BootsnAll Travel Community

Ok guys, what are some specific pack suggestions for a RTW trip where we will be doing probably an extended hike (5-7 days) at least every month and a half. We will be doing safari, as well as hikes (Kili, etc..). We will also be travelling, hostels, busses, etc... What are some packs that won't be too large/heavy but will still hold my tent, sleep bag, stove, etc...? What is the best size/capacity? Best brand?

Thanks for your help.

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Best brand?

At the pack company that I used to work for, we thought that the best brands were Osprey, Granite Gear and Arc'teryx

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Originally posted by stouds:
What are some packs that won't be too large/heavy but will still hold my tent, sleep bag, stove, etc...? What is the best size/capacity? Best brand?

Size is tricky, because I'm not sure what seasons you'll encounter. But let's assume you'll be three-season traveling (spring, summer, and fall.)

For a man, carrying camping gear AND travel clothes, I'd say 60-65 Liters.

For a woman, carrying camping gear AND travel clothes, I'd say 50-60 Liters.

Yes, that's a pretty big pack, but tents, stoves, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, etc all take up space. The good news is that (at times) you will be able to stash your camping gear in long-term luggage storage. AND, you won't be carrying ALL your travel clothes when trekking.

When I did my trekking-heavy 11-month-RTW (carrying ski clothes), I took a Arc'Teryx Bora 70 (70 liter) pack. When I would go hiking the forest, I'd leave about half of my stuff in my van or at a hostel.

Regarding backpack brands, there is a recent good thread here.

How many Cu. In. in a 65 liter?

Roughly 4000

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Originally posted by stouds:
How many Cu. In. in a 65 liter?

For these sorts of questions, you can just go to Yahoo! or Google and type: "65 L in cubic inches". It gives you the answer right there.

- Mike

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Originally posted by stouds:
How many Cu. In. in a 65 liter?

Pretty much all backpack companies have converted to measuring packs in Liters.

If you see a pack name like Atmos 65, then you know the pack holds 65 Liters. (Give or take 5% depending on whether you get Small, Med, or Large.)

For visual reference, a Liter is roughly the same as a Quart. Or basically the size of a Nalgene water bottle.

When shopping for a pack, try to get used to thinking in Liters. Besides, if you're leaving the country, you'll have to embrace the Metric system anyway.