What's the right backpack for me?

Hello,

I've traveled quite a bit, but always with a large, over-packed, suitcase. I am trying to change how I travel, and would like to get a backpack, but I'm having trouble deciding what I need. I would like the bag to be well-suited for my upcoming trip to Peru, but will also be useful for other travels as well. I expect to have it checked-in for my flights, so it should be durable.

The trip will include a 3-day hike to Machu Picchu, but I will not have to carry cooking supplies or a sleeping bag. It will also be my only piece of luggage.

I prefer front/panel loading designs (are they the same thing?) because of ease of access. I would also prefer a backpack with a detachable daypack. I will certainly need a daypack, and I think it will be more convenient to have a backpack with a detachable daypack than to stuff a separate daypack in my travel pack.

Any advice?

The front loading backpacks are generally referred t o as "travel packs" on most sites. So searching for that term should get you loads of results. I had a few thoughts to make for you, so I'll list them. I love lists

- REI (usa) and MEC (canada) are both great retailers for finding backpacks. Even if you don't live in the correct country still take a look at what travel packs they offer. And most importantly, the user reviews on them. You'll learn some things to watch for from the reviews.

- It's very easy to go too large with travel packs. Be sure to try some on. Stores like the ones I mention above, and probably other local shops, will fill a pack with little sandbags and fit it on you properly. It's amazing how differently a pack fits when loaded up.

- Travel packs generally do not have the fancy weight displacement suspension systems of traditional packs. So if the pack is heavy, and it's hot, you're going to sure know it.

- Quality zippers is king. Scrutinize the zippers on your travel pack candidate. A lot of the load pressure is always on the zippers. So travel packs can bust open a zipper. Which is not a pretty sight since it's front loading. Odds are your stuff will be all over the ground instantly. Much like that Tauntaun that Han Solo cuts open on Hoth.

- Travel packs almost always have a section that will enclose the backpack straps and turn your pack into a soft-side suitcase of sorts. So the only time you would need a duffle bag cover for it is if you want a redundant security layer and to keep the pack cleaner.

- Packing and living out of a travel pack is definitely nicer than out of a top loading pack. They just each have their pros and cons in different situations.

Let us know if you have additional questions. Oh, and tell us what you find

It seems like panel loading backpacks are quite uncommon. But here is what I've found:
Arc'teryx Miura
http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?Mens/Packs/Miura-50#40L_To_60L

Kelty Redwing 3100
http://www.kelty.com/kelty/products.php?type=4&cat=31&id=498

Deuter Quantum
http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=quantum55&sub=travel&tert=travel

I'm wondering if I should open up to top-loaders just to give myself more options. I could save money by finding a popular pack on ebay.

Do most backpackers just bring their packs on the plane? This would mean that I couldn't bring a knife on my travels.

You've gotten some good advice so far! If you look for travel packs, you should be able to find just what you're looking for. Eagle Creek makes several and they have strong, well made packs. I traveled to Hawaii recently with a High Sierra Passport. It's well enough made and the shoulder and waist belts hide behind a zip off panel for checking on a flight, although it's small enough that I carried it on. However, while the straps are comfortable for the plane-to-hotel trek, anything longer would be painful. What I want to say is this: try on any pack before you go on the road with it. That's the most important advice you can get. What's really comfortable for me might hurt you after a hundred yards. Good luck on the search.

Just my two cents, but I think the benefits of the panel loader are a little blown out of proportion. Sure, they make it marginally easier to access your stuff, but since we're all traveling lightly anyway (right?) the three extra seconds it takes to peer into a toploader and identify the particular stuff sack you're looking for (among the four or five you're carrying) is hardly worth worrying about.

I've traveled with both designs and while they're both fine, I prefer the toploader. They're generally more weatherproof (no big leaky zipper), tend to have better suspension systems (i.e. more comfortable), are easier to pack (just cram everything down the hole!), and are a little more bombproof (no zipper to jam or break).

Also, be wary of those zip-off daypacks. Attached to the back of you pack while you're carrying it, you can't keep track of them very well. Also, they often stick out so far that they defeat the purpose of your pack's suspension system and direct their weight onto your back and shoulders instead of down to your hips.

I carry a small, lightweight Mountain Hardwear Bebop daypack, which collapses down to virtually nothing and fits inside my larger pack. When I do want to carry it at the same time as my big pack, I clip it in front of me with a carabiner to a shoulder strap. That way, nobody can get at it without me knowing about it.

Yes, I was concerned about the zip-off packs not being suspended well. I think I'll try to find a lightweight, collapsible, pack that I can store inside the main pack.

Can you give me any advice on what volume capacity I probably need? I recognize that if I have a small enough pack I may just bring it with me everywhere rather than switch to a daypack once I've settled down in a camp/hostel/hotel. I'll also have more luck bringing it on a plane as a carry-on. On the other hand, with a bigger pack I can compress it when I'm not using it's full capacity, and I have the added flexibility of adding more items if I need to.

chiropteral wrote:I'm wondering if I should open up to top-loaders just to give myself more options. I could save money by finding a popular pack on ebay.

Yes. You should consider top-loaders especially if you're interested in trekking. ebay, however, is not such a great option. The most important part of a backpack is the fit. The only way to determine this is to visit a qualified local dealer and try on (several) backpacks with weight in them. Good hunting.

chiropteral wrote:Do most backpackers just bring their packs on the plane? This would mean that I couldn't bring a knife on my travels.

I usually check my backpack when flying to a trek. Things like pocket knifes, trekking poles, tent stakes, and some stoves are not kosher on airplanes. It's just easier to check it. Usually you can ask for a large plastic bag to put your checked backpack in (or bring your own). This makes it less likely that the straps, zippers, etc will get damaged in the airport machinery.

Will the internal frame be damaged as result of being checked and perhaps stored under many heavy suitcases? I intend to get a rain cover if the bag doesn't have one built in. Will a cover be enough protection for when the bag is checked?

The frame should be fine, unless you've opted for an ultralight pack - in which case it's possible it could be damaged. I wouldn't worry too much about it though. Pack frames are designed to withstand a reasonable amount of abuse.

A rain cover is liable to come off in transit and also won't cover the pack's shoulder straps and hip belt, which are the parts most likely to get snagged on conveyor belts, etc. Most importantly though, it won't do anything to secure your pack from prying fingers.

Go have a look online at the Osprey Airporter. It costs around $30US and is basically a large nylon sack with a lockable zipper. You just drop your pack in there and secure it with a mini padlock and you're reasonably well protected against damage and theft.

You also asked earlier about pack volume: 50L is usually a pretty good size for travel, although it's definitely possible to go even smaller if you're careful about what you bring with you. Some people manage just fine with 35L packs. That doesn't leave much room to throw in the odd souvenir though.

Thanks for the info. One thing I've learned from reading travel forums is to be very concious of the weight I carry. The Osprey Airporter weighs 13 oz according to their page. Isn't this a bit heavy for what it's meant to do?
http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?p ... ifications

Of the top-loaders I've looked at, I am considering Gregory Z55, Osprey Kestrel, and the various Deuter packs. I've found quite a few reviews on the Z55 and Kestrel, but I can't find much information about Deuter's offerings. Do you know where I can find some information about this?