I've read many recommendations for packs in the 60-80L range. I was about to the buy the Eagle Creek Voyage 65L or the Explorer LT 69L, but I decided they are just too big. I also think that the detachable daypack is overkill.

I've yet to do any extensive traveling, but I already know that I love packing light. The thought of being burdened with a beast of a backpack disgusts me.

I don't think I'm brave enough to try out a 35L. I think 40-45L would probably be perfect. I want something that will work for 1 week trips and 1 year trips. I need durability and quality.. nothing flimsy and cheap.

The voyage 65L is only 45L without the daypack.. but it would be a waste to leave it at home.

Also, I want panel loading and something comfortable in case I end up hitch-hiking in it.

This is one that I found. Does anyone have experience with this bag ? too small?

I have no experience using the Eagle Creek pack. I use an REI lookout which is about 45L. I wrote a review somewhere on this forum a while back. If you're interested in that pack, REI just came out with a new version so you can pick up the old version for really cheap, under $60 if I remember correctly.

Anyway, the Eagle Creek is about the same size as mine, which was about as large as is generally possible for a carryon on European flights. This might have changed with the new regulations, though. And Eagle Creek makes quality products and has a good warranty.

In any case, go to a store and try out any pack you're considering with weight in it, and walk around for a while with the weighted pack on your back.

-Mike

About the only thing I don't like about your pack, Tye, is that it's a little bulbous. If you are indeed thinking of carrying on, a bulbous backpack like that won't fit into the Pack Gauge thing either. But it's a good small pack with some division to it. I would miss some pack straps that go right across the main panel flap, to take strain off the zipper. Try it on. If you like it, go for it.

D

Piecar, do you have any other suggestions for packs in this class?

I might consider going as big as 50L.. but 45L is probably best. It looks like Eagle Creek has stopped making 40-45L packs. I could probably still find it in stores.

I do have an REI store like 10 minutes from my house. Also a small chain called Jesse Brown Outdoors.

Anyone with experience doing RTW's with packs this size, please let me know how it went and what you used. Thanks

Jesse Brown's is a good chain.
And now that you are about to have two REIs in town (where only one is needed) is all the more reason to support the local guys before they get put out of business.

Look at this pack from Osprey.

If you don't mind ordering online, MEC makes a great travel pack:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3...&bmUID=1169579027560

It's a really great pack, actually.

It is made in the same factory where the best packs (of popular, much more expensive brands) are made.

I have the Osprey Porter 46 that static mentioned and I highly recommend it. It's weighs under 3 lb and holds much more stuff than you think it would. It's very minimalistic in the way of dividers/pockets but that works well for me to stuff in larger objects like my tripod.

By the way... if Jesse Brown is in your town it probably means we're practically neighbors. Welcome to BnA! Jesse Brown doesn't carry the Porter, but Great Outdoor Provision Co. does.

The Osprey pack looks good. It looks basic.
I like the bags that have the compression straps running across.
How is it comfort-wise? It doesn't say much about the straps.. and no pictures.

The MEC bag looks a little goofy to me. Also, I definitely need to see it in person before I buy anything.

I live in Fort Mill, SC

The Osprey Porter has compression straps on the outside of the pack instead of inside. It's a little different but works well because it also compresses the entire backpack when it is less than full.

The back straps are good... definitely not on par with some of the more heavy duty internal frame packs from Osprey but they're comfortable enough when hauling the pack around stuffed full with clothes. It does have chest and waist straps which work well to balance out the weight of the pack.

Fort Mill, SC isn't too far from here. I work in Charlotte, NC and live in Huntersville. Howdy, neighbor!

I just found this one by REI link

it starts out small but supposedly expands to 3100in.. not sure how that works.

im not really familiar with the brands, so I don't know how REI compares to EC or Osprey.

Middle tier, like Jansport. Eagle Creek and Osprey are top tier. Bottom tier would be Greatland or Eastpack.

Anyone have an opinion on this bag? link

The only thing that worries me about this bag and the Osprey is the lack of rigging.. in case i need to strap some things to the bag. I guess the compression straps could be utilized

Nothing at all wrong with Lowe-Alpine stuff, and I like the fact that it a panel loader.
Make sure that it fits you.