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. | 5/27/2008 0:20:16 | England | ash | 21 | single | just over 2 months in india/ nepal | Karrimor | 120 | one of the plastic things that they put on the end of loose straps to make it look pretty. No buckles or other bits. (duck tape is to try and make bag look older). | has a duffel-close top with rain-flap. This is not lockable, so I had to make the modification flap with the zippers (see images). The logo was embroidered into the front, rather than a sewn on badge, so it was impossible to remove without cutting a hole in the bag. This meant I had to sex a patch over logo and use duck tape. The bag is NOT waterproof: this is a HUGE issue. | main compartments should be double-zippered to be padlocked. A secure point on the bag to attach a cable lock would be a bonus, as using the carry-handle is not secure. waterproof is a must for any future bag. the chest and tummy straps are very useful for long treks. points on the top to tie excess items, e.g. hiking boots.
the adjustable straps need to be adjusted depending on when the bag is full/ half full. having guages on the straps would be useful to set them quicker. I draw these on in Biro. | 35k | no, but did use small duffel bag for extra items in between flights. before flights, I discarded lots of items i didn't need to take home (almost everything). | during long walks and on treks. when walking up or down stairs or steep hills, as it lowers centre of gravity. | no. | | no | No | No, but i have on subsequent camping trips inside britain (using publicc transport only). It is a very small pack. I have also attached a tent to the bottom of the pack for domestic travel. I'd like to put inside bag, but the poles do not fit... | not on this trip. used in smaller bag for a mountian climb in scotland. they are useless, inpractical things that make water taste like plastic and are hell to clean. | medicines. my first aid kit was useful, but the extra things like flu, heartburn, headache, cough etc. pills were pointless. they were readily (and more cheaply) availible locally and not needed. I could have taken more rehydration medicine though.
Swiss knife. cheap craft knife and cooking knife were useful. As usual, swiss knife was useless. cooking tins were not used, as food was much cheaper than i budgeted for, so I decided to be lazy. was useful for holding chopped fruits though.
compass!
everything else had useful moments. | | No | buying bottled water yeilds perfectly good, cheap, reusable bottles. buying a specially made bottle is a ridiculous thing to do. | No | no wheels. this is a normal backpack, probably designed for hiking not travelling. 65 litres if jam-packed, with interior back-board not external frame. | 2, large on back, 30 litre 'Kathmandu' bag on front (never full). (Kathmandu is a brand of outdoors stuff I found in london, not seen elsewhere). I refer mainly to the big bag. | http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashbeck/sets/72157605277659985/ | I carried a lightweight waterproof jacket. This was also a windproof layer, important on mountains, but not in many other places. | No, I carried various memory devices and things to use in cyber cafés. | No. tiny peice of sand got in case and scratched the LCD screen a bit, but I noticed quickly and was careful in futute. | 4-5 USD | I don't. it is far from perfect. The small pack I prefer, and now use as a 'school bag' for college. | I carried a small amount of duck tape and a small selection of sewing equipment and a spare buckle. linen sewing thread and a mattress-making needle (curved, thick needle) were used for the top modification. | if they plan to hike a lot. I took hiking boots and sandals. The problem with boots is they look expensive, and are. but fortunately noone in india has size 12(UK) feet. | These go in the bottom compartment inside a sworn-off petrol can (thanks for this travel tip!). I took one guidebook (lonely planet india) and it was far, far too big. In nepal i didnt bother, and I was glad. | yes and no. I trek up mountains. I do not use my hands and I do not use ropes etc. so it's more walking than climbing. I can trek in the nepal mountains, I won't be climbing everest. | the big bag has one along by the back-board which was useful to keep documents in tact and for maps. it also has access to behind the backboard (i don't know why) and I used this to stash a small amount of english and US money in a plastic bag. one of my emergency funds.
In the small bag, the front pouch has pen holders, a phone-sized pouch etc. These are usegul for storing pens, toothbrushes and small easy-to-lose items (batteries etc.) It also had a small mesh pouch at the top of the main compartment, I used this to store sweets (for journeys) and a few low-denomination coins (I collect coins). | no. | No. As above, everything needs to be lockable. I also like that the main compartment of my bag is accessible from the bottom (via the bottom compartment). makes it easier to get to items in the middle, as every single item has a specific place. | Yes | bags MUST be lockable. my bag had additional compartments on all sides, so one razor-slash wouldn't get you into the main bag. I also tend to keep all the items inside the bag inside a large plastic bag. This is used to keep the contents dry from external wet (objects are also in zip-lock bags to protect from internal wwet items that leak). This aslo stops items spilling out if there is a hole in the main bag.
Locking a bag to things is a good deterrant, but again not fool-proof.
Small bag I would knot the zip-pull-tabs together to slow down opening. Valuable items go in my trouser pockets, which have extra zipped pockets concealed inside to protect from single razor-slash (thanks for this tip!).
Tried to make bags look older/ dirty. The fat white man stands out nonetheless. | no. | waterproof!! I cannot find! | |
. | 5/27/2008 7:06:31 | Britain | Robert | 26 | Single | 5 months and still going mainly around asia | Eagle Creek | around $200 | Nothing | Can be a pain to get the harness out and on if in a hurry. | Wheels are the most important feature, it's why I bought it. | about 14kg | Last trip I did yes, I accumulated too many books and decided to bring them all home. | Not that often really | Yes, wallet not from my bag though so no really applicable. | Vietnam | No | No | No | No | Mosquito net was fairly pointless since anywhere that had the hooks already had the net. Sold mine. | | No | plastic ones serve well enough, no point in carrying one, extra weight. | Yes | Has wheels but also has harness. | 2 | http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/wheeled_luggage/Cross-Roads-25-20145/ | Yes | Yes, I carry it in a seperate bag which I carry with me most of the tume, when I leave it in my room, I lock it in my bag and chain the bag to something immovable. | No | 10/15/2008 | Everything fits in but it will expand if I collect more stuff and then go smaller again when I need it too, and obviously it's on wheels so I don't have to carry it on my back most of the time. | Nothing has ever broken on it so far. | No too bulky, good trainers or walking shoes would be better since they can be used everywhere. | I don't I generally lookup stuff on the internet, make notes in a small notebook I keep in my pocket. Saves hauling the guidebooks around (have you seen lonely planet china? it's fucking huge) | I trek part way up them sometimes, I'm not a hardcore climber tho. | Not really easier to carry small bags, dump everything out and repack I find. | No | Not sturdy enough with my laptop. | Yes | Small padlock on the zip, I usually put a big padlock through the loop of the smaller padlock as well as a chain that goes through the handle of the backpack. I am not hugely happy with this. | No | I have thought about how to secure my laptop when away from the room. If you put a wire mesh around the bag, it advertises something expensive inside. Bad idea. In my bag it has a metal frame at the back, I would like some way to secure my laptop to this frame and then secure the frame by heavy chain to something immovable. I think some kind of alarm would be a brilliant idea, something that went off if someone started to play with the zip or if the bag was slashed, something that was quiet and got louder. | |
. | 5/27/2008 8:14:33 | New Zealand | Carol j | 52 | Single | 2 1/2 years from Finland overland to India | McKinley | bought 2nd hand | one clip | access to the stuff at the bottom of the top section
not enough inside pockets | inside pockets | 12 kg approx | no | always | yes | Iran, robbed of my front pack, had it in my hand for 1 minute after buying a snickers bar in a shop in Esfahan. | no | No | no - carried a queen sized sheet (lightweight) and a small polarfleece blanket. In the east I usually slept in a bed but some beds were suspect so the sheet covered the mattress and pillow and also wrapped back over me so the blankets didn't touch me either. | no | too many clothes, | | No | | No | no wheels | Back and small front | | yes,as you can wear it when carrying your backpack | no | the camera went with the bag in Iran | europe US20 asia US6 | plain, black, no outside pockets, zip open bottom half for easy access, comfortable to carry | take it to a shop (very cheap in the east) | yes | cut out the places I wasn't planning to visit. Cut out the country I was in while referring to it everyday keeping that section in my daypack. Threw that section away when leaving the country. | no | missing on my pack, | no | no, I need one that is easy to carry and easy on my back | Yes | straps accross the top opening and padlocks on the bottom zips
no outside pockets | no in all the time I travelled noone ever said they had had their bag stolen | wings? | |
. | 5/27/2008 15:15:11 | | Russell | 51 | Couple with 12 year old son | 12 months in Sri Lanka, India and nepal | Sierra | $180 | Stiching has come away slightly around the base. But still in pretty good nick | It has two zippered sections. Sometimes I forget to close the top when opening the bag and clothes go everywhere. however this is not a design fault but "mind' fault of mine!! | Must have wheels. i like a seperate compartment for dirty/wet clothes. I don't like to many zippered pouches as I like to lock all my bags where posible and it means carrying too many locks (which can be lost) Strong but light weight, fairly waterproof/resistant | 25 | Not on my long trip but often on shorter trips I need an extra bag. I often put in a smaller folded up bag inside my main one fir this purpose. | Not Applicable | No | NA | No | No | Some trips if it invlives treking | No but I have just purchased one for future use | Too many clothes due to weather changes (last couple of trips) | NA | No | I try to use purchased purified water or boiled (when treking) where possible. | No | Soft Duffle type with heels. Can be converted to a back pack as well | one large and one shoulder type bag | | No | Yes. Often as cehcked luggage on short bus, train or palin trips. As carry on for longer hauls. | no | 50 | I find it easy to manage | Local repair guy if required | yes , but not the real chunky expensive ones. I take ones that come jsut below my ankels which are good for light treking as well as walking about town | More as a general guide than a "bible' ten to carry them in my main luggage for research than carry them about on my person | no | Not really I very rarely use them | no | yes but with wheels | Yes | I like to keep my bag locked at all times even thru airports (or especially) | no | Someone to carry it for me!! A sturdy, soft type duffle with good wheels and not too many inside or outside pockets and easy to lock with a shoulder strap for walking. I am not a fan of the "original style' backpack and prefer to either walk with it on wheels or if needed sling it over my shoulder. In Asia especially it is not that necessary to walk to far anyway with all the transport and/or porter options. | |
. | 5/27/2008 23:50:27 | USA | Antonio | 32 | single | Western Europe---Eastern Europe---Central Asia---Indian Subcont. total time 7months | camp trails (now defunct) | 75USD on clearance | Harness--broke when nearly new repaired with 75cents of rope no problems in 15years since. | shows dirt too easily,, gets greasy when stowed on old poorly maintained buses. | good fabric | ~50lbs. | no | sometimes, if I'm walking a good distance or actually using it for wilderness type backpacking. | yes, had 50dollars stolen from hostel room in andalucia spain | Spain | no | Yes | yes 3season goose down bag. for camping or making dive hotels more like home. | no. | heavy hiking boots. lightweight sandals much better choice instead. | | No | use cheap nalgene type bottles | No | no wheels | 2 large backpack small student type book bag for daypack. | | yes | no, I travel to escape that kind of crap | no camera | 5usd | all the memories | find a shoe or saddle shop | rarely | keep in the side pocket with water bottle and maps | yes, amateur level. | not that many pockets inside bag (it was an economy model in its day) | no thank heavens. Like Paul Theroux I try to look as impoverished as possible when traveling through rough lands. | Yes, perhaps better for some purposes such as lashing to the back of a saddle while horsepacking or on the luggage rack of a moto. | No | maintain a good visual on bag. Try to look non-aggressive but definitely not an a pushover or easy mark either. If somebody messes with bag all hell is going to break loose. | Yes people riding overnight trains through southern europe, bad for thieving. | plenty of strong straps for lashing sleeping pad or tent to outside of bag. | |
. | 5/28/2008 17:01:55 | USA | Andy | 53 | Single normally a few times for a few months with girls. | 10 years or more | Kelty Now - 5 Bags | 80 per bag | In the past, zippers the most, cuts, clips all the time, straps are ok, however shoulder harness rips loose at connection at top. | Zippers, small straps with clips to help zipper is broke when a person picks up by that strap. | Wheels that get it off the ground out of mud, and are wide so the bag does not tip over. | 45 Kilos or about 80 Pounds | Yes, one times in Thailand to the USA, purchase five dollar bag and filled up with junk. | My first big bag, before I used two, I used the harnesss all the time. | Yes, 60 U.S. out of top pouch on Boat between Koh Samui and shore, the man put hand in top zipper pouch when he saw me put the money bag in their. | Thailand, Spain by pick pocket. | No | No | Yes for about 1 year of the 10 | No | No sure | http://www.hobotraveler.com/blogger.html | Yes | I use coke bottles | Yes | No Wheels now, however the last set of two from Thailanad had wheels. | Front and Back, and small computer bag, which I tuck into on of the bags, not sure this work with he Kelty now, it is new. | | Yes, I use for tent, blanket, ground cover, backpack cover | Yes, I put in backpack for computer, then put that bag inside the other bigger bag. | Yes, a camera was broke when we wrecked hitting a pig in Togo, West Africa. | 0-10 | I don't | Shoe Repair People, sometimes I sew myself. | No | I carry in the top of my bag. | Sometimes | No | No slashed, cut on edge of bus door. | Yes, it worked for a year | Yes | Padlock slider normally. | Yes, on boat at Rio Napo in Peru, | Wheels that do not break, big enough to keep out of mud. | |
. | 5/29/2008 10:28:27 | USA | Rebecca | 38 | Couple | 5 months+ all over Asia | REI | 35 | Non, but 1 seam at the top has come loose | I over fill it! | I wish it had more hidden inside zip pockets and a couple more toggle-type outside pockets like for water bottle, easy access to my book, sunscreen etc. | Not sure | Always! Bought 1 more medium size | Always | no - boyfriend was pickpocketed though. | Bangkok, on the steps in the garment district (Pratunam) | no | No | a fabric pouch for sleeping in | NO | Extra shoes, too much first aid stuff | | No | Necessary evil! | No | None | 1 back pack, 1 mssr. bag | I bought it at a thrift store! | Yes | boyfriend carries | no | 15 usd | Light, with comfy thick straps that don't hurt or pinch... | | Only if the terrain warrants - reallys turdy sandals work better for me | Usually just look stuff up online, haven't used a guidebook in about 5 years | small ones | Yes! | no | no. | Yes | We also have a motion detector alarm
| | | |
. | 5/29/2008 12:37:02 | USA (America!) | David | 43 | Single. | 2.5 months | ? | ? | Nothing! | I got lucky. I am picky by nature but have complaints with regards to my bags. | I love my bag combination. Especially the hatch at the bottom of the larger bag from which I can access my smaller back-pack or slide-out my smaller backpack without having to disturb the other items found residing above in the larger backpack. | | | Depends on how far traveling. >1 mile I will use it. | Was I robbed on the trip? Never. I am gregarious and friendly to everyone but trust no one. Eyes wide open. Even watch as they off-load suit cases from a bus in Colombia or elsewhere if I stow my backpack below at the back of the bus. | Most people - Costa Rica. Me, Never!
Knock on wood.
To those not familiar with the expression, we Americans sometimes say "Knock on Wood" if we don't want to be jinxed (receive bad Karma) from our own words. | What? No. | No | No. | No. | Expensive raincoat. A disposable plastic poncho was perfect (light weight, airy, low volume and covered my pack and me). | | | Mixed. Depends on where are? In the Andes in way to Machu Piccu (purification tablets and two bottles at most). In city, pay for bottled water. Brushing teeth using tap water - never a problem. | No | No wheels. | 2 | | Yes! Disposable is light weight, not attractive to a thief. Looks like a plastic bag when wadded up and inserted into an expandable fish net style pouch on the outside of my larger pack. | No. | No way Jose'. | $15 | Bottom hatch on larger bag. Drop the smaller bag in first after opening up a zippered divider that separates the upper 3/5 of the bag from the lower 2/5. Then Close the Zipper divider and put in the rest of your items.
Access your stuff from the top and from the bottom. A perfect world! | | Depends on where traveling but definitely don't buy cosmetic type such as Gortex-lined Timerlands like I did. Buy functional kind of boot/shoe where have good stability and where foot does not slide forward and jam/smash the toes when walking down hill. Those who have never experienced this pain will not understand this. After an eighteen mile hike in the Peruvian Andes foothills and the excruciating foot/toe pain/suffering. I took off my boots on the bus, set them on the floor next to the isle and could care less if someone stole them. The toe pain was like nothing I had experienced before.
I wore my new running shoes to Machu Piccu instead. | Just that - guide books. They form a starting point for hostals and history. Food? Go where the locals go. When see a lot of locals go in and check it out. Cleaner = touristry. Dirtier means more local and potentially less safe. | Yep! Even with a torn minsicus/cartlidge in my knee this last year. Had surgery recently to fix. | | No. | No. | No | Cover closed zippers with flap cover provided. Never stow directly overhead where cannot see. If necessary, stow over opposite isle where can always see. Never fall a sleep on bus. Never leave bus with pack on-board. Take backpack with you or don't get off. If stow below on bus, stand up and watch as they off-load any suitcases or get off and monitor. Place bag in lap or feet on bus and be aware that they can still attack your backpack at your feet.
Think like a criminal ans be somewhat paranoid. Keep I.D. and Debit Card on oneself in a hidden travel pouch. Did I say be paranoid? | Yes, neither feel asleep. Both were European girls in their 20's and both had stowed their backpack over their heads and neither of these girls had fallen aslepp | Theft alarm. Mouse trap that smashes the fingers of a thief. | |
. | 5/29/2008 23:12:01 | uk | kris | 27 | single | 1.5yrs | tnf | 120 | none | too many extras | slim line, top loading, no wacky colours | 11 kilos | no | never.. i cut it off after 3 months | no | | no | No | no, waste of weight | just got one to try out.. too early to comment | excess strap lengths, the zipper part that you hold with your fingers have been ditched for security, side pockets ditched.. sternum strap ditched.. elasticy thing ditched.. north face embroided sign blacked out.. | travelpod.com/members/kris | No | crap, trying out this camel thing | No | noway | 1 | http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kris/nostophobia/1204741860/tpod.html | yes, a pack lite from TNF | no, i have an ipod touch which is a 1000 times better than a laptop for traveling | yes, i'm on my 5th camera | 10 30 usd | because i cut it done to size so it looks basic, it is 35 litres which keeps the weight down.. and is black and grey which doesnt make it out to opportunists sights, no side pockets for people to smuggle things into whilst crossing borders.. less openings the better as lkess to worry about.. my day bag is the flimsy trhin string pull nike type that folds down to nothibng when not in use | buy a needle and thread | never | rip out the maps and download a pdf guide from LP to puut on my ipod touch | not really | no | no | no | Yes | where the pull cord is on the top loader i put a padlock through it.. if a thief wants to see in side any further it will get slashed to bits, including those crappy mesh things which can easily be cut with pliers | no | for it to wash my clothes.. well really i think they shoulkd come with a variety of secret stash pocketrs for money and passports | |
. | 5/30/2008 12:29:32 | USA | Patrick | 17 | single | took trip to Europe for two weeks with group | Under Armour | 40 | zippers--fell off.
outer wall--was separating; I stitched it back together | | waterproof
roomy
able to be worn tightly/compressed | | no | my backpack doesn't have one, but I would appreciate this feature. | no | | no | No | no, but I will on my next trip | no | | http://pshields.net | No | water bottles are better than camelbacks because you can wash them out easily. I use a hard (nalgene?) water bottle. | No | no wheels | one regularly (with suitcase) | | yes, but if the backpack was waterproof I wouldn't have to. | I plan to on my next trip (in my backpack.) | no | 50 | it's strong and roomy. | | no | have not used before | no | I like maybe one or two pockets that can be ignored when they aren't neede | no | probably, if I could strap it to myself somehow when I ride my back> | No | | | solar panels to power my electronics
waterproof | |
. | 5/30/2008 14:36:28 | USA | Wade | 27 | both | hmm . . . years. | Kelty Redwing 2650 | $80 | Nothing besides holes in the water bottle holders. | Bad zipper setup on side pockets. I only use them for storing dirty socks or underwear. I do not put anything in them that I would really mind loosing. | 1. Detachable front harness so that I can have my bag in one piece when I am walking and in two so that I can separate from the main bag but still carry the smaller one.
2. A GOOD way to lock the zippers closed.
3. Well fastened (and internally connected) rings at various places on the outside so I can chain the bag up with a bike lock when I am not in the hotel room or on a train.
3. Slash resistant, water proof leather (or other very strong material) on the outside so that I can get it wet and knock it around without worrying about ripping it or it leaking.
4. A loop to strap the waist harness through on the front of the bag so that the straps are not flapping around and getting stuck on stuff in buss luggage compartments or while going through airport machinery.
5. Attachments on outside of bag to clip gear to and lots of gear straps. | around 10 kilos | Only when I go to visit my family, and have gifts to carry. My travel gear does not overflow from the bag. | Always. It is very good. | Not recently. | | no | No | Not a tent but I often carry a folded up tarp that I keep in the side straps (side straps are very good for storing things you don't want in the bag).
I sometimes carry a sleeping bag, but I attach it to the outside of the bag. | No. Don't trust them to not burst and ruin things in the bag. Maybe if it was attached to the outside of the bag with a good membrane dividing it from everything else I may trust it . . . but I probably would not use it. | Stupid side pocket design. But they do protect some kind of stupid stretchy web that is on the interior sides of the bag. | http://www.vagabondjourney.com
http://www.openroadsong.com | Yes | Like them. But would like a bag that could store them on the outside securely, so they do now fall out all the time. | No | No Wheels | Two. A backpack and a small bag that hangs from a shoulder strap. | http://www.openroadsong.com/2008/02/kelty-redwing-backpack.html | Yes. I strap it to the outside of the bag with the tarp and sleeping bag. | Yes. I carry one in the computer compartment that runs along the frame in the harness. | Not recently. | $0-$10 | Because it is well made, really comfortable, has a good harness, and is the size that I want it to be. | With dental floss and a sewing needle. | No. But I choose to wear boots . .. but have hiked long trails in the Himalaya with sandals before . . . So I say, no, a traveler does not NEED hiking boots. | in backpack | Yes. | Awww . . . not really. Sometimes to keep condoms is. | No. But did once stick my machete through it. | No. | Yes | If I can securely lock the zippers and lock the back to something solid with a bike lock then I say that it is as secure as possible. | No. | Small size that never fills up haha. | |
. | 5/30/2008 14:36:47 | USA | Mira | 21 | travel as a couple..woohoo!! but soon to be traveling alone :( | studied in Asia for a year | Kelty | $70 | Nothing, but it is new. Sometimes the mesh pockets (like the water bottle holder thingies on the sides) get caught on things and then rip. | It needs to be a little bit bigger because I buy too much stuff. Also, the pockets on the outside, the weird side pockets that unzip all the way are a really bad design, and the zippers do not have metal pulls, only string pulls so locking it is hard and stupid. | Good Zippers, a good way to lock my bag, expandable!!, comfortable!!!, internal compartments instead of external compartments | 15-40 lbs depending | yes, I bought a new bag the day before i left to put my gifts and souveneirs in. | Sometimes. I only use it when I am walking for...lets say..over 15, 20 minutes with my bag | Andy, really, grammar, Was you robbed?
No I was not robbed, but this bag has a huge potential robbery threat. | | luckily no, but it got sprayed a bit in those boats in Atitlan. It is moderately water resistant I think | No | Yes, but it was really small that i took all of the stuffing out of so it would be smaller. I wanted to trash it because you really don't need a sleeping bag too often, only while staying in really gross beds... | No, don't those things get moldy? | Mosquito net, again this all depends. First time in Costa Rica I would have died without it, but this time I only used it once. | www.ladythetramp.com | No | They leech plastic chemicals, or they are aluminum. My feelings are mixed, but really I just buy bottled water and then reuse the bottle until I think it is too gross to use anymore. I would like a water bottle that is stainless steel...but also if you travel with a water bottle you need a water filter or else it is useless. you can't fill it up anywhere in countries where you can't drink the water. | No | no wheels,
I once put a dolly luggage carrier thing on my bag in china because it was too heavy to carry on my back..that was better for my back, but hard to go up stairs and be in crowded areas with...it took to long to unwrap the straps and put it on my back...especially if there was dog poop on the wheels. | 2, Big kelty on the back, crappy small no-brand one on the front for the computer. | you have seen it | I have a rain poncho that is kind of made out of a plastic bag. I carry it just in case and I think I have only used it like once every 6 months. | Yes, depending on how much stuff I have I like to keep it all in one bag, but if I have too much stuff in my bag, or if I am taking a flight I put it in a small backpack or satchel in the front. My smaller bag is usually easier to lock. Also, then my computer can sit with me inside the bus, so I feel safer about it getting broken or stolen. | I want to smash my camera...but no. | $2-15 | Somehow it is really comfortable, and I like it because it looks small. Also, I like it because it is not a top loading bag, so you don't have to take all of your crap out to get inside. | sewing needle and thread. | It depends on where they are going, but usually no!!!. They are heavy, and I never see them on the feet of backpackers, only just hanging tied up on the side of their bags. I say for most travelers sneakers are just as good as hiking boots..unless you absolutely know you will be HIKING for at least 50% of your trip. | I hate guide books..I usually put mine in a small bag that I can access when I am trying to get somewhere or find a hotel. Then I can quickly take it out an look at it if I need it. If it is in my bag, I have to open my bag and look for it, which leaves me open for getting robbed and the stuff in my bag stolen. | YEs | YEs. I like to organize. Again, I don't like taking all of my stuff out of my bag just to get 1 thing. Pockets avoid this...i am all about internal pockets. | Thankfully no | No! | Yes | I carry a bike lock and a lock for the zipper. I lock the zippers up to the best of my ability and then wrap the bikelock through loops of my bag and lock it to the most immovable thing, like a bed post, table, chair, drain pipe, etc. | No | i don't know if I really dream about this stuff Andy, but seriously, I want internal pockets and lockable and expandable and comfortable..that is my perfect bag. | |
. | 5/31/2008 1:57:24 | usa | kenny | 23 | single | only through america | north face | hand me down | straps coming unstuffed just a bit | heavy, looks big and bulky even when close to empty | camelback, multi use, cooler area | 40-60 pounds | no | once or twice | no | | no | No | yes, good for hitchhiking | yes, good for drinking | clothes | http://www.hobolifestyle.com | No | too much space | No | no wheels | one | http://picasaweb.google.com/KenFlannery/RoadToArizona/photo#5168956199494760082 | light raincoat/windbreaker | laptop fits in a daypack that fits in main backpack | twice, once unexplained with a "lens error" and the the second time sanded and watered by the pacific ocean on a late night beach trip | umm... couchsurfing.com? | it's ok, fits everything I have, keep trying to get ride of stuff until i need a smaller bag | hasn't busted | nope, just Keens and some good socks | internet | yes | i like one big pocket, maybe a couple other big ones. nothing that can be pick pocketed. | no | no, backpack is best, hands free | No | watchful eye and cheap stuff and no worries | not off the top of my head | that it's also a sleeping bag | |
. | 6/9/2008 0:26:31 | United States | Shannon | 24 | Single female :) | Studied abroad in Italy for a month, then traveled in Italy, France and Ireland for another month. | Smuggler | ? | the zippers on one of the bags, and the wheels on the duffel were a nightmare...the bag would not wheel properly and continually tipped over when wheeled. | I should have never brought two to start with, but basically I didn't like the maneuverability when your pack is too wide, you can't turn in plane aisles and you accidentally knock things over when turning around. | I carry a laptop, and my search for the perfect bag includes finding one with a daypack so that I can simply detach it when checking my bag and carrying my laptop on the plane, or to the local internet cafe... I don't want to have to carry two separate bags. But at the same time, I worry that the detachable day pack on the larger backpack makes it an easy target for theft... | less than 50 pounds | On that trip I actually sent the extra bag home with a fellow backpacker returning to the states, and had them ship it to my parents' house. | always | no, though almost when a pickpocket shoved a map in my face and tried to nab my purse. | In France on the subway... I was separated from the boys in our group (they were a bit ahead of us) and us two girls were easy pray, he tried to lift the magnetic flap on my day bag where my camera was easily accessible | no | No | no | No, but am considering it for my upcoming year of backpacking. | | | Yes | Essential. It is always a good idea to have some water on had since traveling can be soo dehydrating. I was never without one, and I filled it whenever i could with clean water, even if it meant carrying an extra pound, it was always worthwhile. | No | wheels on both bags | two- a wheeled duffle bag and another wheeled bag | | yes | yes... I am still figuring that out. I didn't carry my laptop on the last trip, but will be bringing on this trip, and as mentioned, I am searching for a backpack with a detachable daypack backpack so that I can easily carry my laptop. | No, though almost lost the camera to the pickpocket in Paris. | Hostel - $ 20-30 US | Can't seem to find the perfect one yet... :( But I leave in four months, so the search continues. | duck tape? that works for so very much. | yes! | | I hike reasonable mountains - no snow, easy to moderate hike with little equipment needed other than your feet, food, and water. | yes, I definintely use the pockets when they are designed for the essentials - but there is a fine line between having some pockets, and having sooo many that you are constantly zipping and unzipping little ridiculous compartments to find what you want. | no | hmm, it could, but a little division is beneficial so that things aren't falling out everywhere when rifling through the bag. | Yes | For the upcoming trip I plan on purchasing a pac safe covering for my backpack. | I know someone who had their bag slashed by the little old lady next to them when they feel asleep on a bus in Guatemala. | A really well designed way to carry a laptop/daypack bag that doesn't invite theives to steal your daypack when it is attached to your big backpack, that would be lovely... and to have the pac safe technology/safety integrated into the bag. | |
. | 6/9/2008 1:56:44 | USA | Johnny | 39 | Single | 1 month | Atlantic | $200 | zipper, lining | zipper broke | | 28lbs | | | no | | | No | no | no | | JohnnyJet.com | No | | No | Wheels | 2 | | yes | yes, in my laptop bag | no | | | duct tape or take to local seamstress | no | I carry Frommers | no | | | | No | | | | |
. | 6/9/2008 19:33:57 | usa | dave | 23 | single | 6 months | Osprey Aether 45 | 200 | mothing | Only had one big pocket. Hard to organize stuff that way. | | | yes | almost always | never | | no | No | Yes, usually strapped to the bacl | no | | | No | always have one and keep it in my smaller backpack | No | | I big bag on the back. Sometimes a small back pack (the size you use for school) when I accumulated too much stuff. | | no | no | no | $25 | | Zip ties, duct tape | if they are going to be hiking for more than a couple hours over moderate terrain | tear out the sections I need and leave the rest at home. Re-bind sections with duct tape | | mine doesn't haver them, I could have used them though | no | thats what I had. It held a lot but if you need something on the bottom the only real way of getting it is to empty the whole thing. | No | when travelling never let it out of my sight. When at hotel/hostel live it in my room if private if not put in locker. At the very least padlock it to my bed frame and take the most important things with me (passport and money/credit card) | | | |
. | 6/10/2008 2:33:08 | USA | Robin | 36 | single | current trip, 9 months & counting: SE Asia & ME
lived in Nepal 1yr | Bangkok market knockoff | | tie down straps, one zipper did't have a stopper & came off, repaired some seams & recently the retractable handle broke...so looking for a new bag now | given where I bought it, I don't have high expectations | adjustable dividers...maybe just a wide strap that could be attached to a few different locations to keep things from jumbling all up. | 30K | haven't returned! | only used them while trekking | knock on wood, no, not this trip
had laundry stole from a clothes line in Nepal & my change purse stolen from my backpack on a bus in Guatemala | | no | No | yes but a super light weight & not a sheet | no | solar charger was the most expensive thing I threw away... can't remember all the rest & there was a lot | http://www.gadtramp.com | No | Normal bottles of water don't really leak anymore so why carry special water bottles | Yes | WHEELS definitely!!! When I can use them they're great...rather not risk my back. Also found locals much more eager to help with your bag if it's not a backpack...downside, looks like you have more money. | Front pack & main | | not a poncho, a rain jacket | yes, in a fedex mailing envelope to protect from rain & then in my day pack's computer pocket | yeap, dropped it & broke the LCD screan but it has a view finder so I'm still using it | 0-10 | don't | needle & heavy thread or a local guy | depends on the person. I have cute girly shoes that have hiking treads (Keen brand) | been trying to buy LP's downloadable chapters but that's not a great option either | nothing too serious anymore | yes | no (I do take a razor & slash off the parts I don't need) | no | Yes | Must lock! Also use a retractable cable to secure my bags in certain circumstances | no | area for shoes that zips out & can be washed by itself | |
. | 6/13/2008 14:36:26 | usa | David M | 43 | single | 2.5 months. | | | Nothing has broken. | I love the system I developed. | Hatch at bottom (on side) of larger pack where can access (slide out) a smaller pack at the bottom. Zippered divider isolating items above from the smaller pack below (This way items don't drop out when you open the bottom hatch).
With the above set-up, it is like two small packs in one big backpack. Smaller pack can be easilyremoved by opening the bottom hatch.
| 70 | No. | Alot. | No. | | | | | | | | | | | None | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
. | 6/17/2008 2:27:22 | Australia | Fiona | 23 | Single | 1 month - soon to be six months | Mountain Designs & Vaude | $400 + $120 | Mountain designs...
I expect that clips will break - the plastic seems tough, but if stepped on, etc, may snap.zips - some are getting stiff already. They are YKK, but...still....
internal divider - the bottom pocket is stuffed tight - putting pressure on internal divider.
Mesh internal pocket - mesh is too flimsy, can be ripped easily.
Vaude...
elastic on some parts - will stretch with age. stitching - some already unravelling. fabric is thin - maybe not good for sharp objects. | Mountain Designs:
Small useless pockets. Flat pockets that run inside the lining do not expand or get squashed when the bag is full - useless. over-the-shoulder clip (it is stored in an external pocket and can be added to give a long, over the shoulder handle). The bag is always too heavy to use. Bladder pocket between frame and internal compartment. If bag was full, bladder would explode. Must remove all contents to fill...too much effort for big bag. prefer water bottle if that thirsty.
Vaude - external zippers only have 1 zipper bit per zip except for main compartment - can't lock
interal compartment not square - it slopes to nothing at the bottom. Not a standard shape. | rain coat,
good zips and lockabe zip parts
regular sized compartments
sturdy material
simple design
as light as possible (why carry heavy bag - my gear is heavy enough) | <20kg approx 16kg total. | I hope I will not. I will try very hard not to. I may post items home if needed. | I always use it, unless travelling a very short distance (car to bedroom, etc). My bag is too heavy not to use it. makes a big difference. | I hope not (obviously) I am extremely careful and diligent (I think more than average) and I am only traveling in USA. I always lock my bag. Thinking about getting a pacsafe mesh cover - but it's pretty expensive. I plan to stay mostly in homestay, hostels or camping. Camping is most stressful for theft. | N/A | I doubt it - I will not be on boats | Yes | Yes - I plan to camp. I have a good sleeping bag, liner and bed roll. I have a small 2 person tent. It all fits in bottom pocket in backpack, minus the tent posts and tent (the tent travels broken up separately), Once I arrive, I put the tent in it's bag and strap to the top of my pack. | Yes, I may not end up using. They are no user friendly. I also find that they drag on floor when put down (the mouthpiece gets germs) and I am always afraid they will pop. | I may not end up camping as much as I think - therefore, cooking and camping equipment. I will not ditch anything - all too expensive. I have planned my gear to last for a long time for many trips. I will have a car, so extra annoying items can be stored in there.
Repair items probably not - long time travelling may make more breaks on my bag/gear. Six months only means limited problems. First aid - kind of necessary, especially when hiking. probably (hopefully) will never use it.
| Andy,
This entry might not be useful for you. I am about to (2 weeks away) embark on a 6 month backpacking trip around the USA, then moving to UK to use as a base for more travel. I am pedantic about my equipment. I have researched, analysed and planned everything - starting from 3 years ago when I bought my backpack. I thought it might be interesting for you to see a "before" and "after" of my backpack. I will fill out the form now with all my expectations, and then fill it out again when I've finished, so you can see if the bag met my expectations and what I did or did not expect to happen.
My blog - www.fionagalloway.blogspot.com | Yes | I would prefer to buy a plastic bottle every few days and reuse than to have an important one, then I can not worry about it, or buy a smaller one if my bag is fat, or a huge one if really hot. | No | No wheels. Why waste space and engineering on something which isn't necessary for me. I am young/fit. It is a burden to wheel a bag and those wheels always look too flimsy for me. When they break it will be $$ to fix, and may even be impossible. I don't think they look useful - just a gimmick. | 3
1 big backpack, with it's little front pack attached to it.
1 25L quality (vaude) backpack for day use and carry on luggage. It will go on my front, and the little day pack will stay attached to the big one. Total size would be about 102L (a lot!!!) | See blog soon. www.fionagalloway.blogspot.com
Vaude splash air 20+5 http://www.ken2studio.com/pic/backpack/vaude-splash-air-20plus5-1.JPG
Mountain Designs Columbus 65 (this is a new model, mine is 3 yrs old and has less "stuff" on it)
http://www.mountaindesigns.com/Index.cfm?Action=Products&Subaction=productDetail&ParentCategoryID=43&CategoryID=65&ProductID=273
| I hate umbrellas. I hate poncho's. I have a waterproof jacket with hood. I have a rain coat for both my bags. My important gear (laptop, camera, video camera, electricals, mp3, etc)...are stored in my day (vaude) backpack in a waterproof stuff sack. I bought this specifically because I hate umbrellas, etc. I have had a problem previously where i had stuff in a plastic bag inside a backpack, and it got rained on and the phone got wet - the plastic bag was worthless. I invested in water proof stuff sack to stop this problem. No matter what, I only have to worry about me and dry-able things being wet. Important stuff will always be safe and dry. | Yes. I have bought a 2.3kg HP laptop 14". I want to show my family my travel, I want to be mobile and connected. USA is an easy country for connection. I have car. It's a no-brainer, I don't need to worry about the effort. I think the benefits will outweigh the annoying. | My dig camera may break - it is getting old and has some "senior moments". my new very tiny video camera is cheap and plastic. (though, not THAT cheap). I have good, padded and hard cases for them. They will also be in waterproof stuff sack. I use and put away, use and put away. I never walk around with camera out. I am very concerned for my gear - always the best for my equipment. My care allows it to keep serving me. Like a good slave owner loves its slave and takes care = better slave ;) | Free or <US$30 per night | comfortable, fulfill my desires for each one. sturdy enough. fits everything - I have a plan for filling and it's all like a perfect jigsaw puzzle. | I have a seweing kit wil all sizes of needles, etc and strong cotton. Should be able to repair just about anything wrong with backpack. I also have a variety of security ties, velcro, string and duct tape. I prefer to fix myself than pay for someone. Then when the fix fails, I know exactly why and how to fix again. Saves me from guessing what someone else did. | No.
But I am taking some - I intend to go hiking. Although, I do not think that people need boots to hike ever, except maybe in extreme snow.
I think comfortable sneakers are ok. scuffs for indoors and some outdoors. I like boots, because I can wear them daily, long lasting, waterproof, comfortable. one shoe, many uses. Can wear always (except for nice dinners). | I do not like guidebooks. I would rather use my laptop. If I were going to a country with limited internet, maybe I would buy electronic guidebook. If no electricity - I would take a map and maybe highlight on the map before I go, what is good. If a difficult language, maybe take phrasebook - but still no guidebook.
I think they are too expensive and I refuse their control on my trip. | Not proper rock climbing. Hiking, yes - overnight, yes...I will use my Vaude and strap everything to the outside. 1 clothes, electrical, food and stove inside. tent, sleeping bag and bed roll on outside. only short stays. Probably 2 days max. Bag too small, otherwise. | No and No. If I need things stored together, I will make my own small internal bag and keep in that purpose built - light material, less stitching.... Don't force me to conform with bag design. I want an empty hole, where I can choose to put my things. Not a shelf that tells me big things must go here and small things must go here. | mmountain designs is thick
vaude is thin - susceptable to cuts. I must be careful. | Maybe. It would need to be sturdy and hold its shape somewhat. a harness is good for me. A big floppy bag from a harness is bad - bag must stay firm and hug the harness. One big pocket is good. mine has an internal divide that can be removed. very handy. | Yes | Mountain designs bag has maybe 6 external zips.
2 in top "rucksack bit" that go into 2 separate pockets
3 into main compartment
1 into harness area.
I put a key TSA lock on 1 top and 3 main compartment locks.
This time I will also put one on harness, as I am storing tent in there for flying.
Small Vaude is never out of my sight - it is my baby. I have a combo lock with cable attached to it for tying things together. I have a carabina which closes the main compartment of Vaude - to stop quick opportunistic theft. It's not much, but it stops a grab and run. | Yes - they were drunk and stupid. No excuse. other than that - only temporary | Less stupid little pockets. comfort - actual real comfort. Less gimmicks and just simple quality. Increased fancy-ness = increased problems and break points. Instructions on making my own inserts. I always sew my own stuff sacks. Not only is it cheaper, but it's lighter and will fit everything perfectly. I like to compartmentalise things - small bags are necessary.
I like your bucket in the bag idea.
I reckon a "pick'n'mix" of stuff is good. No one bag is perfect for all. I could go online, tick components...eg..
<60L, harness not wheels, one compartment that can divide, double zippers, thick zippers, this material for a stronger bag.
The key is versatility without a million add-ons. the more hooks, zippers and clips, the more things that break. I have 2 carabines and 2 straps. I will tie things together and hang things off if I need them to. Multi-function things are good. 1 item many uses are my favourite.
FWIW - I am buying a folding bike on my trip. I will let you know how that goes. It will fit in a suitcase. Ultimate in portability..I can travel with only a bike and a bag. My dream is to be able to go anywhere without relying on others as much as possible.
www.bikefriday.com | |