What is the best women's backpack/daypack (must be small enough for a carry on) for a two week trip to Europe?
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
one good source of info regarding bags is http://www.onebag.com/bags.html
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
The best backpack is one that fits you well and balances the load best on your frame. The best way to find out which one works best for you is to go to an outfitter or sporting goods store and try several on. Everyone is built differently, and what fits and works for one might not for someone else. Places like REI have sales associates who know how they should fit and can help you find the perfect one.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
size wise - you may want a 20-30-40Liter. Depending on how stuffed it is - go smaller... if you pack lite - go a big larger. Go check out a few at REI or your local outdoor spot. Fitting is important too - as the other poster stated. Its like a suit or a bike or shoes... each person has their own size requirement.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
What do you plan to carry on this backpack? Are you packing all your clothing? Or just camera, guide book?
Is this your only piece of luggage?
The people that read this board need more info from you! What the answer is depends on how you will use the pack.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
I like ebags.com because they post pictures of their packs from different angles and inside, so you get a preety good idea about it. Also rei.com is good, you will find a lot of discounted backpacks.
The backpack should be light and have the back padded and and light internal frame.This will help your back o stay straight.
I got an Eagle Creak trek from rei, it's less then 3 lbs and about 22 in long. What's cool about this pack is ha the back straps can be tucked in so
it can be used as carry-on or checked as well.
Also osprey makes good and light packs, but they are a more expensive.
I personally like the ones that have a small day pack attached to it. It's very convenient when you want to leave the heavy load in your hotel.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
2 posts
Hi there
I am short and have difficulty in finding something that will work as a backpack while traveling. I ended up purchasing a combination roller bag/back pack straps from Eagle Creek (the main bag is small enough to qualify as carry-on). It has a reasonable hip belt with padded straps (including a sternum strap)that packs away. It also has a good sized day pack that zips on/off the front of the main bag. I used it on a recent trip to New Orleans and it worked just fine. I am planning on using it on a trip to France in the spring.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Two features I like are a waist belt to keep the bag from hanging on your shoulders and compression straps to keep the load as tight against your back as possible.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
mary,
Brad brings up a good point. With Backpacks it's important to select a Pack according to YOUR torso length. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. That's why having a well designed waist belt and suspension system is very important!
I tend to prefer Eagle Creek products. You might try some of your local shops to see if these are stocked. Whichever Pack you select, it's a good idea to try this out fully loaded for an hour or two, to make sure the fit works FOR YOU.
I also prefer having a "stowable harness" also, IN CASE the pack has to be checked for any reason. This will prevent the straps from being damaged by airport conveyor belts, etc. I also like the detachable Daypack feature.
Don't limit yourself to just the women's Packs. I've talked to some women that found the men's pack worked better for them. Try both models fully loaded to determine which one is most comfortable.
Hope this helps? Good luck!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
mary,
You might also have a look at Rick's Packs in the Travel Store. Some people really like them, while others find they don't fit as well. There are a few discussions on that topic here on the Helpline - do a search.
Cheers!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
Tough Traveller has backpacks that they claim (and I have seen mentioned on other sites) are geared more toward women.
Posted by
Providence, RI, United States
11 posts
My wife bought a Kelty Redwing. It is not a travel pack per say, but it is a size that will be able to be carried on a plane. it doesn't have zip away shoulder straps, but it has a very comfortable shoulder strap/hip belt/back panel which will make for pleasurable carrying. It also has compression straps to tighten the load so it doesn't sag and it looks good (her words). You can find it at REI.