BootsnAll's Travel Community

I am going out traveling throughout Asia (starting in Iran and ending in Australia) this time and need a big rucksack that is comfortable to wear and preferably with not too many strings hanging out and also a backpack which I will use for my vital belongings which I never leave like laptop, video camera etc.

The rucksack I used this year had a volume of a hundred litres, but I did not like it because it in itself weighed a lot! Also I didnt like all the strings hanging out and did get it to fit well on my back.

I would like a new 100 litre plus pack that is specially suited or made for (rtw) travel

Also i would like a not to big not too small extra pack that I would use as already described (vital belongings and as day pack) that has plenty of handy pockets

I guess the perfect combination would be a huge backpack (100+++ litres) and a backpack that actually fits into this larger pack so I would only have one bag to worry about when going from city to city)? Is that a dream or?

If this kind of specially-crafted-for-travel backpacks exist, where can I find it?

quote:

The rucksack I used this year had a volume of a hundred litres, but I did not like it because it in itself weighed a lot! Also I didnt like all the strings hanging out and did get it to fit well on my back..

and I assume you meant to say and did not get it to fit well and I am not too surprised.
Like we know you Viking Warriors are big and brawny but 100L man, that is getting humangus

No small wonder there is some dead weight because along with the extra material, in a decently made one it'll have to have material on material to survive in the event that it gets the weight in it that such a volume would allow.
This type of info might help you in the quest for best fitment.
As to the straps, with some zip open travel packs you could probably cut off all the compression straps and attachment fittings.
Some of those also have a flap to zip up over the harness and thus you end up with a soft suitcase shaped pack.

Through a good shop, maybe you can get an order in to have straps and stuff left off, make sure the harness flap is made of lighter material etc. to keep weight down.

quote:

I guess the perfect combination would be a huge backpack (100+++ litres) and a backpack that actually fits into this larger pack so I would only have one bag to worry about when going from city to city)? Is that a dream or?

or?, no ??? and I'm certainly not for this is the stuff nightmares are made off.
Like there are no end of not too big, not too small packs on the market, medium size being a thought that comes to mind - but to have Humangas just so to be able to fit humini in at times, mate!

Going from city to city, you'll be much wiser to keep all your valuable stuff with you in a pack that stays with you, like right along side you.
It is not unheard of for people to have a pack loaded into the luggage area of a bus or if on a train, it might be stashed in an area at the end of a carriage, and then you hop off that Bus only to find your pack has left before you! At least you will still have your daypack with you and valuables and perhaps maybe a change of undies/socks/tshirt and windcheater etc.

You might be asking how do I wear two packs between a bus stop/train station and a hostel - big strapping lad as you are, now less than Humangas goes on the back obviously, and humini is either slung on the shoulder or as some do, it is possible to just use the shoulder straps to hang it off the chest.

I have a top-loading NorthFace Extreme 80 (that would be 80L) that has been quite adequate for trips to Malta and Holland and Dubai and Afghanistan
The model I have doesn't have an attachable day pack...but I have seen that option/model on E-bay before.
IMHO 80L is just about right. It lets me carry what I need without being too cumbersome or heavy.
If you have a 100L pack you're gonna pack it with 100L of stuff. 80L forces you pare down some with out being extreme. I also have attachment points.

Think about it......

HOLY CRAP BAT MAN!!!!!

http://www.steepandcheap.com/

Has a Jansport Kalmath II on sale for $56 USD right now!
5600 cubic inches and detachable fanny/day pack...
that looks close to what you're looking for!

CORRECTION:
5370 Cu In...or 88L
Jansport Klamath II

but better hop quick...on Steep and Cheap...when its gone..there are no more!!

I know I plug Kifaru quite a bit but they really are great packs. Something like this may work for you

http://www.kifaru.net/MGemr.htm 123 liters
combined with the E&E piggyback
http://www.kifaru.net/MGe&e.htm




The packs usually have alot of straps and such on them but are made custom fit to your size. After you can cut all the extra crap off that you wont be needing. I even stripped off the compression strap from my Express as well as mounts for the waist belt and cargo chair.

Hey Dusty,
Those packs look quiet good. I have never cared for flashy packs, I dig this stuff. But, man, those ain't cheap!! I think the ZULU cought my eye, with a few tweaks it would make my ultimate pack. but ~$450!!!!!!

So, you have the Express? How long, what has it been through...I dunno, I guess I'm wondering if it proved to be worth being about double in cost to what would get me by??

....ummm, well I may have been a bit hasty with my figures......still 3oo something is still no front pocket business.....


;-)