What size backpack?

That is a pretty large bag. I took a 5600 cu. in. pack to travel for a year, but I had to pack for multiple seasons/climates. Since you're going for 8 weeks, just 3 of which will be spent moving around from place to place, you should be able to get away with a smaller bag - especially if you don't want to check the bag at the airport.

The trains don't really care what size your bag is - but the airlines (especially the discount European carriers) have a lot of restrictions on not just size, but weight. No, checking your bag is not that big a deal. It just takes longer to wait around the baggage claim to pick up your luggage - and there is the small possibility of it getting lost or delayed.

Always bring layers (long and short sleeve shirts, a lightweight fleece) and a jacket that can block wind and rain.

If you decide to return your current bag, check the Eagle Creek Adventure Packs - many of them have detachable day packs that clip onto the outside of the main pack. Are you doing any camping or multi-day hikes with the pack, or just staying in hostels? Talk with the sales rep at the store where you buy your pack and they will be able to recommend which pack is best for your needs.

Scott,

I had a brief look at the Kelty 5600 Redcloud Pack, and it appears to be a quality product. However, it seems to be designed more for trail hiking (not much use for ice-axe loops in Europe in May/June) and would definitely be too large for me at almost 92 liters!

The most important criteria for Backpacks is torso length. You didn't indicate whether you were fitted for this when you bought the Pack? That Pack is designed for a range of 16"-22", and you may fit that range but it's something that should be checked.

Some of the other features that I prefer are panel load (lockable zippers - not much security but it helps a bit), a detachable Daypack (works great for carry-on) and "stowable" harness system (the straps are stowed behind a zippered panel during air travel, which prevents them from being torn-off by airport conveyor systems). For Packs that don't have that feature, the airlines will often "Saran Wrap" the pack during transport.

Regarding which clothing to pack, there are suggested packing lists on this site (check the Graffiti Wall) & other web sites. I'd suggest that you pack light, especially if you're going to be using budget airlines in Europe. Trains are not a problem, but it's a good idea to have a smaller Pack as you'll be lifting it onto the overhead racks! Rick's philosophy is to "pack the same for three weeks as for three months".

"If you have your bag checked is it a huge deal?" With a 92 liter Backpack, you won't have any choice but to check it. I haven't had any problems with checked luggage (so far), but it's a good idea to pack some "emergency" supplies in your Daypack in case your main pack gets "misplaced" for a few days or longer.

Since you have a few months until your trip, you may enjoy reading Europe Through The Back Door, as it covers some of your questions. BTW, I use an Eagle Creek Backpack (2003 vintage Continental Journey).

Good luck!

The current RS Convertible Bag has a padded waist belt. (His original bag, which he now sells again, does not have a waist belt.) I suggest spending the extra money and getting it.

What we need answered is...what do YOU mean by backpacking? Will you spend hours a day hiking through the mountains with the pack on your back, or do you mean traveling from city to city via transport and then to your hotel with something on your back.

There's a big difference. If hiking, then you might want a backpack with frame. If the other, then a convertible style bag like the RS one should work for you.

Scott:

I highly recommend the Rick Steves “Convertible Carry-On” for your ternary. Last year in planes and trains throughout the UK, Scotland and France I noticed backpackers trying long and hard to maneuver their bulky hard frame packs into impossible spaces while my RS 100% soft shell unit molded to any available space easily. Very easy to cram if needed. And don’t let the word “soft” fool you. This thing is indestructible, good-looking, full of pockets everywhere, much space (also expandable) with a nice cushioned big strong soft handle and padded comfortable breathable shoulder and waist straps all with very big but easy snaps. Extremely good quality in EVERY aspect. To see it in use, go to http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/aarp.htm (yes, the senior travel page) and look at the couple in the last photo. This thing will, without a doubt, hold everything you need for the trip you specified if you do a little laundry along the way. Upon my return from Europe last year, I took two photos… one of everything packed that I used and one of everything I did NOT use. This is really helping our packing for Italy this year. I will be happy to email them to you as a visual guide. Oh, and one last thing about the bag… the PRICE… a steal at around $65-70! It is very evident that someone thought through EVERYTHING on this bag. Should you choose it, you will not be disappointed.

Happy Travels,

Jack

Again, with the RS Backpack (or any others), proper fitting according to torso length is very important!

The RS Convertible Backpack is a very well made product (as described in the previous post), and the price is certainly great (not sure if the "sale" is still in effect?). However if you're considering that Pack, you may wish to send an E-mail to EBTD to confirm that it will fit your torso range.

I used an RS bag this summer too, and while I agree that it is affordable and well-designed (especially since the zipper goes about three sides), it really needs a waist or chest strap. I found even when I used the compression straps that it was hard on my back and shoulders (and I'm only 22!), and if it had a waist strap it would place more of the weight on your hips. I guess I was taking more of a backpacking tour - no taxis for me! - so I did do a lot of walking with my bag. Walking up through Manarola in the CT was awful!

Just a thought - other than that, it was still a great bag!

Jack again...

Scott, my wife is 5-6 and I am 6-3 and it fits both of us perfectly. Go figure.

It's not like you will be wearing it all day if, as per the previous post, you are using for travel and not scouting.

thanks a lot for the help everyone! I went back to the store and returned my redcloud backpack. I am not going to do much hiking but I do plan on doing a lot of walking from trains to hostels, around the towns, ect. I ended up getting the Osprey atmos 50. It has a waist belt, and other support straps. As for a day bag, I think I am going to buy a small one that can collapse to put into the large bag. Any suggestions on a small day bag? Unfortunately, I am leaving the semester to study abroad on in a few days so I will not have much time to order off the website before I leave.

Scott, we used the RS Convertible for our 5 week trip last summer. My Husband is 6'2", I am 5'6", my 14 year old daughter is 5' and my 12 year old daughter is 4'10". None of us had any trouble with the size of the bags. We carried our Backpacks on our backs, and our daybags on the front like Kangaroos while travelling from once city to another. We kept our maps,food,cameras etc in the day bags, so didnt want them inside our packs.Have a Great Trip

For a day bag, I really like the Rick Steves Civita bag. You should at least make it one of your candidate bags.

I have to warn you though that this bag has held up so well that the one I own is out of date! The current version looks very similar though.