What Backpacks is best

It all depends on what you consider a "backpacking trip". Will you be doing true hiking and some camping? Or will you simply be using your backpack/luggage to contain your items and carry it from transporation to hotel/hostel as needed? If you are doing the latter, I think you can't do better than Rick's bags. I've used Rick's bag (the original model I think) for more than 20 years. It is soft sided, basically unstructred. It has some outside zippered pockets. It has backpack style straps that are very comfortable (I've worn it that way for as much as 4 hours) and that can be stored away quickly and easily. It has a good, comfortable hand-carry handle and the option of a sholder strap (haven't needed that). It fits the carry-on guidelines and holds all I need for a long trip. It is lightweight, yet sturdy. Fully packed my bag usually weighs in between 10-15 lbs. and hubby's (same style, same age) weighs 8-11 lbs. And after more than 40 trips, including one around-the-world 3 week trip, it still looks great. I understand the newer models have a slightly different setup regarding pockets and may be made of a slightly different material, but I would buy another one from Rick if I needed it.

For true backpacking, check out Osprey packs. They are light, sturdy and carry very well. REI should have a nice selection, or your local outdoor store. Work with a staff member who knows their stuff so they can fit the pack to you correctly. If you are just looking for a "pack" that has straps on it so you can carry it like a daypack, Eagle Creek has convertibles, it looks like a duffel, but can carry like a backpack with straps hidden behind a panel on the back. Consider how you are really traveling, how much you will be walking with the pack on your bag to decide if you need a backpacking or just a travel pack. For size, don't go much over 32Liters...55 is as big as you should go, but (55L) can tend to get heavy, as you will pack too much in a pack that is large. pack for ONE week, and bring soap to wash clothes! you will LOVE it if you pack light and are not weighed down with too much clothing, etc. Considering you are traveling for 40 days....spend accordingly. If you go cheap, you may find yourself with broken straps or fittings. Stick with a brand name like Osprey or Eagle Creek.

From my observations when I have traveled throughout Europe wearing a back pack into any decent restaurant WILL GET YOU A "NO" to seating. Backpackers are seen as unclean, cheap and troublesome. I have seen backpackers in France, Spain and Italy turned away from hotels and restaurants, so hope you are counting on staying in a youth hostel.

my husband and i both used a kelty 2650 for our trip this past summer. we were traveling for just under a month, and had no problems with spacewe packed five days worth of clothing along with a lot of tech gear. we carried them on and didn't even have to gate check on the smaller plane from dublin to london. since, we've only used these bags for all travel (all domestic trips, once on a VERY small plane3 seats across). they are the best 'suitcases' we've ever had. ohand we stayed in hotels and one rental apartment. we're in our 30s and well groomed, but still, it is important to note that no one ever turned us away from anywhere based on our luggage choice.

I have had 2 Osprey packs and I have loved them both. But I had to trade my Ariel Osprey in for The Porter because the Osprey just did not fit into carry-on guidelines. I would have checked it but I was afraid of the baggage handlers chucking anywhere and ruining the internal frame. Plus checking it may mean you lose it and that is not cool, especially when you are not staying in the airport town you arrive too. So I have gone to the Porter, which is a backpack, with adjustable shoulder straps and a waist belt. but it zips open like a suitcase which is nice (top loaders can be annoying). But it has lost a bit of its ergonomics, but I can still carry it with my bad back with out incident. There are different sized porters, I have the smallest one. The other bad thing is that it doesn't expand quite like my ariel did, but oh well, its not going to ruin my trip.

Joey, This is a duplicate of one of my earlier replies to this same question: 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. If there's an REI store in your area, you might start looking there. Cheers!

Unsure where Jerry witnessed so many backpackers being refused service in European hotels and restaurants, but I spent an entire year travelling around the world with an Eagle Creek backpack and never once was I denied lodging or service (and that includes staying in many other types of lodging besides hostels). If you have cash or a Visa/Mastercard, you are going to be welcomed. As mentioned before, get fitted for your backpack by a professional so it sits comfortably on your torso and the weight will be distributed properly over your hips and not be cutting into your shoulders or putting unnecessary strain on your back. Doesn't sound like you are probably camping for 40 days in Europe, so a travel pack such as the ones Eagle Creek, Kelty or Osprey sell should work fine. A front loading panel and using packing cubes definitely help you quickly find items in your pack without having to unload everything like you would in a top loading pack.

I am looking for a backpack for days out on tour... I am 5'2" and weigh in around 125.... what type would be light and easy to put a few things in for day trips???Thanks :)

Chris, For the type of touring you describe, a Daypack is what you'll need. Given the smaller size of that type of pack and the fact that the weight carried is typically much less, there's not as much concern about proper fitting according to torso range. On the topic of torso range, this only has an approximate relation to your height. The measurement is taken from approximately C7 vertebrae to the top of your pelvis. This is important so that the appropriate size of the Backpack can be chosen, which will place most of the weight on the hips rather than the shoulders. Body weight is primarily a concern in deciding the ratio for the maximum capacity that can be carried. In choosing a Daypack, give some thought on what types of things you'll be carrying, their weight and whether you'll need to access items frequently. Having the capacity to lock sections of the Pack would be good! You might have a look at the Daypacks offered by Osprey, Eagle Creek or right here at ETBD. If you want enhanced theft protection, also have a look at PacSafe. Cheers!

Search out the nearest REI store in your area (you'll have to go a ways from Lompoc). They carry all, and only the best, equipment, and they will fit the pack directly to you so you will carry heavy loads in comfort. If you are on a budget they have their own brand, or you can go all the way up to Arcteryx (which I use for long winter climbs, but I don't think you'll be needing crampons and an ice axe).

If you intend to walk more than a mile at a stretch and your load weighs more than 10 lbs total including the pack itself, trust me you want to be certain your pack has internal stays, a lumbar pad, thick/stiff waist belt, and a sternum strap to hold the shoulder straps together. A waterproof bottom with feet is nice too, in case you need to set it down on damp ground. If you will mostly be on some form of transportation, and only need to walk short distances, then a convertible bag like the RS or eBags Weekender or similar will be ok. If you do decide on the RS bag, take my advice and try to find an older one on eBay. The older ones (pre-2007) can be recognized by the lower front pocket having a straight zipper, not u-shaped. Though they lack the expandability (useless anyway if you're not checking bags), these older models were made of bullet-proof 1000 denier DuPont Cordura and have strong YKK zippers. The current versions are made from thinner polyester and have generic zippers. If you see them side by side you'd be flabbergasted by how much they've been cheapened.