backpack suggestions

traveladdict08

Hi. I will be spending a month in Delhi and rural N. India and am trying to figure out what type of bag to bring. I've read wheeled is pretty much useless and want to get a backpack. I am a woman about 5'4" and a torso of 16-17". Should I get a travel pack with a detachable daypack? A normal backpacking backpack and pack a daypack? Would a normal backpack hold up in the airlines? I need a rather large pack because I will be bringing regular clothes plus scrubs and medical supplies. Any ideas on particular bags that might fit a student's budget? Thanks so much!

girlone

Hiya,

The best advice I can give you is to go to a travel/adventure store and try lots on - add weight so you get the feel of a full backpack.
Look for brands that make a womens model - they will fit your body more comfortably.
I'd recommend one with a detachable day-pack - you will use it over and over again. Try the daypack before you buy too to make sure it fits well.
The traditional backpacks can be inconvenient because they open only at the top. Invariably, whatever you need fast has always wormed its way to the bottom and you end up emptying the entire pack onto the pavement before you find it! Go for a pack that zips completely open.
I have had a Blackwolf womens pack for about 5 years. It was a little pricey at the time (I think about $300 Australian), but it is very comfortable, has done one hell of a lot of travelling and still looks almost new.

G1

the opoponax

also think about how much stuff you will want and how you like to carry things. some people want to bring along every little thing. other people like to travel light. this will determine what kind of pack you end up with. i'm a total minimalist, so an 80L bag won't do for me, even if i could get such a thing on my back and manage to walk around with it. my friend who has an 80L pack on offer bought it for a 3 week summertime jaunt around greece -- the kind of trip i'd throw flip-flops, toothbrush, and a good book into a gym bag for.

i also could never go for the "detachable daypack" option, because they're invariable hip pack or fanny pack options, which never appeal to me. i'd much rather carry a bag on my shoulder while i'm out and about all day.

Darmabum

but I always carry a larger pack than I think I'll need. Over the years my travel style has evolved into staying longer in one place, in fact my last two trips I've gone to one location only, unpacked, then packed again six months later. My point there is that I don't need to be concerned with hauling a large pack around to different locations every few days. I also take large packs (leaving room when I pack) for the eventual gift-buying expedition.

I also pack my pack (and it's myriad external dangling straps) into a zippered bag (mine is made by Eagle Creek) specifically made for airline travel.

Many packs now come with removable day packs. If you're on a tight budget one of those might be the way to go. My day pack is larger to accomodate the video and still cameras I carry with me.

__________________
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

SteamBuff

I used a Karrimor Global rucsack, it comes in 2 sizes + a female version ... it has a detachable day sack (Proper rucksack not a hip or bum pack)

Fanny Pack ....what the!!! .. .. Oh you are from the US, 'Fanny' means something different in the UK. (Just don't ask anyone to smack your fanny!!!)

girlone

Not always true opoponax, in fact I've never seen this type. The 'daypack' I'm referring to is a proper backpack/rucksack with two comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps.

G1

the opoponax

hm. maybe i've just seen weird ones. i'll have to look around next time i'm shopping for one.

ananda2193

Hey some people are into that.

It means the same thing in the states also.
Not sure why they call it a fanny pack though as it's around your waist.

SteamBuff

Quote

US Meaning

fanny - the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on; "he deserves a good kick in the butt"; "are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?"
arse, ass, behind, buns, buttocks, hind end, hindquarters, keister, nates, posterior, prat, derriere, rear end, tooshie, tush, seat, fundament, backside, bottom, butt, rump, stern, tail end, tail, rear, can, bum


UK Meaning

fanny - external female sex organs; "in England `fanny' is vulgar slang for female genitals"

ananda2193

Like I said before,...some people are into that.


SORRY!

I'm not!!!!

Canunpa

You forgot my present favorite, tukis. Ain't hebrew great?

GauhatiBoy

Don't say fanny to either UK citizens or others unless you are aware of the different meanings where the other person might be.

Also don't offer an Irish person a "ride" unless you know what that means there.

And don't tell anyone you stuffed yourself unless you know what that means to them