BootsnAll Travel Community

I am off on a short vacation to Ecuador and looking at packs. I've seen some that look good for basic traveling. My dilemma is that eventually I'd like to also use mine for hiking/camping (which I haven't done much of either).

So my question is: Is there a difference between packs for traveling and packs for hiking and if so, are there different characteristics I should be looking for in each?

Also, are there any suggestions for a good pack that would serve both purposes? I am a 5'2" female and would be looking for maybe 2500-3500 in3.

I've been looking at the forum and haven't seen this question yet. So thanks in advance!

There are some big differences in travel vs. hiking backpacks. They are designed for different purposes so that makes sense. Travel packs are designed to hold clothes, toiletries, electronics and shoes. Th compartment/interior design reflects that. They often are panel loaders to more easily access your stuff, are nondescript colors so as to blend in, as much as one can, wherever you're at and also attention is paid to things like whether it can be a carry on and/or checked easily.

Hiking backpacks (at least anything you'll likely take overnight) are top loaders, are meant to have things strapped onto the outside and are generally a big cavern on the inside. They are lighter weight and, in my opinion, designed to be better balanced and more comfortable because you spend much more time with them on your back. They tend to be less non descript; you'll see reds, greens, yellows because when hiking in the woods for days its not such a bad thing to be noticed. You'll also just plain look like you're camping when you are indeed just travelling.

Many people have strong opinions as to whats best and really they're all right because you have to figure out what works best for you. I have a couple hiking packs that I use for travel and one 'fancy' bag that I use for things like business travel wear it would be best not to haul around a backpack. I use the hiking packs because they are lightweight and super comfortable. I have a bad back so that is of utmost importance to me. I also simply prefer the top loader to a panel loader. I've taken part in that debate before, see here. Any way, I'm the same height as you and took the same backpack I'd taken on many a backcountry camping trip to Australia for a month and it was perfect. You can definitely get a pack that will suit both traveling and camping.

As for what you should look for, it is the same in any pack travel, hiking or otherwise. Think about what you will be bringing (there are many great packing lists on this site, do a search) and how you access your stuff (for many this isa great point against top loaders). Go try on as many packs as you can, loaded with weight and talk to the ever helpful salespeople. REI is lauded as a great place to do this, and for good reason (I don't think they're in FL but no doubt static can give you some local recommendations). Ask lots of questions, anything that pops into your head. Once you get some knowledge about how to adjust the packs, what size will suit your packing list and you physical comfort shop around as much as possible, trying on tons of packs.

Good luck!

Hi Amy,

I've been using the Gregory Deva 60 and I'm really pleased with it. I'm 5"0 and bought the XS size. The 2007 is current on sale at EMS 2007 XS Deva 60 since their 2008 models are in. It's woman-specific and the XS works really well for my really small torso.

If you do plan on hiking or trekking and will be carrying your bag, I'd lean towards a trekking bag, since the traveling packs usually have a bit less support for your shoulders/back and are more convenient for backpacking from place to place more than for actually carrying the pack with you for prolonged periods. If you're interested in the travel pack instead, a few of my friends doing a RTW bought the Osprey Waypoint 60 and are really happy with it. It's also women specific.

Hope this helps!
-Jennifer

Wow those are two really helpful responses! Thanks! I will look at

I've read a lot of posts where the best recommendation is to "try it on first". Unfortunately I live in the middle of nowhere and even worse in Florida. My local outdoor store had maybe four different packs, two by Kelty and two by North Face.

I went on a weekend hiking trip two years ago and rented a hiking pack from the group it was booked through. What a mistake! They were all the same size and made for 6' men! I survived through that, so I'm pretty sure ordering a woman's pack with my size measurements online won't be anything too horrid.

My main concern is buying a utilitarian bag that will take me both hiking in the woods and traveling throughout third world countries (both in the far off future). I only have minimal experience in both categories so just wasn't sure if you could take strap a sleeping bag to a traveling pack or if it'd be inconvenient to use a hiking bag in the city or if I'd be better off buying a traveling bag for this and a hiking bag for when I need it.