[zbalz16]

Hey I searched this forum but couldn't find too many specifics.

I am traveling to Europe for a month. I am a very light packer and can probably survive on very little clothes (like 3 days worth). So volume isn't too much of an issue.

Since I will be traveling between countries by air 3 or 4 times, I would HIGHLY prefer something I can carry on the flight.

Heres the problem....I'm tall....with a 22 to 23 inch torso. Many of the 2000-3000 cu daypacks I see seem great volume for me but they usually only fit up to those with 20" torsos.

Should I dismiss the idea of finding a carry-on backpack that fits my size? I know about the ricksteeves pack but I prefer something with a hip strap to ease some shoulder stress.

Any tips for tall travellers looking to pack light?

[skate1968]

I take a small light 'grade school bag' back pack. I use it as a carry on. Then when i get there I put my little backpack in my big backpack.

I pack my two bags considering that there is a 4% chance of my big bag getting lost.

I'm not sure if you've already considered this option. Best of luck to you.

[musicdisciple]

If you can go to a good shop that stocks lots of backpacks you should be able to find something. Look for a place that's aimed at back country hikers, not a normal luggage store.

[zbalz16]

Yeah I am going to try and stop in one of those stores this weekend.

Hey just to get an idea of what size bag I will need for this trip, I tried packing everything I needed in my school backpack a moment ago. I have a Timberland outdoors backpack I use for school (w/ the thick shoulder straps).

Surprisingly, everything I could possibly think of fit! Including all travel guide stuff/toiletries/accessories/etc. I then took a measure of the dimensions and it is like 18x12x10 making it approx. 2200 cu in. volume, or 36 liters.

Perhaps I was missing something? This is what I packed in it (for travel in June to spain, france, italy for 1 month)

Clothes:
(1) jeans
(4) t-shirts
(1) Long Sleeve shirt
(2) Khaki Shorts
(1) mesh shorts
(5) socks
(5) underwear
(1) Rainjacket
(1) Flip-Flop pair

Toiletries
(1) Deoderant
(1) Toothbrush
(1) Comb
(1) Travel Soap
(1) Travel Shampoo
(1) Toothpaste
(3) Shout packets for laundry

Accessories:
(1) Headphones
(1) Ipod
(1) Ipod Charger
(1) Camera
(1) Camera Charger
(1) Paperback book to read
(1) Water bottle
Reservations, Route, and Guidebook copies.
(1) Set playing cards
(1) Pair sunglasses
(1) Euro-to-US Electrical Adapter

There was still some room left for probably like a thick sweatshirt (or souvineer space).

It was actually much lighter than the books I bike to class with (engineering books SUCK). What am I forgetting about here? Do some people travel on a 35 liter sized backpack with no issues (it seems I may be able to). Perhaps a Rick Steeves type bag may work for me....

[musicdisciple]

I use a 35L pack and usually fill it a little over half full. Usually I travel with 2 pairs of pants (wearing one so only carrying one), 3 t-shirts, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 sweater, socks, undies, and normal toiletries. I only take a jacket for winter. I've been rained on a bit, but not enough to justify a raincoat in summer. I don't bother with a day pack. I've seen people carrying around packs that are almost as big as they are and I can't figure out what they could possibly be filling them up with.

[Tim Uden]

A 35 litre pack is fine. I travelled with a 30 litre pack for years and I once spent three months in Mexico and Central America with a day pack that would be no bigger than 15 litres. However I did get a 50 litre pack last year and managed to almost fill it, although I did have winter clothes (and 30 copies of my book that I needed to take to the London Book Fair).

Most people go for a big zip-up travel pack, but I prefer a top-loading rucksack. I find them a lot more comfortable to wear and carry long distances.

Day packs (school back packs) are pretty big nowadays and you can find several that are around 35 litres. That should be fine for your trip and you should be able to take them as carry-on luggage on most planes.

A good outdoor shop should have staff that are trained to pick a pack that fits your body. However fit isn't a big issue for a European trip as you'll be taking public transport most places and are unlikely to carry your backpack for any longer than half an hour at a time.

[skate1968]

zba,
Sounds reasonable. I might take less t shirts with the anticipation that i'll buy a few overseas.

(Yes, i know, buying a T Shirt showing whatever country you've been to is stereotypical american tourist.)

Best of luck to you,
Enjoy your trip

[renagel]

easily converts from a smart-looking suitcase to a handy backpack, with comfortably-curved shoulder straps and a padded waistbelt.

apparently this has a waist belt

if you can find someone who has one maybe you can try theirs on

[connorc]

I'm 6'2 with a longer torso and I recently purchased the coleman cortez exponent (fits torso 20-26") and am very happy with it. I got mine at www.switchbackcamping.com for $40 (for some reason it's cheaper there than at coleman's online site).