Large travel backpack advice
Discussion
I'm planning on doing more travelling this year so need to invest in a good large backpack. My current one cant hold more than 15kg. Most airlines I'm travelling on have a 20kg limit and due to duration I'm planning on traveling a larger back is required.
I've seen some already whilst travelling that have a bag that covers them whilst there on the plane, this also doubles as a water proof cover. Has anyone got any experience of these? any help will be appreciated.
I've seen some already whilst travelling that have a bag that covers them whilst there on the plane, this also doubles as a water proof cover. Has anyone got any experience of these? any help will be appreciated.
What size (volume) is your current pack? I wouldn't want to be lugging anything more than a 60 litre around at the very most - preferably less if you can manage it. Carrying around a massive pack is a huge ballache and only means you have more stuff to break/lose; conversely if you only have a 40 litre pack then you're forced to be ruthless and only take the stuff you really need. It's very liberating really and makes you realise just how little stuff you can actually get by with.
Pack light, wash often, and replace things when they wear out would be very much my recommendation.
Pack light, wash often, and replace things when they wear out would be very much my recommendation.
Carry on is around 40ltr, about 50cmx40cmx25cm iirc. I currently use a military style pack (covered in molle attachments, similar to the motherlode) which is about 35ltr, im looking at replacing it with a osprey farpoint 40, lowe alpine TT or similar, like you im after a rucksack for traveling, is comfortable to lug up a hill, but can be taken on a plane.
Edited by Foliage on Friday 27th February 13:29
Current one is very old and falling apart. You cant carry it for long as all the straps are knackered. I would be happy with a good 40l one just no idea which one to go for. Like everything theres a million and one choices. Im happy to spend the money on a decent one as Im planning on living out of it for some time.
40lts isn't going to carry 20kg though is it ?
The waterproof covers you see are just extras you buy normally with an elasticated edge so you just wrap it around when you need to. Buy one when you are out somewhere, bought mine in Vietnam, 3 quid or something.
My bag looks alot smaller than others i see, think its a 65ltr one, see people with a bag on their back, bag on their front, crazy stuff.
I've lightened the load now and left my camera bag at home, certainly saved some weight.
Doesn't really matter how long you go fof only certain amount of clothes needed, unless specialist stuff, i.e. hiking, winter sports, etc. What do you really REALLY need ? Spare t-shirt, spare pair of pants, warm top, pair of socks - voila !!
The waterproof covers you see are just extras you buy normally with an elasticated edge so you just wrap it around when you need to. Buy one when you are out somewhere, bought mine in Vietnam, 3 quid or something.
My bag looks alot smaller than others i see, think its a 65ltr one, see people with a bag on their back, bag on their front, crazy stuff.
I've lightened the load now and left my camera bag at home, certainly saved some weight.
Doesn't really matter how long you go fof only certain amount of clothes needed, unless specialist stuff, i.e. hiking, winter sports, etc. What do you really REALLY need ? Spare t-shirt, spare pair of pants, warm top, pair of socks - voila !!
This is the modern version of what I bought 10yrs ago. I then kicked it around Aussie, NZ and SE Asia for 2yrs and have used it numerous times since. The most I've ever had it weigh is about 19kgs fully loaded.
It is totally awesome, despite years of abuse, being chucked in various baggage holds, cars, floors, the sea etc, it's still in remarkable condition.
No rips, busted zips, worn handles, nothing! 100% recommended!
Oh, one big bonus is that you can unzip it like a suitcase so no emptying everything out just to find the least smelly pair of socks buried right at the bottom of the pack!
Don't think it's waterproof either but I guess covers are available if your going for a trek in a monsoon
http://www.macpac-europe.eu/gemini-75-aztec.html
It is totally awesome, despite years of abuse, being chucked in various baggage holds, cars, floors, the sea etc, it's still in remarkable condition.
No rips, busted zips, worn handles, nothing! 100% recommended!
Oh, one big bonus is that you can unzip it like a suitcase so no emptying everything out just to find the least smelly pair of socks buried right at the bottom of the pack!
Don't think it's waterproof either but I guess covers are available if your going for a trek in a monsoon
http://www.macpac-europe.eu/gemini-75-aztec.html
No not looking for a carry on bag, sorry I realise I said I was looking for something around 40ltrs but just realised thats quite small. Im after a slightly larger back because I can then put a camera tripod within it.
I've just come back from Vietnam and was tempted to buy one of the thousands of Northface bags there but was unsure how long it would last
I've just come back from Vietnam and was tempted to buy one of the thousands of Northface bags there but was unsure how long it would last
I spent a long time umming and ahing over some large rucksacks recently so hopefully I can help impart some of the stuff wot i lernt.
Osprey, Deuter, Lowe Alpine all make some great packs with clever features and sharp quality. However, I couldn't see past the fact that they all seemed to be made out of materials that would not withstand years of use-which is what I was looking for. In the end I chanced on a small company called podsacs who make some nifty, but tough bags. The one I got, the alpine 40, has a closing system like a drybag, and can probably stretch to 60 liters.
See if you can find a dealer to look at some.
Osprey, Deuter, Lowe Alpine all make some great packs with clever features and sharp quality. However, I couldn't see past the fact that they all seemed to be made out of materials that would not withstand years of use-which is what I was looking for. In the end I chanced on a small company called podsacs who make some nifty, but tough bags. The one I got, the alpine 40, has a closing system like a drybag, and can probably stretch to 60 liters.
See if you can find a dealer to look at some.
Cheers all, I went into Mountain Warehouse and spoke with a helpful guy there. I now know the size back that will suit me would be a 65+15. Im 6ft 1 and it fitted my length nicely. That should be all the space anyone could ever want so I just now have to decide on one to buy.
Id like to only buy a small pack to limit what Id take with me but Id rather have the extra space just in case. I have found this one on there site but I'm still planning on looking searching to just make sure its right.
http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/rucksacks/rucksac...
Id like to only buy a small pack to limit what Id take with me but Id rather have the extra space just in case. I have found this one on there site but I'm still planning on looking searching to just make sure its right.
http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/rucksacks/rucksac...
I'm an unapologetic gear snob, so I don't feel bad saying that I wouldn't touch Mountain Warehouse.
The short answer is - it depends. On you. Go into a Cotswolds/Go Outdoors and try a few 65L rucksacks on. Brands like Osprey, Lowe Alpine, Deuter, Montane etc all make good rucksacks but rucks are a bit like boots - what works for one won't necessarily work for another. Try a few on - the big chains or good outdoors shops will have pre-weighted stuff sacks so you can try them fully loaded.
The short answer is - it depends. On you. Go into a Cotswolds/Go Outdoors and try a few 65L rucksacks on. Brands like Osprey, Lowe Alpine, Deuter, Montane etc all make good rucksacks but rucks are a bit like boots - what works for one won't necessarily work for another. Try a few on - the big chains or good outdoors shops will have pre-weighted stuff sacks so you can try them fully loaded.
I've had one of these Berghaus travel rucksacks for a few years now.. Seen me round Australia fine, and is now what I use any time I'm going away and can't get by on cabin baggage.
http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/103328-berghaus...
It has the straps that fold away for when checking in at airports as they are sometimes funny about lots of straps in certain airports. Also has a detatchable small rucksack for day to day stuff, and a rain cover as well for those wet days.
http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/103328-berghaus...
It has the straps that fold away for when checking in at airports as they are sometimes funny about lots of straps in certain airports. Also has a detatchable small rucksack for day to day stuff, and a rain cover as well for those wet days.
Well timed topic. I'm off for a year this August. If I was just beaching it I'd take a tiny bag but once I've put hiking equipment, micro sleeping bag and tent in it'll be quite large.
I've reduced my luggage overt he years but still haven't quite got the knack of packing really light.
I've reduced my luggage overt he years but still haven't quite got the knack of packing really light.
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