Reliable backpack??

i assume you are talking about a day pack to carry odds and ends in?

if so, RS' civita pack is super light and crushes down into a tiny space to stuff into a larger bag.

Oh no! Oops! I was actually looking for a backpack for the entire trip, I have seen some that have day bags attached though. I am just very confused and do not want to get one that will rip on me or is uncomfortable!

The Appenzell Day Pack is a smaller version of RS's Convertible Carry-on. I like my Convertible Carry-on and this smaller version should do you quite well. Do you know what you want?

Heather,

My suggestion would be to have a look at the websites for Eagle Creek and Osprey Packs. They have a variety of different models and sizes of travel packs, to fit just about everyone.

You'll have to give some thought on what features you'd like to have. I prefer a panel-loading Pack (with zippers) as I find it much easier to access the contents. The zippers also provide a "basic" level of security, as they can be locked.

Another feature I like is a detachable Daypack. The main Pack usually has to be checked during air travel, so I use the Daypack for carry-on. It's also useful for day touring at the destination. On most trips I also carry a RS Civita Daypack, as it's great for short trips, and with a coat rolled up inside it makes a reasonable substitute pillow!

One very useful feature that's usually provided on travel Packs (usually not on "trekking" packs) is a stowable harness system. This allows the straps to be stored behind a zippered panel, which prevents them from being torn-off by airport baggage handling systems.

In choosing a Backpack, the MOST IMPORTANT point is to be properly fitted, according to YOUR torso length. Most of the weight should rest on your hips (on the hip belt) and NOT your shoulders. Any competent "sales associate" can measure your torso length and fit your Pack properly.

Quite likely you'll only be carrying the Backpack short distances from the airport to train, train to Hostel, etc. but I believe it's still important to have a good fit, as there may be occasions when you have to carry it for longer periods of time.

I'm not sure where Keene is located, but if you have an REI shop in your area, stop by and have a look.

Good luck and happy travels!

Heather, let me ask a few questions and I might be able to give you some choices.

1) When you say "backpack," do you mean the type worn by serious backpackers with external frame or do you mean the convertible type where the backpack straps can be hidden away when you want to carry it either by its handle or shoulder strap?

2) When you say boys and girls, do you mean little kids or is it for you?

3) Do you plan to do serious backpacking or is it mainly for transporting your stuff between transportation (air, rail) and hotel?

4) What's your budget for this item?

Mattew,

That style of Backpack works great for some people, but the lack of torso adjustment would be a problem for me. I also tend to prefer the models having an internal frame (it doesn't add appreciably to the weight).

Just for information, I use two Backpacks for travels in Europe, depending on the circumstances of the trip.

> Eagle Creek Continental Journey (vintage about 2003 - now discontinued). This is my standard pack and used for the majority of trips. This particular vintage used the heavier Cordura nylon, and not the lighter materials used on the current EC packs.

> Osprey Waypoint 85. I bought this prior to my trip this year, and use it on occasions when I have to pack extra photographic gear such as a full-sized Tripod, as it's a bit larger than the EC model. It's an excellent quality Pack, but the construction is not quite as robust as the earlier EC models. I found after one trip this year that some of the zipper pulls were wearing out (I solved that problem by replacing them with "Monkey Fist" pulls from Red Oxx).

Lately, I've also been trying out an Air Boss for shorter domestic trips. The construction of that is EXTREMELY robust, as it's manufactured by a company operated by ex-Green Beret Parachute riggers.

Cheers!

for a whole-trip bag, i'd recommend the bag i just got, the one recommended on onebag.com, the mei voyageur. this thing is very nice. and very comfortable as well.

Regarding the MEI Voyageur, it's a very popular pack but not for everyone.

Have a look at * onebagger.squarespace.com/blog/2007/8/30/mei-voyageur-travelpack-review.html * for one review of that product (cut & paste the link inside the asterisks).

You might find some good tips by reading * www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1303733 * as it discusses the merits of various Backpacks.

The Voyageur is very similar to the RS Convertible Backpack in terms of design and features. While it has a waistbelt, it's not suitable for all torso ranges. I don't believe it has an internal frame? With that type of Pack, items inside can "shift" towards the bottom unless Packing Cubes or other methods are used.

Cheers!

the voyageur is one big compartment inside, i think that was a complaint on the onebagger review. i bought a set of the rick steves cubes, and they fit perfectly in the voyageur (one set takes exactly half of the space inside, a total volume of 14x11x10 inches) it does have a suspension, and a super comfortable hip belt and straps, though.

as for adjustability, i found it to be very customizable. it might be too big for children, though.