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Backpacks; Rucksacks and/or Suitcase queries

«13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,300 ✭✭✭Gatica


    that looks like a very big backpack for just 3 weeks! 70lt total seems quite a lot of work.

    We travelled for a month with 35lt (+8 sidepockets) each, it was tight but much easier to carry in the heat and get around in taxis and tuk tuks.
    I'd say with more room for souvenirs I'd not go over 50lt. We got these:
    http://www.columbia.com/Endura%E2%84%A2-35/UU9464,default,pd.html
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Freeflow-35-Mens-Backpack/dp/B004L9LQEU
    They're a bit more expensive but you get what you pay for.
    It's worth having the freeflow tech backpacks as it just keeps some of that heat and sweat off your back.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,607 ✭✭✭VinylJunkie


    Cheers will look into them both.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 515 ✭✭✭con1982


    I have a 88ltr Osprey backpack. It's been to Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia with me. Cost £110 about three years ago in London. The fibre mesh back surround is essential for hot countries. It gives a gap between your back and the main bag. Never had any problems with leaks either. Lots of nice pockets too.

    It is similar to this one.
    http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/mens/xenith_88


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 69 ✭✭bluemagpie


    Deuter is a great brand too, I have had one backpack from them that is ten years and still going. Agree with the other poster I wouldn't go for anything over 50 litres, and if anything about 40 that expands to 50 is as far as I'd go. Realistically you don't need much gear with you, you can wash your clothes wherever you are yourself or done for you for fairly cheap, and if you really really need anything Thailand will sell it and more.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,416 ✭✭✭Danniboo


    Has anyone seen the 35ltr backpacks that are in Lidl, and would you know if they'd be decent enough quality?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,625 ✭✭✭Fol20


    Hi guys,

    Do any of you have any recommendations for back packs? What would be the best size - 40l,50l or larger?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 503 ✭✭✭poteen


    Fol20 wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    Do any of you have any recommendations for back packs? What would be the best size - 40l,50l or larger?

    Lots of good stores in Country in any of the main cities. In Dundrum shopping centre (outside in the units) I think its called Snow Mountain Rock or something along those lines. they have a good selection and will see what fits your bag. I would not advise going over 45L. Anything else is just too big and heavy and you pack it with excess. Pack smartly and with discipline and save the weight trouble.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,300 ✭✭✭Gatica


    good thread on backpack discussion earlier in the year here:
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=86463245

    I had a 35+8lt backpack. Would've liked another 5 lt for bringing back gifts though. So I think 40-45 in main compartment is good. As poteen said, you don't wanna be lugging a massive backpack, unless you're a big fella yourself I suppose.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭mosstin


    6 months in SE Asia probably means that you won't need to be bringing many warm clothes, hence less bulk. I'd always go with the larger backpack though, simply because if I pick something else up along the way it's not a hassle to be packing on my way home.
    That said everything's so cheap over there that you easily get away with the smaller backpack and pick things up as you needed them over there. Most 40-50l backpack aren't cumbersome nowadays anyway and you're unlikely to be carrying them for any prolonged length of time.
    Oh - as for recommendations, I've had a Deuter for the last few years now. Fantastic backpack.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 4,385 ✭✭✭Nerdlingr


    Fol20 wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    Do any of you have any recommendations for back packs? What would be the best size - 40l,50l or larger?

    This is the one I used when I went off for 6 months. Osprey Farpoint 55L.
    Was perfect for my needs.The day pack was excellent too. Think it was 45L for the main bag and 10L for the smaller one. (they do different sizes) The small bag can attach to the front of the main bag as well if needed. So you can have the main bag on your back and the smaller attached onto the front if needs be . Its not a top opening bag either so you dont have to rummage down through it to try and find what you need. Think i paid about 90 quid for mine back in the day. Here's a review on youtube.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,185 ✭✭✭mosstin


    Some pretty decent info here from REI. One other thing you might want to consider - do you want a pack that you load from the top or from the front i.e. the entire front of the pack zips open allowing easier access. For me I've found that the latter is infinitely preferable as it'll mean you can pack and find things easily. Happy travels.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 samsung511


    I took a 44 litre bag no problems. Go on amazon and they sell bags big enough for you to take on the planes. usually around 40-44liters.

    backpacks are too big imo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Interailing during the summer, looking for a decent backpack (not too big!!!!!) - is there somewhere online I should look, or a bricks & mortar shop that has a good deal. Any particular brands that are 'better' or is it down to personal choice?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Any opinions on this one?

    http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/p-963-berghaus-jalan-55-10-womens.aspx

    Is it okay to buy offline? Or is it necessary to go into a shop and 'try' it on?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 69 ✭✭bluemagpie


    The brand is good and most bags should fit fine as they usually have flexi systems so you can change the strap lengths etc, so unless you are quite short or quite tall you won't really need to try before you buy. You could have a look in the shops to see how big the 55 litre bags are, but I'd recommend using a smaller bag 40 litres should be sufficient, in the end you can buy anything you need as you go and the lighter the bag the better.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    I thought as it was that 55L would be 'just enough'. I don't really want to have to buy extra things en route. Where do I put them if I do? :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,300 ✭✭✭Gatica


    Where are you travelling to? If you're going somewhere warm, your clothes will be smaller and lighter. So wouldn't be the same as going to a colder climate where you'd need the bulkier pants and sweaters. Also, if you're big or tall, your clothes may be bigger than if you're short and slight.
    Just take these things into consideration. We went to SE Asia for a month during rainy season, we had a 35+8L and a 35L backpack. It was fine for clothing but was hard to stuff in some presents and souvenirs.
    I think 45 would've been plenty though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Okay thanks for that.
    Inter-railing Europe, mostly Eastern Europe.
    I'm not v strong so don't want a v big backpack either.
    They're v expensive, had a look online, €100+?!
    At least I have another 7/8 weeks to source a good one
    Thanks for all of the suggestions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Me again.
    Is there any REAL difference between backpacks aimed for women and those for men?
    I'm looking at one and the female one is £30 more.
    Are they adjustable for any size/height?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 69 ✭✭bluemagpie


    I don't think there is any real difference, some of the women's are just designed so they can adjust the back length for shorter people, but you should be able to adjust the mens as well on most brands. It should say in the description on the web but most brands are adjustable now, doubt it is worth the extra £30!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,300 ✭✭✭Gatica


    yeah, I think unless you're very petite men's backpacks should adjust fine as there are plenty of men who are not very tall as well. I also think the whole "women's" tag is usually a marketing ploy to get you to pay more for "specialised" goods, and also more likely to come in the pink/purple colour range.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Ye are right so I've gone for the Berghaus Verden 45L for €55 inc delivery.
    Excited!
    It's quite a shocking price on the official Berghaus website though! :-0
    http://store.berghaus.com/p/equipment/mens-verden-45-plus-8-rucksack/434515


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,300 ✭✭✭Gatica


    Looks great!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Thanks :-) The blue one was so much 'prettier' but couldn't be justified in a month of Sundays for £30 extra! :-0


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,561 ✭✭✭Duff


    Hey guys,

    Going interrailing in June for 3 weeks. Have all our stops and hostels sorted. Just wondering what size litre rucksack I'd need for everything? I'm thinking 70L? Any recommendations?

    Cheers.


  • Registered Users Posts: 103 ✭✭edunne2010


    Please DO NOT BUY a cheap Rucksack, get one that has lots of padding for your shoulders...On arrival on train, please lock your rucksack to the luggage rack, and watchout when leaving smrtphones etc on the tablet....

    I would also recommend getting a smartphone app for European Rail travel.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,561 ✭✭✭Duff


    edunne2010 wrote: »
    Please DO NOT BUY a cheap Rucksack, get one that has lots of padding for your shoulders...On arrival on train, please lock your rucksack to the luggage rack, and watchout when leaving smrtphones etc on the tablet....

    I would also recommend getting a smartphone app for European Rail travel.

    The prices I'm seeing for 70L are between €50-70, does that sound about right or a bit cheap?


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,644 Mod ✭✭✭✭Daisies


    70l is way too big. I just used a 55l for 6 months. Remember if it's big you will fill it and it will be very heavy.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,561 ✭✭✭Duff


    Daisies wrote: »
    70l is way too big. I just used a 55l for 6 months. Remember if it's big you will fill it and it will be very heavy.

    That's what I was thinking, not sure on how much clothes to bring, I usually pack way too much even when I'm going for a weekend away..:rolleyes:


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,644 Mod ✭✭✭✭Daisies


    Duff wrote: »
    That's what I was thinking, not sure on how much clothes to bring, I usually pack way too much even when I'm going for a weekend away..:rolleyes:

    When my 55l is full it was pretty heavy. Buy a smaller bag and even if you fill it, it won't be too bad. I would also try them on as it's hard to judge from looking online how comfortable it will be.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 24 corkleo


    I use a 70+10l for interrailing. I keep in it a lot of stuff so to wash it rarely. If you wash your clothes more often you could go with a smaller one, and this would be better.
    Also note that, if the bag is good quality, once you have it on your back correctly in place and with the correct setting you won't feel too much weight. I bought mine for 140 euros, if it helps knowing, and am very happy with it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 69 ✭✭bluemagpie


    I'd recommend a smaller bag, I used 40l expandable by 10l for a year and it was grand. You can pick up anything you need around the place but you are just not going to need that much, you can wash stuff as you go. I had trekking boots, cold and hot weather gear in the bag too. Definitely buy a decent brand, loads of them out there deuter, osprey, berghaus etc are all grand, have a look at the sizes in the shops but 70l is a lot of gear, and very heavy!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,300 ✭✭✭Gatica


    corkleo wrote: »
    I use a 70+10l for interrailing. I keep in it a lot of stuff so to wash it rarely. If you wash your clothes more often you could go with a smaller one, and this would be better.
    Also note that, if the bag is good quality, once you have it on your back correctly in place and with the correct setting you won't feel too much weight. I bought mine for 140 euros, if it helps knowing, and am very happy with it.

    It's grand if you have a trolley handy for wheeling around big bags or maybe if you're just doing a couple of transfers. I can't imagine it being comfortable if you wanna be quick and light on your feet. We were able to jump into a cab with our bags without having to put them into the boot and it was really handy in dodgy looking places where one might worry about the driver going off with your luggage in the trunk. It was also great when we had to walk around to find our accommodation. In SE Asia easy to get on a tuk tuk with a small bag than large cases too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Check out the Berghaus one I bought above.
    It's 43L + 8L if needed so really 52L. That's well enough. I'm only small so don't want a big heavy yoke!
    70L is WAAAAY too big


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭alwayssideways


    Just wondering if anyone has ever used Aldi backpacks for travelling? I'm planning on doing a 6 month trip in SE Asia early next year and I just spotted this in the special buys in Aldi this Thursday.

    https://www.aldi.ie/en/specialbuys/thursday-26th-june/products-detail-page/ps/p/trekking-backpack/


    Would it be foolish to cheap out on a backpack? Potential bargain alert though if the quality is decent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,992 ✭✭✭DavyD_83


    A tried & tested Bargain in my book!

    I used to do a lot of camping, hiking etc with scouts at various different levels.
    I still have a rucksack I got in Aldi a few years back (must be ~10 yrs now :eek:) that has seen me through a fair few adventures.

    It is comfortable to carry, doesn't sweat the back off me, and has stayed fully intact, zips and all.

    All depends on your level of expectations I suppose.
    You're not buying North Face product, or paying NF prices; so you can't expect the same quality, finish and small features, but it should definitely do the job :)

    Best advice would be to go into a couple of outdoor shops (Rambler's way; Trespass; Great Outdoors etc) check out varying priced bags, try them on, figure out what you like and want.
    Then go to Aldi and see how their bag lines up.
    From my experience the Aldi rucksacks will probably be as good as the rucksacks up for around €80 in the shops.
    example: http://trespass.ie/accessories/bags/trek-66-66-litre-rucksack.html

    If you want a top of the range rucksack, there is no cheap alternative.
    Mid-range, Aldi is your man!


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 6,335 Mod ✭✭✭✭PerrinV2


    Looking for a recommendation for backpack too guys.
    Gonna be travelling around europe for a few weeks so looking to get one.
    Browsing through the argos website I imagine something like this would be far too big
    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9152021/Trail/searchtext%3EBACKPACK.htm

    Judging by the comments here.

    Also would anyone be able to hazard a guess to the size of this?
    Litres wise.thanks
    plecak1m.jpgplecak5m.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Looks big enough. I'd guess about 65L.

    I got a Berghaus Verden 45L last year. Paid about €80 delivered. Well worth it. Such a comfortable backpack.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 923 ✭✭✭biohaiid


    Hi,

    I'm heading interrailing with 2 friends in June for 10 days, and am unsure what backpack to bring.
    We have some old hiking/camping backpacks in the house, but they seem excessively big for 10 days, and much too long to be allowed in Ryanair cabins.
    So, I've been searching online and have been finding the whole thing quite confusing.
    What size should I be going for? 30l? 50l?
    Bear in mind I would like to fit it in the Ryanair cabins, don't really fancy checking it in.
    I also think I'm able to pack fairly light.
    Does anybody know of where I could get a fairly good quality one (don't care how ugly, just needs to be comfy) fairly cheap, i.e less than €50?
    I've found some online, but again, the size confuses me.
    Recommendations of reasonable brands would be great too.

    Thanks!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    Remember if you're checking bag in your toiletries will be limited. I'm a woman and went for 3 weeks so it was different! Ten days is nothing.. Leave the 50l at home! I had a 45L one for my trip.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 360 ✭✭Humour Me


    I had a 38l backpack for my last 2 interrail trips which was perfect. Easy to carry on and off of buses and trains and big enough to bring everything while not overpacking.

    I got my bag in the great outdoors, they were brilliant. they put weight in different bags for me to try on so I could check the fit - since I'm a girl, the shoulder straps on some bags were too wide so the bag sat on the wrong part of my shoulder if that makes sense. I would definitely recommend trying a few bags for fit, you could always try and get the bag cheaper online.

    I think my bag was €95 but backpacking is one of my favourite ways to travel so it was an investment for me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 551 ✭✭✭Todd Gack


    biohaiid wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm heading interrailing with 2 friends in June for 10 days, and am unsure what backpack to bring.
    We have some old hiking/camping backpacks in the house, but they seem excessively big for 10 days, and much too long to be allowed in Ryanair cabins.
    So, I've been searching online and have been finding the whole thing quite confusing.
    What size should I be going for? 30l? 50l?
    Bear in mind I would like to fit it in the Ryanair cabins, don't really fancy checking it in.
    I also think I'm able to pack fairly light.
    Does anybody know of where I could get a fairly good quality one (don't care how ugly, just needs to be comfy) fairly cheap, i.e less than €50?
    I've found some online, but again, the size confuses me.
    Recommendations of reasonable brands would be great too.

    Thanks!

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cabin-Max-Backpack-Approved-55x40x20/dp/B002Q5APX4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404123255&sr=8-1&keywords=cabin+max+backpack

    A similar branded bag (e.g. Lowe Alpine, North Face), which would be higher quality, is €80+


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,832 ✭✭✭crushproof


    Berghaus keep having sales on Amazon at the moment. I got a 40L rucksack down from £70 to £28, great buy. Solid quality too, I expect it will last me years and years. Don't go buying a cheap brand, the stitching isn't great and the back supports can be fairly insufficient. As HumourMe suggested, you should check shops for sizing etc.
    40L is definitely the max I would go though, previously had a 35L and it suited perfectly for trekking around Europe. You'd be mad to have a giant 70L in the middle of a sweaty European summer!
    The less clothes the better, you can easily wash them anywhere!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,877 ✭✭✭purplecow1977


    crushproof wrote: »
    Berghaus keep having sales on Amazon at the moment. I got a 40L rucksack down from £70 to £28, great buy. Solid quality too, I expect it will last me years and years. Don't go buying a cheap brand, the stitching isn't great and the back supports can be fairly insufficient. As HumourMe suggested, you should check shops for sizing etc.
    40L is definitely the max I would go though, previously had a 35L and it suited perfectly for trekking around Europe. You'd be mad to have a giant 70L in the middle of a sweaty European summer!
    The less clothes the better, you can easily wash them anywhere!

    Oh my god that is excelletn value.
    Thought I was doing well with my Berghaus one for €60 delivered I think it was, maybe more. (€120 on the Berghaus website!)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭killbillvol2


    Todd Gack wrote: »

    That's a great bag for the money. I've been using one for about three years now with no signs of wear and tear. It carries enough for me for 8 week trips but I do travel light.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,832 ✭✭✭crushproof


    For a medium sized bag, this Berghaus Freeflow II 30L is on Amazon at the moment, reduced from £77 to £27.
    I have the next size up, only problem with mine is I can't take it as carry on luggage. They are superbly built bags with excellent support.
    Perhaps you can with the 30L version...
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Freeflow-II-30-Backpack/dp/B00IG71SKU
    81uqb420kWL._SL1500_.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,321 ✭✭✭Jackobyte


    Hi,

    I'm going interrailling for 3 weeks and I am looking to check in a bag with Ryanair. I picked up a backpack from the local hiking store, a vango nanga 60L bag. I was just wondering if anyone would know what weight such a backpack would be for checking in? I've a choice between 15kg or 20kg baggage allowance and I was unsure which would be more appropriate. I have no idea how to visualise the size of such a weight. Have never travelled in such a manner before so this is all new to me.

    Thanks.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Jackobyte wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm going interrailling for 3 weeks and I am looking to check in a bag with Ryanair. I picked up a backpack from the local hiking store, a vango nanga 60L bag. I was just wondering if anyone would know what weight such a backpack would be for checking in? I've a choice between 15kg or 20kg baggage allowance and I was unsure which would be more appropriate. I have no idea how to visualise the size of such a weight. Have never travelled in such a manner before so this is all new to me.

    Thanks.

    You would have to pack it and weigh it to find out. Stand on the bathroom scales with it packed on you, then weigh yourself without it and subtract the difference. You will know which option to purchase. Ryanair could be strict on weight sometimes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 83,416 ✭✭✭✭Atlantic Dawn
    M


    You can buy cheap travel scales with hooks on them in Dunnes Stores and sometimes in Lidl/Aldi. If you live near the airport you could go in to the desks before and weigh them, plenty of empty desks.


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