Backpack - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

veronica · 08-23-2010, 08:03 PM

I found these REI backpacks on sale, and they look like bargains. Still, I'm not sure if I should wait until Black Friday and get a "better" deal.
Should I just buy this backpack, or wait for a better deal that may not exist?

Deuter Futura Zero 40 SL Pack - Women's - '09 Closeout at REI-OUTLET.com
or
JanSport Big Bear Women's Pack - 59 Liters - 2008 Closeout at REI-OUTLET.com

The second one is cheaper, but it doesn't look very sturdy. Plus, I don't want too much space because I know I'll just want to fill it up.

**marc873** · 08-24-2010, 06:55 AM

Thats always a tough call as you never know what prices will be like... Both the packs look good, pack them full at REI, put em on and see which one feels the best... And if you are "feeling" it, buy it, its sure to make your day!!!
And whos to say what will be available on black friday and what the prices will be like...
Out of curiousity, are these packs big enough for the travels you have planned??? Def something to think about....

**simply_angelic** · 08-24-2010, 07:36 AM

Where are you traveling to again, and for how long? I'm always an advocate for packing light however I do know that in certain circumstances it can be incredibly difficult (for instance if you're traveling somewhere cold where you'll need a jacket, big sweater, sleeping bag, pants etc I'd say a 40L is too small). Or do you ever plan on travelling like that? A backpack is a big purchase and it would to have to buy another one in a year or so because your first was too small. Also, do you plan on picking up any souvenirs along the way? Those things can take up space fast...

I found it pretty difficult to hone in on the art of "travelling light" on my first trip. It really is an acquired skill in the beginning as you have NO IDEA what you'll need (IMO). Once you get used to travelling you can send some stuff home, ditch it, etc if you find your pack is too full.

Personally, I'd go with the 59L. It's cheaper (and it actually looks sturdier to me based on the straps) and you can use it under any circumstance. 59L really isn't that much. It's pretty stnadard in size for a female bag (if not slightly on the small side). Then if you just want a "light travel pack" I'd get a 30L size. I have one from MEC (canadian store) that cost me 50$ and is perfect for travelling light.

veronica · 08-24-2010, 08:37 AM

I'm traveling to Western Europe for two months next summer...
I went to REI, but they don't have either of these backpacks there, so there's no way for me to try them on. I did, however, try a 45 liter backpack at the North Face which fit perfectly.
Should I just wait, or is the 59 liter backpack too good of a deal to let go?

Thanks

**Elizabeth** · 08-24-2010, 11:53 AM

I would keep the bag dimensions within 14 x 9 x 22 (about 45L).

The second bag looks annoying because its a top loader. If you want anything from the bottom, you have to take everything out thats on top of it.

The first bag looks like there is some front loading capacity.

I used this bag on my last trip. I tried trips with 2 other bags before this one. I love it! It fits US and Ryanair carry on standards so I never have to check a bag. Its big enough to fit everything you need. Depending on what type of souvenirs you're buying, I'm more of a fan of shipping them home rather than lugging them around.

veronica · 08-24-2010, 12:20 PM

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I ended up buying the 59liters backpack because I felt it was too good of adeal to pass. The MEI backpack looks great. Actually, it's pretty much what I wanted, but it's way out of my budget. I ended up paying $63 for the backpack, so I'm pretty happy with my purchase. Thanks for the help!

**Dig** · 08-24-2010, 04:48 PM

Glad you got a pack... now you need to put it to good use!

I would have gone with the larger pack too. That being said, if you can qualify as carry-on with Ryan Air you could basically take that pack anywhere in the world. Ryan air is about the most restrictive carrier out there. Nice recommendations Liz

**Elizabeth** · 08-24-2010, 05:44 PM

I should note about the carryon-ability of the MEI Voyageur...re size you're fine. If you're not overloaded it should fit smoothly into the Ryanair size check. If you are overloaded (like me) you may need to push it a little but it does fit nicely in the size check.

Weight is another issue. Depending on what you pack you could be overweight...esp if you're trying to sneak a laptop in there. If you're non EU you have to go to the check in desk for a visa check. The check in person might look at your bag, but it doesn't look offensive so they prob won't ask you to weigh it. Never been weighed or seen scales at the gate.

**travelpunk** · 08-29-2010, 02:57 PM

I think you made a good purchase Veronica. The bigger one will still be just right for your trip. 40L sounds too small.

Hopefully, that zipper in the front of yours (shown in the picture from the link you posted) actually opens up allowing you to have complete access to the guts of your backpack. Otherwise, top loading will be a hassle for two months.

I just did 3 weeks with a 69L and it was perfect for me. Since it didn't have a removable daypack (none of the backpacks there had one unfortunately), I had to bring my laptop backpack and shoved it on top of all of my clothes (as the backpack is laid down, not on top of the clothes when the backpack is upright), so the extra space was perfect for this.

This way, I didn't have to walk with my backpack/daypack in front.

Mine had a top pouch/pocket but was a center loader. The adjustable strap height and maximum air circulation had me sold (they only had one more option on this size anyways, but this was a better choice for me) Quechua backpack

I like to look at the straps and spinal column area as well as the all around material of the backpack front and back when choosing.

Liz, nice pack, but is back sweat an issue since it looks like there's no fancy back support, spinal column, or mesh material for air circulation?

**LostFarmboy** · 08-31-2010, 10:36 AM

Deuter make a damn fine pack, but the Futura Zero is not that well suited to your needs. It looks like it's geared towards alpine use as it has ice axe straps and is a top loader. There's no doubt it would have been a quality pack, but it's not designed specifically for your intended use. Plus, it's too small for a two month backpacking trip IMO.

I don't know anything about JanSport, but judging by the size and the features of the Big Bear (front loader, no alpine climbing attachments), it looks like it's designed for backpacking. I'd say you made an excellent choice. And that's a ridiculous price. Good work!