traveling abroad. need a bag to use when i walk around to various sites.
would you suggest a regular old backpack like a jansport thing
or something like this with all t hat padding

9/21/2009 11:45:17 AM

^ I like that style, but I hate the brand.

9/21/2009 11:47:46 AM

if it's the only piece of luggage you will have (as in, you'll be backpacking all the time) then yes, get one of those. If you just want a day bag, and you'll have a place to stash most of your stuff while you're traveling, just get a regular backpack. Those hiking bags tend to be a little heavier and will be too much for the purpose.

9/21/2009 11:48:18 AM

If you need a super nasty massive 6000 in² bushwhacking-for-half-a-month backpack, I'd recommend Kelty, my 1996 vintage monster is still kickin'

9/21/2009 11:49:57 AM

well i need it to put my stuff in that i dont trust to keep in the hostel. so im sure that would include an extra pair of clothes incase my shit gets stolen.
i would like to start up hiking in the future and wanted to get started. these things have padding which appeals to me
i will probably get it from dicks since i think i have a coupon there.anything cheaper?

9/21/2009 11:53:32 AM

Campmor?

9/21/2009 11:59:45 AM

This is what i use, you can get it in green, black or tan as well. Beats the hell out of that tree huggin, pussy euro, backpacking bullshit.

9/21/2009 12:03:20 PM

I would say you would want something small for a day bag. Also, I'm not sure how much you need to worry about stuff getting stolen. As long as you bring a lock and all the hostels you are staying in have lockers, you should be fine. I never carried a day bag when I went to Europe; seemed like it would be too much of a hassle.

9/21/2009 12:07:30 PM

ScHpEnXeL found an awesome backpack at target:

9/21/2009 12:49:44 PM

9/21/2009 12:52:55 PM

the bag will have to fit a big coat, shoes and extra pair of clothes
i dont think i am gonna fit that in a day bag

9/21/2009 6:38:35 PM

if you're also trying to get into backpacking, I'd recommend something in the 3 pound range (that's the empty weight!) No need to have a ridiculous Gregory or Army Surplus bag that weighs 6 pounds before you even put stuff in it.

You can go to REI and they'll fit you and shit.

P.S.

Fuck Gregory

9/21/2009 6:46:02 PM

Best Europe Backpacking backpack EVER:



When I bought mine over a year ago it came in three sizes (I got the middle size). And mine was in all black...they don't carry that anymore...but I like the color above better anyways.

It was awesome because you can adjust it to fit your height and waist size. It was two backpacks in one. The second one was perfect for a day-pack. And when you put them together they fit perfectly...I never felt like I was carrying two backpacks when they were all clipped and zipped up. And you could pull this little flap out and zip it over all the straps and it then it acted like a suitcase...which was perfect for the airport.

I couldn't have asked for a better bag for backpacking.

9/21/2009 7:04:11 PM

I like it!

9/21/2009 9:33:01 PM

Quote :

"You can go to REI and they'll fit you and shit."

do this...before you do anything else, do this...get an idea for the style you like, the one that FEELS best...let them load you up with some weight so you can feel how it sits on your hips

i don't suppose it matters nearly as much since you're just traveling abroad and not backpacking the AT or anything, but you really should consider getting fitted instead of just picking out which back looks the prettiest

if you're going to go internal frame (the style in your first picture), i strongly suggest getting one that opens from both the top and outside of the pack (a large number of them do not and it's the stupidest thing)

in my experience, north face is overpriced...it's usually quality, but for the same money you can get something much better...arc'teryx, osprey, gregory, kelty, jansport...they're all good...as a general rule, you'll get more value out of the REI brand of packs and i'd happily pit any other brand against them for quality

gf and a friend of mine both just picked up the osprey aura 65 and they absolutely love it: http://www.rei.com/product/780221



[Edited on September 21, 2009 at 9:42 PM. Reason : theirs is a different color that's not available anymore...i like theirs better, but meh]

9/21/2009 9:40:52 PM

do you prefer rei or outdoor prov. i went to outdoor prov today and the guy was real helpful but not much selection...
thanks for the other suggestions

9/21/2009 11:20:44 PM

rei fo sho

9/21/2009 11:24:24 PM

queers ITT

9/21/2009 11:25:14 PM

yes queers talking about "packing" how faggy

9/21/2009 11:26:13 PM

Check out Badlands packs. They make some awesome products for hunting and rugged outdoor excursions. I have the 2200 pack.

9/21/2009 11:27:24 PM

^the natives will never see me with this on

9/21/2009 11:36:52 PM

I hate dealing with tourists on the train with those monster fucking backpacks. Japan is not monster backpack friendly.

9/21/2009 11:37:40 PM

When I backpacked around SE Asia I used a bag this size:



Was so glad I didn't bring anything bigger. Felt bad for the guys in my group lugging around giant hiking packs that had much more stuff than they actually needed.

9/21/2009 11:39:41 PM

Also check out mystery ranch packs. These guys make some hardcore internal and external fram packs for hunting, military and tactical applications. I guarantee you they are a tougher and beter product than anything you will buy in a camping store like REI. They are $$$$ however.
http://www.mysteryranch.com/

9/21/2009 11:39:46 PM

The MOLLE ACU Assault Pack is my favorite.

9/22/2009 2:08:31 AM

ncjockgirl is a homsexual if you didn't know

9/22/2009 2:09:31 AM

um... ok?

The MOLLE ACU Assault Pack is still my favorite dude...

9/22/2009 2:11:00 AM