The local travel gear shop is having a huge sale at the moment with a fabulous 35L Macpac backpack at a gigantic discount. I've tried it on multiple times and out of all the packs I've tried on so far it feels the most comfortable on me because I'm only 5'0" and 98lbs. Anything bigger than 35L feels, well...enormous to me. Is it reasonable for me to take a pack like this on an extended 3-4 month trip through SE Asia, India, China and beyond (i.e. however far my budget carries me) or is this too small to take on a longish trip like that?

If you're not planning to pack a tent/sleeping bag that should probably be doable. Just remember you'll either be a little stinky or be doing laundry a little more often that you would with a larger pack.

It's certainly possible in SE Asia, but check out the climate in the regions in China where you plan to travel. You may have to buy a warm jacket locally, then pass it on when you re-enter the tropics. Just don't get too attached to it (although you can always send stuff home.)

I thought I couldn't travel without my boots, until I got my pack nicked. It's all possible.

That's part of my problem, I'm not entirely sure when I'll be leaving...I have about a six-month window so I could be in China anywhere from January to June. I'm also planning to do the Trans-Siberian Railway so by the time I get to Moscow depending on the time of year I will definitely need a warm jacket. I'm only bringing one pair of boots though (plus sandals) so the only other bulky items I can think of would be a towel and a little mug/cooking pan. A good thing about being small is that all your clothes fold up really tiny as well, LOL. I just would rather sacrifice the amount of stuff I can bring for my comfort, and I don't want to be tempted into accumulating a lot of crap along the way...anyway I'm just babbling.

Who has those packs? Paragon or Tent & Trails?

MacPac makes very good travelpacks and if it fits you correctly, that's even better!

No, I'm in Auckland right now so they're at Bivouac. Sorry I keep forgetting to change my current location, LOL.

Hmm. Something else just occurred to me. The only two colors they have left in stock are a bright orange and a brighter green. I kind of think they look cool, but are those colors going to scream STEAL ME??? to someone looking to pilfer my stuff?

quote:

Originally posted by Badly Drawn Girl:
...are those colors going to scream STEAL ME??? to someone looking to pilfer my stuff?

Not after it gets covered with dirt and checked-luggage tags and flag patches.

EVERY backpack says 'steal me.' They're just so darn portable. So go for the comfortable one that you can afford, and play it smart.

It sounds like the right pack for you.

quote:

EVERY backpack says 'steal me.' They're just so darn portable.

Yeah, I just read a post by some dude from the UK who basically said don't even carry a backpack, just use a shoulder bag or else everyone will know you're a tourist and won't take you seriously/will rip you off. I was like God, that's a hell of a pessimistic view...

Thanks for the reassurance guys, I think I know where my Xmas bonus money is going.

I did a 4 month RTW with a 35L pack. You have to be pretty economical with your stuff (well, obviously) but the rewards far outweigh the costs in my opinion! You'll be able to actually walk with your pack for more than 2 minutes, unlike all the other schmucks with 85L

I have travelled all over with just a carry on pack. It does mean I have to wash clothes more often but it also means that I can use almost every type of transportation there is. I use a lot of alternative products on my jouneys.

Toothpowder vs. Toothpaste
Shaving Oil vs. Shaving cream or gel(Somesets is the best)
Bar Shampoo that I use for soap as well.

I also use the bundle method of packing. I know that there is a website that shows you how. I also bring clothing that goes with everything I wear. The walking shoes I wear and a pair of TEVA walking sandals that double as shower shoes. Pacl light and well and you will do great with your pack.