Gear and equipment forum

Which Backpack!

Drew84

longtail driver
Posts: 6

Hey guys and gals, planning a trip for mid aug for a month to Thailand and surrounding area and looking for a nice light backpack for the journey! I'm on a budget (arent we all) and have a couple in mind... lookin for opinions and possible alternatives. I'm a mid 20's male planning to pack light....

Option #1 - Osprey Talon 44 - $130
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___65587

Option #2 - Lowe Alpine Zepton 50
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___67316

Thanks in advance guys and I apologize for the cross post in the Thailand forum, I just found this one and it seemed more appropriate!

#1 Posted: 6/7/2011 - 10:15
goonistik

adventurer
Posts: 326

If you are not going to be hiking around, a travel backpack is better. Perhaps the Osprey Porter 46?

http://www.rei.com/product/803307/osprey-porter-46-travel-pack

#2 Posted: 6/7/2011 - 12:44
johnbarring-
ton

motodop
Posts: 22

I have never had a problem with Eurohike. I would check that company out.

#3 Posted: 21/10/2011 - 19:05
frasmc

motodop
Posts: 29
frasmc

An alpine-style pack like you are looking at might save you a few bucks but will not be as enjoyable to travel with as a more travel-designed pack would be. Since you seem to want more of a pack than you do luggage, I would suggest the Kelty Pawnee (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___90286) if you prefer to buy from Campmor. This pack of theirs is also a fantastic deal: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___88680#. Alternately, either of REIs Vagabond Tour 40 or Tech Tour 65 packs, depending on how much you want to bring (I take it from the Campmor phone number you are buying in the States). 40 litres will mean packing very light, but is totally feasible, especially if you don't have bulky essentials like daily contacts and don't mind having just a few changes of clothes, especially shorts/pants. Shirts pack small, but pants and khaki/cotton shorts take up a lot of room. Fortunately the latter almost never get dirty (I will admit that I have been wearing the same pair of cargo shorts since picking them up in Bangkok over a week ago).

My own pack is an Eberlestock Halftrack which I settled on after much experimenting with various models and sizes, and I absolutely love it.

#4 Posted: 21/10/2011 - 22:05

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www.ecologicalbackpacker.com
muniwood

newbie
Posts: 1

Most people cannot travel this light, but for the past 20 years we carry a basic 30 litre pack
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/Daypacks/PRD~5018-419/mec-genie-30-dsl.jsp

The advantage is it fits in the carry on luggage on the plane and overhead bin or under the seat of buses. You never have to put it in the baggage compartment.
For Asia what do you need? few clothes, fleece jacket, camera, kindle and iTouch. If you go somewhere cold for a few days borrow or buy a cheap coat and give it away after!
If you can do it it's a really great way to travel!!

#5 Posted: 22/10/2011 - 01:10