A Backpack, Like a Lover, Must Be Chosen with Care
Posted on 05 September 2008 by Justin
Can you comment on which backpacks you each have (size, make, model etc) and why you chose them?
As I like questions (hint: ask more questions), and this is a hotly debated topic, I thought this to be an appropriate time to discuss my backpack selection process.
First off, every backpacker and long term budget traveler possess a strong opinion regarding backpack selection. This really should not be surprising as many of these individuals spend more time carrying their packs then a prospective mother spends with her child during the gestation period. Passionate people have opinions based on their own experiences and priorities.
I think the first step to buying a backpack is to take a realistic look at the type of travel you will use it for.
- - Will you be spending the majority of your time in the back country, away from urban areas? If so, will the climate most closely resemble Siberia or Panama?
- - Are you planning on moving from place to place every few days or will you be staying in one location for a month and making day trips to the surrounding areas?
- - Do you want to do a great deal of trekking across rugged terrain, or will you mostly be walking from the train station to the nearest hostel?
Next, it is necessary to have an honest conversation (internal or external is up to you) regarding your level of annoyance. Figure out what annoys you, what your annoyance threshold is and factor this into the pack you choose.
- - Do you view physical discomfort as a fitness challenge or do you hate muscle soreness to the point where you are willing to club baby seals to death in order to make it stop?
- - Is a sweaty back an excellent opportunity to take a cold shower and wash your clothes, or does your back instantly break out into a bacne farm which will cause you to hop the next flight back home?
- - Do you find it relaxing to meticulously unpack your bag to get that pesky rain jacket stored at the very bottom, or do you see yourself losing your grip on sanity: dancing in a wild circle on the side of some dusty road with your bag upended, shaking the thing for all you are worth.
After psychoanalyzing all of your needs, wants, and desires, get online and start reading reviews. When you find a backpack that you like, see if www.backpackgeartest.org has reviewed it. Their reviews go on for pages and usually contain multiple entries that span a year or more of use by the reviewer. This is as close as you can get to talking to someone who has thoroughly test driven a backpack.
After doing all of this, here are the backpacks we chose and why.
Justin
I purchased the Osprey Kestrel 48 liter top loading pack. I went to REI and had one of their backpacking 
The following factors played a large role in why I chose the Osprey Kestrel 48:
- - Osprey is a major player in the backpacking world with a dedicated following. They have a reputation for producing high quality bags and each bag comes with a life time warranty. Many companies advertise their “warranties” but, like an insurance company, when something goes wrong these “warranties” rarely turn into practical assistance (read: money). I read many reviews by Osprey enthusiast who were sent new buckles or had straps replaced with a minimum amount of hassle
- - I wanted a small bag. This is a larger bag than I originally planned on using but a travel buddy who is in constant pain is a big zero in the fun department. When that person is your wife, you get a bigger pack.
- - I hate unpacking a top loading bag to get to something on the very bottom. The Kestrel 48 liter conveniently provides access to the bottom of the pack through a large bottom opening.
- - The Kestrel is a compression pack that has numerous straps whose sole purpose is to compress the bag and hold it solidly on my back. I do not want to feel as if the bag is pulling me in one direction or another.
- - The Kestrel 48 liter comes with a rain guard. I will use this to wrap my bag in on the rare times that I need to check it at the airport. I like this because now I do not need to spend the $30 on a bag for my bag.
- - I originally wanted the Osprey Talon 44 but the Kestrel series is made out of a more durable fabric and I liked the way the side pockets slant so that I can put a water bottle into the pockets when the bag is on my back. The Talon does not offer this convenience as its pockets lack the angle that makes this maneuver possible.
Natalie
- - We like Osprey Packs (see above)
- - The Talon series is highly adjustable and made out of light weight material.
- - A 33 liter pack will allow Natalie to carry more weight than desired, but, instead of carrying extra pounds, it also provides room for lite items that take up extra space (read: daily wear contacts)
- The Talon is easy to adjust and does not have a lot of extra straps that other bags in the same class.
- The front of the Talon has a very stretchy pocket capable of fitting a standard Ultimate Frisbee Disk. Natalie is a big frisbee fan and this is the perfect place for our disk.
The Unofficial Nomad Backpackers Backpack buying list of things to consider 
- Keep it small:
Buying a small bag (between 35 and 45 liters) will keep you from carrying more weight than you really want. Backpacking websites (this one now included) discuss at length how all first time backpackers pack to much stuff. The smaller your bag, the less you will be tempted to bring stuff you don’t need. - Wheels are the devil:
Many of the “travel packs” I looked at had wheels, like the guy in the photo was going to spend the majority of his time moving from the taxi to the airport. Wheeling a bag down the street is like wearing a sign that says “hey, can you please steal my stuff I am not from around here”. True, wearing a large backpack certainly indicates a certain foreignness but I think it also demonstrates a flexibility of movement not offered by their wheelbound counterparts. - Comfort is everything:
If you are going on a long term budget travel adventure, you will become very intimate with your backpack. Try out your backpack before you buy it. Remember, all backpacks feel great when they are empty. Make sure you put 10-15 pounds of weight into your prospective pack before making a commitment. If you are a first time backpacker, buy your pack at a store where someone knows more about backpacking than you. Most packs have a large number of straps that can be configured in about 1,000 different ways. You really want to talk to someone who knows the purpose of all those crazy straps. - Avoid the All in One Backpack with Attached Daypack:
First off, these are usually 60 L or more in size. Second, a backpack is not a secure way to carry anything in a crowd. If you want a day pack, get a shoulder bag that you can keep your eyes on instead of placing a tempting morsel on your back and daring some enterprising thief to give it a try
UPDATE:
The Backpack that Natalie used during over 6 months of backpacking. No back problems and her backpack is still in perfect condition!!!
Tags | travel gear
The Backpack I decided with is from High Sierra that is a travel pack. The full size day pack unzips.
The main pack coverts to a carry on bag, so for buses, planes, and trains, I unzip the day pack and store the main pack. The main pack opens as a suitcase. From Ricksteves.com I bought packing cubes and they have the smallest size toiletry kit. You can view my backpack at http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/passport/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=62991
Most people cannot believe the small size pack I carry, although the longer your out the less you need.
By the way, all my gear adds up to 25 lbs. That is including my compact down jacket and rain gear. No point of having a monkey on your back.
Also the daypack I can lock if I am in a large city, in the Middle East people do not steal, although in a city in Europe I will can lock the daypack that zips and clips to the main pack.
Thanks Justin! Sounds like we’re on the right path to choosing our backpacks as we are considering all the points you made. I’m leaning toward a small (~40L) toploading pack that has compression straps and an entry in the bottom also. I’m a fan of strapping and pockets too. We also plan on using some kind of SpaceBag or packing cube system to organize things inside. I too, feel like my backpack will be one of the most important pieces of equipment we have so it better fit and be comfortable – I will be reading the reviews on the link you included and will be peppering our salesperson with questions. Thanks for the insight – very helpful!!
The problem with most backpacks is that they are made for hiking/camping/sports, not for long term travel. They are impossible to lock down with all the outside pockets and flimsy zippers. They have lots of little straps and small plastic parts that will break often and can’t easily be fixed.
That being said, I recently got a Deuter TransAlpine 30, hoping to find a better traveling backpack soon and leave this for cycling occasions (it’s a “bike” backpack, whatever that means). It’s a great backpack but damn near impossible to lock.
Cz and Shawn,
I agree that most backpacks, like the Osprey lines, are designed for hiking and not long term travel. Like Cz, I was not able to find a travelpack (small enough to be economical but large enough to fit the desired amount of stuff) that could easily lock and open like a suitcase.
Shawn, I think it is great that all of your stuff can fits it a pack that size. I imagine you are very mobile. Perhaps after traveling for awhile Natalie and I will learn first hand about what we need and what we can easily live without.
Thank you both for your insight.
It’s natural to pack to much before a person leaves, most long term travelers dump stuff off along the way.
I carry the bare essentials, nothing more.
I have a Kifaru Express (37.6 L), use it mostly for vacationing, short hops, domestic travel. Never denied as a carry-on except on smaller planes, e.g. 1 seat left row, 2 seats right row planes. I’m knocking around Italy for 3 wks in April and am probably going to take just this pack + a couple neat “dock’n'lock” pods the company sells. They click right into existing tabs and loops on the pack’s body. I’m planning on 2 standard long pockets and an E&E pouch piggybacked on the back. Those 3 pods increase my volume to 74 L.
Good: Very well-crafted pack, with thick 1000 Denier Cordura throughout. Plenty of (too many?) compression straps throughout. Top and bottom circumferential zips for access. Bladder pouch. Subdued appearance that doesn’t shout “tourist.” 100% made in the USA (for us yanks)
Bad: Expensive ($293 pack, $44-100 assorted pods). Slow delivery/manufacture time (6-8 wks quoted). No hook to hang the bladder from (??) though new G2 version rectifies this.
Just wanted to know which back pack can be taken inflight and doesnt need to be checked in as luggage
Wayne, your question is dependent on both the size of the pack, the amount of weight in the pack, and the airline in question.
In terms of size, Natalie and I never had any problem carrying packs of the following sizes (each size pack was carried by one of us) onto airplanes all over europe and Asia: 33L, 48L, and 60L + 15L. That being said, we made liberal use of the torsion straps and worked diligently to make each of our packs appearas small as possible.
The larger the pack, the more often weight becomes a concern. For example, on Ryan Air Flights in Europe each carry-on bag can have a maximum weight of 15kg. This can present difficulties if you are carrying books, electronics, etc. A way to get around this pesky issue is to take your coat, and all heavy items out of your pack, put your coat on your body, and fill the pockets with the heavy items that will push your pack over the weight limit. Once you have weighed your bag and received your ticket, simply repack your bag as it will not be weighed again at the gate. It is also possible to sell some ticket agents on the idea that the large shoulder bag your wife is carrying is actually her purse. This will keep them from weighing the bag.
No matter how creative you are with hiding the weight in your bag, nothing will help you when you get to places like New Zealand. National Aviation Law in New Zealand states that no bag can be carried onto an aircraft that weighs in excess of 7kg. This is the only time we need to check our packs. There was no way around it.
I have a travel pack that is 22″x14″x8.5″ and Ryan Air requires approx 21.7″x15.7″x8″. It sounds like you are saying above that I can use torsion straps to make the bag smaller to fit the requirements. Were you able to get bags that size or larger on as a carry-on?
Brooke,
Ryan Air never actually measured my pack. The ticket agent always asked me if I was checking a bag or not. When I indicated that I would be carrying my bag onto the plane, she then asked me to place the bag on the scale in order to determine the weight. As long as I was under 15kg, I was all set. That being said, the largest bag I carried onto a Ryan Air flight was a Osprey Kestrel 48L pack with the following dimensions: 26×14x10.5
I think you will be all set with your pack. Enjoy your trip.
Thanks!
I just want to take a minute and brag about my Osprey backpack.
What can I say? It was perfect. I used the Opsrey Tallon 33 Liter Backpack for over 6 months and it still looks new. I would recommend this backpack to anyone ready for adventure.
Its fantastic to know that theres a backpack out there that actually deters the occurrence of bacne and back spots. It can be a long time to the next shower whilst on long trecks and trips to tropical climates and chosing the right back pack is often overlooked, until its too late! Thanks for the post
I just wanted to say thanks for the great advice. I have talked to many other long time backpackers and they have all said the exact same thing. “Take less stuff, and buy a smaller pack!!” I am leaving for a trek through Europe starting in May and I wanted to take my North Face Catalyst 60L which has been excellent on many trips through the rockies, and camping but realized it might be to big and cumbersome.
I was really looking for a pack that would be small, tough and allow me to lock it up. Looking online I found the Eagle Creek Truist 45L.
http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/adventure_travel_packs/Truist-45L-10059/
I have yet to take it for a long trip but on short jaunts its perfect. It has top loading, front loading, and bottom loading. It also has a modular pack that can be used as a day pack, though I personally use it as a shoulder bag and an included rain cover. Plus it all the zippers lock at two points
Now if only I could take back my catalyst which cost twice as much.
Josiah,
I used an Eagle Creek pack very similar to the Truist. I too really enjoyed the locking zippers and the multiple entry paths into the bag. The day pack was also well throughout in terms of paper storage how the day pack connected to the main pack.
I eventually returned the pack because it just felt cheap. I did not like the belt strap and the foam was very stiff. I guess I was having a hard time buying into the idea that the pack would hold up to the type of day to day abuse I was intending to inflict upon it.
Stop back and let us know how your Eagle Creek held up.
Hello, I am currently researching out gear for my soon to be world traveling endeavorer. I plan to Live out of one backpack for about a year. My main concern is to purchase a good backpack that I wont have to separate from either on plains trains boats etc. I’m almost certain on picking either Deuter Futura 42L [I like that it's both top and bottom loading] or Osprey Kestrel 38L. I will be leaving for my trip with the bag at most 1/2 full of the basic gear I will need and will purchase the rest of my gear as needed and if needed once I reach my various destinations.
My Question is would I be able to take these bags as carry on luggage on-board plain’s etc. if they fit the max weight and can be squished into the allowable size?
Assuming the internal frame will be pliable enough to do so.
Tara,
Both of the backpacks you are looking into will fit in the overhead compartment of most planes. In some countries, such as New Zealand, you may have trouble. This is not because the backpack is too big, but rather because it is a country policy not to allow in country flights to have backpacking backpacks on the plane. That being said, if you run into that problem, check the bag at the gate. It is not ideal but it means that you will be able to grab your bag as soon as you get off the plane.
Tara,
Both of the backpacks you are looking into will fit in the overhead compartment of most planes. In some countries, such as New Zealand, you may have trouble. This is not because the backpack is too big, but rather because it is a country policy not to allow in country flights to have backpacking backpacks on the plane. That being said, if you run into that problem, check the bag at the gate. It is not ideal but it means that you will be able to grab your bag as soon as you get off the plane.
Thanks for the speedy answer! I find this cite to be the most informative I’ve read to date. It has already cleared up a multitude of travel misconceptions I’ve picked up from the net. Thanks for all the hard work you have both put into it.
Thanks for the encouragement Tara. Be sure to update us on your travels. Also, if you are interested in writing a guest post, send us an email. We would love to continue to update the blog content.
[Justin and I are both currently graduate students and working as teachers and are unable to currently travel.]