For those of you that have done some traveling

[BeauJangles]

I'm leaving (in about two weeks) to stay in Berlin for six weeks while taking summer courses and then traveling for another three weeks afterwards. My question is just what should I pack my belongings in? For the time in Berlin it doesn't much matter because I will be staying in one place, but when I'm traveling later on I will be moving from city to city every few days.

I was thinking a large backpacking backpack but I don't know what brands / sizes / etc. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Beau

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

army duffle bag :thumbsup:

 

[kami333]

If you have enough money to buy one, a backpack. Get one at least 3500cu in, just go to somewhere like REI and get fitted for one.

Rolling bags are nice if you are going to be able to take a taxi door to door but they are impractical on the many cobblestone streets and your shoulders will hurt a lot if you have a bag that just goes over one shoulder.

 

[BeauJangles]

any specific recommendations?

 

[Trey22]

Ever see Tommy Boy?

Plastic garbage bag and some duct tape is all you need.

 

[BeauJangles]

I meant more like what kind of backpacks should I be looking at? There are a few on ebay that seem pretty cheap, but I also looked on REI and saw some for $250 - $500. What brands and things should I be looking for?

Thanks!

 

[keeleysam]

Just go to REI and find someone that knows alot about the backpacks. Have them fit one for you and your needs.

 

[datalink7]

Originally posted by: Nik
army duffle bag :thumbsup:

 

[grrl]

I've used a North Face for 10 years now with good luck. The Crestone 75 looks really good for $200.

I've seen some people using duffle bags, but you can't wear them like a real backpack, and there will be many times you will want everything strapped to your back.

 

[yokomo]

I would second the mitilary A-bag it is water resistant easy to carry and you can lock it... also easy to identify spray paint your name on the side with stencil's that is what I use..

 

[austin316]

get a timbuk2.com

best backpacks, plus they have street cred, err, rather, urban hipster cred.

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: Trey22
Ever see Tommy Boy?

Plastic garbage bag and some duct tape is all you need.

A black bag, tho, so the crooks can't tell what's in it.

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
I meant more like what kind of backpacks should I be looking at? There are a few on ebay that seem pretty cheap, but I also looked on REI and saw some for $250 - $500. What brands and things should I be looking for?

Thanks!

Whatever fits you the best. Just go to REI or a camping/sports goods store and start trying them on, the fit can be very different and make sure you put some weights in it too to see how it feels when full. Then go online and try to see if you can find it for cheaper if you want to save some money. Remember that you might be walking around with 40lbs+ for extended periods of time so make sure it is comfortable.

link This is the one I have, I've taken it to Russia twice and Poland once on one week trips, and a bunch of other places for shorter. Some people like ones that have detachable day packs, I usually just put mine on top and close the flap.