Which backpack?

[AP03]

I am planning on backpacking through Europe for 5 weeks this summer. Most of my travel will be via rail and stays in hostels, so I won't be doing all those extreme activities depicted on the websites of the backpack manufacturers. I went through and found some possible suitable backpacks:

Gregory:
Palisade
http://gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=7

Lowe Alpine:
Karakoram 70+20 http://www.lowealpine.com/Products/Detail....ificActivityID=

Frontier 75+20
http://www.lowealpine.com/Products/Detail....ificActivityID=

Osprey:
Aether 85
http://www.ospreypacks.com/aether_85_70.htm

Eagle Creek:
Voyage 65L
http://www.eaglecreek.com/10051.html

Ultimate Explorer LT
http://www.eaglecreek.com/10050.html

Dana Designs:
Glacier
http://www.danadesign.com/packs/arc/glacier.asp

The North Face:
Crestone 75
http://thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tn...e=NA&model=APH3

The size range I am looking is around 5000-5500 cubic inches, enough to hold my clothes and any souveniers along the way.

Which do you guys think would be the best? Am I missing any?

[@dam]

All high quality bags, but all enormous. See if one is more comfortable than the others.

[kingcrazylegs]

Is there a specific reason you are looking at such big packs? Just wondering. I have the Dana Design Glacier that you mentioned, and I love it. Great pack, very comfortable and certainly worth your money.

Of the other packs, the Lowe Alpine looks like a great pack as well. I like the specs. The North Face pack look decent as well. If you are looking at hauling that big of a load though, you might want to stick with the Glacier.

[AP03]

I am relatively new to backpacking and just thought that roughly around 5000 cubic inches is what I needed.

I am backpacking for 5 weeks, and anticipate packing a couple of pairs of pants, a pair of shorts, a sweater, a long sleeve t, and about 3 short sleeve shirts, in addition to a week's worth of underwear and socks; I anticipate doing laundry once a week while on the trip. The rest of my packing will be a guide, a camera, 2 pairs of shoes, a rain jacket, a sleeping sheet and other miscellaneous items. I would also like to pick up souvenirs along the way.

I have soured the net looking for articles on this subject and have read everything that you guys have to say. Personally, what size would you recommend? My shopping range is anywhere from $0 to $250USD.

I would like something that is not only a top loader but also provides easy access to the main compartment, and with good hip support. Obviously when I have a few nailed down on spec I would go to a store to see how they fit for comfort. What packs would you guys recommend?

[Joker]

Personally, I've found my Eagle Creek (trans-continental journey) to be a decent pack. I believe the 65L is the replacement for it.

However, IF I had to do it again, I would have gone for a Dana likely.

The Ultimate Explorer is a massive pack. REALLY freaking huge. Not many places carry them in stock for you to try on. But trust me, its BIG.

Something to think about: Basic stuff you can buy there. You are going to Western Europe- not SE Asia or Central America (even there you can get away with it). Unless you absolutely have to have something with you, plan on NOT bringing with to save space...

[kingcrazylegs]

As regards size, I would suggest between 3400 - 4300 cubic inches. The only reason to get a bigger pack is if you do backcountry or expedition camping and need to carry a tent regularly. Or if you plan to travel for months on end.

Topic picks in that size range would be (in no particular order):
Marmot: Eiger 55

Dana Design: Bridger

Dana Design: Swift Traveler


The bridger is very simular to the packs that you were looking at, especially the Glacier. The other two have a removable day pack, and one that is small enough to get on and off easily without being in the way.