Having a chest strap to keep the shoulder straps from slipping off is essential. I tried my bag by loading it up in the store with my purse and a couple other things, then wearing it for 20 minutes or so while shopping and walking around the store. Not a perfect test, but it did give me an idea of whether it fit, was comfortable for more than a couple minutes, and how easy it was to move around in it.

I alternate with a rolling Osprey Ozone bag that I've had even longer. It's pretty light (4 lbs) for rolling luggage. That one went to England with me last year when my under the seat bag needed to be a day pack for our Cotswold hike. Our last trip was to North Carolina with a tight plane change in Dallas/Fort Worth, so the backpack went with me that time. Easier to run if necessary with the pack. ;-)

Glad the packing ideas can help! Your comment made me smile since I’ve been methodically working on my upcoming trip this afternoon, too.

Just a comment I forgot to mention. If you end up liking the Cotopaxi but don’t see a color that you like at REI, you will receive 20% off ordering it on-line if you sign up for their emails. I ordered mine on-line to receive a pretty Pacific Blue color with black sides & back. Just unsubscribe after you receive it since they send too many emails!

@Mustlovedogs, I wish you all the best in your search for the perfect backpack. I went back over the past seven years and realized I've owned 6 different backpacks over that time, purchasing two in just the past two years! (Two of the previous were company-issued packs that combined laptop and travel pack functions, and one has a "Titleist" logo that was a tee prize at a member-guest golf event.) The Osprey Raptor I bought in Scotland last summer is great ... except it doesn't have a pass-through. Why is this so hard?

Every time I think I have the perfect pack, about a year later something happens to tell me I need something just a little different. Rollaboards? No such problem; I've had my Eagle Creek for almost 15 years and it's perfect for me. Full disclosure: I've not yet paid more than $100 for a backpack. Maybe I need to quit cheaping out.

You could have had a $600 backpack by now !

You could have had a $600 backpack by now !

Ha! VBG. To be fair, I only paid for two of the things.

So I went to REI yesterday and scoped out the various backpack luggage pieces. I really liked the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. Tried it on and walked around the store for awhile. It felt really nice andI can see why many people love it. So, I bought it knowing I needed to take it home to fake pack it. I weighed shirts, pants, socks, undies, etc. enough to get it to 15 pounds. Then, put it on. It’s too much for me, unfortunately. Maybe it’s because I have never used one (or at least since I was in grad school 30 years ago) I really think I am going to need to get a lightweight two wheeler carry on.

The Rick Steves roller carryon looks like a nice option.. I have a few more days on sale for that one. Or the TravelPro Maxlite 5 international carryon rollaboard. There’s also a good price on the Eagle Creek 21.5 inch two wheel international version. All are under 7 pounds, with the travel pro being the lightest at 5.4 pounds.
The width of the Travelpro is weird, though. 15.75 inches. That’s wider than the 14 in max for Virgin Air, so I may need to scratch that possibility.

I’m glad I tried to see about the backpack. Thanks to everyone who passed on suggestions and thoughts about this!

Hi — I (now 66 yo) have travelled exclusively with a backpack since …. Well, college. Mostly it has been an Osprey Porter 46, though rarely with more than about 35 liters of contents so it is strapped down snug. Weight is 6-8 kg, depending on the season.

I also usually carry a daypack as a personal item but this current trip I am using a 10L sling which, surprisingly, I prefer as it makes me totally hands free. The daypack had to be hand carried on travel days…

Before you give up, you could try one of the L.L.Bean packs.
I have the Stowaway Pack ($64.95) and the Ridge Runner Day Pack ($89).
I have used each of these as my only carry-on before.
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/916?&priorityIds=129150&cp_cid=83e1e8dc2742b6db&utm_source=LLBean&utm_medium=promotional_modular_email&qs=3158648&utm_campaign=240324_product_SpringHiking_S&qei=98917045&cid=00118662261&epi=0&pcd=

I have also used one of their large tote bags as my only bag for a two or three week trip to England.
https://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?freeText=Tote&init=1

Mine were similar to this: 15" X 17" X 7.5".
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/119922?page=maine-wardens-tote-bag-large&bc=&feat=Tote-SR0&csp=a&attrValue_0=5798&searchTerm=Tote&pos=18

Or this, with the large being a similar measurement as the one above:
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/117935?page=hunters-tote-bag-zip-top-with-shoulder-strap&bc=&feat=Tote-SR0&csp=a&attrValue_0=35080&searchTerm=Tote&pos=35

You might think it would hurt your shoulder, but it doesn't.
I just had to get used to taking less stuff and that was fine with me.
(NOT commenting on how much stuff anyone else needs to take. NOT doing that.)

Hey Rebecca and MJ,
Thanks for posting those links and bag options. I went ahead and purchased the RS Rolling Carry On while it was on sale. I just don’t know if I can pare down enough weight to feel comfortable with just a backpack as my main piece of luggage. I also got the RS Civita Day pack for Christmas for when we hike next spring, so I thought I’d use that as my airline personal item and have a small backpack to use there. The rolling case and that should be a good combo. We’ll see!

I still may try on some of the backpacks at our LL Bean store now. I’m on a bag binge watch now lol

Thanks again for taking time with links and input!

RS Rolling Carry On
and
RS Civita Day Pack....
Two great purchases there!

Bag binge...LOL!

I see you said you might still look at backpacks even though you bought the RS bags. If you are still looking at backpacks, I am very happy with my Osprey Fairview 55L (main bag is 40L and has detachable 15L day pack which I will use for my under-seat carry on). I decided to try a backpack this time around, after using RS roller bags for years. I am traveling a total of 32 days (solo 18 days prior to joining RS 14 day tour). I was easily able to pack everything i need and total weight for clothes/shoes etc. and the backpack came in at 17.6lbs. For reference I am 5'8" and 72yrs old. I got a bit nervous after reading ?Mardee's and other's post about negative experience with backpacks in long airport terminals etc. I decided I better test mine for longer periods just in case. I have been wearing mine around on 2-3 mile walks up and down hills and have been very pleasantly surprised no pain or discomfort whatsoever. However, my husband is concerned about me wearing a backpack, so at his request I loaded up the same items in one of our roller bags and rolled that around. Ironically, I strained my back/hip caring it up the stairs to our bedroom. Took Ibuprofen and Tylenol and two days to recover from the hip/low back discomfort, so it is a backpack fro me this time around. Hope that is helpful and Happy travels whichever way you pack!

Mustlovedogs, have a look at Messenger Bags.
They come in all sizes.
They are worn cross-body and the bag itself falls at one hip.
These are very handy for traveling on trains, as you have both hands free to grab handrails, etc.
Just as handy as a backpack without all the weight put on your back.
Rick Steves sold a really great messenger bag many years ago.
Maybe the company will add one back into their bag choices; I hope so.
I have two messenger bags that work well for me; both are L.L.Bean.

Rebecca, I'm impressed that you've used the LLBean/crossbody totes as your sole carryon. If I could quit visiting charity shops, maybe I could get by with less...

Sandy, I am sorry to hear about your back/hip strain when trying to compare bags. Glad you’ve recovered!
I firmly believe it’s in a woman’s DNA to really get into the weeds about making informed decisions - I’m spending some time and energy on this, but haven’t gotten physically hurt yet, though! You win the prize for going all out -no pain, no gain, right :) to make sure you’ve chosen wisely!

As much as my bank account doesn’t want to hear, I think like many of you I may end up with multiple type bags. I thought one type would work, but I can foresee when a backpack would be nice to use instead of a rolling case. I just need to spend some time trying them on and trying them out. The Cotopaxi was a bit big for me, I believe. Our trip isn’t until next May, so I have time to compare. I am looking forward to having my RS bag arrive to see it.

I did find a really great buy for my 30 something son’s birthday. It’s a Britbag Eco-Hike rolling carryon/backpack. 6.1 lbs and 21 x 14.5 x 8 dimensions. I think he will like it. $60 at Marshalls.

Quick update. My RS Rolling Carryon came today and I already think it’s going to be a huge help for a future trip. The plum color is really pretty, too! The weight and dimensions are much more acceptable for me lifting into overhead bins and carrying on/off trains and stairs. I’m kind of kicking myself for buying the expensive (I did get it on sale, but still…) TravelPro Platinum Elite carryon two years ago. It was rated so high and I was /am such a travel newbie, I thought I was being smart. It’s a beautiful, well made suitcase, but fully packed that thing is a tough load for me. I may gift it to my son for work travel.

I swung by REI and looked again at backpacks. The Osprey Fairview 40l fit me so much better than the Cotopaxi. It’s a contender if I need one of those down the line. I like to use packing cubes. As nice as this RS rolling carryon looks, I may check into his Convertible Carryon, especially when there’s another sale.

Still need to pop into LLBean, too. I can see how one can get a little obsessed with this! Lol

CanAmCherie, Oh don't stop visiting charity shops! That's such fun!!

My RS Rolling Carryon came today and I already think it’s going to be a huge help for a future trip. The plum color is really pretty, too! The weight and dimensions are much more acceptable for me lifting into overhead bins and carrying on/off trains and stairs.

Mustlovedogs, sounds great!! I love that plum color, too.