http://spreadsheets.google.com/feeds/list/o06996531621457208767.1275442097903647886/od6/public/basic/eleqw2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Zcountryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Riley, yourage: 36, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 1 year around the world, brandnameofbackpack: Eagle Creek, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Zipper for the flap that enclosed the straps. (When overstuffed, the straps pushed against the flap and made it very difficult to zip close the flap), whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: -I would like a bag that is the maximum carry on size -NO WHEELS (a carry-on sized backpack can be carried as a backpack, wheels only increase the size, reduce the capacity, and generally require an extension handle that further reduces the capacity -No subdividers inside the main compartment (if people want organization, buy some pack-it cubes / if they need wet storage, buy a waterproof bag) -No zip-on secondary backpack (they take up too much space and are rarely used -An internal clip for keys -Padded handles on the top and sides so that it can be carried as luggage when it's not used as a backpack -Metal hardware (although I have rarely had plastic hardware break, I don't trust it -If you want a secondary backpack, ensure that the main pack is the maximum carry on size -A water bottle pocket on the outside with either a cinch or a fastex buckle and strap that is small enough to pass through the eye of the lid so that it won't fall out when it's in the overhead of a bus/train/plane -Water repellent fabric that won't require a rain fly except on a downpour -Internal compression straps -Relatively small backpack straps; people who are carrying a travel pack rarely use them for trekking, the straps should be comfortable, but when they are overengineered, they take up too much space and don't add much utility -A few metal eyelets or loops on which to attach accessories or gear -On the opposite side of the water bottle pouch, have a zip close pouch for guidebooks, cameras... -Look at the webbing system on military packs; there is a multitude of accessories that can be very securely attached with button or velcro straps , howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 35lbs, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Nope, but if I wanted to bring back lots of souveneirs, I would, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Never, wasyourobbedonthetrip: Yes, ifyeswhichcountryexplain: Pakistan, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No, , didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: It makes little sense to carry a Sigg or Nalgene bottle when most travelers rely on disposable plastic bottles of water as the only trustworthy source when traveling, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No Wheels Eagle Creek Meridian (Maximum carry-on size, didn't come with an extra zip-on backpack, no wheels, no internal compartments, it was almost the perfect bag, but it's no longer made), howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1, doyoucarryarainponcho: Purchased disposable ones when needed, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: No, relied on internet cafes. The point of traveling is to get away from regular life, not put on an electronic leash, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $10, whydoyouloveyourbag: It was small enough that I couldn't overpack, and once on the road I realized that I wore 2 or 3 sets of clothes and had them laundered frequently. , howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Find a seamstress / cobbler, doesapersonneedhikingboots: Almost Never, doyouclimbmountains: Not too often, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: A couple of pockets are needed, but they should be internal pockets with acess from the main pack. External pockets are an inefficient use of space, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No, , explainbagsecurity: Keep it with you at all times unless it's in a secure hotel, locker...