Backpacking Advice

Here's what I pack, it's light and travels well. I carry it in a Weekender convertable carry-on by Ebags (no wheels).

http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_pack_list/set?id=1440268

If I were carrying food and camping equipment on my back, I would want something with a frame to keep the load stable while I hiked.

To me, "backpacking" refers to treking or camping--you carry all your gear, including your tent, on your back.

Obviously that's not what you mean. But what kind of advice exactly would be helpful to you? Other than "pack light," which is always a good idea.

Adam - that's interesting 'cause in the UK backpacking just means travelling with a rucksack. It doesn't necessarily mean camping.

My advice is to learn to pack it properly. I was struggling with mine until the chap in the shop advised me to pack the heavy stuff in the middle of the rucksack not the bottom.

Great idea to practice wearing it. I would also add that you should practice lifting it as high as shoulder level many times. Walking with a pack on is one thing, but lifting it up to put in overhead train compartment or into the trunk of a car is a whole other set of muscles. Whatever you end up packing (and there are tons of lists available)once you think you've narrowed it down to the essentials.Take out a Third and leave it at home.

I have the same pack and I love it!. As other posters have said, pack light! You won't regret it! Also buy packing cubes. They really help alot for organizing. Make sure your bag also fits properly. You can adjust the torso length through the back panel.

I have the same backpack as you and found it a bit too small, especially the top part where it's skinnier, but it's comfortable and light.
Ia ssume that backpacking to you means to walk with your backpack from the train station to your hotels/hostel, not going up in the mountains.
Load it up with 20-30 lbs and walk around and see how you feel.
When you walk keep yout back staight so it doesn't hurt. Another thing is to use a waist strap if the load is heavy. It will take some of the weight off your back.

You neednt carry nearly as much as some have suggested, such as 30 lbs. My wife and I have used backpaks and found them liberating and making train and metro connections easy to handle. Mine has usually weighed roughly 20 lbs, my wife's about 15. You can buy replacements for clothing and shoes, so it isnt necessary to pack large numbers of either ( about 5 shirts, 3 pairs of pants, at least 2 prs shoes). It is important to try out carrying the weight. Try something
advocated by Rick-- wear the loaded pack to a mall for the day. We have used packs for trips of 3 and 5 months in Europe.

Please be aware that unless Google is showing me the wrong backpack, only the main bag without the daypack attached would qualify as carry on luggage.

If you do have to check make sure that there are ways to configure the straps and waist belt so they won't get snagged on automated baggage handling equipment.

Ron,

It was my understanding that you can bring one carry on suitcase/pack (no more than like 45 inches total) and one personal item (no more than 36 inches) which is defined as a purse or small backpack.

Anyone else able to weigh in on this. If my main backpack is under 45 inches and I have another smaller day pack should it be an issue? We are flying AA and British Airways.

Thanks

With my EagleCreek Explorer I had no issues on the plane. I flew with Air Canada and as long as the day bag is detached from the main bag you won't have a problem. I have also flown domestic flights on Westjet with no problems. Just check the airline as it may be different for others. I also had my shoulder bag but that is quite small.

Bob, check out Bootsnall.com. It sounds like you'll be traveling like most of them travel. BTW The Eagle Creek pack is a travel pack where you can hide the shoulder and waist belts behind a zip open panel.

Bob,

I don't believe British AA allows you to have to bags as carry-ons.
Check their web site.

You may be right. It looks like they allow one bag and one personal item for flights within the US. For international flights it states you can bring one bag on. I guess I will find out when I get to the airport.

The key point to remember is that a backpack is actually meant to be carried on the hips (since your legs are a lot stronger than your shoulders) especially if fully loaded. Hence, make sure you waist strap is at the right level and that you can balance the bag on your hips.

Obviously this does not apply if you are carrying something closer to a book bag or a light daypack.

Bob, just to clarify, did you buy the Explorer LT or the Ultimate Explorer LT Backpack?

My first question - were you properly fitted for the pack according to your torso length? That's the most important criteria in selecting a Backpack. As someone else mentioned, most of the weight should rest on your hips rather than your shoulders. Most Backpacks include "load levelling straps" to allow balancing of the weight between hips and shoulders.

I'm over 50 and also travel with an Eagle Creek Backpack (2003-vintage Continental Journey). I've found that with tighter restrictions on carry-on luggage imposed by the airlines, it's almost certain that the main pack will have to be checked (despite what EC says about being carry-on ready with the Daypack detached). The Daypack works really well for carry-on. Some of the best features of the EC packs are the detachable Daypack, panel load design, stowable harness system, front-carry option for the Daypack and the built-in "rain jacket".

Regarding carry-on luggage when travelling on European airlines, they usually allow one carry-on bag only, especially in the U.K. That doesn't mean one carry-on item plus a purse or laptop bag - it means literally ONE bag only.

Note that if you'll be travelling on any of the budget airlines in Europe (especially RyanAir they have VERY tight baggage limits, so expect to pay a surcharge unless you pack light.

I've found that even though I'm not walking a great distance with the pack, it's important to have proper fit. The trip from the train station to Hotel or Hostel can be some distance and can include walking over cobblestones or multiple stairs, so a Backpack works well. It's also easier getting on & off trains and since packs are a bit compressible, they can be "fit" into overhead racks on trains a bit easier than "hard sided" luggage.

Happy travels!

I did a 6 week trip last summer with only a backpack and it worked out really well. I had an Osprey backpack and I had no trouble using it as a carry on bag for RyanAir (twice) and MonarchAir (once). A couple of other things. 1) I highly recommend using the packing bags to maximize space (mine are PackMate from REI, I think), and 2) if you have a daypack, make sure that it fits in your backpack when it is empty (I used the RS day pack that rolls up into a tiny 2x3x1 inch bag). If it doesn't fit, you might have to wear a few more clothes when you are on a plane!

Thanks for the information Ken. I ordered the Explorer LT and not the ultimate. Unfortunatley I was not fitted for it since I ordered it. It looks like it is a smaller back compared to the Ultimate. I am 5'6" so hopefully the bag will be a good size for me. The pack is suppose to come with a store away duffel that I should be able to put the main pack in if I do have to check it on the plane. I had gotten excited thinking I could just be on the move without having to wait at the baggage claim but its not that big of a deal...besides, my wife will most likely have to check her luggage.

Bob,

Given your overall height, I suspect your torso length will fit with the design range of the Explorer LT Pack (which I believe is 17"-23"). It's great that a store away Duffel is provided as that will solve the problem of protecting the harness during air travel. I'm assuming you'll use the Daypack for carry-on?

My Pack is theoretically "carry on size with the Daypack detached" but in reality that's not possible as the airlines have changed the limits since the Pack was designed. Although it takes a bit more time to collect my Pack at the baggage carousel, I haven't found it to be too much of a problem so far. As you'll have to wait for your Wife to collect her luggage anyway, you're going to be waiting at the carousel anyway.

One other point to mention is that I always pack a few "backup" clothing items (underwear, socks) and a toothbrush and razor in my Daypack. Should my main pack be "misplaced" by the airlines, I can get by for a day or two.

Cheers!

We did out first back pack trip last fall. Thankfully, we flew Lufthansa so we were limited to 17 lbs each, with a small day bag. At first I thought I was in trouble stuck with what I thought was a bit heavy for me (I guess I'm a weak female). But, as time went on, it was great! Next time I may even pack lighter! On our trip we really didn't find that we had to walk all that far, just from the train to our B & B or to other transportation. It was interesting to see other people struggle, even with their rolling suitcases. We took the RS Convertible bag and Civita personal bag. I wouldn't travel any other way again, other than lighter, and we were gone for 4 weeks.

Well my backpack arrived this weekend and I am very pleased with it. It fits well and the torso length is good. As soon as it came in I packed it full of clothes and strapped it on for a long walk. It ended up being about 18 lbs and was a little heavy feeling during my walk but very managable. I believe it is going to work out great! I will start walking with it daily until my trip in July.

PS - My wife is now thinking about getting herself a backpack instead of pulling her rolling suitcase! :)