Comments on: A Backpack, Like a Lover, Must Be Chosen with Care

By: kat of the cats

kat of the cats — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:35:56 +0000

Hi! i’m doing some traveling, first time, and had a good look at the Osprey after reading this article [thank you for publishing it!]. I too have back problems, so I’m paying careful attention to the quality of the bag. My question is: how do you lock it?
The guy at the store showed me this cable mesh/net thing you pull over the whole bag to secure it. But maybe this is cumbersome when you are checked into the hostel and have to reach into your bag more often? And I don’t know, is the message it sends that there is something so valuable in it that it has to be locked up this way, hence enticing possible theft?

By: Abie

Abie — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:43:12 +0000

What is your opinion about Osprey Meridien? I am considering it rather seriously…because I hate carrying heavy luggage on my back…thus I prefer the one with wheels…I am a city-to-city hopper basically…

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:48:36 +0000

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.]

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:54:58 +0000

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.

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:10:10 +0000

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.

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:04:12 +0000

Tara,

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:11:12 +0000

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.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:46:07 +0000

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.

By: Josiah

Josiah — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:47:17 +0000

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.

By: Jo

Jo — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:02:49 +0000

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