I am looking for a good backpack for my trip to europe. I definitely plan to do a LOT OF WALKING so i searching for a good sized pack,any suggestions?

[title edited for clarity by JessieS]

It depend if you are going to be camping out or if you will be staying mostly in hostels or hotels.Are you going to have a tent, sleeping bag, and cook gear with you?

no...i dont plan on any cooking gear, nor a tent...or a sleeping bag...i have a military blanket from my brother that will act as a sleeping bag, but takes up the space of a regular sheet...

Head on down to Paragon and check out their offerings on travel packs. Any of those will be fine. The smaller, the better.

Look for a pack with a good quality suspension. Preferably something that is hiking inspired.

Eagle creek explorer lt

Macpac travel packs( I have the zambesi pack and love it.)

Deuter quantum pack

I took a look at the zambesi pack....and it does look good...but i am thinking it might be too big for my trip...

I have the Eagle Creek Explorer LT (linked to above), and it's served me well. It forced me not to take too much with me and, as a result, I had no trouble walking about town with it for a few hours when necessary.

It's really about what pack fits you, though - physically and financially.

I do have a question about the eagle creek bag...is it bulky when the daypack is attached?

I dunno, you be the judge. Any store that sells packs has special pack-stuffing-pillows on hand just to show this. While you are there, have it fitted for your back.

i know this might be a dumb question, but i shouldnt buy a backpack online until i try it on first right? i have seen some good ones but i am wary to purchase it...and the packs i tried on at my local stores were not too comfortable...

What local stores? I know them all. And what packs?

If you purchase a pack online just be prepared to send it back if necessary. Make sure that the store you order from has a good return policy. I ordered a pack from Mec and though I was impressed with the packs quality and features it simply did not fit me properly. So I sent it back. If you are familiar with fitting a pack than buying online is ok. If you are not go to a local shop and have one fitted for you. There are many good brands out there. Eagle creek, Osprey and Mountainsmith have some great travel packs that are readily available and have dealers all over. According to their website there are 16 EMS stores in New York. They carry eagle creek, osprey and their own brand of travel packs. Definetly worth looking into. This pack looks pretty good.

thanks! this is the greatest website i have ever found, and much better than endlessly surfing the web...thanks for all your help!

Hey Static, was looking for an opinion...The eagle creek lt or choice 2 getting a small foldable daypack and getting the eagle creek meridian instead?

I recommend the Eagle Creek LT.