backpacks - backpacking

[paiseh]

Hi guys, any good backpacks to recommend? Budget around $150. Going backpacking around europe alone for about a month, so i need something durable, able to take trashing and hand carry in train cabin.

 

The north face solaris 40litre looks good. was quoted $225. but the quality dun match the price leh. I see some deuter quality also better. but i dun really know how to see la, just feel feel only haha.

 

any recommendations?

[aRcHeR]

post removed

[paiseh]

these look good.

 

40litres

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj79/montel777/Deuter%20Acc/FuturaZerocombined.jpg

 

 

42 litres

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3795722433_689e72c589.jpg

[PBbombomlee]

I'm using a cheap backpack, looks smaller than 50L, got it for $80 at Beach road. Says Outgear vision 80.

 

Use it for about 6 years already, 2 - 3 times a year. Thats about 60 days+++ 2 months.

Been standing up to abuse quite well.. brought it for a 10day camp in Thailand too.

[Tachnicolour]

Tatonka. I buy from and have recommended friends to buy from this particular shop in army market. chop chip huat or some thing along those lines. Think a 50L one with their X1 steel frame cost my bro low 200. Lasted him 6mths in New Zealand and still without damage/frays/tears.

 

I carry a Cerro Torre, also from the same shop. Much better strap material as compared to deuter. For the Tatonka, it's a backpack that becomes one with you for a low price. Of course there are 6-800 ++ dollar packs which can do the same. Personally, I think deuter is s***. Material wise, beefy hip pad on the tatonka, almost half-an-inch thick shoulder straps. makes the deuters look like toys.

 

For that shop, do some reading up on the brands you like, go there act like old friend. Think the boss' name is steven or henry or some thing like that. Say last time buy the backpack from them blah blah, finally wearing out, time to get new one. Maybe easier to bargain. heh heh.

[Prankster]

Hi guys, any good backpacks to recommend? Budget around $150. Going backpacking around europe alone for about a month, so i need something durable, able to take trashing and hand carry in train cabin.

 

The north face solaris 40litre looks good. was quoted $225. but the quality dun match the price leh. I see some deuter quality also better. but i dun really know how to see la, just feel feel only haha.

 

any recommendations?

 

Topic aside...

 

Mind to pass me ur itinery and let me noe the amount of money spent after u come back?

[Silverelf]

Tatonka. I buy from and have recommended friends to buy from this particular shop in army market. chop chip huat or some thing along those lines. Think a 50L one with their X1 steel frame cost my bro low 200. Lasted him 6mths in New Zealand and still without damage/frays/tears.

 

I carry a Cerro Torre, also from the same shop. Much better strap material as compared to deuter. For the Tatonka, it's a backpack that becomes one with you for a low price. Of course there are 6-800 ++ dollar packs which can do the same. Personally, I think deuter is s***. Material wise, beefy hip pad on the tatonka, almost half-an-inch thick shoulder straps. makes the deuters look like toys.

 

For that shop, do some reading up on the brands you like, go there act like old friend. Think the boss' name is steven or henry or some thing like that. Say last time buy the backpack from them blah blah, finally wearing out, time to get new one. Maybe easier to bargain. heh heh.

Yeah that uncle is darn friendly! I like to go to his shop too however I have not bought a backpack from him. Bought mine from another shop nearer to the staircase. Jack wolfskin. Been with me since 2005.

 

I don't think a 40 liter pack would be enough for me for 1 month! lol.

[stanco]

Tatonka. I buy from and have recommended friends to buy from this particular shop in army market. chop chip huat or some thing along those lines. Think a 50L one with their X1 steel frame cost my bro low 200. Lasted him 6mths in New Zealand and still without damage/frays/tears.

 

I carry a Cerro Torre, also from the same shop. Much better strap material as compared to deuter. For the Tatonka, it's a backpack that becomes one with you for a low price. Of course there are 6-800 ++ dollar packs which can do the same. Personally, I think deuter is s***. Material wise, beefy hip pad on the tatonka, almost half-an-inch thick shoulder straps. makes the deuters look like toys.

 

For that shop, do some reading up on the brands you like, go there act like old friend. Think the boss' name is steven or henry or some thing like that. Say last time buy the backpack from them blah blah, finally wearing out, time to get new one. Maybe easier to bargain. heh heh.

 

got so bad meh? mine have been with me the past 6 years, through army, overseas and school... still going strong.

[paiseh]

I'm using a cheap backpack, looks smaller than 50L, got it for $80 at Beach road. Says Outgear vision 80.

 

Use it for about 6 years already, 2 - 3 times a year. Thats about 60 days+++ 2 months.

Been standing up to abuse quite well.. brought it for a 10day camp in Thailand too.

 

wow sounds good. any dimensions? actually i need something that can hand carry and fit into air plane cabin.

 

Tatonka. I buy from and have recommended friends to buy from this particular shop in army market. chop chip huat or some thing along those lines. Think a 50L one with their X1 steel frame cost my bro low 200. Lasted him 6mths in New Zealand and still without damage/frays/tears.

 

I carry a Cerro Torre, also from the same shop. Much better strap material as compared to deuter. For the Tatonka, it's a backpack that becomes one with you for a low price. Of course there are 6-800 ++ dollar packs which can do the same. Personally, I think deuter is s***. Material wise, beefy hip pad on the tatonka, almost half-an-inch thick shoulder straps. makes the deuters look like toys.

 

For that shop, do some reading up on the brands you like, go there act like old friend. Think the boss' name is steven or henry or some thing like that. Say last time buy the backpack from them blah blah, finally wearing out, time to get new one. Maybe easier to bargain. heh heh.

 

yeah, i agree. deuter's material like not very good, but i not very pro at seeing la. haha. i only compare it with The North Face which supposed to be a good brand.. i see both material like not much diff.. looking for something better.

 

btw, im upping my budget to $200. hopefully can find a good one from queensway or army market.

 

Topic aside...

 

Mind to pass me ur itinery and let me noe the amount of money spent after u come back?

 

yeah no problem.. actually entire of europe very accessible with eurorail. but tickets are very ex. need to plan carefully.

 

for eg, a one way train trip from FRA - frankfurt (Ger) to BRU - brussels (belgium) cost SGD200.

[Silverelf]

wow sounds good. any dimensions? actually i need something that can hand carry and fit into air plane cabin.

 

You are going on a one month trip with only a hand carry luggage or is this on top of some other luggage that you will be carrying?

[paiseh]

Actually i am leaving Sg for a yr in Europe, so i have my main luggage. my 1 month backpack trip is 6 months after i have settled down.

 

as this is my first time backpacking, not to mention alone, based on your experience, will a 40litre backpack be sufficient? anything more than that like cannot hand carry liao.

[PBbombomlee]

wow sounds good. any dimensions? actually i need something that can hand carry and fit into air plane cabin.

 

 

I'll take a picture of it and upload it tomorrow. If you're free, can come down and take a look.

[paiseh]

I'll take a picture of it and upload it tomorrow. If you're free, can come down and take a look.

 

thx man. tmr i going queensway haf a look.

[Tachnicolour]

got so bad meh? mine have been with me the past 6 years, through army, overseas and school... still going strong.

Hhmmm, I've carried deuter in the past. Always end up with chafe/abrasions when I wear a singlet cuz the strap material is thinly padded with some darned hex-shape-hole pattern. Also, the hip belt is too thin to actually bear weight to transfer to the hip, so a lot of weight on shoulders.

 

When I carried my Cerro Torre with all my climbing gear, rope/metal hardware/clothes etc, 70L pack, easily weighed 30KG or so. 2days of walking + bus journeys in singlet and no chafe marks. Just damned sore legs. haha. weight transfer solidly to hips.

 

Also, I hate the nasty habit of the waterproofing tends to flake quickly in deuter.

yeah, i agree. deuter's material like not very good, but i not very pro at seeing la. haha. i only compare it with The North Face which supposed to be a good brand.. i see both material like not much diff.. looking for something better.

 

btw, im upping my budget to $200. hopefully can find a good one from queensway or army market.

If you do go to the army market, and they have a tatonka in your size/price range, it'd be worth a shot. Much tougher material as compared to deuter or even cerro torre.

 

For more or less serious backpacking, get some thing with good hip pads. You want the weight to be on your hips, not your shoulders. Them shoulder straps just for holding the pack to your back, so it doesn't fall back. If the hip pads are too floppy, no use. If it creates hotspots due to your body shape, also not a good idea. Get a friend or someone to tug down holding the frame of the pack, see if the pads will take the weight properly without pulling your pants down.

 

just my 2cents.

[Silverelf]

Actually i am leaving Sg for a yr in Europe, so i have my main luggage. my 1 month backpack trip is 6 months after i have settled down.

 

as this is my first time backpacking, not to mention alone, based on your experience, will a 40litre backpack be sufficient? anything more than that like cannot hand carry liao.

 

I don't have experience backpacking for 1 month, although I have been away from Singapore for a couple of 3 month periods before.

 

It really depends on what you deem as essential. I find that I have a 'baseline load' as in I will bring that amount of stuff even if it's a 3 day trip. When I went overseas for 3 months, I was probably the one with the least luggage cos my additional load over my 'baseline load' was miniscule. It just shows that I have a large 'baseline load' I guess lol.

 

You probably have to take into account the places you will be staying in and how many changes of clothing you think you will need. If you can do laundry you might need lesser changes of clothes. Of course, the weather is a big consideration as well.

[ken_nerve]

Tatonka. I buy from and have recommended friends to buy from this particular shop in army market. chop chip huat or some thing along those lines. Think a 50L one with their X1 steel frame cost my bro low 200. Lasted him 6mths in New Zealand and still without damage/frays/tears.

 

I recommend Chop Chip Huat too. My friend went there anyhow choose one bag based on design without trying. Instead of making the sale, the uncle told my friend that the bag was a woman's specific design and offered suitable alternatives for him to try.

 

Was alone in Europe last yr during Sept to Dec. Used a Tatonka 50L bag with V1 suspension system. Very comfy for when I spent 2hrs walking around Amsterdam looking for a cheap hostel.

 

The overhead compartments on most of the trains I took were a tight fit for my fully stuffed 50L pack, but a 40L pack should fit fine.

Budget airlines were quite stringent on the carry on size and weight, the bigger airlines were more lenient.

 

But might I suggest you bring down your stuff to the shop? That way you can be sure the bag is big enough and you can test it with the actual load you will be travelling with. Also allows you to see if the bag is convenient for you to pack.

 

If you're backpacking during the colder period, 40L might be abit small...

[Prankster]

Actually i am leaving Sg for a yr in Europe, so i have my main luggage. my 1 month backpack trip is 6 months after i have settled down.

 

as this is my first time backpacking, not to mention alone, based on your experience, will a 40litre backpack be sufficient? anything more than that like cannot hand carry liao.

 

Cool. Will be waiting for the itinery from u den. Btw, when u leavin?

 

1yr in Europe. How nice...

[GuiNNeSS]

Actually i am leaving Sg for a yr in Europe, so i have my main luggage. my 1 month backpack trip is 6 months after i have settled down.

 

as this is my first time backpacking, not to mention alone, based on your experience, will a 40litre backpack be sufficient? anything more than that like cannot hand carry liao.

 

In this case, just buy your backpacking luggage overseas after you settled down and ready to backpack. And a month before you backpack, if cannot find cheaper suitable bag, then have someone buy in sg and post over to you.

 

Different climate in Europe, you will need different items readily available. So your backpacking has to depend on which date, countries and what you really need and what kinda travelling you will be doing. Since you are based in Europe, and will be returning there for your flights home. A 40 litre bag might have been too excessive.

[GuiNNeSS]

Essential items for backpacking/travelling:

 

1) sturdy metal spoon

2) Sturdy metal fork

3) Crocs shoes (cover the toes; has holes to run off water; easy to slip in and out.)

4) Beach towels, rolled up serve as pillow, neck cushion, used as blankets on hot nights, and at the beach or in the showers. Hang on your shoulder to dry and easily accessible on your bag. The expensive fast dry towels from Outdoors shops is good, but you might not need them.

5) Lots of ziplock bags.

6) A waist/fanny pouch is great to sightsee with

7) A secure money belt under your clothes.

8) lots of wet tissues & tissue packs.

 

And many more....

 

But....you should drop by the army market Singapore, buy lots of those canvas kitbags. Its good, lightweight and save on luggages. At least four, for your trip and for your return trip, and its good to carry around for your backpacking. Preferably one green colour one to hold your laundry. Just dump into the washer and dryer at various stops. Really re-useable.

[GuiNNeSS]

Rationale for the crocs. You wear with socks, can wear thru customs, easy to take off, put on and lightweight enough. Great for the beach or the public shower rooms where you might pick up feet warts & whatever fungus.

 

And you dont necessary need a pair of hiking shoes. Some crocs works in that sense. Get them hiking shoes in Europe where walking is done plenty there so its cheaper, if necessary. Note the shape of your feet, cos we are sometimes Broad instead of the normal Caucasian Narrow.

 

Have credit cards in different wallet and bag so wont lost all.

 

Same with flight tickets and your important documents, inlcuding your credit cards. Just dont let ppl know what is your CCV number.

 

Have them photostated and keep in various luggages. If you got robbed or things stolen/lost. Those photocopies might just help to identify you and allow you on the plane back or some minor conveniences until you get replacements.

[paiseh]

.......

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely visit Chop Chip Huat. Maybe tmr. hehe

 

......

Thanks for the advice. Since its my first time, i guess it is safe to take the army backpack as a baseline benchmark? lol except that i will put in more clothings and definitely a pricky heat powder!

 

.....

Hi Ken, I will be backpacking at the end of Jan or mid Feb. just after winter. Hope the weather is favourable. im more afraid of heat than cold actually..

 

 

.......

i leaving Sep! feel a bit scared leh.. first time leaving Singapore + going for a yr + alone... going to spend lots of money.. haha. lucky thing is Euro dropped quite a lot. I changed @ 1.71. now 1.74.. hope u goes down further den i will change again

 

......

Hi kitty, really appreciate your advice. Especially the impt documents. I really think i shld photocopy them just in case. thanks man

[lutein]

You're going to Europe, not some god-forsaken hill-tribe. What you need, you can easily buy. No need to bring too many clothes, you can easily get laundry done. Happy travelling!

[GuiNNeSS]

Depending on your actual timing of your backpacking trip, and whether you will be sleeping in the parks/forest/hostels or on the train. You need to consider packing different gears for different climate. So its kinda too soon for you to decide on a backpack now.

 

Consider the army kitbags first. And Pack basics for your year long trip first. Duplicate your documents and consider getting your CNCC, IDP & a year long travel insurance. You also should consider going up to MFA website to register the dates of your travelling.

 

And national service liabilities?

 

For some discounted flight or railway travel, you can also apply for student price privileges?

[paiseh]

You're going to Europe, not some god-forsaken hill-tribe. What you need, you can easily buy. No need to bring too many clothes, you can easily get laundry done. Happy travelling!

 

haha u r rite. but a bit nervous and excited la. its like going for your first operation to remove your appendix.

 

Depending on your actual timing of your backpacking trip, and whether you will be sleeping in the parks/forest/hostels or on the train. You need to consider packing different gears for different climate. So its kinda too soon for you to decide on a backpack now.

 

Consider the army kitbags first. And Pack basics for your year long trip first. Duplicate your documents and consider getting your CNCC, IDP & a year long travel insurance. You also should consider going up to MFA website to register the dates of your travelling.

 

And national service liabilities?

 

For some discounted flight or railway travel, you can also apply for student price privileges?

 

 

Yes, i bought student packages (flight and insurance) from STA Travel. its much cheaper. recommended by my neighbour who is riding too

 

For the eurorail, above 26 den no discount, even if u r student. there is Eurail pass that i can purchase though. just for those who are interested, u may visit here (http://www.eurail.com/eurail-our-products)

 

as for NS, i deferred my ICT already, this week will clear IPPT and apply for exit permit.

[GuiNNeSS]

Here's my standard nagging for travellors and since you are a guy, so yours is easier.

 

Wear:

 

1) long sleeve tee, jeans, socks & pair of crocs. (Undies is up to you.)

2) A windbreaker with hood.

3) Fanny Pack.

4) at least a netbook with wireless capability & its charger

 

5) Your house keys, Singapore currencies & hanphone. But leave the charger in Sg. or if you can get a multi country socket overseas. I think our 3 pin chargers is still safer to use overseas, cos they protect against power surges.

 

Pack:

 

1) 3 sets of clothes. Pants, bermudas & jeans with collared tops/longsleeve tees.

2) 3 sets of sleepwears (its optional, but might be safer that you covered up or they will throw you out of the hostels or you might find yourself mounted at some parks too easily).

3) 6 sets of undies and socks (Undies is up to you, but socks is necessary.)

4) Pair of proper leather shoes, to go with the pants for formal occasion. Belt too. (You might get away with just wearing a polo collared shirt, but buy a shirt there, just in case.)

5) Swimming trunks, or if your bermudas can double as one.

6) at least 2 beach towels. (And I mean the big ones.)

7) Johnson clean & clear face wash. Can double as bodywash and even shampoo.

8) Deodarant sticks/sprays, unless of course...you werent intending to meet people and counting on your body ordour to scare away rodents too.

 

9) of course, copies of your documents.

10) insect repellents, sunblocks, moisturiser & lipbalm or small bottles of olive oil to moisturise, cook or do whateve hanky panky.