Need help with picking out a Backpack.

My husband and I are planning to travel around the world for a year and I need to get a backpack. No major hiking or climbing involved, mostly just city to city. I have looked at a couple of packs, but would love some advice from people who have traveled in a similar way and what they would or wouldn't get.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jessica VanNess

Tags: around, backpacks, the, trip, vagabonds, vanness, world

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Permalink Reply by Craig Martin on November 19, 2009 at 4:19pm

Hi Jessica,

You really need to get into an outdoor shop and find a pack that fits your body. The store should have some weighted stuff sacks that simulate the weight you're carrying.

I'm becoming a bigger and bigger fan of Aarn packs. Linda's got one and -- although I had just bought a new Deuter pack that I love -- I'm jealous. The Aarn Back Favour 35 is optimum size for carry-on baggage. Obviously, buy the smallest pack you can handle and then build your packing list around the size of the bag. Doing it the other way means you always carry too much.

Think about how you're going to lock your pack if you leave it alone or check it in. "Travellers" backpacks tend to have lockable zips; use a a US-security-amateur-melodrama-theatre-approved combo locks (to avoid panic when you lose the key). Even if you're not worried about stuff going missing, you don't want to become an accidental drug mule between checking your bag in and then getting off the flight.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica VanNess on November 20, 2009 at 7:50pm

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the great advice. I actually had a huge pack that I used to backpack around Brazil and Costa Rica. It was way too big and I struggled to carry it when it was full. The weighted pack is a great idea. I never knew that was an option. I will definitely ask for that when I go to the store.

The lock is a great idea too. I will definitely get one.

Thanks again,
Jessica

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Permalink Reply by Freddie on November 23, 2009 at 5:48pm

Also, check out this complete Backpackers 101 guide for Backpacks & Packing! http://offtrackplanet.com/archives/2048

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Permalink Reply by Jessica VanNess on November 24, 2009 at 1:05pm

Freddie,
That link was awesome, even goes into what to pack! Thanks. I went and looked at some bags this weekend and went along with Craig's great advice- ask to try it on weighted. I thought the mens versus womens pack thing was just a scam, then tried them both on with weight- the woman's pack was noticeably more comfortable. I think I am going to go with the Osprey Aura 50. It was really comfortable.

Thanks for the link,
Jessica

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Permalink Reply by BeersandBeans on December 7, 2009 at 1:28pm

This is always tough. I have a HARD time finding a good backpack that fits me well because I am petite. After literally dragging my latest backpack on the airport floor between terminals I knew I needed to do something. I ended up spending hours at REI and got the Briza from Arc'teryx. It was way more than I wanted to spend but then again it's priceless to have something that doesn't kill your bag. Whatever you choose I would highly recommend going with REI because of their return policy. You can return it anytime you want even years later.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica VanNess on December 7, 2009 at 4:58pm

Thanks for the advice. Funny thing- I bought a pack last week . . .from REI and my experience there was fantastic. I had gone to Great Outdoor a couple of weeks prior, been fitted, and tried on weighted packs. I stopped by REI just to compare prices and actually found out that I had been measured wrong! The gentleman at REI gave me the appropriate pack size with weights- there was a world of difference in the feel of the packs. I am so glad that I stopped by REI. Also, like you mentioned their return policy is ridiculous- 100% satisfied or you can return it no questions asked! Overall my experience at REI blew Great Outdoor out of the water. I actually called once I left to tell the manager how awesome my sales rep was. Yes, the prices are pretty high (around $250 for the Osprey Aura 65), but the extra cost was worth it. I would rather pay a little extra than carry a pack that doesn't fit because I was measured wrong around the world for a year!