Buying a backpack, any tips?

When I was 17 years old I bought a basic looking backpack at a jumble sale. I took it with me around Europe by train when I was 18 years old. I ended up buying a hip belt for it in Stockholm and then the two compartment merged into one. It was wide and bothersome on narrow corridors on trains. I liked it when I went to a camping shop on Charing Cross Road in London. It had hundreds of backpacks. There I got an idea of the different makes of backpacks. I bought a Karrimor light blue and gray backpack. It lasted on my travels from 1991 to 2005. Then I bought another backpack at a shop in Bristol. I miss my Karrimor backpack because that had been excellent. On trains it is best to have a tall and narrow backpack. On planes it is lovely to have a wrap to put the straps in. I like a backpack to have a small low compartment, a big high compartment, side pockets, a strong looking outside and a rain cover. It has to have an extension part at the top because that proves helpful. I think that 6o liters plus 10 liters is the minimum size I suggest. Good luck choosing your backpack and I wish you happy travels.

Any old backpack just won't do. You need to take care in choosing the right backpack for you. You need one that is comfortable on your back, both empty and full. Don't weigh yourself down too much. Nothing can be worse for your back than a loaded down backpack that was really not the right size for you. good luck in choosing.

There may be some backpacking Mylotters out there,but unfortunately,I'm not one of them..but it seems there are as many different types of packs as there are people wanting to use them! There's so many variables you need to take into account-your own size and carrying ability,how much stuff you want to bring along,if you want a framed or frameless pack..it's not a "One size fits all" decision,you'd maybe need to try a camping specialist place,and get measured for a suitable one to fit you..having the right amount of support is,I understand,important,and I recall a Friend telling Me waist strapping to prevent the load moving around too much made things more comfortable..good luck with the purchase!

I think the weight is very important. If the backpack seems to be heavy when it is empty, probably you have to find another one. I don't know which kind of backpack you want. If you are not having a surviving travel, then a simple but durable backpack is already good enough for you. The material shall protect from the rain and water. The belts shall be strong and thick so that you will feel easier to carry it. I love China

I have this backpack- the brand is "Hawk", it's still strong after 5 years. It's also kind of waterproof and the one you put on your shoulders has parring so it doesn't hurt at all. You should also choose a branded one but with a reasonable price.

You might try reading some shopping site reviews of certain packs that you are interested in. I have never been backpacking either, but I did buy a backpacking sort of pack once when I went overseas for study abroad. I wanted to be able to carry my stuff and leave my hands free while I traveled to and from my host stay. From that experience the one thing I can recommend is try to find one that is ergonomic, easy on your back and lightweight. There is this guy who has a travel show on PBS named Rick Steves and I believe he carries a line of backpacks that are supposed to be good for getting the most stuff in the smallest space. But I've never tried those products, so I don't know.