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Budget Travel Gear Yo Nellie, which backpack should I git? Questions and answers on gear related topics (i.e. backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, hiking boots, stoves, etc.).

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Old 11-05-2003, 01:06 PM   #1
phishmarisol
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Do people take backpacks like you would use when going hiking or something? Or will a regular book bag do fine? Right now the only thing I have to use is a Rip Curl surfing/book bag. It is plenty large for my stuff, but I didn't know if other packs are easier to walk around all day with.
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Old 11-05-2003, 11:21 PM   #2
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Hello Phishmarisol!!! :D

I become crazy when it comes to backpacks...I have 6 different packs, each for a different purpose. I've tried many, but North Face backpacks are special to me...I've worked in the forest and used a small Day Pack for 4 years...I would rain, snow on it, I would throw it on the floor all the time, it even got painted...But it still looks like new and is still waterproof, it even saved my life once, but that's another story...Hahah!

Well, for travels, I use a hicking/climbing backpack, the 'Prophet 65' from The North Face, which is comfortable, simple, durable, waterproof and very light weight...It's big enough for my stuff, but can expand if I want to bring back some souvenirs!

There is a topic about backpacks, you should read it there is a lot of info you could find very useful!
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Old 11-06-2003, 01:01 AM   #3
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Yo Phish!

On the Backpacks page, there is a breakdown of what I would suggest in a backpack.

Comfortable padded shoulder straps are important because you'll be doing lots of walking at times.

You should have a backpack with an "internal frame" for support.

Also, it's a MUST to have a daypack (in my opinion) for your day trips. Many backpacks have smaller packs (smaller than a normal backpack used for school) that zip on and off of it.
So, you would leave your big backpack at the hostel (in a locker or chained up) and you would take the daypack, with your valuables, a light jacket (in case you're out all day) camera, bottle water, guide, etc...
This thing was super useful and I used it constantly!

There are a number a backpacks on that page for you to get an idea of what to look for when shopping for the right pack.

As a test, you can buy one, load it with all the stuff you want to bring(clothes, shoes, jacket, everything...30 lbs more or less), then strap it on and take a walk around your neighborhood for 20, 30,40 or so minutes, and see how you feel. Comfort is important.

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Old 11-08-2003, 10:37 AM   #4
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I hear ya Moc.

When it comes to the highest quality gear, North Face is generally at the top of the list. There are a bunch of wannabe companies out there now, so be careful. I have three North Face packs myself. Three different sizes. I used to backpack quite a bit (like as in three days to a week of solitude in Colorado backcountry type backpacking). SO, depending on the trip, I would take the appropriate sized pack. I have had two of the North Face packs since I was 14, so that would be almost ten years and the other one for about five years. I have severely tortured these things and they still are going strong (a little discoloration here and there).


SO yeah, follow TP and Mocs suggestions;

get an internal frame
waterproof
the detachable pack thing is nifty too.
and North Face. lol


If you buy quality, you may spend twice as much, but it will last ten times as long.
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Old 11-26-2003, 02:01 PM   #5
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i bought a kelty from rei for my last trip. i'm kind of small, so i found that this pack fit me better than the regular sized ones. it was cheap too! i thought it was pretty damn comfortable and it can carry-on with any airline. maybe a good suggestion for a girlfriend?
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Old 11-26-2003, 04:52 PM   #6
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I'm not too familiar with that type of bags Joan, but it looks great... :D

It's true that it's hard to find a pack that fits our frame!!! And isn't it annoying that the upper 'sternum' strap always buckles right at breast height!???!! I bet most of these packs were thought of by men! ehehh! Some packs are especially designed for women and have a smaller inner frame, they adjust better at the hips and breast, and are lighter too.

By the way, here are some tips I've learned from a camping expert...When packing, always put the heaviest things at the bottom, it gives you better balance (imagine that the top of your pack is heavier than the bottom! It would pull and you'd have to walk bended in order not to fall on your back...Hhehhe!). Also, try to get a bag where there are no side pockets, because it would cause the weight to be unbalanced if one of the pockets is heavier than the other...). It's doesn't seem like a big difference, but on a long walk it will help...
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Old 11-26-2003, 05:25 PM   #7
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thanks for the tips, moc.

that was the only thing i didn't like about the kelty pack - the huge side pockets. on this last trip, whenever i re-packed, i was always thinking about weight distribution between the damn things - lame!

i hear you though about the sternum strap... that's the beauty of the jr. thing - fit just right.

thanks for being a cool outdoors woman, moc!
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Old 11-26-2003, 06:20 PM   #8
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Anytime!

Yeah, I noticed the side pockets on your jr. pack...But if the sternum straps fit, you can just forgive everything else! :D
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