Need a backpack for Europe trip and Hiking

[Kerouactivist]

I've been needing to get a backpack for awhile.
I need the backpack for two purposes.
The first being I'm planning on going to Europe next summer for about a month and want to get a pack I can use on the trip. Pack about a weeks worth of cloths into and a DSLR(might just take a smaller digicam).

The second reason I need a backpack is I've recently got into hiking need to complete the big three (Bought a REI Roadster tent and North Face Orion Sleeping bag, yesterday)
Will probably only use the pack for a max of a three day hike (tent, sleeping bag, pad etc...)

I would prefer something with a detachable daypack and an internal frame....
I'm preferably looking to spend under $100 bucks but generally just looking for good value for my money.. edit($100-200 would probably work as well)

Their are so many options out there, I'm not really sure where to start.
I've never bought a real pack before, I've been using my Jansport from college, but I hurt my shoulder the other day using it and I think it's time for an upgrade.

Any suggestions or help is great appreciated....

 

[chorb]

You are going to be hardpressed to find something that will suit you for under $100, although REI does have a sale every once in a while where they sell returned items for a discount (usually nothing is wrong with them or have been repaired by REI). But even then your still going to be looking at around $100 bucks at least I would say.

While there is probably no need to go spend $500 bucks on a pack you might as well just pony up to $200 and get a decent backpack that doesnt suck, and will be comfortable and practical; it will make your trips more enjoyable, because there is nothing worse than walking 15 miles and every step of the way in pain or unsatisfied with your pack.

 

[oboeguy]

Under $100? No way, not for anything worthwhile. I'm quite fond of my Gregory Pallisade which I've used for "European backpacking", real hiking in the Pyrenees and in NY state, and even as luggage, because I'd rather wear my luggage than drag it. It's HUGE, has a pouch for my Camelbak and the top is detatchable as a daypack. Probably way out of your price-range, though.

 

[DrPizza]

You might be able to get a decent Kelty for around 100...

edit: I think we paid about 139 for my son's backpack; it has everything you mentioned - internal frame, detachable daypack, pouch for a Camelbak, etc.

 

[Kerouactivist]

Well, you guys have convinced me what can I get if I upped my budget to $200

 

[Triumph]

Used?

and my DSLR is a bear to carry around. Takes up so much space, even when it's just the body and lens. a regular point & shoot is so much more convenient (but then you give up the awesome pictures)

 

[sash1]

L.L. Bean !!!!!!!

 

[sash1]

like these?

LL Bean rocks

 

[Achtung]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
You might be able to get a decent Kelty for around 100...

Got a Kelty myself, the Redwing 2900, a few years back for somewhere around $100. Doesn't have the detachable daypack (Eagle Creek makes a nice one that does), but it fits the carry-on size and has enough room for everything.

 

[Kerouactivist]

Originally posted by: Triumph
Used?

and my DSLR is a bear to carry around. Takes up so much space, even when it's just the body and lens. a regular point & shoot is so much more convenient (but then you give up the awesome pictures)

I'd go used if I have too...would prefer new but used is fine.

 

[DrPizza]

I've hiked with Kelty packs quite a few times, I've had that sucker filled with as much as 70 pounds of gear. (I chaperone a high school backpacking club every once in a while... I tend to over-do it. While everyone else is eating ramen noodle soup and the like for dinner, I'm sauteeing shrimp, cooking some ribeye steaks, baked potatos, etc. For breakfast, they're eating instant oatmeal; I'm whipping up a batch of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, OJ... It's hard to say if it's worth it to carry the extra weight so that I can spoil myself.)

 

[Kerouactivist]

Well just to update the thread I got an Osprey Aether 60 and it is real comfy......Not the perfect pack for a European backpacking trip but great for hiking...... I may end up just getting something else for the europe trip....

 

[GoSharks]

The Aether 60 is a great pack.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

I would say a North Face Backpack should do you well. My GF used one of these (Similar style) to backpack through Europe after her high school graduation.

 

[uberman]

I'm happy with the backpacks I have. I wouldn't know what to recommend today, I'm not shopping. I have bought packs from a manufacturer and have had them redesigned to meet my needs. Go for an internal frame pack with the following: compression straps or lacing to cinch the load into a tight bundle, sternum strap, a storm flap, painers that can be added to the side and a comfortable belt and shoulder straps with lots of adjustments. It's great if the pack opens at the bottom as well as the top. Lots of zippered pockets are a plus.
I've redesigned packs because the manufacturers said they could not build a pack with the features I wanted and be competitive pricewise. I took a small pack and added compression straps and a sternum strap.
I have two packs, one for carrying things along with a tent and sleeping bag, USA and Canadian travel. The small pack is for traveling with a change of clothes, shaving kit, etc. when I travel overseas and stay in hotels for $2.00 to $6.00 a night.
When your packed up, it all comes down to weight. I sold my top of the line North Face Tent and my lighterweight coated Eureka tent. The two man North Face Tent weighed 7.7 pounds. I bought a 3.25 pound tent from warmlite and had it for twenty years. This is the best of the tents when traveling light and they go up fast.
[http://www.warmlite.com/start.htm]

 

[angrymaxx]

I went backpacking in Europe for 3 weeks a couple of years ago with a Kelty Redwing. I loved it. It's got a lightweight internal frame, hydration pack, lots of storage and compression straps. I'm not sure if they make them anymore though. I got it from campmor for about $80 at the time.
I'd check out this pack though:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store...y?productId=39167056&memberId=12500226
I don't really care for the color but it sounds like it has the features and price you are looking for.
BTW you prolly want to look around campmor for other stuff to take with you. The prices are great and I always load up on stuff when I order from them.

 

[uberman]

Originally posted by: angrymaxx
I went backpacking in Europe for 3 weeks a couple of years ago with a Kelty Redwing. I loved it. It's got a lightweight internal frame, hydration pack, lots of storage and compression straps. I'm not sure if they make them anymore though. I got it from campmor for about $80 at the time.
I'd check out this pack though:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store...y?productId=39167056&memberId=12500226
I don't really care for the color but it sounds like it has the features and price you are looking for.
BTW you prolly want to look around campmor for other stuff to take with you. The prices are great and I always load up on stuff when I order from them.

:thumbsup:::thumbsup: Campmoor is great, check out the hot deals section for sunglasses and watches. You should physically try on a backpack for fit.