BootsnAll Travel Community

what size backpack does everyone use...what's a good size? i am going huntin' for one tomorrow. i'd like to be a carry-on only gal, but that seems like so very little... and as a rookie i am sure i am going to bring more than i need the first time out.

cheers and TGIF (b/c its also International Talk like a Pirate Day!),

-Helga

"Live hard, love hard, play hard, fight hard, and die hard."
from Living Life the Viking Way



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I can't pack for more than a couple days in a carry-on, and mine exactly matches Air Canada's allowable dimensions.

For longer trips, I find 70 litres is great. Interestingly, though women tend to pack more, the women's packs are always smaller, usually by 10-15L. Anyway, whatever you get, when you pack it, make sure you leave extra space for some new stuff along the way.

Use of space is also important. I've had a top-loader for a long-time, and I can get everything pretty smushed, but when I look at how easily people with travel packs (works like a suitcase, carries like a backpack) can get the same ammount of stuff to fit, I'm jealous. New pack for next year.

I am currently traveling with my 67 liter medium North Face Galileo. (long discontinued, but some still around). Last time out, I traveled with my large-sized one, which is TOO BIG.

As the venerable backpacker Goldilocks once put it, this one is "just right".

Thanks guys! Hopefully I will find what i am looking for.

"Live hard, love hard, play hard, fight hard, and die hard."
from Living Life the Viking Way



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Joe,

I am starting to feel like Goldilocks with the important exception that I can't find one that is "just right"!!! everything that comes close seems to be too short.

perhaps you can help since you are the gear guru.

these are my required specs:

front-loading
fit a 23" torso length!!
be kind of a large daypack at around 43-50L

i would also like if it could have a detachable daypack and possibly small enough to be snuck on as a carryon item. i know the typical carryon dimension is 21" length so i might have to abandon both those hopes.

the eagle creek bags you recommended in another thread are far too short in the torso. the columbia series of travel packs are too short as well. i love being tall, but it sure is a pain in the ass when you try to buy stuff. i'm about ready to go off on commercialism and how not everyone is "average"!! the only packs i am finding that are long enough are the ones you take your kitchen sink in. ok, i just needed that little rant.

has anyone ever had any luck modifying a bag?

cheers,

-helga

"Live hard, love hard, play hard, fight hard, and die hard."
from Living Life the Viking Way

Hey! I already answered your question in the other conference.

Disclaimer: My skills have to do with materials, product quality and what makes stuff fail. While I really know my stuff when it comes to tents, bags and Goretex, packs are by far my weakest subject.

Have you looked at Osprey or Dana Design? I know they can be kind of pricey but are worth looking at. The sizing should not be an issue since you buy the pack based on a custom fit.

http://www.ospreypacks.com
http://www.danadesign.com/