Aloha,

I'm new to this community, I'm 22, from Oahu and interested in travel and I would like to get your expert advice. I'm starting a 3-month RTW in May that is going to take me through Europe, Egypt, India, Thailand, and China, and I am yet to purchase my gear.

I am wondering what type of backpack would be best suited for me - I'm 6'1 190lbs, relatively wide shoulders, and I want something 40-50L (I hear less is more with RTW). I want to spend $150USD max. I looked at some of what many people on this forum are wearing, but a lot of the backpacks seem to be out of production.

Also, I have some decent Keen hiking boots (http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/ss0 ... 0ii/walnut), but my regular day to day shoes are a bit more comfy, however they afford less protection/poor water resistance. Which would be better to bring?

Mahalos

Hey fellow RTWer,

I have yet to go on my travels as well but I have definitely found the pack for being the carry-on journey person hah. My north face backtrack 50 is f***ing awesome for storing everything you need plus not having to check a bag. I've used it on multiple airlines already and not one has asked me to check it. It's the shape of the bag that really makes it. It's about 100$ more than your looking to spend but well worth it. All locking zippers, front loading for east access, and the daypack is wicked. Check it out if you can. I'm up and out in a couple weeks and I'm taking everything. Including the kitchen sink. And it stores well in any overhead bin.

Cheers

-JBV

Wow, looks like a great pack, if only it was about $100 cheaper! I was considering going to an outdoors store, is it much cheaper to buy a backpack online than in a store?

I think you may be able to find great deals online for packs, HOWEVER, it is always best to try them on at the store, so you know exactly what you are looking for when you shop online. Benefit of the store bought is that there really aren't any hidden surprises because you can inspect your pack yourself before you purchase.

http://www.rei.com/product/765141- Dueter Futura 42. Its $149 and I have only ever seen very good reviews about this product and the rest of Dueter's. They also have it in a 30L size for $119. http://www.rei.com/product/766221

http://www.rei.com/product/770386 - The NorthFace Terra 60, also $149 and also have heard a lot of good things about this pack.

Clicking the first link doesn't seem to take you to the backpack, but I copied it into the toolbar and it worked fine.

We went with the kelty Redwing 3100-- right fit and look for us. About $99
http://www.kelty.com/kelty/products.php ... &image=789

They have a 2650 as well if you want to go smaller than the 3100 (50L)

In 2008 my husband and I went on a similar trip as what you have planned. As far as shoes are concerned, it really depends on what you do. If you are going to do hard core hiking then you want hiking shoes. But, if your are going to do just moderate trekking than I would go with just a pair of regular comfy shoes. We did do about 3 serious hikes and I used my hiking shoes but other than that they stayed in the bottom of my pack, I wore sandals mostly and then bought a pair of new balance sneakers in Hong Kong. We were in Europe during the winter so I ended up having to buy a pair of water proof warm boots but not hiking boots. We found on a day to day basis you don't see a lot of travelers wearing hiking shoes just around. If I wore mine I always felt like weird adventure girl or something. Just odd to wear hiking boots while exploring a city.

if you have the cash I can't recommend enough getting some lightweight (waterproof) trail shoes something like this http://www.merrell.co.uk/en-GB/Shop/Pro ... 5377&GST=M

edit: I originally forgot to add the word enough :S