Getting my stuff, help with advice

[Costaricanpacker]

Im going on my first backpacking trip, Im going to europe with a friend, for about 2 months, well depending on the money.... I found a great backpack, the Osprey crescent 70. i read abput , and it seems pretty good, but i have a few questions, should i get the 70 (about 4700 cc) the 85 (about 5000 bit more) or the 110 (7000cc) obviously each one is more expensive trhan the one before, but they are all the same thing... just different sizes, so wich one would be better? and is the bag good... safe (seems a really important thing as i read on the tips). another thing, about shoes would it be a good idea to get like hiking/walking shoes like hi-tec or my regular sneakers will be ok? any siggestions on what else is important to take? im making my list and will be buying the stuff real soon... I know that similar questions are posted here probably every day but i would really appreciate the help, thx alot

[kingcrazylegs]

The 70 (4700 cc) should be enough, but you could go with the 85 if you wanted extra space, though that is more for expeditioning. The 110 would be mamoth, don't do it.

Shoe's - I would go with something supportive and comfortable, but light weight. Heavy hiking books are not fun on pavement, and my your feet hot when indoors - they are meant for outdoor trail hiking.

[Costaricanpacker]

ok thx, and about the bag? anyone has experience with one of those i mean is it good? safe? comfortable? i think i read it comes with a detachable day pack or something...

[zylah]

Don't get anything larger than 70L u wont need it unless you're doing multiday treks in the jungle.
and the larger your bag the more u will take, which means the more weight u need to carry.
I'm not familiar with the exact bag u are looking at but as a general rule get some locks for the main pockets and don't put anything valuable in side pockets. (just maps and the like) And a packsafe cord can be real handy for tying bags to bed frames and the like if there are no lockers, but don't get the mesh (it screams "I'm valuable")

As for shoes what type of travelling are u doing? are u sticking to the cities or are u going to be doing some hiking? You want shoes that you can walk ALL DAY in. Personally I got some hi-tecs cos I know that they fit my feet, and I only had 1 week to wear them in before I left.

Also get some of those padded insoles for your shoes, they give some extra cushioning and if the shoes get stinky (which they shouldn't if you change your socks every day) then just replace the innersole.

[Costaricanpacker]

Well im planning on staying in cities, still dont know how much time im staying in europe but im hoping 3 months. next month im getting my back but this is what i read in some backpacking site
"Your bag is your life. The smaller it is the less it sticks outs and the less vulnerable you feel. The closer you can stick to it and less cumbersome it is the happier you will be."

so i got worried... has anybody had experience with the osprey crescent 70... you think it may be too big... what are your thoughts on it... any help will be greatly appreciated

[wenuk]

well have have read all your post on packs after I bought my 70 liter asolo with the detachable daypack and toiletry kit, was happy with it when in aisa excepted for the tought of the daypack geting stolen while on the main pack. but I woul just pull over the fly or carie it and the kit I left home.Not a bad buy ether.
bring hikers and sport sandles for europe but will be hiking.