travelbag/backpacks advice

travelluci

Hi there,

I started looking for a travel bag/back pack for back packing next June for a year (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China). Went into the Great Outdoors in Dublin today and while the guy was a great help, they really only have two brands - Deuter and Lowe Alpine.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on what type of bag to get and where to get it in Dublin? I'm not too bothered about cost - just want to get the best really as it will be my home for a year!

I was told that I should go for around a 55:10 size as I'm a girl but I'm quite tall (5ft9). I suppose I don't want it too big as I would be miserable lugging it around everywhere but also don't want to find myself short on space. Also I heard that top loaders should be avoided.

Was impressed with the bags that open all the way round like suitcases but they're not as technical as the others and are also heavier. Was also impressed with the day packs attached to some - they would be so handy for day trips and for my notebook I think.

Any advice would be REALLY appreciated - thanks!

Four of a kind

Hi there,

Im looking at getting the deuter Quantum packback(see link below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KgrlqYgw9w

I've done alot of digging for a decent backpack for my upcoming asia trip as the one I have at the moment had no detachable daypack like above.

Also you can attach the daypack to the front as you can see in the video which is also a big plus.

The only thing is I can't seem to be able to order it online from either an irish or uk based site. Amazon.co.uk won't ship it to ireland for some reason and I hate to have to pay extra custom tax on it if I buy from the states.

But its a very good bag from what Ive researched and its the one I'll be going with for sure.

Maybe the shop in Dublin had that version of deuter?

dory

I'm a girl, also 5'9 and I was miserable with a 55L. And those ones with the attached day packs make you unbalanced if there's anything in them!

Have a search in the Independent forum for the big thread on bags. Remember; there is a direct connection between the size of your bag and your happiness level! This is why I now carry only carry on and just wash my clothes more often.

For my first trip I had a packed to the brim 75L and almost died from the weight. I then had a rollie and the wheels went side ways. Bought another one which is great fr some places but many countries have bad footpaths. Also, these also hurt when heavy, strains just one side of your back whereas backpacks at least even the strain out!

travelluci

Thank you so so much for your help guys!

Four of a kind

dory wrote: »

I'm a girl, also 5'9 and I was miserable with a 55L. And those ones with the attached day packs make you unbalanced if there's anything in them!

Have a search in the Independent forum for the big thread on bags. Remember; there is a direct connection between the size of your bag and your happiness level! This is why I now carry only carry on and just wash my clothes more often.

For my first trip I had a packed to the brim 75L and almost died from the weight. I then had a rollie and the wheels went side ways. Bought another one which is great fr some places but many countries have bad footpaths. Also, these also hurt when heavy, strains just one side of your back whereas backpacks at least even the strain out!

But the ones like above can be clipped onto the front which makes it that bit easier for keeping your important gear in while walking?

newbie!

We have a Sporthouse backpack which opens down the side like a suitcase. My husband normally carries this one as its a little big for a girl but it holds everything(!) and is easy to find things rather than using a stuff-down top.