millmuff

So I bought a new back about 2 months back and got to give her a decent test run over the last week or so, but still have a few doubts lingering in my head. Heres the pack I bought http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1158247865003 ...sorry about the massive address.

Anyways to sum it up its a 65L and I'm thinking I might be able to get away with a smaller one. I'm headed out on a RTW closer to the end of the year and really want to go as small as possible, but at the same time I'm not the most experienced backpacker so dont know how light I could get. All in all I'm real happy with it, but I wanted to hear what people here considered an average size to do such a trip with??

Peace.

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Where I've been: Canada, United States, Mexico, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Phillipines, Japan, China, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, England.

bekkle

This is a really good question-- I have a similar one (and figure I might peg it on to get some nice detailed responses from everyone!)

Whereas millmuff here thinks she's bought too large, I'm considering getting this pack: http://www.ebags.com/eagle_creek/cen...?modelid=67248
It has really nice utilities and comfort features, but it's small. Smaller than the maximum of most carry-on requirements.

Is there anyone here who travels with a pack this small? I'm definitely willing to "rough it" for convenience, only bring 2 tshirts and a skirt (or whatever). Is it possible? Is it preferable?

Sorry for hopping on to your question, millmuff! Thanks everyone!

Diorama

I have a 60L pack as well as a detachable daypack. It's fine. I always had everything fit in my pack. I also always (almost) had spare room. It's essential that you don't leave the house with a full bag. Along the way you will fill it!

My main thing regarding backpacks is making sure that there is a zipper that goes right around the pack. It is a lifesaver. I simply cannnot do those backpacks that only have one zipper down the side or just have a drawstring up top. Imagine your at a bus station and need to grab something at the bottom of your bag quickly. I backpacked europe with a inefficient bag and I swear my stress level went up.

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I have been to: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, New Zealand , Australia, Fiji, Costa Rica, United States, England, Ireland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland , France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Vatican, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, India, Nepal.

Where to Next? Iceland!

Kevin-L

I think you'll be more upset with buying something too big than two small. when given the option you'll always pack more than you really need. weight is always a burden, don't forget that you will probably pick up stuff along the way, that adds up quick.
I totally agree with the side zipper/ side access. it makes what you bring more efficient meaning you can pack less. (why carry that stuff at the bottom if it wont see the light of day). this coming from the guy that carrys a 130 litter pack and daypack.

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Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.
-Ernest Hemingway

freespiritz

It's kind of sad that I have no idea how big my pack is. Maybe it's a 40L, although that sounds small. It's not that big, but neither am I, and neither are my clothes. I could go indefinitely w/ it while packing for 3 seasons, assuming I don't go crazy shopping on the way but I do have a seperate daypack.

If I got a new pack, I would probably also look for a side-loading one, and maybe one with a detachable daypack. Makes life easier!

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d_fresh

mine is a 65l sideloader. anything else would be way too heavy...

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