BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey guys!

I'm about to purchase my first backpack and there is sooo much stuff out there, I was just wondering if any one had some advice to set me straight?! I am a 19 year old female, pretty petite, about 5'5'' and 110 lbs. so I'm not looking for a huge old thing, any suggestions would be much appreciated, or feedback on the backpacks you have and what you think about them...I'm going to South Africa backpacking in the winter, if that helps at all..

Also, anyone heard anythign about any of these brands/models... Z Pack by Greogory, Maverick by Moutainsmith, or the Explorer LT by Eagle Creek(recommended to me)or Z55 by Eagle Creek. What are the best brands out there? Back to the Explorer LT by Eagle Creek, this is the one I'm most looking into to, so especailly anything you can tell me about this one would be great, I hear they are really durable and it has a detachable day pack, which is pretty sweet. Alright well thanks so much guys I really appreciate it!!
-Janelle

Hi Janelly,

For a basic primer, you can read an article I posted on my website called How to Choose A Pack. There's some fit info and advice on top loaders versus travel style panel loading bags.

As for specific packs, I'll leave that advice to others. What I can say about your Z-Pack question is to watch out for the lighter weight fabrics. I did a three day hike with an earlier version of the G-Pack (ultra-light fabric) and experienced tearing at many of the seams. When I had to drop the pack off a 15 foot drop to a sand landing, a large tear burst through the side panel. New versions of the G-Pack have tougher fabric, and the Z-pack is another bag altogether, but Gregory does classify it under their light weight series.

If you want the pack to do double-duty for serious trekking/hiking then by all means go for the lighter weight fabrics, but my instinct is to stick with the tougher bags. If your bag is going to be riding on planes, in bus luggage compartments, or strapped to the side of a camel, then it's worth knowing that your pack can handle the abuse.

Hey markus, that website called "How to Choose A Pack" is great, good answer here. And Janelly you if you are in the usa you can go and have a look at ShoeBuy.com, they are now offering a $10 off on Bags, Luggage & Accessories with a code save10.
Enjoy your trip to South Africa.