Help me choose the right backpack?

The average size carryon that many people on this site use is about 2400, 2500 cu ins so your Kelty bag would more than adequate for hostel/light travel. Instead of focusing on how big you backpack should be, you should focus on what you want to take. That determines the size. An attitude of "bring as much as I can" is not helpful when trying to pack light. Also for your size and weight you can not handle the same weight that someone 6-1 and 200 can. I think you should shoot for about 20 to 25 lbs max weight. That is about 20% of your body weight. Personally think you Kelty sounds about right for you.

hannah,

Whether you use the Backpack you've already purchased or return it for another model, the most important criteria is that the Pack is properly fitted for YOUR torso size (your overall height is not the most important factor). Most of the weight should rest on your hips, and NOT your shoulders.

In deciding which Pack to choose, you'll have to decide which features are important to you. Some features that I prefer are a detachable Daypack (works great for carry on), stowable harness system (helps to prevent the straps from being torn off by airport conveyor systems) and a panel load design (with zippers - the panel opens to allow easy access to the contents, as opposed to a top load design which is often just fastened with a drawstring at the top).

If you're not sure whether your present pack fits your needs, you might also have a look at products from Osprey, Eagle Creek or others (I'll be travelling with an Osprey Pack this year). Some of the models from those manufacturers have harnesses specifically designed for women, which may work better for you.

A pack with 2650 cu. in. of capacity would be too small for me, even if I was planning to go with only carry on. It's difficult to offer specific advice on pack size, as none of use here know what type of gear you'll be packing.

If there's an REI store in your area, you might have a look there.

Good luck!

Hannah:

My guess is that you have gone to the wrong sporting good stores. The advice that Ken gave you was spot-on. You really have to be fitted for a backpack - based on your intro it doesn't seem like the sales people at the stores you went to know how to do that. Always remember that this pack is going to be on your back almost everyday for over 4 weeks. If it doesn't fit you, you will be miserable.

I would suggest you need to go to a store where the sales people are knowledgeable in the products they are selling - one that caters heavily to backpackers/hikers etc. I second REI. You may also want to google other stores in your area.

Lastly, whatever pack you choose, make sure you get in some practice hikes/walks with it fully loaded a long time before you get to Europe.

When you say you'll be "backpacking through Western Europe" do you mean that you will be hiking moutain trails for hours on end with your backpack on? Or do you mean you want to do carry-on luggage that is easy to move from place to place... ie you will carry it maybe for an hour or less to/from the train, hostel, hotel, b&b, airport, etc. every few days? If the first, then definitely get fitted properly and get a sturdy, weather resistant bag. If the latter you don't have to worry quite as much about it... I am a short woman, 5'1", and love my Rick's bag. I've used it for more than 20 years (more than 40 trips) but it would not do for "real" backpacking.

I want to second going to REI. They were very helpful. I had a backpack that did not correctly and was thrilled when they helped me find one that did fit properly. It's made all the difference in the world for wearing it.

Pam

I agree with REI. In OC in California where you live, there are MANY that can help you.
Definitely a big difference between backpacking, i.e. hiking trails, vs. backpack traveling, i.e. carry-on only. Although if you have a great pack that for backpacking, it would certainly feel comfortable enough for backpack traveling. One exception I could think of would be a big, padded hipbelt, which is mandatory for backpacking but not as critical for backpack traveling.

No matter what you pick, you have to PACK LIGHT! The bag is, in many respects, the easy part. You'll need: lightweight, quick dry travel clothes; comfortable shoes; and an assortment of the usual travel accessories (see Rick's packing list...clothesline, money belt, etc). REI should have all that stuff, and if not, go online.

Remember the guidelines: Pack half as much as you think you'll need, but twice as much money. Bring neutral colored clothes where everything matches with everything else. You can never have a full pack that is TOO lights (remember to leave room for stuff you might add during the trip).

Good luck!

If you are backpacking as in hiking, you may need a bigger bag for technical gear. For backpack-as-luggage, I think 2650 ci is too big.

The internal frame is nice, and if you carry enough stuff to fill up that bag you will probably need it. On the other hand if you go down to more like 2000 ci you won't need a frame because your load will be light enough to carry in a bag.

Eagle Creak used to make--and Rick used to sell--a really nice bag with an internal frame that was about 1900 ci. Small bags went out of fashion, but maybe they'll come back.

In the mean time if you think you need more than 2650 ci you might want to read Rick's chapter on packing light and rethink your pack list. You'll have a better trip.

I have the same backpack--a Kelty Redwing 2650--and that's more than large enough for my four-week trip. I've been told on here several times, in fact, that it is too big for a carry on, as it is three liner inches larger than 'standard'. Additionally, if it was any bigger, it would be too heavy when fully loaded. I'm five six, and weigh about 170, and I originally ordered the 3100--it was too big for me. But as many people asked--will you be backpacking as in hiking (and thus carrying things like a tent and a sleeping sack)? Or are you just using it for luggage/carry on? If it is the former, yes, go to REI and ask for help (and best of luck to you--I cannot imagine doing that but am, at the same time, jealous of people who can!). If it is the latter, your Kelty 2650 should be more than enough. I've practice packed mine with my netbook, kindle, chargers, three tiny guide books and six summer dresses and it still is more than half empty. Roll your clothing and wash stuff as you go. And have a great trip!

You do need to be buying an internal frame pack based on your torso length. That is the FIRST thing to check, then the straps and if the bag has load lifters to help take the weight off your shoulders in conjunction with the hip belt fit. These are the important issues to get through first.

You might check the products from Osprey. they make specific packs for Women---that's important for what you are doing.

Lots of companies "Shrink it and Pink it" In effect, take men's bag and color it for women, make it a bit smaller and hope for the best. Not all companies do this and I believe Osprey is one of these.