Backpack recommendations

Inquisitor · 7 Apr 2010 at 23:17

I'm looking for a reasonably sized bag for travelling/backpacking abroad. Ideally something that'll carry enough stuff for about 2 or 3 months of travelling around developing countries – probably 60-70 litres?

Does anyone have any suggestions? Any good brands or anything I should bear in mind while looking?

Inquisitor · 8 Apr 2010 at 11:17

Thanks for the advice guys! Is there really any problem going to Blacks or Millets if I'm going to be buying a decent brand anyway?

I like the look of the Berghaus Jalan and Alpine Low Ridge mentioned

Inquisitor · 8 Apr 2010 at 11:52

Going to go out today and check out some of the bags you've all recommended! Does anyone have any experience with Kathmandu bags?

Inquisitor · 8 Apr 2010 at 16:56

I looked around at the Lowe Alpine and Berghaus travel pack offerings today, but they seemed a little too travel oriented; what I'm after is something that I'll be able to use as a makeshift walking pack if needs be. The Osprey packs looked very nice (the Aether in particular), but didn't seem that suited to travel.

Currently, the Kathmandu Interloper X-Pac (£140) seems like the best bet for my needs, as it has top, front, and bottom access plus a day bag. I tried it out in store (with load) and it felt very comfortable; can anyone comment? The 70l version apparently was ideal for me – a little bigger than I'd otherwise have gone for, but then I do have some bulky camera equipment to take with me, so perhaps it's not such a bad thing, and it also allows for more stuff to be brought back

It also expands as necessary, so it doesn't have to be a full 70l if it's not full.

The Haglofs packs also look really nice but there's nowhere nearby that I can try them out unfortunately.

Inquisitor · 9 Apr 2010 at 09:26

Dammit, the Macpac and Aarn packs look great too, but there's nowhere nearby that I can try them out

divaboy said:
So true I read that somewhere I took it literally and it works so so well. You see people carrying 100l backpacks on local buses and thing I do wonder what the hell they have in them things

I went to India last August with an older pack and I can see how true it is, actually

What I'll do is just leave loads of space in the bag and compress the top lid down so that it's small-ish until I start filling it up with junk to bring back!