I need to get a convertable backpack for my daughter, she's heading to Europe for the summer. I wanted to ask everyone their thoughts between a backpack with internal supports vs one without. I've looked at a friend's MEI Voyageur. It's VERY well built, but I was wondering if the internal frame makes it harder to pack one. Are the frames a big help, or just a hinderance?
Thoughts?
Is she going to do serious backpacking or is she going to use the backpack straps to carry her pack on her luggage between point A and point B (aiports, train stations, hotels, etc.)
If the latter, she really doesn't need the extra weight of an internal frame. A good convertible bag with a waist belt and even a sternum strap will help distribute the weight.
And then make sure she packs light.
Now, if she plans to hike the Alps with this pack, then a frame would be a good idea.
Generally an internal frame will help distribute the weight instead of everything sagging to a pile at the bottom. You pay much more for a backpack like this but I am sure she would get a lot of good use out of it on the trip and on other trips too. I bought the Rick Steves Convertible backpack for a trip to Japan a couple years ago and loved it. I had it packed full to 20 pounds though I wasn't backpacking as I had a place to stay for the duration of my trip there. It's a very well-built pack and it will go with me to London this year.
For those who travel light, I think an internal frame is a desirable luxury. It's a luxury because if you are traveling light you probably don't absolutely need one, but it's desirable because it distributes weight better and makes the pack generally easier to handle. The frame itself adds a few pounds but is worth it.
The only problem is that it is hard to find internal-frame packs that are not too honking big. Get one of those for your daughter and she will fill it up, then wind up dragging 5-15 extra pounds across Europe with her that she doesn't need.
In terms of packing, there is no difference, except that the frame takes up space and makes the pack larger outside than in. In both cases your daughter will be filling a cavity with her travel gear.
Hi Roy,
I originally purchased the Rick Steves convertible carry-on and it just didn't fit me right. It was really nice and well-made, but no matter how I adjusted it, it just didn't feel right. I am 5'4", so that may have something to do with it. It also really felt like it hung on my back (I packed it up and tested it). So, I returned it and ordered the MEI Voyageur. It took awhile to get (8-9 weeks, though they could probably send it faster if you need it). The MEI Voyageur fits me much better and I really like the internal frame. It distributes the weight better. I think the single thing thing that I like most about the MEI Voyageur, however, is a strap at the top that you can cinch to pull the top of the pack closer to you. This alleviates the "hanging" on your back. The straps are bulkier than on the RS bag, but they're also more comfortable. Let me know if you have any questions.
Kristy
My daughter and I each used this High Sierra bag for our trip last fall to Italy. It worked perfectly to carry all our clothing, camera, books, etc. It is light weight and does have an aluminum stay, but that is removable, so you can decide to use it or not. the bag has a frame sheet, so there is support.
Convertible bags are good, but for people on the go, a good backpacking bag is even better. Usually lighter weight!
http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/explorer_55/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=88521
What I like is that it also offers a rain cover, so if your daughter is walking someplace and get stuck in a rain storm (that always seems to happen to me!) she can simply unzip the rain cover and protect her bag/contents. This is actually pretty darn important, but most people do not think of rain covers for their backpacks.
I bought the MEI Voyageur to take to France trying to pack lighter. It's easier to pack than a backpack since you don't have to load everything from the top. I used a packing envelope in it for my clothes and then packed everything else around that. It was much easier for me to deal with getting on and off trains, up and down stairs, etc. The waist straps really help keep the weight there rather than on the shoulders. I was very pleased with mine.
Thanks for all of the advice. Kristy, can you tell me more about the Voyageur? How was it to pack? Do you use cubes, folders, etc?, or just roll everything into it? If you had the chance, would you buy it again, or would you buy something else?
Thanks a lot!!!
Roy
Roy, IMO the internal frame is a good feature for a Backpack. As the others have indicated, it tends to maintain the shape of the pack somewhat, especially when it's lightly loaded. The two aluminum bars don't seem to add a lot of weight.
When buying ANY Backpack, it's very important be properly fitted according to torso length. Most of the weight should rest on the hips, not the shoulders. Most quality Backpacks provide "load leveler" straps to allow the user to adjust the weight betweeen the shoulders and hips.
Two other valuable features that I feel are important are a detachable Daypack (good to use for carry on) and a "stowable" harness system to allow the straps to be stowed behind a zippered panel during air travel (so that airport conveyor systems don't tear them off!). I also tend to prefer a panel-laod pack (with zippers) as opposed to a top-load Pack (usually a drawstring at the top, which can't be locked).
You might have a look at the Eagle Creek line. They're extremely well made, have various sizes and are provided with a good warranty. They have some models specifically designed for women, however I'd recommend that your daughter try all models as some women find that the men's model fits them better.
I had a reminder recently on how important it is to be properly fitted. While waiting for a train in Austria, I left my Eagle Creek Backpack (40-50 lbs?) on for 1 to 1.5 hours continuously and hardly noticed it.
Hope this helps. Good luck and happy travels!
