Generally speaking, the choice comes down to two types of "hauling" equipment. 1. A more traditional suitcase that has wheels and a handle to allow for dragging through train sta
tions and airports or 2. An internal frame backpackers backpack that, like the name says, you carry on your back. The first option may be good for the traveler who is flying into Paris and staying in Paris at the same hotel for the duration of the trip. They will only need to move to and from the airport or train station once and can leave the luggage unpacked in the room for the whole time. That being said, anywhere I travel there is little that is more frustrating than trying to run to make a train departure and having to weave in and out of slow moving and disoriented travelers draggi
ng large suitcases behind them as if they were part of a Japanese game show and you were the contestant who will soon fall flat on your face. Then when you get to your train it is invariably these travelers trying to hoist their overloaded suitcase up to their travel partner in the train, who already has two or three other suitcases around them, that are blocking any movement or entrance to your car or seat. All of this only makes the hilarious scene of these travelers trying to maneuver a suitcase on two small wheels over the cobblestones and uneven walkways of Europe more enjoyable. So...by now you may have guessed my choice in luggage.
tions and airports or 2. An internal frame backpackers backpack that, like the name says, you carry on your back. The first option may be good for the traveler who is flying into Paris and staying in Paris at the same hotel for the duration of the trip. They will only need to move to and from the airport or train station once and can leave the luggage unpacked in the room for the whole time. That being said, anywhere I travel there is little that is more frustrating than trying to run to make a train departure and having to weave in and out of slow moving and disoriented travelers draggi
ng large suitcases behind them as if they were part of a Japanese game show and you were the contestant who will soon fall flat on your face. Then when you get to your train it is invariably these travelers trying to hoist their overloaded suitcase up to their travel partner in the train, who already has two or three other suitcases around them, that are blocking any movement or entrance to your car or seat. All of this only makes the hilarious scene of these travelers trying to maneuver a suitcase on two small wheels over the cobblestones and uneven walkways of Europe more enjoyable. So...by now you may have guessed my choice in luggage. On every trip I have taken, whether it is 7 days or 40, 1 country or 6, an internal frame backpack is what I use. This type of pack allows you to move about hands free so you can keep an eye on that all important map and is for all intents and purposes just an extension of yourself. This means that you can hop on a train and find your seat or climb the stairs to your hotel room without the struggles of carrying a suitcase. Being hands free also has its advantages when trying to walk down a moving train car in Italy...it may just save you the embarrassment of landing in a local's lap. New suspension systems on these types of packs relieve a lot of stress on the back and make carrying one of these quite comfortable, especially when you consider everything you own is inside it. If you are going to visit severa
l locations and use public transportation to get there, this is the way to go.
l locations and use public transportation to get there, this is the way to go.Purchasing a pack that has easy access to its contents is important. Some people prefer a bunch of outer-pockets for separating one's belongings and others like one big "sack" like pack that everything fits into. In any case you want to be able to get to your clean socks that are at the bottom of your bag without taking everything out of it and having to re-pack every time. In terms of size I have found that 4500-5000 cubic inches (that's how the capacity of these packs are measured and noted at the store) has been perfect for short or long trips. All-in-all I pack about the same for all trips (see the packing check list I have put together) and this size allows for a little extra room for souvenirs but not so much that I end up buying stuff just to fill it and end up overloaded. In fact 4500-5000 cubic inches really makes it hard to over-pack and that can make your trip much more comfortable. In addition, a pack this size usually falls within the carry-on limits for international flights making the whole disembark and find your bag fiasco a thing of the past (just watch what you pack or you may loose your Swiss army knife or fingernail clippers. Buying these things once you land is worth the benefits of getting to your hotel quickly right after an 8 hour flight).
As for what one should spend...this can vary because of any number of factors; not the least of which is how much you can afford. That being said, I see no reason one should spend more than 300 dollars on a backpack like this. $200-300 will get you a pack that will last for many many trips and years and several models now have the option of adding extra storage by attaching supplemental pockets if the need arises.
No matter how much you decide is the right amount to spend try the pack on in the store and ask the salesperson to fill it with weights. This will allow you to see how the pack fits and if it is the right size and shape for you. Most camping supply stores that carry internal frame backpacks will have large beanbag type sacks that can be put into the pack to simulate the weight of your clothes and travel items. Try to find a specialty store in your area as these will have knowledgeable staff who understand the products and genuinely love what they do. This of course translates, usually, into a willingness to help you through the sale by answering all your questions. REI, Trail and Ski and Bass Pro shops (outdoor world) have always been my favorite stores to shop in for packs or other equipment.
Lastly you may be asking why an internal frame pack and not the good old external backpacking packs. Simply put t
he external packs are outdated. They do not stay as close to your body and therefor put more strain on your back and tend to be much broader which makes moving down plane or train isles difficult. The internal frame pack tends to be much more comfortable and maneuverable and with new designs you don't have to worry about airflow to your back on hot days. Taking the time to find the right type and a size of pack is as important as getting the right pair of shoes. This thing is going to essentially be your home and best friend for a couple weeks and you need to likewise feel comfortable in it and want to keep it around.
he external packs are outdated. They do not stay as close to your body and therefor put more strain on your back and tend to be much broader which makes moving down plane or train isles difficult. The internal frame pack tends to be much more comfortable and maneuverable and with new designs you don't have to worry about airflow to your back on hot days. Taking the time to find the right type and a size of pack is as important as getting the right pair of shoes. This thing is going to essentially be your home and best friend for a couple weeks and you need to likewise feel comfortable in it and want to keep it around.
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