http://spreadsheets.google.com/feeds/list/pv6W-xHCsGGGOPCCZ1EezEQ/od6/public/basic/ebks12009-11-03T07:16:52.328Zcountryonyourpassport: Canada, firstname: Francoise, yourage: 39, travelascoupleorsingle: traveled solo and as a couple. (prefer solo), whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 2 months, Middle East and Europe, brandnameofbackpack: Camptrails, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $100, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Zipper around the main compartment cracked so the bag doesn't stay closed., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Totally uncomfortable harness system, though it's a 10 year old pack so I feel it's time to buy a new one. Still doing some research, but I'll likely buy a top-loading 45 litre alpine style pack which has a zipper along the side for easy access for my next trip., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Ideally, my dream pack would be a travelpack style pack which has a narrower profile. Most of the travelpacks on the market now are very wide. It feels like you're carrying a mini-fridge on your back. I'm small, 5'3", so a narrower fit would be ideal, hence my reason for buying an alpine style pack for my next trip., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 12 kilos max, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Bough a cheap large purse for the return trip the last time. First time I do that though., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: I use the waist harness most of the time. Unless I'm just walking to catch a taxi or bus., wasyourobbedonthetrip: No, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yes, I camped in the desert on the last trip my down filled sleeping bag came in handy. Mine compresses to a 9 inch ball, weighs only 800g, so it doesn't take much room., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, too difficult to clean it properly., whatitemsdidyounotneed: Insect repellent, leather sandals, spare batteries for camera, 2nd book., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: TBA..., didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I normally just use the bottles the water is bought in...fresh bottle every time you buy another! Those sports bottles (Nalgene, Sigg, etc.) can be handy, but up room when empty. Last time I traveled with a Nalgene bottle was several trips ago, it ended up becoming a odd shaped container for batteries and odds and ends., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels, it's a 60 litre travelpack style backpack. Main compartment has a zippered panel which opens up completely for easy access. Harness zips away behind a panel on the back for airline check-in. , howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2: main pack on back and messenger style daybag on front., doyoucarryarainponcho: No, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: No, didyoubreakacameraorlose: No, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $6-$18, whydoyouloveyourbag: I like the fact that it's panel loading and zips wide open, but that's it., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Floss, safety pins and zip ties., doesapersonneedhikingboots: Only if doing some serious hiking., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: In my daybag and I photocopy city maps and some parts for when I leave the guidebook at the hostel/hotel., doyouclimbmountains: Figuratively yes, in reality no., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: I don't have any little pockets in my main pack, but a few along the sides would be nice., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: Only if it had compression straps and some sort of harness to wear as a backpack., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: I have a few small padlocks to lock the bag shut, as well as a homemade steel wire and padlock kit to attach the bag to a post, bed, etc. I've also used zip ties to lock my bag shut when checking the pack on the plane. Not 100% secure, but it keep the bag shut and customs official can still open it without breaking an expensive padlock if they have to., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No. , whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Comfortable harness system that fits someone with a short torso. Lockable panel loading with a narrow profile. Lightweight., candidateforbetatestersshortlist: Yes