help in choosing which backpack

S

spuispui

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Messages
1,003
Reaction score
15
Hi guys, i'm getting my backpack real soon for my solo trip and gonna invest to get a good one for long term basis. Many backpacker here gave good recommendation and comments about not getting a big backpack. Basically I wanted to get the north face Terra series.

The North Face Equipment New Arrivals TERRA 50
The North Face Equipment New Arrivals TERRA 65

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izbsbiOS55o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFEbuI6DfI0

Firstly I do not really know which size to get. Initially i wanted to get a 65L, some kind hearted guy here gave me advice not to get so big as I will have problem carrying it around especially during hot weather. But after seeing video from youtube, i'm not sure whether 50L is enough. It's the first time i'm getting a backpack and wanted to start travelling with backpack alone. Hope all the pro and experienced backpacker can give me some advice and comment. This time i will be going backpack for around 7 days. But in future i might for for more days.

Also read from here, people advice going to queensway and chinatown to purchase the backpack at cheaper price. anyone got specific shop or person to share? Any advices or comments is welcome. Hope to learn more from u guys. thank you!!!
 
G

g_t2006

Supremacy Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Messages
5,272
Reaction score
728
Learn how to pack minimally. Get those packing cubes. Really useful.

First solo trip, don't be too ambitious. You will probably end up with stuff that you don't need (on the trip). Remember you can always bring wear unwanted clothes and throw and also buy along the way.

Invest in a good pair of shoes and socks. There's a socks in the market that you can don't wash for 2 weeks and it doesn't stink. It's pretty costly though but I swear by it.

I would say, get something even smaller.

7 days is short for a backpacking trip. Don't need 50L.
 
Last edited:
Din0saurus

Din0saurus

Great Supremacy Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
56,054
Reaction score
283
i tend to bring more clothes for short trips because i don't want to waste time doing laundry. 40l is perfect for 1week+ in summer. all my clothes are quick dry so if really needed, i will rinse them and re-wear for the last few days. do you intend to carry a day pack? if so, 50l is enough for indefinite travel even in winter.

note down the things you brought but didn't use and learn to reduce your load. i started backpacking with a 15-20kg load and now i can do 12kg for indefinite travel in all weather.
 
D

dilphinus

High Supremacy Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Messages
29,766
Reaction score
3,570
Din0saurus said:
i tend to bring more clothes for short trips because i don't want to waste time doing laundry. 40l is perfect for 1week+ in summer. all my clothes are quick dry so if really needed, i will rinse them and re-wear for the last few days. do you intend to carry a day pack? if so, 50l is enough for indefinite travel even in winter.

note down the things you brought but didn't use and learn to reduce your load. i started backpacking with a 15-20kg load and now i can do 12kg for indefinite travel in all weather.
Click to expand...

I can pack 7-8kg for mild winter! Bring along a pair of slippers/sandels and wear a pair of good waterproof/weatherproof walking shoes! I did just that for a 2 weeks trip to Europe this year!
 
W

wwwsquallcom

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2004
Messages
548
Reaction score
0
For clothing I just bring enough for a 3 days trip inregardless of the duration. I wash to rotate them. This 3 set can last me a month, jeans 2 pair. In the back pack there will only be 2 set of clothes and 1 jeans. This leave a lot of space in a 50l still.
 
Din0saurus

Din0saurus

Great Supremacy Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
56,054
Reaction score
283
dilphinus said:
I can pack 7-8kg for mild winter! Bring along a pair of slippers/sandels and wear a pair of good waterproof/weatherproof walking shoes! I did just that for a 2 weeks trip to Europe this year!
Click to expand...

my tripod is already 3kg and camera another 1.5kg. without those i'm probably close. i've tried leaving the tripod home but regretted it. :s13: 7-8kg is inclusive of the jackets?!

i've removed the swiss army life from my bag but the torch remains. only used once per trip so far but when you need, it you need it. might replace it with a powerbank and use my phone light in the future. i also consider a notebook and a novel/magazine necessities.

agreed with the waterproof shoes! it has saved me more than i can remember.
 
S

spuispui

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Messages
1,003
Reaction score
15
Thanks for all the advice. Think I should get a 50l instead of 65. Any reviews or feedback on the north face back pack? Thanks
 
G

g_t2006

Supremacy Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Messages
5,272
Reaction score
728
spuispui said:
Thanks for all the advice. Think I should get a 50l instead of 65. Any reviews or feedback on the north face back pack? Thanks
Click to expand...

Can you lock the bags? I never liked top loading bags. Also, can you tuck the straps away?

There are better choices.
 
D

dilphinus

High Supremacy Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Messages
29,766
Reaction score
3,570
spuispui said:
have to go check it out. any other brand to recommend?
Click to expand...

I always recommend the Tatonka Flight Case.

Learn to pack essentials. Anything you lack, can always buy when you are on the road. People always tend to pack like they are going to the desert or anywhere without civilization.
 
Din0saurus

Din0saurus

Great Supremacy Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
56,054
Reaction score
283
spuispui said:
have to go check it out. any other brand to recommend?
Click to expand...
i have the osprey 35 and 65. the number of compartments available make up for the top loading thingie everyone hates. everything i need for quick access is readily avaible.
 
D

dilphinus

High Supremacy Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Messages
29,766
Reaction score
3,570
spuispui said:
from what i saw in osprey web, they only have this 50L model

Atmos 50 - Osprey Packs, Inc :2014: Official Site

mostly is around 60. is it better to get larger than smaller?

thanks
Click to expand...

NO. Not when you are carrying the load on your shoulders while on the road.

Smaller is always better. Of cos a bag that can be secured and possibly weatherproof (or at least waterproof zips) is better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Important Forum Advisory Note
This forum is moderated by volunteer moderators who will react only to members' feedback on posts. Moderators are not employees or representatives of HWZ Forums. Forum members and moderators are responsible for their own posts. Please refer to our Community Guidelines and Standards and Terms and Conditions for more information.
Top