Backpacks

DianeN.

What should one consider when one is buying a backpack for travel? What are important details that one should make sure their pack has, and what would be considered "extra, but nice"? What would be completely unnecessary?

What kind of backpack to do you have...and what makes you like/dislike it? What kind of backpack do you wish you had?

My first trip to INdia was with suitcases and a car. Next trip will be different. Next trip--if all things go well, will be in the summer of 2005. But I will be taking a trip to the USA soon and am considering getting the backpack while there.

Diane

steven_ber

The following thread is a good place to start looking for answers.

Help........Backsack Size

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Train information.

-m2-

Hi Diane,

I covered a lot of the details in the thread steve linked to above.

The 'travel-pac' concept, a main pack with full zipper giving you suitcase style access, and a detachable daypack with organizer type features is in my opinion by far the best concept for a traveller's pack. There are many companies that make good quality packs of this type; construction, fit, and useful features may vary somewhat so don't be rushed -- a good pack will last for many many seasons of travel so be sure you are buying one that fits well and will do the job. I still think Eagle Creek stuff is top drawer; there have been some updating of their products since I bought my Continetal Journey and one of the changes to their line-up is the availability of designs specifically designed for women -- this is important for sizing reasons and would be particularly significant for the models with 'sewn-on' straps which are less adjustable and therefore initial fit is more critical.

here's the link to eagle creek:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/adventure_travel_packs.html

m2

-m2-

I see there are a couple of models with wheels on them -- too dorky to even think about IMO

guerik

Ja, what's the point of having a backpack if you put wheels on it anyway? Easier to lug around on back.

I'm with m2 on the "travel packs" though - I don't have one (have a hiking sack from a mis-spent youth in scouting :P) and frequently wish that I did - but the cost of a new pack is equal to my budget for 2-3 weeks in India, even on sale.

oldhippie

I picked up a travel pack from Mountain Designs in Australia back in 88. I have been using it since and am still using it 16 years later.

I think their website is http://www.mountaindesigns.com/

I recommend a travelpack.

Bill

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freemanx

this is the link to the backpack i bought.
just about perfect for me, not to big and not to small
and here is the back side

Jeroen

Things to consider:
- at train station luggage rooms, you often have to be able to lock up your rucksack before they accept it - not possible in many cases. Also, it's nice to be able to sleep on a train or bus knowing it can't be opened easily.
- bring a seperate water/dust cover or big tough bags, really handy during a downpour or when you put it into a filthy bus.
- bring less stuff! I ended up sending many items home. Much of what you need is available cheap in India (books, medicine, clothes etc).
- wheels? ha! I see ads for suitcases on those small wheels here in India, but the designers of these things only think about shiny airport floors - anywhere outside of airports the ground is too rough to roll it around (besides, in Indian traffic the bag on wheels is of an even lower caste than pedestrians, so you'll have to dodge mad rickshaw drivers / buses / cows etc).

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tstan

Hello Diane

With a view to future backpacking trips, it is a good idea to get a well made pack. The American packs are generally good and I have a Black Diamond Pack which is a top loader.

There are security advantages in using a top loader - but it is not so good for freshly ironed shirts ha ha ha! - and I improve on this security by putting a stainless steel Paksafe mesh INSIDE the pack. Some tourists put their (US designed) Paksafes outside their packs which only advertises that there is something worth pinching within.

When you are away from your guest house during the day it is a good idea to hook the heavy duty stainless steel wire cord around your bed and secure it with a strong padlock. On overnight trains this arrangement is very good. I am always very surreptitious about using the (heavy duty German) padlocks and Paksafe since it is not particularly neighbourly in a sleeping class carriage or 3AC to display your paranoia too publicly!

I am a keen cross-country skier and do a bit of climbing so I cannot speak too highly of the all-round versatility of the Black Diamond bags. They are narrow - my son is a keen caver and swears by them - and are especially good for entering the narrow doors of buses, trains and cheap guesthouses. The cushioned straps are comfortable and the stitching is strong. My wife is in her mid-50s and she has no trouble being a backpacker.

S