PositionNamePriceSizeWaist SizeFitLengthEquipment LengthEquipment DiameterEquipment Weight (KG)Equipment MaterialEquipment FinishEquipment BrandEquipment WidthEquipment HeightEquipment Depth Items 1 to 9 of 17 total I will be heading away for six-seven weeks through June/July/August this year. I will be travelling solo. At this moment I am still deciding between Europe or the US/Canada - I just have to decide which I want to do this year and which next year :). Either way I will be doing a similar sort of trip; a mixture of different tours (Contiki, Topdeck etc.) and making my own way around (Busabout [Europe], or public transport, etc.). I can quite easily pack for either location, and have no issues there. My problem is choosing a bag/pack to take. I currently have this bag: I believe the Deuter bag is just a bit too big to be taking around. All the features and specs are fantastic and I have found it a wonderful bag for shorter trips where I'm only staying in one location or moving only minimally, it just seems a bit cumbersome for the travel I'm planning.

The daypack I have yet to use - but I plan on using it as a carry-on for the main flights and tour bus trips. I will also be using a smaller crossbody bag for mobile/wallet/camera/tablet etc. on flights and general use. I am looking for a bag that is 40-55 litres and no longer/higher than 70cm. ss20 backpackI would prefer to spend no more than $175 (AUD) - which is very difficult.backpack ogio bandit I would love to be able to find a smaller version of the Deuter bag, but Deuter have nothing in my price range (I only have this one because it was on a 60% off sale). x360 905 backpackI would like to be able to fold away the harness for when I have to check it - not essential but would make things easier. tuareg backpack

I would also prefer a front opening but again not essential. Some degree of water resistance would be preferable. I am aware that I will likely have to make compromises for my budget. I am currently considering the following bags, all are within my budget and are in the size I need. I have read up on all the bags and am aware of warranties and quality that some of them are known for. Some are obviously preferable to others. I have viewed and tried the Kathmandu bags in store, but due to my location and store availability I can only view the Macpacs online. I am after any feedback from anyone who has used any of them - or any suggestions into bags I haven't listed. Thanks for any help, I look forward to reading your ideas. You are located in Melbourne according to your profile. You have the benefit of Little Bourke st where basically every single outdoor store including a huge Macpac, is located in a 300 metre strip - 7 days a week. Take a grocery bag full of books weighing 20 kilos to those shops and start choosing the kind of backpack that suits you.

Put the bag of books in it. Put the backpack on your back and walk around the store. You will soon work out how much you can carry for any extended period and which brand fits your body (and specifically your spine) the best. While I would happily purchase just about every travel product online - a backpack really does need to be tried on for size and comfort - and the weight test. You should also consider whether your travel style consitutes actual "backpacking" or not. If its just tours and getting from public transport to hotels/hostels - rather than hiking trails from town to town etc - then a wheely case or duffle is just as suitable. Technically I am in Melbourne, but on the far edge; it would take me a couple of hours to get there via public transport. I did a bit of searching after I read your reply - there does look to be a good collection of stores to visit there - I will have to make the time. Thanks for the help. I forgot to add this bag to my original post:

Edited: 7:21 am, March 30, 2015 It would be well worth the travel in. And there are more stores located in that one lane than you will actually find online. Several of them don't even have websites. If you come in and spend a day trying in then taking note of the model numbers etc you can then watch online for the sales. The big 4 have 4 sales a year at exactly the same time as each other so just get on their mailing lists. Anaconda and Kathmandu also have huge stores at DFO south wharf so if you are making a day of it you can do price comparisons there. Thanks again for your help. I managed to get to the city on Thursday. After spending some time talking to various staff at many of the stores, I have managed to narrow my choice to two bags, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Farpoint 55. It's now just a matter of deciding which bag size would be better. For me the choice would be easy - the Farpoint 40 for sure. It's carry-on size for most airlines and doesn't have the detachable daypack that comes with the 55, a feature which I dislike.

Also check out the Osprey Porter 46. It's a very simple no bells-and-whistles design that's utterly bombproof. Edited: 6:48 pm, April 04, 2015 How's this for a strategy? One backpack that separates into two different bags. You have one pack going to your destination. When you get there, whether it's base camp, a tent or a hotel room, split the bags. The bigger main bag stays at base camp. The smaller daypack goes with you on your daily expeditions. The backpack is called the Osprey Farpoint 55: You've already followed PerfectlyPerth's suggestion, so now trust in Martian24 (Terry)'s suggestion for a bag (size). You'll be glad you did. NOTE: I do quite a bit of travel each year but I'm betting Martian24 (Terry) has me beat and I'm in my mid-50s. If you are using low cost flights in Europe make sure the bag you choose is within carry on restrictions 55 x 40 x 20cm I have been traveling twice a month for the past 18 months or so with the Lowe Alpine Carry-on TT40.

It's by far the best carry on bag I have ever owned (I've previously had ones that were a lot more expensive too). It meets the size requirements of all European airlines and is stupidly functional. It has a soft outer with straps so you can maximise capacity. There is a wheeled option that reduces capacity by something like 15-20%. It looks good and a well made bit of kit. I really can't recommend it enough. I'm pretty certain when this one finally gives up on me I'm just going to replace it with the same bag. -:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one./pages/forums_posting_guidelines.htmlWe remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. Security pouch that would clip to suitcase Which SIM Card is Best For Me Be Relax travel neck pillow? Any travel pillow to recommend?