I am 4' 11" tall, a woman, medium build. and 63 yrs old.
I am looking for a travel bag to take to Europe and not have to check. I have been looking at the Classic Back Door bag as it is very light. Will be gone for 10 days.
do you think this bag will be easy enough to carry on my back?
According to this article by REI, it's your torso length that determines best fit, not your height. I was shocked to discover that mine is only 19" even though I'm 5'8" tall. Maybe that's why my Convertible Carry-On was never comfortable on me.
After being inspired by Jane from Sapulpa, I'm going to get the Appenzell and do my best to pack lighter than I already do. I usually travel for 4+ weeks but pack for 1 week. I've been using carry-on wheeled bags for the past few trips. I'm hoping to switch back to the backpack to have my hands free.
Weight on your back is also a factor, but it's still an issue with a wheeled bag because you have to manage your luggage yourself. BTW, I'm 72.
I used backpacks through my 30s, because I refuse to check a bag and almost always depart my arrival city immediately, but now I use a 21" rolling suitcase that I can carry-on (as long as you are not on a low cost carrier it's fine)--no going back!
Packing light enough for a backpack to be comfortable is a big challenge. The bets advice is to pack it and walk around with it.
Which month makes a difference--in summer I could do it, but in spring or fall, heavier clothes make it an issue (and I do laundry halfway and wear the same things over and over).
Torso length is only critical with hip belt suspension system backpacks. The RS Classic only has shoulder straps. That said, you will need to feel comfortable with the pack's load on your shoulders. Note that the RS Classic does not have a sternum strap and if your shoulder width is too narrow, the load may be more on the ends of your shoulders than closer to your neck.
I have and use the Classic Back Door Bag. It is very light and works for me but I am taller than you, and used to backpacks. My mother is about your size, and I would judge that this bag will hang too low on your back to be comfortable. But then, I'd probably think the same for any backpack that was this size.
