http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/4021/Arcteryx-Bora-50-Backpack.html
I tried on this backpack at the store and I felt really comfortable with it. But is it too big? Also, is it too campy-ish? I'm just planning to use it for traveling from trains to hostels and such.
The Bora backpack is built for backcountry backpacking which means it is built for carrying heavy loads. It will be a heavier bag due to all the support and it's internal frame. When I backpacked Europe 10 years ago, I used a backpack like the Bora and I found it a pain when I was trying to locate items at the bottom of the bag.
Have you checked out Osprey or Eagle Creek? They make great quality bags built for travelling.
You will never be carrying the weight that justifies using a backcountry backpack on your travels.
It looks too big to carry on. It's also a top-loader, which is more difficult to travel with unless you're camping and hiking. If you prefer a backpack look, try the Eagle Creek line and look for "travel packs". The panel loaders are really easier to travel with.
A full zipper really makes a difference.
Look at www.onebag.com for a discussion of bags. They don't sell bags but they talk about what to look for, how to pack and they show some of their favorite bags.
According to the website specs all of the Bora 50 bags are to big, by volume, to meet carryon specs United (45.4L) or Lufthansa (44L). The small one (46L) might squeak thru, but the middle sized one is 10% over and the large (54L) one is 20% too big. Plus the overall shape appears too long vs the other dimensions (United limit total of all dimensins to 45 in.). Also, at 4-5#, in my opinion, it weighs too much as a carry-on (mine weighs 1-3/4#).
It looks like a good bag for all day backpacking, but a bit of overkill for just "traveling from trains to hostels".
I just recently purches the RS backpack bag. I was indecisive about a suitcase/backpack. However after my trip I was in love with the bag. True it is not designed for hiking the backcountry for weeks on end but from hostel to train station it works great.
It looks small and can be compacted well but boy does that thing expand! A dangerious thing if you are like me and buy souviniers for people.
There are lots of pockets, but not too many, and well thought out.
I went to REI to get my backpack because the first one I got didn't fit me. It made a huge difference when I bought one that was designed for my size. The people at REI were very helpful.
Pam
