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. | 6/28/2008 1:35:15 | Australia | James | 36 | Single | 18 Months. Done that twice. Slow travel based overseas travel from a base. | Black Wolf | 200 | Retractable handle wouldn't go back in place
Wheels fell off | wheels | strong wheels that can withstand cobble stone streets.
Lots of zippable pockets inside the bag | 20kg | no | never | no | | no | No | no | no | | http://www.itravelnet.com/blog/notes.html | No | I always have a water bottle. Must be extra strong. I find old plastic coke bottles can break if crushed and wet my bag. | No | Backpack with built in wheels. | Wheeled back pack and carry on laptop bag. | | no | yes. Carry in a laptop bag that looks like an old sports bag. I don't like laptop bags that look like laptop bags. | no | NA | I dont love my bag. I'm waiting for the windmill bag to be launched. | Gaffa tape | I dont | Current guidebook in carry on bag | no | yes | no | No. I like putting documents and little things in inside zipper pockets etc | Yes | Padlock the zippers. | no | | |
. | 6/29/2008 3:45:09 | Netherlands | Michael | 34 | single | yearly trips for 4 weeks. (south, east and southeast asia, central america).
Usually (sub)tropical, so don't have to bring much. | Patagonia MLC | 159 | Nothing so far. Good construction. | No problems so far. Bag is soft-sided, and doesn't have a lot of shape by itself. | Attachment points for the strap were too close to the side handle. This has been fixed in recent models. | 8 to 10 kilos | I usually fill up the daypack during the journey. | Sometimes. It's got a rudimentary waist harness, just a strap, and that's enough. | no. | n/a | no. | No | no. | no. | i don't use the main side strap very often. I've taken it off now and don't use it anymore at all. | n/a | No | Water bottle goes in the daypack, not in the main backpack. | No | no wheels | main pack is the Patagonia MLC
http://www.patagonia.com/usa/product.go?style_color=48105
I've got a small daypack to accompany it. Can fit inside the big bag too, but usually wear it for easy access to important stuff. | http://www.patagonia.com/usa/product.go?style_color=48105 (in black) | yes. lightweight disposable. | no. | no. | 0-10 | Small. Doesn't look very expensive. Doesn't look like typical backpack
| n/a | no.
i usually bring flipflops, teva's and a pair of trail runners. | in the daypack. usually 1 guidebook. | Not when travelling. | You need to get a good balance between the small and big pockets.
I do like some compartments. But I organize a lot of stuff with ziplock bags. (for toiletries, medicine, etc). | no. | no. | Yes | It's got those nifty YKK zippers, I was the one that suggested those to your weblog. | no. | | |
. | 7/15/2008 1:21:45 | USA | James | 30 | single | 14 months-- asia, south and central america, europe | eagle creek | 200 | nothing broke on rolling bag.
straps on backpack started giving way so i sewed it back up.
| too heavy.
rolling bag is too heavy. almost 10 pounds with nothing inside.
daypack is also too heavy. | | total 55 pounds | no | almost always | not yet.
| | no | No | no | no | a lot of clothing | | No | you can always buy them. | No | convertible bag. | 2- convertible bag with wheels and daypack | | no | yes. in my daypack. | yes i broke my camera after i slipped on a rock with algae. shattered the LCD | 10/20/2008 | i don't. | i sew it up | no | i buy them when i need them. big cities usually have them. | yes | yes i like them.
i use them occasionally. | no, but a rat ate a hole in my bag which i then had to sew up. | yes | Yes | TSA combination lock with two zippers.
pacsafe chain around straps when i have to leave my bag in a hotel room. | yes. they weren't paying attention and someone calmly walked away with it.
it was stolen from a hostel's "secure" area. | lightweight and really waterproof. | |
. | 7/17/2008 10:10:55 | australia | monda | 33 | single for most recent travels... embarking on couple travel now... | 12 months in south america, also lived in UK for 2 years... longest backpacking stint was 3 months, though | mountain designs | $350 | nothing broken... great zippers | the weight before I even start packing my crap into it. | Error here deleted by Accident | 20kg | bought an extra bag | mostly | yup ...but not from my backpack | | no | | yup... i learnt to pack it inside rather than strapped to the outside when travelling on bolivian buses.... very dusty and very often trashed... actually... learnt to take my sleeping bag ON the bus... frucking freezing on those 20 hour bus rides! | nope | | | No | usually had to buy water... so generally used the disposable water bottles i bought the water in... bad for the environment i know... but hey!?!? | No | no wheels | by the time i'd finished...i had an extra. Otherwise it was just the back pack (sometimes with day pack on front to balance load) and my hand-bag. | http://www.mountaindesigns.com/Index.cfm?Action=Products&Subaction=productDetail&ParentCategoryID=43&CategoryID=65&ProductID=273
mine is an older version of the above hybrid pack | nope | nope... but will be next time | two cameras stolen | US$6 | it's un kill able... i have NEVER had a stuck zip... it's quick to secure | safety pins and gaffa tape... | i bought some in patagonia... they were pretty useful for hikes, but most of my backpacking adventures were done in converse or birkenstocks. hiking boots were a major pain in the arse to be carting around... VERY heavy | Had a lonely planet... ended up ripping out the relevant country... way too heavy | yup | i like being able to separate sections of my pack...the divider that i utilise can be moved up and down (initially separating dirty from clean, wet from dry etc... sometimes ends up being mainly yuk). Can totally remove if desired.
Some pockets good... always know where to find things like head torch in the dark etc... too many is a pain, but you need enough to be able to keep yourself organised by feel where necessary. | nope | yeah... if you want to break your shoulder. | Yes | you didn't have "sometimes" as an option.
I would lock it if i was leaving it somewhere overnight, or while i went for a walk...etc.
generally i'd carry my valuables with me anyway (with a secret pocket on my main pack for a spare credit card and my other passport - lucky me). I figured if someone wanted to run away with my whole pack, good luck to them...
I would often leave it sitting in a bus station while i went to the bathroom etc.
I also figured that it was more likely someone would steal the small hand bag i carried my valuables in... hence separating and back ups | yeah... asleep at Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires... IDIOT
Also, a couple of people had bags go missing from airports... airport staff most likely and there's not much you can do about that | a built in monkey to carry it | |
. | 7/22/2008 13:14:23 | Norway | Rune | 35 | Single | 17 months | Lill Sport | 100 | The zipper puller on the outer pocket. | None actually. | To be able to padlock the bag.
Pockets: One outer and two inner. | 8 kg | No. | Never. | No. | | No | No | No. | No. | I cannot remember of any. | http://whereisrune.com/ | No | I buy bottled water sometimes, but I never carry them around, just leave in the room or the bus or whatever. | No | No wheels, just a very simple light weight backpack. | One backback. In addition, I previously I carried one small backpack in front (or just by hand), but now I carry a computer bag instead (shoulder bag). | | No. | Yes. I used to use the computer bag sold with the computer, but since my girlfriend bought me a soft shoulder bag, I use that instead, hehe. Looks less valuable, but not as protective though. | No. | USD 10 | Not really love, but I have had my backpack for 10 years and still no plan to replace it. The reason I like it is that it is simple and light weight, it has only one outer pocket and one inner pocket.
| It has not been repaired yet (the broken zipper puller). But if I decide to repair it, I will just go to the nearest tailor.
| I could not dream of carrying huge hiking boots. Better to rent when needed. | I put in the outer pocket on the backpack, or on top inside. Or if the book is large, sometimes I just bring some copies of relevant pages.
But if I return to familiar places, I don't bring a guide book at all.
| No. Or very rarely. | I have only one pocket inside, and I use it. Wish it was another smaller pocket inside to keep the really small stuff. | No. | Not really. | Yes | I made holes in the backpack (around the top) to be able to padlock it, and this works perfectly well. | No. | Just to be able to padlock it. And the backpack must be light weight. Preferably one outer pocket and two inner pockets.
| |
. | 7/23/2008 12:08:31 | USA | Mark | 40 | Single | 13 months india and southeast asia | Eagle Creek | $100 on discount old model | In the photos the "Voyage" looks like the newer version of my bag. My bag was the Eagle Creek Subcontinental Journey. Now it is called "Voyage". The price of $185 is what the retail price of mine was before I got it on discount.
Nothing has broken on it. | It's a little bit heavy. I think the newer version is made with a lighter but strong material. But my material is very durable so i'd have to see if the new version is as durable.
| The thing to notice about this backpack, or at least the subcontinental journey, is the shoulder straps. They are relatively simple padded straps. They tuck into the back panel. Then the panel zips shut at the top. In about 15 seconds at the airport I can tuck the straps away in the panel and check the bag. I always leave the hip straps tucked in and never use them. You could consider not even putting hip straps on the pack.
Another thing is it has very good rugged zippers with lockable hasps.
I think the newer version has cable run around the perimeter for locking. I lock my cable to the small travel locks that i put through the zipper hasps.
Another thing is that it does not have a removable day pack. I don't like those because they are not secure. Instead it has a pocket in front that zips and locks like the main panel.
It also doesn't have too much on the outside. Some straps. I use these to take more straps to strap on | 30, 40, 50 pounds | Of course!
I brought a Lowe Klettersack (a narrow tall rucksack). When I wasn't using it I would roll it up and strap it to the bottom of the travelpack. I would also buy cheap nylon daypacks and use them until they wore out. I could also strap these to the bottom of my travelpack when I wasn't using them.
I would put the travelpack on my back and then throw one or two daypacks over my right shoulder with one shoulderstrap. | Never | Luckily, no. But I almost always locked my bag closed and chained it to something when on train trips. In India I felt comfortable throwing it on top of buses and locked it only occasionally there. I would keep my daypack between my legs on buses and put one leg through the shoulder strap. Occasionally I would throw it in the overhead bin but keep it in sight. But not if it had my computer in it, then it was always touching my person. | | No. But I many occasions where I could have. | No | I carried a quilt that I made according to Ray Jardine's Ultralight Backpacker technique(Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's Handbook and Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardines Guide to Lightweight Hiking.) . I made it from medium weight Thinsulate so it was very compact. I also took a synthetic fleece blanket in India and had a tailor sew a zipper to make it like a sleeping bag. It was also very compact. I would usually stuff them both into a stuff sack and strap them to the bottom of my travelpack.
Re: Tent. I ended up buying a piece of polyethylene plastic and used it as a tarp when I was trekking in the Himalayas. I rigged it as Ray suggested with twine and stones like I did when I was a boy scout. | No.
Bought water bottles along the way. Usually just kept buying more, rarely re-used. | Didn't bring much that I didn't need. Abandoned clothing in hotel rooms along the way as they got worn out or I found something I liked better to replace them. Abandoned books.
Before hand I looked hard at bringing a camp stove and some other items. Stuck with the "less is more" and Fred's Guide to the Real World maxim "More money, less stuff." Worked out fine. | Hi Andy from Mark itinerantwitness | No | Explained above. The bottles that are sold for packaged water are technological marvels. Cheap, tough, light, disposable, multiple sizes, and seal completely. Why carry an albatross around your neck with one of these super bottles and constantly be making room in your backpack for them? | Yes | no wheels | 1 small travelpack and 1 or 2 daypacks | http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/adventure_travel_packs/Voyage-65L-10051/
http://www.itinerantwitness.com/eagle-creek-subcontinental-journey-travelpack
| I bought the cheap pirated backpacking shells in the Himalaya for about 15 dollars. Supposed to be breathable nylon with a name brand on the front. Seems to work fine. Zippers keep breaking off and it is tearing under the arms: You get what you pay for! hahaha.
Re: umbrella. I'd always look for those really compact five dollar umbrellas in the market. Found them more often than I thought I would.
| Yes, an Averatec 1050. 10.5 inch screen, 3.5 pounds. Worked just fine. Packed it in a 5mm neoprene pouch I had a cobbler sew in Vancouver. Wrapped it in a plastic bag I acquired along the way, then slid it in the pouch. Then slide the pouch along the back panel of the daypack. Always insisted I handle it myself, kept it with me when traveling (didn't put in baggage stow). Would leave it locked in the bag in the hotel room often, rarely carried it when I wasn't traveling. Figured if I keep a low profile and don't show the computer outside the hotel room, then no one knows it is there. That was the best security. | My camera lasted the whole trip. A Canon Elph Powershot SD 400. I dropped it more than once, including on a rock in the Himalaya. It made a dent in the case but didn't hurt it. I usually kept it in a small waist pouch inside of a small camera pouch. It died inexplicably 4 months after i got back after owning it for several years. I now have a Canon Powershot SD870 IS Digital Elph. | Anywhere from fifty cents to twenty dollars | No bigger than I need, secure, relatively light, can stow on board many vehicles in passenger cabin (although marginally too big to carry on plane), simple design, not loaded with gimmicks and extras on the outside. Doesn't get caught on things. Can prepare for check-in in seconds. Like the rugged zippers. Simple shoulder strap system. The right dimensions to wear on the back:not too tall or wide or deep on the back. Like the travelpack style for openings: would much rather load like a suitcase with the big zipping sidepanel than try to top-load like an internal-frame backpack. Much easier to load sensibly and find items. | Generally find a tailor or cobbler for a cheap repair. | No way! Wear running shoes or sandals, even in the mountains. If your pack is light enough, you shouldn't need hiking boots, and wearing heavy shoes is tiring. See the Ray Way, above. | The one thing I carry too much of is books. I like to have them around. They weigh much more than my computer. If I wanted to lighten my pack, I would dump the books.
I found that when I was traveling I didn't need to carry many guidebooks if I stayed in one country. Although I had two different brands in my pack in India (Lonely Planet India and Rough Guides South India), I found I only used one generally. So pick one brand and go with it and take whatever shortcomings it has.
In Asia it always makes sense to have Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. This way you can plan where you are going next wherever you are and get an idea of where you want to go and why.
I usually would put off buying the detailed guidebook for the next country until just before I left the current country for the next. I would wait until I was in the capital city where i was departing and find a good bookstore or check the hotel or tourist area where i was.
You can abandon the previous country's guidebook. I hate to give them up because I have used them to look up where I was for my blog or for information for people. I kept carrying Lonely Planet India when I went on to other countries but I could have mailed it cheaply from India because they have a special cheap postal rate for books. I did send back some other books from India using this service.
If you are buying pirated copies of books to read it does not feel so bad to abandon them cause you didn't pay much for them. They become pretty disposable. | Yes, I went trekking in the Himalayas. I did not do the serious mountain climbing stuff. That's a whole other experience. If it is serious snow-capped mountain climbing, then you need to bring your equipment or know that you can rent from a reputable outfit in your destination.
Summer trekking is much easier, often the outfit will provide tents, horses, cooking equipment, and even porters to carry stuff. Often you only need to carry your daypack with raincoat and snacks for the day. | No. And luckily my pack doesn't have any. I use stuff sacks of various sizes that I get at camping stores to organize my stuff. I am also a big believer in freezer-grad 'ziploc' bags. Instantly organizes your stuff. Put bags inside of bags. I also acquire plastic laundry bags as I travel to fold and store my clothes in. | Never happened. Heard of people getting their passports stolen from their bags on a train in India but I don't know the details. | A duffle bag would work. But I do like the rigid back to the travelpack. A duffle bag can be a little bit too loose. And I need shoulder straps. | Yes | I explained some above under "Was you robbed?".
Basically: Default is to lock bag and then lock bag to something. I would do this in my room when I left for the day on many days. Then I would lock my room.
If my room was lockable with a padlock then I would feel it was more secure than if I locked the room with a room key, where hotel staff could get in and out. If this were the case, I would put all my valuables in the travelpack and lock the pack and then lock the pack to a piece of furniture.
I used small and medium sized locks with keys to lock the zippers and the cables and chains.
I brought a thin travel security cable and I acquired essentially a "dog chain" sized chain. My pack did not have a security cable so I would lock the zippers with a small lock and would have a link in the chain or the security cable loop looped into the lock. I would lock all of my bags into the same chain and loop the chain around something heavy. Sometimes it is hard to find a place to chain your bags to in a room. | I don't know any first-hand stories in detail. Didn't hear much of that happening. I felt my stuff was pretty safe in India, Thailand, and even the Philippines. | Some way to have wheels that do not take up a lot of space. | |
. | 7/24/2008 23:17:12 | USA | Brad | 27 | Single | Trip around Spain for 5 weeks | Granite Gear | $140 | One tear in outer fabric at intersection of shoulder strap/top flap | Needed a bit more support/framesheet when hiking 9 hours a day @ ~33 lbs. Pack only weighed 2 lbs, but would have preferred the 3-lb model with more supportive framesheet | For my future traveling of city/wilderness exploration, something smaller than 60L and more than 1 external pocket. Not sure exactly, curious to see what your vastly-superior hobo knowledge suggests! | 25 pounds in mixed traveling | Nope, bag got smaller and lighter as the hike progressed! I am already quite familiar with "throw out half your stuff before you leave". By the 4th month of the hike, I could tell the difference between an extra 3 ounces in the pack. Every ounce counts | Always on the hike, probably just sometimes in mixed traveling though | Nope | | Nope | Yes | You bet, a Lafuma 20-deg F synthetic bag, 2.3 lbs, $45 from Amazon and worked great! Starting to rip near the head, but served its purpose and was a good value | Yes, 100 oz. Blackburn HydraSak. Bought it used off eBay, $10, lasted 5 of the 6 months on the hike, using every single day. Loved it! | Not many, sent some extra clothes home. | | No | I carried a 1L Glaceau SmartWater bottled water bottle. It's tall, slim shape fit perfectly in the side pocket of the pack, much better fit than the wider, big mouth Nalgenes. | No | No wheels - used for hiking/trekking in wilderness for 6 months | One | www.granitegear.com | A rain jacket, yes. I ended up turning it into a rain cape -- putting on the pack first. Then the jacket, leaving it unzipped, my arms through the jacket arms, and the back of the jacket draped up and over the pack to keep the rain off both the pack and my back. | I didn't on the hike, but I just bought the new Asus EEE PC 901 for my mixed traveling -- 2.3 lbs, 8.9" screen, solid state hard drive, 1.3 megapixel webcam, WiFi and Bluetooth equipped, 5-6 hour battery time. We'll see how she does! | Nope, Pentax W20 waterproof, dustproof, shock resistant, beast of a tiny point & shoot, battle tested! | $45 USD | It stored my life on my back for 6 months! Without it I would've never made it to the end of the Appalachian Trail. And the simplicity and freedom of traveling with everything you need on your body is beautifully liberating. | DUCT TAPE! | Doubt it, I had no trouble pushing 15-20 miles per day on trail runners (overbuilt tennis shoes made for running off-road). | Carried it in the side pocket of the backpack. | Damn right! | My pack had two side pockets, no internal pockets. Almost a "sack with shoulder straps". Didn't seem to miss them, I only carried 7-10 specific items for hiking, and small stuff was in ziploc bags. Internal pockets and containers will probably be much more convenient when mixed city/wilderness traveling. | No | Probably, but shoulder straps make it so much more comfortable to transport. Also one large bag makes it more difficult to keep your loads stable and adjusted, so heavy stuff can shift to the bottom and become uncomfortable. | No | Out in the middle of the woods all year, our packs were very safe. Traveling in cities and around the world though, I am almost positively going to use a Pacsafe or other steel mesh pack lock. Any built-in provisions to attach these devices would be a big plus in a bag. | No | A backpack that would also double as a set of rear panniers on a bicycle rack would be awesome, but the panniers-vs-backpack shapes are different enough where it would be difficult to get one pack shape that would do both excellently. | |
. | 7/27/2008 11:09:47 | Belgium | Frank | 32 | Single | 3 weeks | Berghaus | 470 (15 years ago) | rubber cords to close some things worn out. they still work as cords, but the rubber is no longer flexible.
Every thing else is in tip-top shape. | none, really | none, at this time | 25 kilo | Nope. I generally return with less then I leave with | Always | Nope | | No, just some puddles | Yes | yes, also a therm-a-rest mattress | Hell no, Normal water bottles ^^ | hammer for tent pegs, plenty of rocks around ^^ | http://frank.rosquin.net/ | No | I like them as simple and as cheap as possible. mostly, I just use coke bottles etc | No | No wheels | 1 | Very old bag, none found | yes, one big enough to also cover the backpack | no | no | tent | It is very simple, extremely sturdy, has no side pockets so allows free arm movement, it is completely black, so quite inconspicuous, And for my build very comfortable.
It has 2 compartments which can be joined, so I decide how i stack my stuff (as opposed to whomever made the bag) | thick thread, needle, duck-tape, tie-wraps, ... | I personally like them, I even wear them in town etc. They MUST be full leather though.
I can not stand sneakers or any kind of synthetic materials on my feet, so i either wear hiking boots, or very flimsy leather or cotton shoes. | I don't | Sometimes | My bag only has 2 pockets in the top flap. one inside, one outside. no other pockets at ALL present. | no... | that would be very uncomfortable to carry. So to store stuff in, sure, to carry no | No | Keep it in sight, or put it in airport/train station/hotel lockup | no | What I have | |
. | 7/28/2008 7:07:42 | USA | Hoz | 58 | married | 2 months | Generic from WalMart | 12 | nothing yet | not big enough
I | I used this bag as a "sling" bag even though it has double shoulder harness. Maybe have a way to quickly convert from double to sling and back. (Remove mower attachment point of one shoulder strap and switch to opposite side?) . | 20 | no | none | no | | yes | No | no, just a lightweight sleeping bag liner. | no | small attached carabiner | | Yes | two exterior mesh pockets. | No | no wheels | 3, backpack and 2 luggage | http://www.outdoorproducts.com/proddetail.aspx?sku=591OP
Not exact pack but close enough in style and size | no | no | no | 10/20/2008 | small and convenient,. Nice muted green color. | If on canoe trip I bring along an "Awl for All". | Only fro specific hiking/treking tripotherwiseI uselow cut walking shoes or runnign shoes. New Balance 800 | backpack | Used to. | Yes yes. | no | maybe | No | keep with me | no | I like the sling bag feature. Large openings. Multiple inner dividers. | |
. | 7/29/2008 13:30:21 | USA | Kevlar | 43 | Single, usually | 3 months in China, then to Europe for 3 more to get some of the western influence back in me, then to india for a month, back to China/Hong Kong for another 2 months, home (PA) for about 2 weeks to take care of biz, then onto S. America for 5 months... | Columbia ??? don't remember | Dont remeber | The zippers become clogged with lint & similar stuff, and the zipper's pull-tabs usually break off completely. The strap attachments (where they connect to the top of the pack itself) have frayed and the stitching has loosened. The bottom seam stitching. The top of the pack becomes faded and the UV damage weakens the material on the pack's top.
I have had less problems as time goes on and I learn how to pack in such a way as to reduce wear in certain places. | I have a thin body-type and sometimes, usually when I'm in a hurry to leave somewhere and need to pack quickly, the items in the pack (cooking utensils, laptop batt, etc) will become dislodged and jab me in the back. Also, the zippers 'sticking'. I also need to figure out a way to keep the items positioned vertically...to keep everything from falling to the bottom of my pack. | - Lockable zippers & slice-proof outer covering for compartments that contain valuables.
- Waterproof compartments (from the inside & outside).
- Built in compass & clock would be nice. A padded, secure compartment for my laptop (& battery) when I travel with it.
- A water bottle holder on one side that's easily accessible while wearing the pack. - A slot down one side that I could slide a(n) umbrella/canopy into for sun protection while wandering through arid lands.
HERE'S SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE GREAT: A bag that lays over the shoulder and provides a backpack and a front pack, i.e. Two backpack connected by the shoulder straps with velcro waist connectors to secure the bottoms of each to each other, the front being slimmer and cotton backed to keep your chest from sweating.
Eventually, a solar photo-voltaic charger for my laptop batt. | 30 lbs unldng laptop | Occasionally I will pick up a small, cheap 'Fanny-pack' type bag to carry souveniors, etc. safely back with me until I can put the toys in my pack correctly. | Always, unless I'm in an airport or on a bus and need to 'slide' by people easily and quickly shift the pack from one side to the other. It also provides another means of security in certain situations. If I had broader shoulders or a thicker waist, I might not need to use it, but I do, so I do. | I have been robbed. I suspect by children in places like India,Bangkok, & the Philippines. They have cut the compartments on my pack to gain access to what's inside. | India, Thailand, Mexico, Philippines | No, but I've set in on grassland that was swampy | No | No, unless, I'm specifically going to the woods for a short time, i.e. weekend camping trip when home. | No, unless I've gone hiking on a specific trip, again, a weekend hike for example, but don't carry one when I travel extensively. Water is available most everywhere, but I do carry a small amount of chlorine bleach to disinfect when needed. | Cooking pans, eating utensils, and the Swiss Army knife for the most part, but when I did need it, I was glad I had it... | Not Applicable | Yes | I will usually just buy bottled water wherever I'm going. In most third-world type countries, people are quick to accept the empties for recycling. | Yes | Have Both, rarely use the one wheels | One large backpack & a smaller front (belly pack Patogonia), not a fanny pack | My pack is HIGHLY MODIFIED, some out of necessary repairs, some out of ingenuity & convenience. Its a basic large pack with 2 shoulder straps & waist strap, and a top zip-around opening, but that's about all that resembles the original thing. | Yes, a very thin one with vents. | I have a very slim Sony VS. I will lay my pack flat (part that rest against my back on the floor) and put a shirt, or jeans in first, then I'll lay my laptop on that and place some socks all around the edges of the laptop to protect from side impact while traveling. I'll then place other clothing on the top side (back of the monitor) to protect from 'rear-end' collisions. I also wrap the laptop in plastic (making sure its cooled down) before I put it into the backpack. | I've been lucky, I've never lost my camera, but got some sand into the lens area while in Egypt. I sent it home (to be repaired later) and picked up the same model in Cairo. | $28 | We live together. It provides for me & is a part of me. It doesn't talk back, become irritable, or make fun of me. I look forward to spending time with him
(???-- I've decided that its masculine--???) as I look forward to the adventures we will share. He's like a little helper..."Here, carry this for me", "Can you give me a ---?".
I'll talk to it when I'm on a lonely road from one area to the next. . I feel the same way about my pack as I do about pets I have had when home. He provides protection of sorts, and you can hug them as long as you like. I also respect my pack, I won't overburden him, or ask too much of him. | I'll find a local cobbler, or seamstress, sometimes I'll just use Duct tape for small tears. Sometimes I'll buy some thick string and repair it myself with a sewing needle that I always carry. I can sometimes use wire ties (Ty-Wraps) which I always carry for certain types of repairs. | Yes, if you've ever walked through a very crowded city (especially where there's livestock), a good pair of (leather/nylon incorporated) hiking boots can save your feet. I have never skimped on footwear, bad shoes will ruin your feet. A good lightweight pair of 3/4 length hiking boots/shoes with a good sole will get you through all kinds of terrain, and you can always wear them out to dinner with a dress shirt (provided, there not all snazzy w/neon stripes). Good hiking shoes with also outlast an expensive pair of lightweight quality running shoes which I usually carry as well. I've found that if you're wearing running shoes and you encounter a small adventure/excursion into the rainforest, or swamp-type land, rubbers are available for purchase or rent. | In general, I like the Barron's Guides. They're small and come with a nice plastic covering. They contain sections on 'basic phrases' & 'places of interest'.
They tell you the tipping & etiquette customs, and usually a few 'slang' phrases. I don't want bus or ferry schedules as they can change overnight in some countries.
I'll also pick up local guide books wherever I am. These I keep in my 'belly pack'. I have easy access to them for reference, and can quickly stow them when I need both hands free for whatever (banana picking, petting zoos). I keep them in a slot on my 'front/belly' pack. I put Velcro on the top opening about a 1/4 of the way over, this way they're somewhat secure while I'm being jostled about by the crowds,
but I can get them out without having to open/close a zipper (hands-free) as I usually have a cameral, or water in one hand. The Velcro 'automatically' seals itself shut as I walk & brush up against the hooks & loops.
If I'm in a hotel, or area with WiFi, I'll download 'Places of Interest', tripTix, or local maps & study them at night, but generally speaking, I prefer the convenience of pulp in my hands.
If I have time, I'll find a shady spot, open my laptop and look over the material I have downloaded, make notes in a small notepad or my Barron's phrase book, and proceed with that. This only happens if I really like a place and plan to be there more than a few days.
I have found that a guide book isn't usually necessary (especially in Asia where our pronunciation doesn't even come close to theirs), and its just a waste of $ if I'm only there for a day or two.
My M.O. is this: I'll ask an English speaking person at the hotel where to go & what to do (showing them that you're ready to, or actually do TIP Them Well). I also try to take a 'sightseeing' tour of the area and come back to, or just stay in an area that I like. I have also encountered many 'Westerners' in my travels. Whether they are there on biz, or missionary work, etc., they can usually provide very good info on what to do, and what to avoid. | Not usually, If the opportunity presents itself, I'll go for the day, but I don't engage in serious multi-day expeditions. | Absolutely...I'll keep a small first-aid kit in one, sewing kit, Swiss Army knife, compass/timepiece, notepad/pencil, passport - emergency cash - medical info & credit card, etc. I always use the same pouch for the same thing as I hate wasting time looking for just the thing I need at the moment. I usually end up making my own custom-sized 'pouches/compartments' for specific items I carry...no wasted space. | Yes, several times, in Bangkok, I carried "bait"....small, trinkety type things in conspicuous places that the little thieves could have and (hopefully) be satisfied. | For the most part, of large duffle will do, but it needs modified. It would need pockets, inside & out, and some sort of should padding for the strap(s) as I am thin. | Yes | The straps can be used when its not on your back. Slip them around your legs, ankles, elbows, etc. Never let your bag out of your site when in public. Camouflage it whenever possible. Keep the compartments locked, and use decoys when appropriate. | I've heard stories of people having their bags stolen. They were foolish enough to have kept their passport & cash in them. I use a flesh colored money belt that I wear around my abdomen. These folks had to go to the local consulate or call home for money & ID. I've never had mine stolen outright, although thieves have tried. | Pop-up Sun umbrella, built in music, solar battery charger, cooling system for my back, GPS, fold-out chair & lap-table, bullet-proof, (knife-proof), two-way audio/video cam, pop-down wheels for scooter-like transport. Pop out tent/rain protection. microwave, cooler, WiFi connection, jet-pak, or personal helicopter technology... | |
. | 8/24/2008 12:29:39 | Canada | Francoise | 39 | traveled solo and as a couple. (prefer solo) | 2 months, Middle East and Europe | Camptrails | $100 | Zipper around the main compartment cracked so the bag doesn't stay closed. | Totally uncomfortable harness system, though it's a 10 year old pack so I feel it's time to buy a new one.
Still doing some research, but I'll likely buy a top-loading 45 litre alpine style pack which has a zipper along the side for easy access for my next trip. | Ideally, my dream pack would be a travelpack style pack which has a narrower profile. Most of the travelpacks on the market now are very wide. It feels like you're carrying a mini-fridge on your back. I'm small, 5'3", so a narrower fit would be ideal, hence my reason for buying an alpine style pack for my next trip. | 12 kilos max | Bough a cheap large purse for the return trip the last time. First time I do that though. | I use the waist harness most of the time. Unless I'm just walking to catch a taxi or bus. | No | | No | No | Yes, I camped in the desert on the last trip my down filled sleeping bag came in handy. Mine compresses to a 9 inch ball, weighs only 800g, so it doesn't take much room. | No, too difficult to clean it properly. | Insect repellent, leather sandals, spare batteries for camera, 2nd book. | TBA... | No | I normally just use the bottles the water is bought in...fresh bottle every time you buy another!
Those sports bottles (Nalgene, Sigg, etc.) can be handy, but up room when empty.
Last time I traveled with a Nalgene bottle was several trips ago, it ended up becoming a odd shaped container for batteries and odds and ends. | No | No wheels, it's a 60 litre travelpack style backpack. Main compartment has a zippered panel which opens up completely for easy access. Harness zips away behind a panel on the back for airline check-in.
| 2: main pack on back and messenger style daybag on front. | | No | No | No | $6-$18 | I like the fact that it's panel loading and zips wide open, but that's it. | Floss, safety pins and zip ties. | Only if doing some serious hiking. | In my daybag and I photocopy city maps and some parts for when I leave the guidebook at the hostel/hotel. | Figuratively yes, in reality no. | I don't have any little pockets in my main pack, but a few along the sides would be nice. | No | Only if it had compression straps and some sort of harness to wear as a backpack. | Yes | I have a few small padlocks to lock the bag shut, as well as a homemade steel wire and padlock kit to attach the bag to a post, bed, etc.
I've also used zip ties to lock my bag shut when checking the pack on the plane. Not 100% secure, but it keep the bag shut and customs official can still open it without breaking an expensive padlock if they have to. | No. | Comfortable harness system that fits someone with a short torso.
Lockable panel loading with a narrow profile.
Lightweight. | Yes |
. | 9/1/2008 3:10:54 | CH | | | depends | 3 months, SE asia | bach | bout $300 | nada | too small for my souvenirs............. | inside straps to hold clothing in place. inside pocket, strap for shoulder carrying, stowable shoulder straps | bout 13-18 kilos | yes! small gym bag | a few times | no | | no | No | no | no | removable small backpack on big bag cause had my ladies handbag, sneakers, except for getting to airport on leaving home | | No | always carried water 0.5 L , refilling if possible- but not often possible | No | no wheels | 1bag 1 roomy ladies handbag | http://www.bachpacks.com/products/detail.asp?PID=161&KatId=32&prodname=Overland+1+-+3&Travel | light rain /wind jacket | no | no | 5-25$ | compact, neat and tidy outside + inside. good accessability opens almost like a suitcase | would take it to upholsterer | no | Make my own....carry only print outs- as needed on day to day basis in handbag, other print outs in bag | no | yeah, but i tend to forget where i put what in there............. | no | no | No | kept my stuff worth stealing in ma ladies handbag right by my side | no | my bag is my dreambag, might think about buying the larger size next time. but these bags are durable so maybe in ten years?? | |
. | 9/19/2008 17:20:39 | Canada | Chris | 31 | Single | 3 years, I'm non resident in canada now, return there only for visits not to come home. | Tumi | $450 | nothing | wheels, weight, and clunkiness. It's fine for urban/hotel traveling, not something I would want to drag around with me elsewhere. Doesn't go well with beaches, dirt roads, grass, etc.
I want a 1-fit-all solution. | -lightweight
-detachable laptop section that's easy to reach. i.e. pull it off for carry on before checking bag at airport
-organizer (liquids | dirty cloths | clean cloths)
-security (i.e. locks for places where u feel more comfortable carrying backpack on front)
-separate section for shoes (i.e. dirty running shoes) | 20-40 kilos | typically yes | n/a | no, carry a holster wallet for valuables | | no | No | no | no | | habel.ca | No | | No | Wheels. I needed them for suits, which I'm now ditching for board shorts and flip flops | 1 laptop bag (backpack/sleeve combo)
1 wheel bag
1 golf bag | http://habel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/Photo%2011.jpg | no | yes, separate bag | no | 100-200 | It's great for business travel, not beyond. | n/a | not me :) | in the laptop bag | no | somewhat | no | no | No | | no | you're defining it right now w/ windmill. I literally will live out of the bag, I'm not going for 2 week camping trips or climbing mountains. Having the convenience of a backpack combined with the organization of a wheeled pack. Safe, light, and all-in-one. | |
. | 9/25/2008 21:21:38 | USA | Tom | 60 | was single untill 6 months ago | China 2 months | Genuine Gear | $135 | no problems. Hand made in the US. With a 120% moneyback guarantee | no problem yet | I like my Voyageur just as it is. | Try to keep it at 30 lbs or less | Sometimes I bought a new printer in Thailand once. bought a duffle bag to carry it in. | just 3 times. But when I needed it. I need it. Not for hiking but stuck in airports for hours and needing some exercise. to able move around for long periods with bag. I have a bad back and belt can transfer most of the weight to hips | not yet | | no | No | no | no | | | No | I just use the 1 or 2 liter bottled water no need to a buy fancy water bottle to pour water into from another bottle. | Yes | no wheels | 1 back Sometimes small daypack on the front | http://www.meivoyageur.com/ | no | eee pc in a day pack. Did not on the china trip | no | $7 to $35 | (1) the shoulder harness hides away makes it look like a plan normal softside bag (2) one lage compartment with a outside compartment for travel guide and maps. (3) Very strong YKK zippers (4) black so it does not show dirt so easy. That its made in the USA | 4 years 12 trips and no need yet. Still looks good to go | for me high quality shoes with a thick soft sole | carry in my daypack mostly | no | mine only has one small pocket inside. your roll up pockets that hang up in your room seems like a good idea | not yet | for me a army duffel is too big. It was ok for a young guy in the service. now I perfer the padded dual shoulder straps | Yes | keep it wthin eye sight is best. The best you can hope to do is lock it up from the causal theif. | no | A bag like I have with good wheels might be good. Also water proof or water resistance | |
. | 12/1/2008 1:46:07 | Canada | Ryan | 25 | Single | Wandered around the North West USA - 2 months. Ireland - 2 months. Central America - 1 month. | Osprey | 200 | sternum strap buckle, rear lashing buckle. | This has actually been a good bag, once the silly detachable day pack was removed. I only wish that the main compartment was deeper (distance from my back to the outer edge of the bag). | -Where straps / buckles are used, and I think they are useful on large capacity backpacks to take some of the load / strain off of the buckles, make sure that both ends of the strap are long enough that they can be tied together when the buckle breaks.
-Make the I.D. window only accessible from the INSIDE of the bag.
-Shoulder straps should be without lots of seams, which casue friction points, and smooth low profile straps are better than thickly padded ones.
-Keep outside pockets/compartments to a minimum: perhaps only one for a map or guide book and maybe one for a water bottle (I seldom use a water bottle pocket for water, but it's handy for sea shells or other things that you pick up but don't want to put inside your pack. Also good for toilet paper).
-Arrange a place for lashing sandals. I wear mine in the shower and they're often wet.
-Put D ring near the top of the bag so that it can easily be clipped to me, for example while in an airport, or also for clipping a towel to that isn't quite dry.
-I would like a mesh stretch pocket / pockets stiched along the front of the main zippered compartment (the part that zips away) for books and other flat items etc.
-Make sure the material on the bottom of the bag is not too coarse or loosely woven. Make sure that it is easy to wipe clean, as this is the part of the bag that sits on the ground and gets dirtiest.
-two small / oblong pouches on the top inside of the bag would be nice to store a camera and sunglasses (in case) away from the main weight of the bag)- it also would keep them more easily accessible. Make sure they are securable with velcro tab etc (Not snap!). | ~50+- lbs | No extra bags | Sometimes | Not yet... | | | No | Yes- I carried a light weight rectangular bag which could be zipped open and used as a blanket (Snugpak Jungle bag). | No- too hard to refill or clean! Bad for extended trips! | -Didn't use my hammock.
-Would replace my alarm clock with a digital watch with alarm function.
-Carried a compact water filer which I never used. | | No | A 1l plastic pop bottle is almost as good as it gets. Wide mouth bottles are easier to clean but harder to drink from without spilling and more prone to leaking.
For reusable water bottles, I want something stainless steel that I can boil in. I like the Klean Kanteen line, although they are heavy (I use a flat cap, as the tall one may work loose?). "Sig" bottles are junk not good as they dent easily and are plastic coated so that you cannot boil them.
Nalgene are ok- but a coke bottle is nearly as good if you want plastic. | No | No wheels | One large backpack (Osprey Waypoint 60- threw away the strap-on day pack it came with) and size small "Timbuk2" messenger bag for daily use and to be slung across my chest for things needed at hand while wearing the backpack. | http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=43&colorCode=5451&tab=description
(Note- used without the removable "day pack". | yes- I use a sil-nylon tarp/poncho (Inegeral designs). It was too expensive, but is useful: it's light, works well as a poncho, covers my pack while wearing, and becasue of its useful rectangular shape it makes great curtains or shade at the beach (provided some trees, etc). | I have not carried a computer in the past, but I would get a Acer Aspire One ($400 9" "Webbook) on my next extended trip. | No | $15-20 in USA hostels | Nothing serious broke or failed. It didn't look to fancy and it hasn't been stolen yet. | Heavy needle and fishing line or take it to a shoe repairman. Duct tape can be useful, too. Improvise! Note! Make buckels all the same size so that you can move a less important one to relace the one that broke! | Not unless that person is hiking. I wear leather walking books / work boots that I had made for me, but I like a leather shoe that I can have resoled. They are really heavier than they need to be, but sturdy and comfortable and look ok. I wear sandals a lot, too. | I keep a small size timbuk2 messenger bag with me at all times, on my back mostly or across my chest if I am carrying my main backpack. The guide book stays in there unless its in my hands. | Not often | Some inside pockets are ok, so long as they are designed well, but I like Andy's idea of a roll-up backpack organizer much better. The more material sewn into the bag, the less free space there is and the heavier the bag will be (and more expensive, too). Keep it simple! | Not yet! | A duffle could work but it is less comfortable to carry heavy loads and the contents slide around more. I prefer a backpack. | Yes | I keep a lock on the main zipper any time that my bag is outside of a locked room. That's why some additional outside compartments (guide book pouch, water bottle pocket) can be useful. | I have heard, but don't know the details. Most people say "I only set it down / looked away for a moment and..." | Keep it simple and easy to fix. | Yes good Name: Ryan Lloyd
EMail: awx01@hotmail.com
Country: Canada |
. | 1/19/2009 16:08:02 | United States | Greg | 22 | Solo | Zero outside of US, but 3.5 weeks within. | Kelty, Jansport, LowePro | $200 for the Kelty | | Too much pocket room and not enough main storage room. I prefer to carry everything inside an internal frame pack, so an array of pockets does me no good. Two or three is all that you need. | Personally, I would like a bag designed for backcountry stays in the wilderness. Things like sleeping pad straps, waterproof zippers, a big, beefy waist belt, extra-wide and well-padded shoulder straps, easy to access main area with plenty of space, etc.
Ideally, this would weigh in the 4-6 lb range and have a capacity of 4000-6000 cu in and a load capability of 40-60 lbs. It should be simple, rugged, durable, and highly water resistant, if not water proof. Price is not a concern for me, as a pack is an investment. Spend more up front and you'll have a product that could last as long as twenty years. | 40-50 | No. | Always. | No. | | Almost! | Yes | Yes. | Yes. | | http://www.gregpphoto.com | No | Nalgenes are great but heavy at 6 oz each. I prefer a 2.5 L bladder with only nalgene as a backup. | No | No wheels | 1 | | Yes. | No. | No. | 30-50 for motels once per week. | I don't! The Kelty Red Cloud can carry 6650 cu in but a lot of that is lost in pocket space. Also, it's a bruiser at over 6 lbs. | Sewing kit. | Oh yea. | None - Rely on Topo maps. | Yes. | Sometimes. | No. | No. | No | I am my security, the bag never leaves my sight, and if it does, it's because it's stripped down to it's "base camp" weight and is hidden while I'm away. | No. | Waterproof, simple, light weight, can carry 60 lbs, and lasts for years. | |
. | 1/20/2009 17:16:01 | USA | Contortionist Bob | 38 | Marred....HAHAHAHA....no seriously...married. | Backpacked in South America for 1 month. | REI Mars 85 (large) | 295 | None... | Not big enough. | LOTS OF POCKETS!!!!!!!
BIG BIG BIG!
Separate compartment for Sleeping Bag.
Lots of hooks for carabiners.
Front side access. | 40-55lbs | Yes. Well, my "dirty clothes" stuff sack strapped to the outside of my pack. | Always...with a load. | No's. | | No, but rained on a LOT! | Yes | Yep. Big Agnes RULES! | Yep. Rarely used though. Bottles easier to fill. | Stove. Didn't actually "camp" much. We did tent and sleep outside alot, but usually in a densly populated area. | None... | No | Meh... | No | No wheels. | 1 | no photo's | No...I rely on my shell. | Nope. | Nope. | $20 | It's all I know. | I keep a small stuff sack full of extra straps and zip ties. | HELL YES!!!!!!!! | Side pocket or pants pocket(large w/zipper on leg) | Sometimes. | Not enough. I would use them if there were more! | Razor? No. Tree branch? Yes. | No. | No | I carry a knife. | No. | Size!!! (see above) | |
. | 2/9/2009 12:52:00 | USA | Riley | 36 | Single | 1 year around the world | Eagle Creek | | Zipper for the flap that enclosed the straps. (When overstuffed, the straps pushed against the flap and made it very difficult to zip close the flap) | | -I would like a bag that is the maximum carry on size
-NO WHEELS (a carry-on sized backpack can be carried as a backpack, wheels only increase the size, reduce the capacity, and generally require an extension handle that further reduces the capacity
-No subdividers inside the main compartment (if people want organization, buy some pack-it cubes / if they need wet storage, buy a waterproof bag)
-No zip-on secondary backpack (they take up too much space and are rarely used
-An internal clip for keys
-Padded handles on the top and sides so that it can be carried as luggage when it's not used as a backpack
-Metal hardware (although I have rarely had plastic hardware break, I don't trust it
-If you want a secondary backpack, ensure that the main pack is the maximum carry on size
-A water bottle pocket on the outside with either a cinch or a fastex buckle and strap that is small enough to pass through the eye of the lid so that it won't fall out when it's in the overhead of a bus/train/plane
-Water repellent fabric that won't require a rain fly except on a downpour
-Internal compression straps
-Relatively small backpack straps; people who are carrying a travel pack rarely use them for trekking, the straps should be comfortable, but when they are overengineered, they take up too much space and don't add much utility
-A few metal eyelets or loops on which to attach accessories or gear
-On the opposite side of the water bottle pouch, have a zip close pouch for guidebooks, cameras...
-Look at the webbing system on military packs; there is a multitude of accessories that can be very securely attached with button or velcro straps
| 35lbs | Nope, but if I wanted to bring back lots of souveneirs, I would | Never | Yes | Pakistan | No | No | No, | No | | | Yes | It makes little sense to carry a Sigg or Nalgene bottle when most travelers rely on disposable plastic bottles of water as the only trustworthy source when traveling | No | No Wheels
Eagle Creek Meridian (Maximum carry-on size, didn't come with an extra zip-on backpack, no wheels, no internal compartments, it was almost the perfect bag, but it's no longer made) | 1 | | Purchased disposable ones when needed | No, relied on internet cafes. The point of traveling is to get away from regular life, not put on an electronic leash | | $10 | It was small enough that I couldn't overpack, and once on the road I realized that I wore 2 or 3 sets of clothes and had them laundered frequently. | Find a seamstress / cobbler | Almost Never | | Not too often | A couple of pockets are needed, but they should be internal pockets with acess from the main pack. External pockets are an inefficient use of space | No | No, | | Keep it with you at all times unless it's in a secure hotel, locker... | | | |
. | 5/5/2009 16:01:31 | USA | | 23 | with girlfriend and single | backpacked europe for 1 month | gregory | 280 | one zipper pull, other than that, nothing | way too awesome, but other than that, no dedicated slot for a laptop (even though i didn't bring one, i would have like to have that option), too expensive looking | lots of pockets to organize, different ways to access gear, comfortable to wear for long periods of time, not too flashy | 25 lbs | no | always | no | | no | No | no, i did carry a sleep sack though, about the size of a water bottle | no, i just bought large bottles of water everywhere i went, my backpack had a pocket that could hold any size water bottle very securely | none | | Yes | i didn't bring a water bottle, i preferred to buy large bottles of water. they are very cheap everywhere i went, as long as i went to the right store, and since they were bottled and filtered, i didn't have to worry about the water not being clean. when i got done with the bottle, i could throw it away, or if i'm in rome or switzerland, i can fill it again from a fountain | Yes | no wheels | 1 backpack plus one small messenger bag, no-name brand | http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/hhut_2053_5524501 | i carried a light weight rain jacket, fit better, looked better, could also be used for warmth | no | no | 10-75 euros a night | very comfortable, very roomy, i could always carry everything i had and keep it organized | duct tape | not unless they are planning on hiking over serious terrain that would include lots of water crossings. hiking boots are too bulky and heavy. there are many more lightweight options that will work as well, if not better. also, hiking boots can look goofy in certain situations | i had the binding cut off of a large guidebook, and rebound the chapters into smaller books that i could easily stuff in my back pocket | yes | yes, i liked all the little pockets, becuase i had lots of little things that i like to keep seperate. it made it very easy to find something quickly, also, if everything has its own place, you will know if you are missing or forgot something. | no | i guess so, although there were points were i would have to walk long distances, and a large duffle would have been a lot more cumbersome to carry. also, i would be tempted to put duffle bag down a lot, increasing chances that i would leave it or it would be stolen. with a backpack, it is always on, and i always knew where it was. | No | i would lock my bag in my room, or in a hostel's bag room. if i put it down in a public place, i never let it out of my site. if i needed to leave it somewhere, i would find a locker. | yes, a girl had her bag stolen on a subway in barcelona. one guy distracted her while another stole it from between her feet on the floor before she could notice. | a way to have a detachable daypack that doesn't compromise the comfort or security of the rest of the bag. the daypack must also not look ridiculous, like most of the detachable daypacks i saw. | |
. | 7/4/2009 0:43:43 | usa | | 25 | single | lived abroad many times for several years, lived out of a backpack for two months | Ozark Trail | 30? | Zipper | Broken zipper | Open like a suitcase, look semi-respectable so I don't look like a eurail bum, expandable and contractible, interior frame. | 30 to 50 | No | Very often | no | | no | No | no | no | I need most things | | No | you don't need one. plastic ones are cheap and disposible | No | No wheels | one, on back | I can't find the backpack for sale anymore... it was cheap and at "Value City" but it is the best backpack I have ever had. | no | no | no | 10/20/2009 | Cause it fits, can carry as little or as much as I need, and it looks like a day pack even though it has tons of stuff it in. | | yeah | don't take them with me. just printouts from wikitravel in the backpack | yeah | no | | no | No | | | | |
