Your favorite pack...

Dave77

What kind of pack do all of you out there prefer?
top load? travel? size?

I'm going for six months, got a waterproof top-loader trek pack, 44 litres.
plus a 10 litre that I'll strap onto the back of the bigger one somehow.

not much in the way of compartments or zippers, but then, I'm harcore.

What do you like?

machadinha

Honest answer? A sturdy weekend or sports bag type of thing with a shoulder strap that will hold about 20-30 K, I don't know about liters.
Not so great for walking long-distance but you'll get somewhere and it's easier to handle getting on and off transport and all, you'll also be less likely to knock people over forgetting that there's a second you on your back (aargh a major pain in the b*m right here in my hometown. Hmm did I mention umbrellas?)

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sticky

This one

http://www.mont.com.au/products/sub_...42&IntCatId=28

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Flashpackers: Backpackers doing it in style.

phobal

Nothing beats these bags:
http://www.pacdesigns.com/oversize.htm
True messenger bags.
Used 'em 2 years as a bike courier, they're amazing for backpacking. Best thing is, they fit as carry-ons.

monkgonemad

dude that pac design sucks. it doesnt appear to have zips and therefore cant lock at us310 that is huge money.

im using an old eagle creek backpack, its the size of a large college backpack. the downer is its got three zips (=3 locks). the pockets can be handy.

when im headed to indi next im downsizing even more and if i can do it, go to a standard small retectangular bag which is 25% even smaller.

the thing with bags is small is best. small never leaves your eyesight. small lets you grab th ebag and go (!!) this incresing many oppty's on the road.

my goal is to travel with a bag that fits smartly under ones seat and weighs in around 6-7kg max.

i go back and forth - is it a standard bag or a backpack. bp are good if you have to hoof it any distance. my next objective though is to really get the bag down so small it doesnt matter. trouble is i still carry too much 'what if' gear...

phobal

The pacs secure through clips and thick velcro. You're right, small is best, [and so are zippers ] but if that's your only bag, I think it's a pretty sweet deal. Comfy and roomy.

hoshi

I'm bringing an Eagle Creek ORV gear bag for my 2 months trip in April-May..it's new but I'm loving it already, haha ^^

http://www.eaglecreek.com/20129.html

monkgonemad

hoshi - that bag is too big, believe me. youll pack it full and it will feel like a monster on your shoulder. esp a huge 47L bag -you need a bp.

mountainleaders

all depends on where the trip is going : I spend 3 months in Thailand with only a small TNF Patriot 30lt ! But that was a bit scary ;-) One pair to wear, one pair to wash.

For mountaineering I take my fantastic TNF Prophet. Is 65-80lt big and has enough room to sleep in.

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hoshi

oh no, then i better trial-run packing once before departing ^^" but i'm 1.7m, the length of it fits my torso..was thinking it shouldnt be too much a burden ^^

traceyam

For backpacking I love my Golite Gust, but for travel a duffle carryon is enough for me.

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Yetijuice

I must put a good word in for Kelty backpacks. Over the past 30 years I have had three Kelty packs that have served me well. They can comfortably hold 25 kilograms of gear. My 2004 model has five side/rear pockets.

smn

I have my first 3 month trip to India in June and have purchased a 65L bag. That meants 65kg im guessing (If i carried 65l of water, which i wont because i wouldnt have anything to wear). Is this a stupid idea? My girlfriend just bought like a 35 L bag with a funny back thing that doesnt allow the bag to touch you and i am jealous?

whos is better?

edwardseco

The very best size of pack is exactly 6 cool ones..

monkgonemad

hoshi: honestly, unless you are doing some sort of activity that requires 'gear' the bag is too big at 65l. in fact, inthe shoulder style i would say that the 45l bag is also too big.

remember...you might have this thing on your shoulder for hour+ a day even if it is infrequently.

for me even 30l is too big. two changes + 1 xtra shirt, misc gear, medical, maybe some camera crap. my bag should weigh 6-7kg, even then its too heavy.


i used to used kelty when i was a kid but these were bp's with frames. id never carry a bag with a frame. then again, im not hiking/camping. having said that, i think youmust check these AND they rip easy AND they are mechanical so can break.