My husband and I will be spending 2 weeks in France, Germany, Benelux. We'll be traveling by train and staying ina mix of hostels and hotels. We plan to pack two internal frame packs. We do not plan to carry packs on the plane.
My question: What type/size pack should we get? I'm 5'10", 180, my husband is 5'6", 130lb. We plan to pack LIGHT!
Thanks for any input you can give us!
If you are truly packing light, going for two weeks, and not camping you do not need the capacity that internal frame backpack would give you. A standard carryon size bag would be more than adequate.
Emma,
It's difficult to recommend a specific Pack, especially with only your height to work with. A much more important measurement is your torso length (regardless of your height). Any competent shop should be able to measure this for both of you, in order to fit the Pack PROPERLY. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders.
Regarding size that's also difficult as none of us know how much gear you're going to be taking in the Pack. Even though you're going to be checking your packs, remember Rick's rule to pack light!
Two other good features to consider are a "stowable harness", so the straps don't get torn off by airport baggage systems, and a detachable Day pack. My pack has both features.
I tend to favor Eagle Creek products and a "panel load" design (with zippers), rather than a "top-loader" which is more difficult to secure (especially as you'll be in Hostels at least part of the time).
Good luck with your decision!
Eagle Creek used to make a really great little pack, smaller than Rick's bag, with an internal frame. Rick sold it from his store, which is where I got mine.
Alas travel bags have bloated and ballooned and I think the smallest pack you can find today with an internal frame is just way too big.
If anyone knows of a small bag--about 2000 cu. in.--with an internal frame, I hope they will post that information here. I don't think you can get one, though.
The good news is that if you do pack light (which you should! And you are!) you can get by with just a rucksack (by which I just mean a travel bag with no frame).
On the bright side, a bag like that is pounds lighter than one with an frame inside. On my first trip to Europe we lived out of two 1200-cu.-in bags for 3 weeks (and, it was our honeymoon).
So although you may be out of luck if you want a small bag with an internal frame, I really think you will be OK anyway.
Check out the newer frame packs made by High Sierra. The Summit 45 would be a good fit for your husband, and the Explorer 55 would fit your 5" 10" frame. Both of these are lighter packs, but offer internal frame and a frame sheet. You can remove the stays if needed.
The Summit 45 has 2750 cub inches for packing and the Explorer 55 has 3356 (I think the 55 is getting pretty big for travel!)
The best thing about these packs is that they both have a rain cover...really important if you are train traveling and doing a lot of walking.
However, you will still need to place these bags in either a plastic bag at the airport, or plan to bring a duffel to put them in. If you do not check these bags (the Summit 45 is carry on size - I know, I used it in Europe last year) you will need to secure all the backpack straps and hip belt, or risk damage.
I think you could both get by with just the Summit 45 for your travels..it is a "universal fit" -it will fit a person 5'6" to 6' tall.
