the backpack I chose... & daypack ??
 

Hey guys-

I ordered this convertible backpack online (it should be here tomorrow), so hopefully it will work out well: http://www.ebags.com/ebags/weekender...?modelid=15026

My main requirements were
1. backpack, not rolling bag
2. fits in carry-on on airplanes
3. cheap

I plan on only really walking from the train station to the hostel with it, so I figured I didn't need an internal frame or anything. It does actually have the waist straps though, so if I find my back is hurting, that should come in handy. I'm not doing any serious hiking, mostly sticking to cities... It got ridiculously good reviews on the site, including from people who travelled to europe for a month or so (which is exactly what I'll be doing).

By the way, what kind of daypack do people go with? This obviously doesn't have a detachable thing. Is a large purse ok, or will the straps get cut by pickpockets? I'd rather not bring another backpack - I'll probably carry a camera, sweater, and random food or whatever in the daybag.

Just thought I'd share...

Erin

Thank you for sharing. That is certainly an interesting choice.

Many of those reviews on the first couple of pages were from people who seemed like they were normal vacationers, and not actual backpackers on the fly, in which case this pack will work fine.

The hip straps look non-existent on this pack. Sure, it will secure the pack to your body, but they won't do anything in terms of weight distribution... and that is a major key playa so your shoulders and upper back don't do all of the work.

As far as walking is concerned. I have found that I have always done a lot more walking with my backpack then I imagined. Forget hiking. City walking with you pack to and from airports, train stations, hostels, bus stations, metros, searching for accommodations and all the other stuff I mentioned, etc...is enough to wear you down. If you don't have hostel reservations in any or some of the cities that you're going to, and plan on walking around to look for some "when you get into town," then you can find yourself walking for a good long time.

And when you do find yourself walking for hours with a fully packed backpack, your back will get sweaty. That's where the padded spinal column comes in handy, which usually comes in backpacks with internal frames.

I'm not sure where you're going, your transportation plans, and for how long you're going, but definitely practice walking around with it, fully packed, for a few hours or days to be extra sure that it will fill your needs. Don't cheat on practicing!

Not trying to scare you. Just my 2 cents.

Hope it works out for you:cheers: !

yeah definatley pack it up and go for a long walk...ive been taking mine around for the last week trying to find somewhere to live and its been good practice.

it will let you know how fAR you can go without being in pain, tell you how to pack it (heavy tings at the bottom for me) and give you time to adjust any straps so it fits perfectly.

also a bit on the back of mine really hurts my neck as the material rubs on my skin, so i have put cotton things over this and it is fine now

Help! until recently i thought id pinch my older bros 95L Macpac (the back of legend in NZ-they came up with the ifrst internal frame!!:kisscheek: ) but 95L!!its a monster!!!all the convience of horizontal zips, daypack, seperate bits for shoes etc.. BUT im thinking i should just fork out and buy something more suitable?
and today i stumbled on a huge sale and found these two options (well very very similar models atleast)
http://www.campco.com.au/bp-w-14.html
for $110- ridiculously cheap in comparison to other packs ive looked at or..

http://www.campco.com.au/bp-w-17.html
for $90 nz.

Im leaning towards the skyhawk (first one) cos it looks better quality, whereas the second looks a lil less practical but is aimed at chicks??
Please spare me two min and give me a lil feedback it would be appreciated bundles:kisscheek:

They both look nice. I had one similar to the bottom one.

I had opted not to get a top loading pack and was thoroughly happy with the one that opens all the way, like the one on the bottom link.

Then again, you definitely want good quality, so it's dealers choice on this one.

These are nice- The North Face: Backtrack 50 Adventure Travel Pack

and this one

Thanks for the advice... as travelpunk predicted, the waist strap is in fact useless. Oh well... I did book all my hostels in advance though (I'm not as spontaneous as some on this site) so hopefully I won't need to do any wandering around with the bag. I will definitely practice walking around with it a bit.

Anyway, what it came down to was that I had to find something under $50, or I had to take the rolling suitcase my mom has in her closet... you can't beat a $46 including shipping price tag, so I'm pretty happy right now. I guess we'll see how happy I am after carrying this thing for a month... :)

Excellent, Erin!

I actually like that bag, but just not sure about backpacking for a month with it (mostly because of the hip straps).

Let us know how it goes, because I'm really curious myself:cheers: .