BootsnAll Travel Community

So... I don't know how I got this number stuck in my head... but for the longest time I assumed a 45L pack would be perfect for my RTW.

My hubby has an old 30L pack which looks quite small so I must have based it off that.

Anyway I tried on some bags at the local shop and I was shocked at how large a 45L back actually is.

I think I'm gonna have to go down to 30-35L.. eek!

Don't judge the size of your pack just by looking at the store.

Build your packlist. Pack up your kit in a suitcase, and then take the whole kit-and-kaboodle down to the backpack store. This will give you a better idea about the size you need.

Remember, you'll want room for water, food, and trinkets along the way.

Papaya, I am jealous of you. I am doing the Camino de Santiago with a 40l pack, and between my matress and sleeping bag, itgs halfway filled up. I'm thinking of doing a RTW trip with this same bag NEXT trip, now I know how liberating packing small can be.


Or I listen to my reason, and just buy a 55 liter pack, which is probably small enough to be easy to carry, and big enough to carry more than two pair of pants, two shirts, and socks, and my mattress, which I never do without.

It depends where you're going, of course. I could have easily used a 40l pack in central america most of the time, since it was so warm there, and Asia and india would have loved a smaller pack. But in the temperate climes, you do need a few warmer layers. So, my suggestion is to stick with that 45l pack, and underfill it if you feel it holds too much. You'll find you want to keep some things you buy, never mind a pack lunch or a travel book, and that extra 10 liters will be a godsend. Its still small enough to fit in any overhead luggage compartment, or even on your lap, which is one thing I can't do with my 80 liter pack I am using right now!!!!!

The trick with such packs is the options.

1. Waist belt. Never underestimate the utility of a waist belt.

2. Strong and reinforced shoulder mountings. Without them, it won't last long.

3. Padding on the belt. Nice if you can get it.

4. Tie down areas outside the pack. just incase you have a mattress you want to suspend outside.

5. outside pockets. It IS nice to access things without opening the whole pack up.

6. More or less waterproof. Nuff said. if not, use a plastic trashbag, or two, to finish the job.

You can get packs with all of these options, but they're rarer than you think. They DO exist.

Good luck, and whatever pack you choose, Be happy!!!

Thanks T_t!

Yes that's one idea to consider.. buying a bigger bag with a little extra room just in case. I just KNOW i will be tempted to fill it though.

I guess one just needs to learn a little bit of discipline during these trips huh? Time to leave the hair crimper at home.

quote:

You can get packs with all of these options, but they're rarer than you think. They DO exist.

I think they're pretty rare, especially when you include the combination of good waist support and waterproof, or nearly so.

Any suggestions for packs to look at? Any companies that regularly make their packs waterproof?

I've been thinking that I might have to get a regular pack and then use the waterproof stuffsacks they sell for river rafting inside it to keep things dry.

quote:

Originally posted by LizaW:
Any suggestions for packs to look at? Any companies that regularly make their packs waterproof?

We're heading off on a bit of a tangent here, but if you really need a waterproof backpack, there's a few (expensive) ones out there. These are all trekking/climbing style packs.

The Arc'teryx AC2 series of packs are fully waterproof. My favorite is the Naos 55. Womens versions available. Expensive and Top Quality.


The Deuter Dry Shield packs are also completely waterproof.


The North Face Primero is functionally waterproof. Also available in a Women's version.