BootsnAll's Travel Community

Hi all, I'm a new member here and had a couple questions about travel packs... I studied abroad in Spain last fall for 3 months and had such a great time I'm going back again for 7 mo's (studying for ~ 3-4 and then the rest of the time traveling/working) - needless to say, without the 2 big suitcases I packed last time.

I've been researching travel packs and am debating between the Eagle Creek Ultimate Explorer LT and the Eagle Creek Grand Voyage... I was basically almost ready to go with the Ultimate Explorer LT except for the size of the daypack -- it's so tiny that it looks really funny (I'm 6'3) but more importantly, I don't think the daypack bag will be big enough for the several months I'll be spending carrying books back and forth to school. The Grand Voyage has a bigger daypack but is also bigger overall, and the guy at the store told me the ultimate explorer lt was a little better made and better at distributing weight and keeping the center of gravity, etc (which could also be because the ultimate explorer is more expensive).

Anyway, I'd just like to know your thoughts if you've used either of these two products (or even better, both). Again, I'm going to be mainly studying for ~ 3 mos which is why a decent size daypack is important but then the next couple months I'll want flexibility as I still don't know exactly what I'm going to do yet.

Thanks in advance for your responses!


Brian

I own the LT. Love love love it. Yes, the daypack could stand to be bigger.

I have the Voyager (not Grand, just the regular 3800). The zip off day pack is perfect.... I love it. It can easily fit a jacket, sweatshirt, dSLR camera, lens, a couple books and plenty of room to spare. The 2 bottle pockets on each pack also come in handy. There is also a great zippered pocket with compartments under the straps which is great for carrying a small first aid kit, and any other little gadgets you may want to keep on hand. I use the day pack very frequently when I'm not traveling, and can't say enough good words about it. I only wish I had it when I was in school.

The main pack is large enough to fit my clothes and toiletries with no problem, and thanx to the zipper-off daypack it is easy to leave behind with out repacking for day trips. However, I will agree with the salesman on the weight distribution. When the pack is stuffed to the brim it tends to weigh you backwards a little bit. But I think your going to find that problem on any pack that doesn't stack vertically. IMO, it's a small price to pay do have this perfect versatile pack.

BTW, I'm 6'4", and the day pack is a great fit. Best of luck with which ever one you choose!