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5/26/2008 9:38:28

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

5/27/2008 0:20:16

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: England, firstname: ash, yourage: 21, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: just over 2 months in india/ nepal, brandnameofbackpack: Karrimor, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 120, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: one of the plastic things that they put on the end of loose straps to make it look pretty. No buckles or other bits. (duck tape is to try and make bag look older)., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: has a duffel-close top with rain-flap. This is not lockable, so I had to make the modification flap with the zippers (see images). The logo was embroidered into the front, rather than a sewn on badge, so it was impossible to remove without cutting a hole in the bag. This meant I had to sex a patch over logo and use duck tape. The bag is NOT waterproof: this is a HUGE issue. , whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: main compartments should be double-zippered to be padlocked. A secure point on the bag to attach a cable lock would be a bonus, as using the carry-handle is not secure. waterproof is a must for any future bag. the chest and tummy straps are very useful for long treks. points on the top to tie excess items, e.g. hiking boots. the adjustable straps need to be adjusted depending on when the bag is full/ half full. having guages on the straps would be useful to set them quicker. I draw these on in Biro., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 35k, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, but did use small duffel bag for extra items in between flights. before flights, I discarded lots of items i didn't need to take home (almost everything). , howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: during long walks and on treks. when walking up or down stairs or steep hills, as it lowers centre of gravity., wasyourobbedonthetrip: no., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No, but i have on subsequent camping trips inside britain (using publicc transport only). It is a very small pack. I have also attached a tent to the bottom of the pack for domestic travel. I'd like to put inside bag, but the poles do not fit..., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: not on this trip. used in smaller bag for a mountian climb in scotland. they are useless, inpractical things that make water taste like plastic and are hell to clean. , whatitemsdidyounotneed: medicines. my first aid kit was useful, but the extra things like flu, heartburn, headache, cough etc. pills were pointless. they were readily (and more cheaply) availible locally and not needed. I could have taken more rehydration medicine though. Swiss knife. cheap craft knife and cooking knife were useful. As usual, swiss knife was useless. cooking tins were not used, as food was much cheaper than i budgeted for, so I decided to be lazy. was useful for holding chopped fruits though. compass! everything else had useful moments., didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: buying bottled water yeilds perfectly good, cheap, reusable bottles. buying a specially made bottle is a ridiculous thing to do., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels. this is a normal backpack, probably designed for hiking not travelling. 65 litres if jam-packed, with interior back-board not external frame., howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2, large on back, 30 litre 'Kathmandu' bag on front (never full). (Kathmandu is a brand of outdoors stuff I found in london, not seen elsewhere). I refer mainly to the big bag., linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashbeck/sets/72157605277659985/, doyoucarryarainponcho: I carried a lightweight waterproof jacket. This was also a windproof layer, important on mountains, but not in many other places., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: No, I carried various memory devices and things to use in cyber cafés., didyoubreakacameraorlose: No. tiny peice of sand got in case and scratched the LCD screen a bit, but I noticed quickly and was careful in futute. , averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 4-5 USD, whydoyouloveyourbag: I don't. it is far from perfect. The small pack I prefer, and now use as a 'school bag' for college., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: I carried a small amount of duck tape and a small selection of sewing equipment and a spare buckle. linen sewing thread and a mattress-making needle (curved, thick needle) were used for the top modification. , doesapersonneedhikingboots: if they plan to hike a lot. I took hiking boots and sandals. The problem with boots is they look expensive, and are. but fortunately noone in india has size 12(UK) feet. , explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: These go in the bottom compartment inside a sworn-off petrol can (thanks for this travel tip!). I took one guidebook (lonely planet india) and it was far, far too big. In nepal i didnt bother, and I was glad., doyouclimbmountains: yes and no. I trek up mountains. I do not use my hands and I do not use ropes etc. so it's more walking than climbing. I can trek in the nepal mountains, I won't be climbing everest., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: the big bag has one along by the back-board which was useful to keep documents in tact and for maps. it also has access to behind the backboard (i don't know why) and I used this to stash a small amount of english and US money in a plastic bag. one of my emergency funds. In the small bag, the front pouch has pen holders, a phone-sized pouch etc. These are usegul for storing pens, toothbrushes and small easy-to-lose items (batteries etc.) It also had a small mesh pouch at the top of the main compartment, I used this to store sweets (for journeys) and a few low-denomination coins (I collect coins)., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No. As above, everything needs to be lockable. I also like that the main compartment of my bag is accessible from the bottom (via the bottom compartment). makes it easier to get to items in the middle, as every single item has a specific place., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: bags MUST be lockable. my bag had additional compartments on all sides, so one razor-slash wouldn't get you into the main bag. I also tend to keep all the items inside the bag inside a large plastic bag. This is used to keep the contents dry from external wet (objects are also in zip-lock bags to protect from internal wwet items that leak). This aslo stops items spilling out if there is a hole in the main bag. Locking a bag to things is a good deterrant, but again not fool-proof. Small bag I would knot the zip-pull-tabs together to slow down opening. Valuable items go in my trouser pockets, which have extra zipped pockets concealed inside to protect from single razor-slash (thanks for this tip!). Tried to make bags look older/ dirty. The fat white man stands out nonetheless., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: waterproof!! I cannot find!

5/27/2008 7:06:31

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Britain, firstname: Robert, yourage: 26, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 5 months and still going mainly around asia, brandnameofbackpack: Eagle Creek, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: around $200, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Nothing, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Can be a pain to get the harness out and on if in a hurry., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Wheels are the most important feature, it's why I bought it., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: about 14kg, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Last trip I did yes, I accumulated too many books and decided to bring them all home., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Not that often really, wasyourobbedonthetrip: Yes, wallet not from my bag though so no really applicable., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: Vietnam, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, whatitemsdidyounotneed: Mosquito net was fairly pointless since anywhere that had the hooks already had the net. Sold mine., didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: plastic ones serve well enough, no point in carrying one, extra weight., doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: Has wheels but also has harness., howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/wheeled_luggage/Cross-Roads-25-20145/, doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes, I carry it in a seperate bag which I carry with me most of the tume, when I leave it in my room, I lock it in my bag and chain the bag to something immovable., didyoubreakacameraorlose: No, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10/15/2008, whydoyouloveyourbag: Everything fits in but it will expand if I collect more stuff and then go smaller again when I need it too, and obviously it's on wheels so I don't have to carry it on my back most of the time., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Nothing has ever broken on it so far., doesapersonneedhikingboots: No too bulky, good trainers or walking shoes would be better since they can be used everywhere., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: I don't I generally lookup stuff on the internet, make notes in a small notebook I keep in my pocket. Saves hauling the guidebooks around (have you seen lonely planet china? it's fucking huge), doyouclimbmountains: I trek part way up them sometimes, I'm not a hardcore climber tho., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Not really easier to carry small bags, dump everything out and repack I find., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: Not sturdy enough with my laptop., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: Small padlock on the zip, I usually put a big padlock through the loop of the smaller padlock as well as a chain that goes through the handle of the backpack. I am not hugely happy with this., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: I have thought about how to secure my laptop when away from the room. If you put a wire mesh around the bag, it advertises something expensive inside. Bad idea. In my bag it has a metal frame at the back, I would like some way to secure my laptop to this frame and then secure the frame by heavy chain to something immovable. I think some kind of alarm would be a brilliant idea, something that went off if someone started to play with the zip or if the bag was slashed, something that was quiet and got louder.

5/27/2008 8:14:33

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: New Zealand, firstname: Carol j, yourage: 52, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 2 1/2 years from Finland overland to India, brandnameofbackpack: McKinley , whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: bought 2nd hand, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: one clip, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: access to the stuff at the bottom of the top section not enough inside pockets, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: inside pockets, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 12 kg approx, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: always, wasyourobbedonthetrip: yes, ifyeswhichcountryexplain: Iran, robbed of my front pack, had it in my hand for 1 minute after buying a snickers bar in a shop in Esfahan., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no - carried a queen sized sheet (lightweight) and a small polarfleece blanket. In the east I usually slept in a bed but some beds were suspect so the sheet covered the mattress and pillow and also wrapped back over me so the blankets didn't touch me either. , didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, whatitemsdidyounotneed: too many clothes, , didyouloseawaterbottle: No, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: Back and small front, doyoucarryarainponcho: yes,as you can wear it when carrying your backpack, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: the camera went with the bag in Iran, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: europe US20 asia US6, whydoyouloveyourbag: plain, black, no outside pockets, zip open bottom half for easy access, comfortable to carry, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: take it to a shop (very cheap in the east), doesapersonneedhikingboots: yes, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: cut out the places I wasn't planning to visit. Cut out the country I was in while referring to it everyday keeping that section in my daypack. Threw that section away when leaving the country., doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: missing on my pack, , didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, I need one that is easy to carry and easy on my back, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: straps accross the top opening and padlocks on the bottom zips no outside pockets, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no in all the time I travelled noone ever said they had had their bag stolen, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: wings?

5/27/2008 15:15:11

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

firstname: Russell, yourage: 51, travelascoupleorsingle: Couple with 12 year old son, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 12 months in Sri Lanka, India and nepal, brandnameofbackpack: Sierra, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $180, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Stiching has come away slightly around the base. But still in pretty good nick, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: It has two zippered sections. Sometimes I forget to close the top when opening the bag and clothes go everywhere. however this is not a design fault but "mind' fault of mine!!, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Must have wheels. i like a seperate compartment for dirty/wet clothes. I don't like to many zippered pouches as I like to lock all my bags where posible and it means carrying too many locks (which can be lost) Strong but light weight, fairly waterproof/resistant, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 25, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Not on my long trip but often on shorter trips I need an extra bag. I often put in a smaller folded up bag inside my main one fir this purpose., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Not Applicable, wasyourobbedonthetrip: No, ifyeswhichcountryexplain: NA, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Some trips if it invlives treking, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No but I have just purchased one for future use, whatitemsdidyounotneed: Too many clothes due to weather changes (last couple of trips), blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: NA, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I try to use purchased purified water or boiled (when treking) where possible., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: Soft Duffle type with heels. Can be converted to a back pack as well, howmanybagsdidyoucary: one large and one shoulder type bag, doyoucarryarainponcho: No, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes. Often as cehcked luggage on short bus, train or palin trips. As carry on for longer hauls., didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 50, whydoyouloveyourbag: I find it easy to manage, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Local repair guy if required, doesapersonneedhikingboots: yes , but not the real chunky expensive ones. I take ones that come jsut below my ankels which are good for light treking as well as walking about town, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: More as a general guide than a "bible' ten to carry them in my main luggage for research than carry them about on my person, doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Not really I very rarely use them, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: yes but with wheels, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: I like to keep my bag locked at all times even thru airports (or especially), doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Someone to carry it for me!! A sturdy, soft type duffle with good wheels and not too many inside or outside pockets and easy to lock with a shoulder strap for walking. I am not a fan of the "original style' backpack and prefer to either walk with it on wheels or if needed sling it over my shoulder. In Asia especially it is not that necessary to walk to far anyway with all the transport and/or porter options.

5/27/2008 23:50:27

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Antonio, yourage: 32, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: Western Europe---Eastern Europe---Central Asia---Indian Subcont. total time 7months, brandnameofbackpack: camp trails (now defunct), whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 75USD on clearance, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Harness--broke when nearly new repaired with 75cents of rope no problems in 15years since., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: shows dirt too easily,, gets greasy when stowed on old poorly maintained buses., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: good fabric, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: ~50lbs., didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: sometimes, if I'm walking a good distance or actually using it for wilderness type backpacking., wasyourobbedonthetrip: yes, had 50dollars stolen from hostel room in andalucia spain, ifyeswhichcountryexplain: Spain, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: Yes, didyoucarryasleepingbag: yes 3season goose down bag. for camping or making dive hotels more like home., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no., whatitemsdidyounotneed: heavy hiking boots. lightweight sandals much better choice instead., didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: use cheap nalgene type bottles, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2 large backpack small student type book bag for daypack., doyoucarryarainponcho: yes, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, I travel to escape that kind of crap, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no camera, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 5usd, whydoyouloveyourbag: all the memories, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: find a shoe or saddle shop, doesapersonneedhikingboots: rarely, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: keep in the side pocket with water bottle and maps, doyouclimbmountains: yes, amateur level., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: not that many pockets inside bag (it was an economy model in its day), didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no thank heavens. Like Paul Theroux I try to look as impoverished as possible when traveling through rough lands., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: Yes, perhaps better for some purposes such as lashing to the back of a saddle while horsepacking or on the luggage rack of a moto., doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: maintain a good visual on bag. Try to look non-aggressive but definitely not an a pushover or easy mark either. If somebody messes with bag all hell is going to break loose., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: Yes people riding overnight trains through southern europe, bad for thieving., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: plenty of strong straps for lashing sleeping pad or tent to outside of bag.

5/28/2008 17:01:55

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Andy, yourage: 53, travelascoupleorsingle: Single normally a few times for a few months with girls., whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 10 years or more, brandnameofbackpack: Kelty Now - 5 Bags, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 80 per bag, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: In the past, zippers the most, cuts, clips all the time, straps are ok, however shoulder harness rips loose at connection at top., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Zippers, small straps with clips to help zipper is broke when a person picks up by that strap., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Wheels that get it off the ground out of mud, and are wide so the bag does not tip over., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 45 Kilos or about 80 Pounds, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Yes, one times in Thailand to the USA, purchase five dollar bag and filled up with junk., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: My first big bag, before I used two, I used the harnesss all the time., wasyourobbedonthetrip: Yes, 60 U.S. out of top pouch on Boat between Koh Samui and shore, the man put hand in top zipper pouch when he saw me put the money bag in their., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: Thailand, Spain by pick pocket., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yes for about 1 year of the 10, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, whatitemsdidyounotneed: No sure, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://www.hobotraveler.com/blogger.html, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I use coke bottles, doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: No Wheels now, however the last set of two from Thailanad had wheels., howmanybagsdidyoucary: Front and Back, and small computer bag, which I tuck into on of the bags, not sure this work with he Kelty now, it is new., doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes, I use for tent, blanket, ground cover, backpack cover, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes, I put in backpack for computer, then put that bag inside the other bigger bag., didyoubreakacameraorlose: Yes, a camera was broke when we wrecked hitting a pig in Togo, West Africa., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 0-10, whydoyouloveyourbag: I don't, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Shoe Repair People, sometimes I sew myself., doesapersonneedhikingboots: No, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: I carry in the top of my bag., doyouclimbmountains: Sometimes, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: No, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No slashed, cut on edge of bus door., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: Yes, it worked for a year, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: Padlock slider normally., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: Yes, on boat at Rio Napo in Peru,, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Wheels that do not break, big enough to keep out of mud.

5/29/2008 10:28:27

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Rebecca, yourage: 38, travelascoupleorsingle: Couple, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 5 months+ all over Asia, brandnameofbackpack: REI, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 35, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Non, but 1 seam at the top has come loose, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: I over fill it!, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: I wish it had more hidden inside zip pockets and a couple more toggle-type outside pockets like for water bottle, easy access to my book, sunscreen etc., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: Not sure, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Always! Bought 1 more medium size, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no - boyfriend was pickpocketed though., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: Bangkok, on the steps in the garment district (Pratunam), didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: a fabric pouch for sleeping in, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: NO, whatitemsdidyounotneed: Extra shoes, too much first aid stuff, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Necessary evil!, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: None, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1 back pack, 1 mssr. bag, linktophotosofyourbag.: I bought it at a thrift store!, doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: boyfriend carries, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 15 usd, whydoyouloveyourbag: Light, with comfy thick straps that don't hurt or pinch..., doesapersonneedhikingboots: Only if the terrain warrants - reallys turdy sandals work better for me, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: Usually just look stuff up online, haven't used a guidebook in about 5 years, doyouclimbmountains: small ones, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Yes!, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: We also have a motion detector alarm

5/29/2008 12:37:02

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA (America!), firstname: David, yourage: 43, travelascoupleorsingle: Single., whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 2.5 months, brandnameofbackpack: ?, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: ?, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Nothing!, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: I got lucky. I am picky by nature but have complaints with regards to my bags., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: I love my bag combination. Especially the hatch at the bottom of the larger bag from which I can access my smaller back-pack or slide-out my smaller backpack without having to disturb the other items found residing above in the larger backpack., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Depends on how far traveling. >1 mile I will use it., wasyourobbedonthetrip: Was I robbed on the trip? Never. I am gregarious and friendly to everyone but trust no one. Eyes wide open. Even watch as they off-load suit cases from a bus in Colombia or elsewhere if I stow my backpack below at the back of the bus., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: Most people - Costa Rica. Me, Never! Knock on wood. To those not familiar with the expression, we Americans sometimes say "Knock on Wood" if we don't want to be jinxed (receive bad Karma) from our own words. , didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: What? No., didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No., whatitemsdidyounotneed: Expensive raincoat. A disposable plastic poncho was perfect (light weight, airy, low volume and covered my pack and me)., explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Mixed. Depends on where are? In the Andes in way to Machu Piccu (purification tablets and two bottles at most). In city, pay for bottled water. Brushing teeth using tap water - never a problem. , doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels., howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2, doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes! Disposable is light weight, not attractive to a thief. Looks like a plastic bag when wadded up and inserted into an expandable fish net style pouch on the outside of my larger pack., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: No., didyoubreakacameraorlose: No way Jose'., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $15, whydoyouloveyourbag: Bottom hatch on larger bag. Drop the smaller bag in first after opening up a zippered divider that separates the upper 3/5 of the bag from the lower 2/5. Then Close the Zipper divider and put in the rest of your items. Access your stuff from the top and from the bottom. A perfect world!, doesapersonneedhikingboots: Depends on where traveling but definitely don't buy cosmetic type such as Gortex-lined Timerlands like I did. Buy functional kind of boot/shoe where have good stability and where foot does not slide forward and jam/smash the toes when walking down hill. Those who have never experienced this pain will not understand this. After an eighteen mile hike in the Peruvian Andes foothills and the excruciating foot/toe pain/suffering. I took off my boots on the bus, set them on the floor next to the isle and could care less if someone stole them. The toe pain was like nothing I had experienced before. I wore my new running shoes to Machu Piccu instead. , explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: Just that - guide books. They form a starting point for hostals and history. Food? Go where the locals go. When see a lot of locals go in and check it out. Cleaner = touristry. Dirtier means more local and potentially less safe., doyouclimbmountains: Yep! Even with a torn minsicus/cartlidge in my knee this last year. Had surgery recently to fix. , didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No., doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: Cover closed zippers with flap cover provided. Never stow directly overhead where cannot see. If necessary, stow over opposite isle where can always see. Never fall a sleep on bus. Never leave bus with pack on-board. Take backpack with you or don't get off. If stow below on bus, stand up and watch as they off-load any suitcases or get off and monitor. Place bag in lap or feet on bus and be aware that they can still attack your backpack at your feet. Think like a criminal ans be somewhat paranoid. Keep I.D. and Debit Card on oneself in a hidden travel pouch. Did I say be paranoid? , doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: Yes, neither feel asleep. Both were European girls in their 20's and both had stowed their backpack over their heads and neither of these girls had fallen aslepp, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Theft alarm. Mouse trap that smashes the fingers of a thief.

5/29/2008 23:12:01

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: uk, firstname: kris, yourage: 27, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 1.5yrs, brandnameofbackpack: tnf, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 120, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: none, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: too many extras, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: slim line, top loading, no wacky colours, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 11 kilos, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: never.. i cut it off after 3 months, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, waste of weight, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: just got one to try out.. too early to comment, whatitemsdidyounotneed: excess strap lengths, the zipper part that you hold with your fingers have been ditched for security, side pockets ditched.. sternum strap ditched.. elasticy thing ditched.. north face embroided sign blacked out.., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: travelpod.com/members/kris, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: crap, trying out this camel thing, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: noway, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kris/nostophobia/1204741860/tpod.html, doyoucarryarainponcho: yes, a pack lite from TNF, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, i have an ipod touch which is a 1000 times better than a laptop for traveling, didyoubreakacameraorlose: yes, i'm on my 5th camera, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10 30 usd, whydoyouloveyourbag: because i cut it done to size so it looks basic, it is 35 litres which keeps the weight down.. and is black and grey which doesnt make it out to opportunists sights, no side pockets for people to smuggle things into whilst crossing borders.. less openings the better as lkess to worry about.. my day bag is the flimsy trhin string pull nike type that folds down to nothibng when not in use, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: buy a needle and thread, doesapersonneedhikingboots: never, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: rip out the maps and download a pdf guide from LP to puut on my ipod touch, doyouclimbmountains: not really, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: no, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: where the pull cord is on the top loader i put a padlock through it.. if a thief wants to see in side any further it will get slashed to bits, including those crappy mesh things which can easily be cut with pliers, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: for it to wash my clothes.. well really i think they shoulkd come with a variety of secret stash pocketrs for money and passports

5/30/2008 12:29:32

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Patrick, yourage: 17, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: took trip to Europe for two weeks with group, brandnameofbackpack: Under Armour, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 40, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: zippers--fell off. outer wall--was separating; I stitched it back together, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: waterproof roomy able to be worn tightly/compressed, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: my backpack doesn't have one, but I would appreciate this feature., wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, but I will on my next trip, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://pshields.net, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: water bottles are better than camelbacks because you can wash them out easily. I use a hard (nalgene?) water bottle., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: one regularly (with suitcase), doyoucarryarainponcho: yes, but if the backpack was waterproof I wouldn't have to., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: I plan to on my next trip (in my backpack.), didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 50, whydoyouloveyourbag: it's strong and roomy., doesapersonneedhikingboots: no, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: have not used before, doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: I like maybe one or two pockets that can be ignored when they aren't neede, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: probably, if I could strap it to myself somehow when I ride my back>, doyoulockyourbag: No, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: solar panels to power my electronics waterproof

5/30/2008 14:36:28

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Wade, yourage: 27, travelascoupleorsingle: both, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: hmm . . . years., brandnameofbackpack: Kelty Redwing 2650, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $80, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Nothing besides holes in the water bottle holders., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Bad zipper setup on side pockets. I only use them for storing dirty socks or underwear. I do not put anything in them that I would really mind loosing., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: 1. Detachable front harness so that I can have my bag in one piece when I am walking and in two so that I can separate from the main bag but still carry the smaller one. 2. A GOOD way to lock the zippers closed. 3. Well fastened (and internally connected) rings at various places on the outside so I can chain the bag up with a bike lock when I am not in the hotel room or on a train. 3. Slash resistant, water proof leather (or other very strong material) on the outside so that I can get it wet and knock it around without worrying about ripping it or it leaking. 4. A loop to strap the waist harness through on the front of the bag so that the straps are not flapping around and getting stuck on stuff in buss luggage compartments or while going through airport machinery. 5. Attachments on outside of bag to clip gear to and lots of gear straps. , howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: around 10 kilos, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Only when I go to visit my family, and have gifts to carry. My travel gear does not overflow from the bag., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always. It is very good., wasyourobbedonthetrip: Not recently., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Not a tent but I often carry a folded up tarp that I keep in the side straps (side straps are very good for storing things you don't want in the bag). I sometimes carry a sleeping bag, but I attach it to the outside of the bag. , didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No. Don't trust them to not burst and ruin things in the bag. Maybe if it was attached to the outside of the bag with a good membrane dividing it from everything else I may trust it . . . but I probably would not use it., whatitemsdidyounotneed: Stupid side pocket design. But they do protect some kind of stupid stretchy web that is on the interior sides of the bag. , blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://www.vagabondjourney.com http://www.openroadsong.com, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Like them. But would like a bag that could store them on the outside securely, so they do now fall out all the time., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No Wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: Two. A backpack and a small bag that hangs from a shoulder strap. , linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.openroadsong.com/2008/02/kelty-redwing-backpack.html, doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes. I strap it to the outside of the bag with the tarp and sleeping bag. , doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes. I carry one in the computer compartment that runs along the frame in the harness., didyoubreakacameraorlose: Not recently., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $0-$10, whydoyouloveyourbag: Because it is well made, really comfortable, has a good harness, and is the size that I want it to be., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: With dental floss and a sewing needle., doesapersonneedhikingboots: No. But I choose to wear boots . .. but have hiked long trails in the Himalaya with sandals before . . . So I say, no, a traveler does not NEED hiking boots. , explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: in backpack, doyouclimbmountains: Yes., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Awww . . . not really. Sometimes to keep condoms is., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No. But did once stick my machete through it., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: If I can securely lock the zippers and lock the back to something solid with a bike lock then I say that it is as secure as possible., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Small size that never fills up haha.

5/30/2008 14:36:47

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Mira, yourage: 21, travelascoupleorsingle: travel as a couple..woohoo!! but soon to be traveling alone :(, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: studied in Asia for a year, brandnameofbackpack: Kelty, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $70, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Nothing, but it is new. Sometimes the mesh pockets (like the water bottle holder thingies on the sides) get caught on things and then rip., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: It needs to be a little bit bigger because I buy too much stuff. Also, the pockets on the outside, the weird side pockets that unzip all the way are a really bad design, and the zippers do not have metal pulls, only string pulls so locking it is hard and stupid., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Good Zippers, a good way to lock my bag, expandable!!, comfortable!!!, internal compartments instead of external compartments, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 15-40 lbs depending, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: yes, I bought a new bag the day before i left to put my gifts and souveneirs in., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Sometimes. I only use it when I am walking for...lets say..over 15, 20 minutes with my bag, wasyourobbedonthetrip: Andy, really, grammar, Was you robbed? No I was not robbed, but this bag has a huge potential robbery threat., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: luckily no, but it got sprayed a bit in those boats in Atitlan. It is moderately water resistant I think, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yes, but it was really small that i took all of the stuffing out of so it would be smaller. I wanted to trash it because you really don't need a sleeping bag too often, only while staying in really gross beds..., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, don't those things get moldy?, whatitemsdidyounotneed: Mosquito net, again this all depends. First time in Costa Rica I would have died without it, but this time I only used it once., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: www.ladythetramp.com, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: They leech plastic chemicals, or they are aluminum. My feelings are mixed, but really I just buy bottled water and then reuse the bottle until I think it is too gross to use anymore. I would like a water bottle that is stainless steel...but also if you travel with a water bottle you need a water filter or else it is useless. you can't fill it up anywhere in countries where you can't drink the water., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, I once put a dolly luggage carrier thing on my bag in china because it was too heavy to carry on my back..that was better for my back, but hard to go up stairs and be in crowded areas with...it took to long to unwrap the straps and put it on my back...especially if there was dog poop on the wheels., howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2, Big kelty on the back, crappy small no-brand one on the front for the computer., linktophotosofyourbag.: you have seen it, doyoucarryarainponcho: I have a rain poncho that is kind of made out of a plastic bag. I carry it just in case and I think I have only used it like once every 6 months., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes, depending on how much stuff I have I like to keep it all in one bag, but if I have too much stuff in my bag, or if I am taking a flight I put it in a small backpack or satchel in the front. My smaller bag is usually easier to lock. Also, then my computer can sit with me inside the bus, so I feel safer about it getting broken or stolen., didyoubreakacameraorlose: I want to smash my camera...but no., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $2-15, whydoyouloveyourbag: Somehow it is really comfortable, and I like it because it looks small. Also, I like it because it is not a top loading bag, so you don't have to take all of your crap out to get inside., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: sewing needle and thread., doesapersonneedhikingboots: It depends on where they are going, but usually no!!!. They are heavy, and I never see them on the feet of backpackers, only just hanging tied up on the side of their bags. I say for most travelers sneakers are just as good as hiking boots..unless you absolutely know you will be HIKING for at least 50% of your trip., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: I hate guide books..I usually put mine in a small bag that I can access when I am trying to get somewhere or find a hotel. Then I can quickly take it out an look at it if I need it. If it is in my bag, I have to open my bag and look for it, which leaves me open for getting robbed and the stuff in my bag stolen., doyouclimbmountains: YEs, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: YEs. I like to organize. Again, I don't like taking all of my stuff out of my bag just to get 1 thing. Pockets avoid this...i am all about internal pockets., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: Thankfully no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No!, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: I carry a bike lock and a lock for the zipper. I lock the zippers up to the best of my ability and then wrap the bikelock through loops of my bag and lock it to the most immovable thing, like a bed post, table, chair, drain pipe, etc., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: i don't know if I really dream about this stuff Andy, but seriously, I want internal pockets and lockable and expandable and comfortable..that is my perfect bag.

5/31/2008 1:57:24

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: usa, firstname: kenny, yourage: 23, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: only through america, brandnameofbackpack: north face, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: hand me down, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: straps coming unstuffed just a bit, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: heavy, looks big and bulky even when close to empty, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: camelback, multi use, cooler area, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 40-60 pounds, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: once or twice, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: yes, good for hitchhiking, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: yes, good for drinking, whatitemsdidyounotneed: clothes, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://www.hobolifestyle.com, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: too much space, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: one, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://picasaweb.google.com/KenFlannery/RoadToArizona/photo#5168956199494760082, doyoucarryarainponcho: light raincoat/windbreaker, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: laptop fits in a daypack that fits in main backpack, didyoubreakacameraorlose: twice, once unexplained with a "lens error" and the the second time sanded and watered by the pacific ocean on a late night beach trip, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: umm... couchsurfing.com?, whydoyouloveyourbag: it's ok, fits everything I have, keep trying to get ride of stuff until i need a smaller bag, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: hasn't busted, doesapersonneedhikingboots: nope, just Keens and some good socks, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: internet, doyouclimbmountains: yes, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: i like one big pocket, maybe a couple other big ones. nothing that can be pick pocketed., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, backpack is best, hands free, doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: watchful eye and cheap stuff and no worries, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: not off the top of my head, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: that it's also a sleeping bag

6/9/2008 0:26:31

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: United States, firstname: Shannon, yourage: 24, travelascoupleorsingle: Single female :), whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: Studied abroad in Italy for a month, then traveled in Italy, France and Ireland for another month., brandnameofbackpack: Smuggler, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: ?, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: the zippers on one of the bags, and the wheels on the duffel were a nightmare...the bag would not wheel properly and continually tipped over when wheeled., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: I should have never brought two to start with, but basically I didn't like the maneuverability when your pack is too wide, you can't turn in plane aisles and you accidentally knock things over when turning around., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: I carry a laptop, and my search for the perfect bag includes finding one with a daypack so that I can simply detach it when checking my bag and carrying my laptop on the plane, or to the local internet cafe... I don't want to have to carry two separate bags. But at the same time, I worry that the detachable day pack on the larger backpack makes it an easy target for theft..., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: less than 50 pounds, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: On that trip I actually sent the extra bag home with a fellow backpacker returning to the states, and had them ship it to my parents' house., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: always, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, though almost when a pickpocket shoved a map in my face and tried to nab my purse., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: In France on the subway... I was separated from the boys in our group (they were a bit ahead of us) and us two girls were easy pray, he tried to lift the magnetic flap on my day bag where my camera was easily accessible, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, but am considering it for my upcoming year of backpacking., didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Essential. It is always a good idea to have some water on had since traveling can be soo dehydrating. I was never without one, and I filled it whenever i could with clean water, even if it meant carrying an extra pound, it was always worthwhile., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: wheels on both bags, howmanybagsdidyoucary: two- a wheeled duffle bag and another wheeled bag, doyoucarryarainponcho: yes, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: yes... I am still figuring that out. I didn't carry my laptop on the last trip, but will be bringing on this trip, and as mentioned, I am searching for a backpack with a detachable daypack backpack so that I can easily carry my laptop., didyoubreakacameraorlose: No, though almost lost the camera to the pickpocket in Paris., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: Hostel - $ 20-30 US, whydoyouloveyourbag: Can't seem to find the perfect one yet... :( But I leave in four months, so the search continues., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: duck tape? that works for so very much., doesapersonneedhikingboots: yes!, doyouclimbmountains: I hike reasonable mountains - no snow, easy to moderate hike with little equipment needed other than your feet, food, and water., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: yes, I definintely use the pockets when they are designed for the essentials - but there is a fine line between having some pockets, and having sooo many that you are constantly zipping and unzipping little ridiculous compartments to find what you want., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: hmm, it could, but a little division is beneficial so that things aren't falling out everywhere when rifling through the bag., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: For the upcoming trip I plan on purchasing a pac safe covering for my backpack., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: I know someone who had their bag slashed by the little old lady next to them when they feel asleep on a bus in Guatemala., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: A really well designed way to carry a laptop/daypack bag that doesn't invite theives to steal your daypack when it is attached to your big backpack, that would be lovely... and to have the pac safe technology/safety integrated into the bag.

6/9/2008 1:56:44

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Johnny, yourage: 39, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 1 month, brandnameofbackpack: Atlantic, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $200, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: zipper, lining, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: zipper broke, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 28lbs, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: JohnnyJet.com, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: Wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2, doyoucarryarainponcho: yes, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: yes, in my laptop bag, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: duct tape or take to local seamstress, doesapersonneedhikingboots: no, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: I carry Frommers, doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulockyourbag: No

6/9/2008 19:33:57

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: usa, firstname: dave, yourage: 23, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 6 months, brandnameofbackpack: Osprey Aether 45, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 200, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: mothing, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Only had one big pocket. Hard to organize stuff that way., didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: yes, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: almost always, wasyourobbedonthetrip: never, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yes, usually strapped to the bacl, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: always have one and keep it in my smaller backpack, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, howmanybagsdidyoucary: I big bag on the back. Sometimes a small back pack (the size you use for school) when I accumulated too much stuff., doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $25, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Zip ties, duct tape, doesapersonneedhikingboots: if they are going to be hiking for more than a couple hours over moderate terrain, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: tear out the sections I need and leave the rest at home. Re-bind sections with duct tape, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: mine doesn't haver them, I could have used them though, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: thats what I had. It held a lot but if you need something on the bottom the only real way of getting it is to empty the whole thing., doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: when travelling never let it out of my sight. When at hotel/hostel live it in my room if private if not put in locker. At the very least padlock it to my bed frame and take the most important things with me (passport and money/credit card)

6/10/2008 2:33:08

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Robin, yourage: 36, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: current trip, 9 months & counting: SE Asia & ME lived in Nepal 1yr, brandnameofbackpack: Bangkok market knockoff, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: tie down straps, one zipper did't have a stopper & came off, repaired some seams & recently the retractable handle broke...so looking for a new bag now, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: given where I bought it, I don't have high expectations, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: adjustable dividers...maybe just a wide strap that could be attached to a few different locations to keep things from jumbling all up., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 30K, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: haven't returned!, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: only used them while trekking, wasyourobbedonthetrip: knock on wood, no, not this trip had laundry stole from a clothes line in Nepal & my change purse stolen from my backpack on a bus in Guatemala, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: yes but a super light weight & not a sheet, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, whatitemsdidyounotneed: solar charger was the most expensive thing I threw away... can't remember all the rest & there was a lot, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://www.gadtramp.com, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Normal bottles of water don't really leak anymore so why carry special water bottles, doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: WHEELS definitely!!! When I can use them they're great...rather not risk my back. Also found locals much more eager to help with your bag if it's not a backpack...downside, looks like you have more money., howmanybagsdidyoucary: Front pack & main, doyoucarryarainponcho: not a poncho, a rain jacket, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: yes, in a fedex mailing envelope to protect from rain & then in my day pack's computer pocket, didyoubreakacameraorlose: yeap, dropped it & broke the LCD screan but it has a view finder so I'm still using it, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 0-10, whydoyouloveyourbag: don't, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: needle & heavy thread or a local guy, doesapersonneedhikingboots: depends on the person. I have cute girly shoes that have hiking treads (Keen brand), explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: been trying to buy LP's downloadable chapters but that's not a great option either, doyouclimbmountains: nothing too serious anymore, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: yes, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no (I do take a razor & slash off the parts I don't need), wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: Must lock! Also use a retractable cable to secure my bags in certain circumstances, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: area for shoes that zips out & can be washed by itself

6/13/2008 14:36:26

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: usa, firstname: David M, yourage: 43, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 2.5 months., listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Nothing has broken., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: I love the system I developed., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Hatch at bottom (on side) of larger pack where can access (slide out) a smaller pack at the bottom. Zippered divider isolating items above from the smaller pack below (This way items don't drop out when you open the bottom hatch). With the above set-up, it is like two small packs in one big backpack. Smaller pack can be easilyremoved by opening the bottom hatch. , howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 70, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: No., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Alot., wasyourobbedonthetrip: No., wheelsornowheelsbag: None, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2

6/17/2008 2:27:22

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Australia, firstname: Fiona, yourage: 23, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 1 month - soon to be six months, brandnameofbackpack: Mountain Designs & Vaude, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $400 + $120, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Mountain designs... I expect that clips will break - the plastic seems tough, but if stepped on, etc, may snap.zips - some are getting stiff already. They are YKK, but...still.... internal divider - the bottom pocket is stuffed tight - putting pressure on internal divider. Mesh internal pocket - mesh is too flimsy, can be ripped easily. Vaude... elastic on some parts - will stretch with age. stitching - some already unravelling. fabric is thin - maybe not good for sharp objects., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Mountain Designs: Small useless pockets. Flat pockets that run inside the lining do not expand or get squashed when the bag is full - useless. over-the-shoulder clip (it is stored in an external pocket and can be added to give a long, over the shoulder handle). The bag is always too heavy to use. Bladder pocket between frame and internal compartment. If bag was full, bladder would explode. Must remove all contents to fill...too much effort for big bag. prefer water bottle if that thirsty. Vaude - external zippers only have 1 zipper bit per zip except for main compartment - can't lock interal compartment not square - it slopes to nothing at the bottom. Not a standard shape., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: rain coat, good zips and lockabe zip parts regular sized compartments sturdy material simple design as light as possible (why carry heavy bag - my gear is heavy enough), howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: <20kg approx 16kg total., didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: I hope I will not. I will try very hard not to. I may post items home if needed., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: I always use it, unless travelling a very short distance (car to bedroom, etc). My bag is too heavy not to use it. makes a big difference., wasyourobbedonthetrip: I hope not (obviously) I am extremely careful and diligent (I think more than average) and I am only traveling in USA. I always lock my bag. Thinking about getting a pacsafe mesh cover - but it's pretty expensive. I plan to stay mostly in homestay, hostels or camping. Camping is most stressful for theft., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: N/A, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: I doubt it - I will not be on boats, didyoucarryatent: Yes, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yes - I plan to camp. I have a good sleeping bag, liner and bed roll. I have a small 2 person tent. It all fits in bottom pocket in backpack, minus the tent posts and tent (the tent travels broken up separately), Once I arrive, I put the tent in it's bag and strap to the top of my pack., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: Yes, I may not end up using. They are no user friendly. I also find that they drag on floor when put down (the mouthpiece gets germs) and I am always afraid they will pop., whatitemsdidyounotneed: I may not end up camping as much as I think - therefore, cooking and camping equipment. I will not ditch anything - all too expensive. I have planned my gear to last for a long time for many trips. I will have a car, so extra annoying items can be stored in there. Repair items probably not - long time travelling may make more breaks on my bag/gear. Six months only means limited problems. First aid - kind of necessary, especially when hiking. probably (hopefully) will never use it. , blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: Andy, This entry might not be useful for you. I am about to (2 weeks away) embark on a 6 month backpacking trip around the USA, then moving to UK to use as a base for more travel. I am pedantic about my equipment. I have researched, analysed and planned everything - starting from 3 years ago when I bought my backpack. I thought it might be interesting for you to see a "before" and "after" of my backpack. I will fill out the form now with all my expectations, and then fill it out again when I've finished, so you can see if the bag met my expectations and what I did or did not expect to happen. My blog - www.fionagalloway.blogspot.com, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I would prefer to buy a plastic bottle every few days and reuse than to have an important one, then I can not worry about it, or buy a smaller one if my bag is fat, or a huge one if really hot., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels. Why waste space and engineering on something which isn't necessary for me. I am young/fit. It is a burden to wheel a bag and those wheels always look too flimsy for me. When they break it will be $$ to fix, and may even be impossible. I don't think they look useful - just a gimmick., howmanybagsdidyoucary: 3 1 big backpack, with it's little front pack attached to it. 1 25L quality (vaude) backpack for day use and carry on luggage. It will go on my front, and the little day pack will stay attached to the big one. Total size would be about 102L (a lot!!!), linktophotosofyourbag.: See blog soon. www.fionagalloway.blogspot.com Vaude splash air 20+5 http://www.ken2studio.com/pic/backpack/vaude-splash-air-20plus5-1.JPG Mountain Designs Columbus 65 (this is a new model, mine is 3 yrs old and has less "stuff" on it) http://www.mountaindesigns.com/Index.cfm?Action=Products&Subaction=productDetail&ParentCategoryID=43&CategoryID=65&ProductID=273 , doyoucarryarainponcho: I hate umbrellas. I hate poncho's. I have a waterproof jacket with hood. I have a rain coat for both my bags. My important gear (laptop, camera, video camera, electricals, mp3, etc)...are stored in my day (vaude) backpack in a waterproof stuff sack. I bought this specifically because I hate umbrellas, etc. I have had a problem previously where i had stuff in a plastic bag inside a backpack, and it got rained on and the phone got wet - the plastic bag was worthless. I invested in water proof stuff sack to stop this problem. No matter what, I only have to worry about me and dry-able things being wet. Important stuff will always be safe and dry., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes. I have bought a 2.3kg HP laptop 14". I want to show my family my travel, I want to be mobile and connected. USA is an easy country for connection. I have car. It's a no-brainer, I don't need to worry about the effort. I think the benefits will outweigh the annoying., didyoubreakacameraorlose: My dig camera may break - it is getting old and has some "senior moments". my new very tiny video camera is cheap and plastic. (though, not THAT cheap). I have good, padded and hard cases for them. They will also be in waterproof stuff sack. I use and put away, use and put away. I never walk around with camera out. I am very concerned for my gear - always the best for my equipment. My care allows it to keep serving me. Like a good slave owner loves its slave and takes care = better slave ;), averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: Free or

6/28/2008 1:35:15

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Australia, firstname: James, yourage: 36, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 18 Months. Done that twice. Slow travel based overseas travel from a base., brandnameofbackpack: Black Wolf, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 200, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Retractable handle wouldn't go back in place Wheels fell off, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: wheels, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: strong wheels that can withstand cobble stone streets. Lots of zippable pockets inside the bag, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 20kg, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: never, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://www.itravelnet.com/blog/notes.html, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I always have a water bottle. Must be extra strong. I find old plastic coke bottles can break if crushed and wet my bag., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: Backpack with built in wheels., howmanybagsdidyoucary: Wheeled back pack and carry on laptop bag. , doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: yes. Carry in a laptop bag that looks like an old sports bag. I don't like laptop bags that look like laptop bags., didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: NA, whydoyouloveyourbag: I dont love my bag. I'm waiting for the windmill bag to be launched., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Gaffa tape, doesapersonneedhikingboots: I dont, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: Current guidebook in carry on bag, doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: yes, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No. I like putting documents and little things in inside zipper pockets etc, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: Padlock the zippers., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no

6/29/2008 3:45:09

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Netherlands, firstname: Michael, yourage: 34, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: yearly trips for 4 weeks. (south, east and southeast asia, central america). Usually (sub)tropical, so don't have to bring much., brandnameofbackpack: Patagonia MLC, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 159, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Nothing so far. Good construction., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: No problems so far. Bag is soft-sided, and doesn't have a lot of shape by itself. , whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Attachment points for the strap were too close to the side handle. This has been fixed in recent models., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 8 to 10 kilos, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: I usually fill up the daypack during the journey., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Sometimes. It's got a rudimentary waist harness, just a strap, and that's enough., wasyourobbedonthetrip: no., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: n/a, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no., didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no., whatitemsdidyounotneed: i don't use the main side strap very often. I've taken it off now and don't use it anymore at all., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: n/a, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Water bottle goes in the daypack, not in the main backpack., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: main pack is the Patagonia MLC http://www.patagonia.com/usa/product.go?style_color=48105 I've got a small daypack to accompany it. Can fit inside the big bag too, but usually wear it for easy access to important stuff., linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.patagonia.com/usa/product.go?style_color=48105 (in black), doyoucarryarainponcho: yes. lightweight disposable., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no., didyoubreakacameraorlose: no., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 0-10, whydoyouloveyourbag: Small. Doesn't look very expensive. Doesn't look like typical backpack , howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: n/a, doesapersonneedhikingboots: no. i usually bring flipflops, teva's and a pair of trail runners., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: in the daypack. usually 1 guidebook., doyouclimbmountains: Not when travelling., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: You need to get a good balance between the small and big pockets. I do like some compartments. But I organize a lot of stuff with ziplock bags. (for toiletries, medicine, etc)., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: It's got those nifty YKK zippers, I was the one that suggested those to your weblog., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no.

7/15/2008 1:21:45

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: James, yourage: 30, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 14 months-- asia, south and central america, europe, brandnameofbackpack: eagle creek, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 200, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: nothing broke on rolling bag. straps on backpack started giving way so i sewed it back up. , whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: too heavy. rolling bag is too heavy. almost 10 pounds with nothing inside. daypack is also too heavy., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: total 55 pounds, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: almost always, wasyourobbedonthetrip: not yet. , didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, whatitemsdidyounotneed: a lot of clothing, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: you can always buy them., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: convertible bag., howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2- convertible bag with wheels and daypack, doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: yes. in my daypack., didyoubreakacameraorlose: yes i broke my camera after i slipped on a rock with algae. shattered the LCD, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10/20/2008, whydoyouloveyourbag: i don't., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: i sew it up, doesapersonneedhikingboots: no, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: i buy them when i need them. big cities usually have them., doyouclimbmountains: yes, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: yes i like them. i use them occasionally., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, but a rat ate a hole in my bag which i then had to sew up., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: yes, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: TSA combination lock with two zippers. pacsafe chain around straps when i have to leave my bag in a hotel room., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: yes. they weren't paying attention and someone calmly walked away with it. it was stolen from a hostel's "secure" area., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: lightweight and really waterproof.

7/17/2008 10:10:55

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: australia, firstname: monda, yourage: 33, travelascoupleorsingle: single for most recent travels... embarking on couple travel now..., whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 12 months in south america, also lived in UK for 2 years... longest backpacking stint was 3 months, though, brandnameofbackpack: mountain designs, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $350, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: nothing broken... great zippers, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: the weight before I even start packing my crap into it., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Error here deleted by Accident, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 20kg, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: bought an extra bag, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: mostly, wasyourobbedonthetrip: yup ...but not from my backpack, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryasleepingbag: yup... i learnt to pack it inside rather than strapped to the outside when travelling on bolivian buses.... very dusty and very often trashed... actually... learnt to take my sleeping bag ON the bus... frucking freezing on those 20 hour bus rides!, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: nope, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: usually had to buy water... so generally used the disposable water bottles i bought the water in... bad for the environment i know... but hey!?!?, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: by the time i'd finished...i had an extra. Otherwise it was just the back pack (sometimes with day pack on front to balance load) and my hand-bag., linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.mountaindesigns.com/Index.cfm?Action=Products&Subaction=productDetail&ParentCategoryID=43&CategoryID=65&ProductID=273 mine is an older version of the above hybrid pack, doyoucarryarainponcho: nope, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: nope... but will be next time, didyoubreakacameraorlose: two cameras stolen, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: US$6, whydoyouloveyourbag: it's un kill able... i have NEVER had a stuck zip... it's quick to secure, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: safety pins and gaffa tape... , doesapersonneedhikingboots: i bought some in patagonia... they were pretty useful for hikes, but most of my backpacking adventures were done in converse or birkenstocks. hiking boots were a major pain in the arse to be carting around... VERY heavy, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: Had a lonely planet... ended up ripping out the relevant country... way too heavy, doyouclimbmountains: yup, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: i like being able to separate sections of my pack...the divider that i utilise can be moved up and down (initially separating dirty from clean, wet from dry etc... sometimes ends up being mainly yuk). Can totally remove if desired. Some pockets good... always know where to find things like head torch in the dark etc... too many is a pain, but you need enough to be able to keep yourself organised by feel where necessary., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: nope, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: yeah... if you want to break your shoulder., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: you didn't have "sometimes" as an option. I would lock it if i was leaving it somewhere overnight, or while i went for a walk...etc. generally i'd carry my valuables with me anyway (with a secret pocket on my main pack for a spare credit card and my other passport - lucky me). I figured if someone wanted to run away with my whole pack, good luck to them... I would often leave it sitting in a bus station while i went to the bathroom etc. I also figured that it was more likely someone would steal the small hand bag i carried my valuables in... hence separating and back ups, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: yeah... asleep at Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires... IDIOT Also, a couple of people had bags go missing from airports... airport staff most likely and there's not much you can do about that, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: a built in monkey to carry it

7/22/2008 13:14:23

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Norway, firstname: Rune, yourage: 35, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 17 months, brandnameofbackpack: Lill Sport, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 100, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: The zipper puller on the outer pocket., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: None actually., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: To be able to padlock the bag. Pockets: One outer and two inner., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 8 kg, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: No., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Never., wasyourobbedonthetrip: No., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No., whatitemsdidyounotneed: I cannot remember of any., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://whereisrune.com/, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I buy bottled water sometimes, but I never carry them around, just leave in the room or the bus or whatever., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels, just a very simple light weight backpack., howmanybagsdidyoucary: One backback. In addition, I previously I carried one small backpack in front (or just by hand), but now I carry a computer bag instead (shoulder bag)., doyoucarryarainponcho: No., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes. I used to use the computer bag sold with the computer, but since my girlfriend bought me a soft shoulder bag, I use that instead, hehe. Looks less valuable, but not as protective though., didyoubreakacameraorlose: No., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: USD 10, whydoyouloveyourbag: Not really love, but I have had my backpack for 10 years and still no plan to replace it. The reason I like it is that it is simple and light weight, it has only one outer pocket and one inner pocket. , howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: It has not been repaired yet (the broken zipper puller). But if I decide to repair it, I will just go to the nearest tailor. , doesapersonneedhikingboots: I could not dream of carrying huge hiking boots. Better to rent when needed., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: I put in the outer pocket on the backpack, or on top inside. Or if the book is large, sometimes I just bring some copies of relevant pages. But if I return to familiar places, I don't bring a guide book at all. , doyouclimbmountains: No. Or very rarely., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: I have only one pocket inside, and I use it. Wish it was another smaller pocket inside to keep the really small stuff., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: Not really., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: I made holes in the backpack (around the top) to be able to padlock it, and this works perfectly well., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Just to be able to padlock it. And the backpack must be light weight. Preferably one outer pocket and two inner pockets.

7/23/2008 12:08:31

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Mark, yourage: 40, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 13 months india and southeast asia, brandnameofbackpack: Eagle Creek, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $100 on discount old model, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: In the photos the "Voyage" looks like the newer version of my bag. My bag was the Eagle Creek Subcontinental Journey. Now it is called "Voyage". The price of $185 is what the retail price of mine was before I got it on discount. Nothing has broken on it., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: It's a little bit heavy. I think the newer version is made with a lighter but strong material. But my material is very durable so i'd have to see if the new version is as durable. , whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: The thing to notice about this backpack, or at least the subcontinental journey, is the shoulder straps. They are relatively simple padded straps. They tuck into the back panel. Then the panel zips shut at the top. In about 15 seconds at the airport I can tuck the straps away in the panel and check the bag. I always leave the hip straps tucked in and never use them. You could consider not even putting hip straps on the pack. Another thing is it has very good rugged zippers with lockable hasps. I think the newer version has cable run around the perimeter for locking. I lock my cable to the small travel locks that i put through the zipper hasps. Another thing is that it does not have a removable day pack. I don't like those because they are not secure. Instead it has a pocket in front that zips and locks like the main panel. It also doesn't have too much on the outside. Some straps. I use these to take more straps to strap on , howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 30, 40, 50 pounds, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Of course! I brought a Lowe Klettersack (a narrow tall rucksack). When I wasn't using it I would roll it up and strap it to the bottom of the travelpack. I would also buy cheap nylon daypacks and use them until they wore out. I could also strap these to the bottom of my travelpack when I wasn't using them. I would put the travelpack on my back and then throw one or two daypacks over my right shoulder with one shoulderstrap., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Never, wasyourobbedonthetrip: Luckily, no. But I almost always locked my bag closed and chained it to something when on train trips. In India I felt comfortable throwing it on top of buses and locked it only occasionally there. I would keep my daypack between my legs on buses and put one leg through the shoulder strap. Occasionally I would throw it in the overhead bin but keep it in sight. But not if it had my computer in it, then it was always touching my person., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No. But I many occasions where I could have., didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: I carried a quilt that I made according to Ray Jardine's Ultralight Backpacker technique(Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's Handbook and Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardines Guide to Lightweight Hiking.) . I made it from medium weight Thinsulate so it was very compact. I also took a synthetic fleece blanket in India and had a tailor sew a zipper to make it like a sleeping bag. It was also very compact. I would usually stuff them both into a stuff sack and strap them to the bottom of my travelpack. Re: Tent. I ended up buying a piece of polyethylene plastic and used it as a tarp when I was trekking in the Himalayas. I rigged it as Ray suggested with twine and stones like I did when I was a boy scout., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No. Bought water bottles along the way. Usually just kept buying more, rarely re-used., whatitemsdidyounotneed: Didn't bring much that I didn't need. Abandoned clothing in hotel rooms along the way as they got worn out or I found something I liked better to replace them. Abandoned books. Before hand I looked hard at bringing a camp stove and some other items. Stuck with the "less is more" and Fred's Guide to the Real World maxim "More money, less stuff." Worked out fine., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: Hi Andy from Mark itinerantwitness, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Explained above. The bottles that are sold for packaged water are technological marvels. Cheap, tough, light, disposable, multiple sizes, and seal completely. Why carry an albatross around your neck with one of these super bottles and constantly be making room in your backpack for them?, doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1 small travelpack and 1 or 2 daypacks, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/adventure_travel_packs/Voyage-65L-10051/ http://www.itinerantwitness.com/eagle-creek-subcontinental-journey-travelpack , doyoucarryarainponcho: I bought the cheap pirated backpacking shells in the Himalaya for about 15 dollars. Supposed to be breathable nylon with a name brand on the front. Seems to work fine. Zippers keep breaking off and it is tearing under the arms: You get what you pay for! hahaha. Re: umbrella. I'd always look for those really compact five dollar umbrellas in the market. Found them more often than I thought I would. , doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Yes, an Averatec 1050. 10.5 inch screen, 3.5 pounds. Worked just fine. Packed it in a 5mm neoprene pouch I had a cobbler sew in Vancouver. Wrapped it in a plastic bag I acquired along the way, then slid it in the pouch. Then slide the pouch along the back panel of the daypack. Always insisted I handle it myself, kept it with me when traveling (didn't put in baggage stow). Would leave it locked in the bag in the hotel room often, rarely carried it when I wasn't traveling. Figured if I keep a low profile and don't show the computer outside the hotel room, then no one knows it is there. That was the best security., didyoubreakacameraorlose: My camera lasted the whole trip. A Canon Elph Powershot SD 400. I dropped it more than once, including on a rock in the Himalaya. It made a dent in the case but didn't hurt it. I usually kept it in a small waist pouch inside of a small camera pouch. It died inexplicably 4 months after i got back after owning it for several years. I now have a Canon Powershot SD870 IS Digital Elph., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: Anywhere from fifty cents to twenty dollars, whydoyouloveyourbag: No bigger than I need, secure, relatively light, can stow on board many vehicles in passenger cabin (although marginally too big to carry on plane), simple design, not loaded with gimmicks and extras on the outside. Doesn't get caught on things. Can prepare for check-in in seconds. Like the rugged zippers. Simple shoulder strap system. The right dimensions to wear on the back:not too tall or wide or deep on the back. Like the travelpack style for openings: would much rather load like a suitcase with the big zipping sidepanel than try to top-load like an internal-frame backpack. Much easier to load sensibly and find items., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Generally find a tailor or cobbler for a cheap repair., doesapersonneedhikingboots: No way! Wear running shoes or sandals, even in the mountains. If your pack is light enough, you shouldn't need hiking boots, and wearing heavy shoes is tiring. See the Ray Way, above., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: The one thing I carry too much of is books. I like to have them around. They weigh much more than my computer. If I wanted to lighten my pack, I would dump the books. I found that when I was traveling I didn't need to carry many guidebooks if I stayed in one country. Although I had two different brands in my pack in India (Lonely Planet India and Rough Guides South India), I found I only used one generally. So pick one brand and go with it and take whatever shortcomings it has. In Asia it always makes sense to have Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. This way you can plan where you are going next wherever you are and get an idea of where you want to go and why. I usually would put off buying the detailed guidebook for the next country until just before I left the current country for the next. I would wait until I was in the capital city where i was departing and find a good bookstore or check the hotel or tourist area where i was. You can abandon the previous country's guidebook. I hate to give them up because I have used them to look up where I was for my blog or for information for people. I kept carrying Lonely Planet India when I went on to other countries but I could have mailed it cheaply from India because they have a special cheap postal rate for books. I did send back some other books from India using this service. If you are buying pirated copies of books to read it does not feel so bad to abandon them cause you didn't pay much for them. They become pretty disposable., doyouclimbmountains: Yes, I went trekking in the Himalayas. I did not do the serious mountain climbing stuff. That's a whole other experience. If it is serious snow-capped mountain climbing, then you need to bring your equipment or know that you can rent from a reputable outfit in your destination. Summer trekking is much easier, often the outfit will provide tents, horses, cooking equipment, and even porters to carry stuff. Often you only need to carry your daypack with raincoat and snacks for the day., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: No. And luckily my pack doesn't have any. I use stuff sacks of various sizes that I get at camping stores to organize my stuff. I am also a big believer in freezer-grad 'ziploc' bags. Instantly organizes your stuff. Put bags inside of bags. I also acquire plastic laundry bags as I travel to fold and store my clothes in., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: Never happened. Heard of people getting their passports stolen from their bags on a train in India but I don't know the details., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: A duffle bag would work. But I do like the rigid back to the travelpack. A duffle bag can be a little bit too loose. And I need shoulder straps., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: I explained some above under "Was you robbed?". Basically: Default is to lock bag and then lock bag to something. I would do this in my room when I left for the day on many days. Then I would lock my room. If my room was lockable with a padlock then I would feel it was more secure than if I locked the room with a room key, where hotel staff could get in and out. If this were the case, I would put all my valuables in the travelpack and lock the pack and then lock the pack to a piece of furniture. I used small and medium sized locks with keys to lock the zippers and the cables and chains. I brought a thin travel security cable and I acquired essentially a "dog chain" sized chain. My pack did not have a security cable so I would lock the zippers with a small lock and would have a link in the chain or the security cable loop looped into the lock. I would lock all of my bags into the same chain and loop the chain around something heavy. Sometimes it is hard to find a place to chain your bags to in a room., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: I don't know any first-hand stories in detail. Didn't hear much of that happening. I felt my stuff was pretty safe in India, Thailand, and even the Philippines., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Some way to have wheels that do not take up a lot of space.

7/24/2008 23:17:12

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Brad, yourage: 27, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: Trip around Spain for 5 weeks, brandnameofbackpack: Granite Gear, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $140, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: One tear in outer fabric at intersection of shoulder strap/top flap, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Needed a bit more support/framesheet when hiking 9 hours a day @ ~33 lbs. Pack only weighed 2 lbs, but would have preferred the 3-lb model with more supportive framesheet, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: For my future traveling of city/wilderness exploration, something smaller than 60L and more than 1 external pocket. Not sure exactly, curious to see what your vastly-superior hobo knowledge suggests!, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 25 pounds in mixed traveling, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Nope, bag got smaller and lighter as the hike progressed! I am already quite familiar with "throw out half your stuff before you leave". By the 4th month of the hike, I could tell the difference between an extra 3 ounces in the pack. Every ounce counts, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always on the hike, probably just sometimes in mixed traveling though, wasyourobbedonthetrip: Nope, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: Nope, didyoucarryatent: Yes, didyoucarryasleepingbag: You bet, a Lafuma 20-deg F synthetic bag, 2.3 lbs, $45 from Amazon and worked great! Starting to rip near the head, but served its purpose and was a good value, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: Yes, 100 oz. Blackburn HydraSak. Bought it used off eBay, $10, lasted 5 of the 6 months on the hike, using every single day. Loved it!, whatitemsdidyounotneed: Not many, sent some extra clothes home., didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I carried a 1L Glaceau SmartWater bottled water bottle. It's tall, slim shape fit perfectly in the side pocket of the pack, much better fit than the wider, big mouth Nalgenes. , doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels - used for hiking/trekking in wilderness for 6 months, howmanybagsdidyoucary: One, linktophotosofyourbag.: www.granitegear.com, doyoucarryarainponcho: A rain jacket, yes. I ended up turning it into a rain cape -- putting on the pack first. Then the jacket, leaving it unzipped, my arms through the jacket arms, and the back of the jacket draped up and over the pack to keep the rain off both the pack and my back., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: I didn't on the hike, but I just bought the new Asus EEE PC 901 for my mixed traveling -- 2.3 lbs, 8.9" screen, solid state hard drive, 1.3 megapixel webcam, WiFi and Bluetooth equipped, 5-6 hour battery time. We'll see how she does!, didyoubreakacameraorlose: Nope, Pentax W20 waterproof, dustproof, shock resistant, beast of a tiny point & shoot, battle tested!, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $45 USD, whydoyouloveyourbag: It stored my life on my back for 6 months! Without it I would've never made it to the end of the Appalachian Trail. And the simplicity and freedom of traveling with everything you need on your body is beautifully liberating., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: DUCT TAPE!, doesapersonneedhikingboots: Doubt it, I had no trouble pushing 15-20 miles per day on trail runners (overbuilt tennis shoes made for running off-road)., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: Carried it in the side pocket of the backpack., doyouclimbmountains: Damn right!, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: My pack had two side pockets, no internal pockets. Almost a "sack with shoulder straps". Didn't seem to miss them, I only carried 7-10 specific items for hiking, and small stuff was in ziploc bags. Internal pockets and containers will probably be much more convenient when mixed city/wilderness traveling., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: Probably, but shoulder straps make it so much more comfortable to transport. Also one large bag makes it more difficult to keep your loads stable and adjusted, so heavy stuff can shift to the bottom and become uncomfortable., doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: Out in the middle of the woods all year, our packs were very safe. Traveling in cities and around the world though, I am almost positively going to use a Pacsafe or other steel mesh pack lock. Any built-in provisions to attach these devices would be a big plus in a bag., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: A backpack that would also double as a set of rear panniers on a bicycle rack would be awesome, but the panniers-vs-backpack shapes are different enough where it would be difficult to get one pack shape that would do both excellently.

7/27/2008 11:09:47

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Belgium, firstname: Frank, yourage: 32, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 3 weeks, brandnameofbackpack: Berghaus, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 470 (15 years ago), listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: rubber cords to close some things worn out. they still work as cords, but the rubber is no longer flexible. Every thing else is in tip-top shape., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: none, really, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: none, at this time, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 25 kilo, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Nope. I generally return with less then I leave with, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always, wasyourobbedonthetrip: Nope, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, just some puddles, didyoucarryatent: Yes, didyoucarryasleepingbag: yes, also a therm-a-rest mattress , didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: Hell no, Normal water bottles ^^, whatitemsdidyounotneed: hammer for tent pegs, plenty of rocks around ^^, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://frank.rosquin.net/, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I like them as simple and as cheap as possible. mostly, I just use coke bottles etc, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1, linktophotosofyourbag.: Very old bag, none found, doyoucarryarainponcho: yes, one big enough to also cover the backpack, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: tent, whydoyouloveyourbag: It is very simple, extremely sturdy, has no side pockets so allows free arm movement, it is completely black, so quite inconspicuous, And for my build very comfortable. It has 2 compartments which can be joined, so I decide how i stack my stuff (as opposed to whomever made the bag), howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: thick thread, needle, duck-tape, tie-wraps, ..., doesapersonneedhikingboots: I personally like them, I even wear them in town etc. They MUST be full leather though. I can not stand sneakers or any kind of synthetic materials on my feet, so i either wear hiking boots, or very flimsy leather or cotton shoes., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: I don't, doyouclimbmountains: Sometimes, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: My bag only has 2 pockets in the top flap. one inside, one outside. no other pockets at ALL present., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no..., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: that would be very uncomfortable to carry. So to store stuff in, sure, to carry no, doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: Keep it in sight, or put it in airport/train station/hotel lockup, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: What I have

7/28/2008 7:07:42

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Hoz, yourage: 58, travelascoupleorsingle: married, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 2 months, brandnameofbackpack: Generic from WalMart, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 12, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: nothing yet, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: not big enough I, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: I used this bag as a "sling" bag even though it has double shoulder harness. Maybe have a way to quickly convert from double to sling and back. (Remove mower attachment point of one shoulder strap and switch to opposite side?) . , howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 20, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: none, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: yes, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, just a lightweight sleeping bag liner., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, whatitemsdidyounotneed: small attached carabiner, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: two exterior mesh pockets. , doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 3, backpack and 2 luggage, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.outdoorproducts.com/proddetail.aspx?sku=591OP Not exact pack but close enough in style and size, doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10/20/2008, whydoyouloveyourbag: small and convenient,. Nice muted green color., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: If on canoe trip I bring along an "Awl for All". , doesapersonneedhikingboots: Only fro specific hiking/treking tripotherwiseI uselow cut walking shoes or runnign shoes. New Balance 800 , explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: backpack, doyouclimbmountains: Used to., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Yes yes., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: maybe, doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: keep with me, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: I like the sling bag feature. Large openings. Multiple inner dividers.

7/29/2008 13:30:21

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Kevlar, yourage: 43, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, usually, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 3 months in China, then to Europe for 3 more to get some of the western influence back in me, then to india for a month, back to China/Hong Kong for another 2 months, home (PA) for about 2 weeks to take care of biz, then onto S. America for 5 months..., brandnameofbackpack: Columbia ??? don't remember, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: Dont remeber, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: The zippers become clogged with lint & similar stuff, and the zipper's pull-tabs usually break off completely. The strap attachments (where they connect to the top of the pack itself) have frayed and the stitching has loosened. The bottom seam stitching. The top of the pack becomes faded and the UV damage weakens the material on the pack's top. I have had less problems as time goes on and I learn how to pack in such a way as to reduce wear in certain places., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: I have a thin body-type and sometimes, usually when I'm in a hurry to leave somewhere and need to pack quickly, the items in the pack (cooking utensils, laptop batt, etc) will become dislodged and jab me in the back. Also, the zippers 'sticking'. I also need to figure out a way to keep the items positioned vertically...to keep everything from falling to the bottom of my pack., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: - Lockable zippers & slice-proof outer covering for compartments that contain valuables. - Waterproof compartments (from the inside & outside). - Built in compass & clock would be nice. A padded, secure compartment for my laptop (& battery) when I travel with it. - A water bottle holder on one side that's easily accessible while wearing the pack. - A slot down one side that I could slide a(n) umbrella/canopy into for sun protection while wandering through arid lands. HERE'S SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE GREAT: A bag that lays over the shoulder and provides a backpack and a front pack, i.e. Two backpack connected by the shoulder straps with velcro waist connectors to secure the bottoms of each to each other, the front being slimmer and cotton backed to keep your chest from sweating. Eventually, a solar photo-voltaic charger for my laptop batt., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 30 lbs unldng laptop, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Occasionally I will pick up a small, cheap 'Fanny-pack' type bag to carry souveniors, etc. safely back with me until I can put the toys in my pack correctly., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always, unless I'm in an airport or on a bus and need to 'slide' by people easily and quickly shift the pack from one side to the other. It also provides another means of security in certain situations. If I had broader shoulders or a thicker waist, I might not need to use it, but I do, so I do., wasyourobbedonthetrip: I have been robbed. I suspect by children in places like India,Bangkok, & the Philippines. They have cut the compartments on my pack to gain access to what's inside., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: India, Thailand, Mexico, Philippines, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, but I've set in on grassland that was swampy, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No, unless, I'm specifically going to the woods for a short time, i.e. weekend camping trip when home., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, unless I've gone hiking on a specific trip, again, a weekend hike for example, but don't carry one when I travel extensively. Water is available most everywhere, but I do carry a small amount of chlorine bleach to disinfect when needed., whatitemsdidyounotneed: Cooking pans, eating utensils, and the Swiss Army knife for the most part, but when I did need it, I was glad I had it..., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: Not Applicable, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I will usually just buy bottled water wherever I'm going. In most third-world type countries, people are quick to accept the empties for recycling., doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: Have Both, rarely use the one wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: One large backpack & a smaller front (belly pack Patogonia), not a fanny pack, linktophotosofyourbag.: My pack is HIGHLY MODIFIED, some out of necessary repairs, some out of ingenuity & convenience. Its a basic large pack with 2 shoulder straps & waist strap, and a top zip-around opening, but that's about all that resembles the original thing., doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes, a very thin one with vents., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: I have a very slim Sony VS. I will lay my pack flat (part that rest against my back on the floor) and put a shirt, or jeans in first, then I'll lay my laptop on that and place some socks all around the edges of the laptop to protect from side impact while traveling. I'll then place other clothing on the top side (back of the monitor) to protect from 'rear-end' collisions. I also wrap the laptop in plastic (making sure its cooled down) before I put it into the backpack., didyoubreakacameraorlose: I've been lucky, I've never lost my camera, but got some sand into the lens area while in Egypt. I sent it home (to be repaired later) and picked up the same model in Cairo., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $28, whydoyouloveyourbag: We live together. It provides for me & is a part of me. It doesn't talk back, become irritable, or make fun of me. I look forward to spending time with him (???-- I've decided that its masculine--???) as I look forward to the adventures we will share. He's like a little helper..."Here, carry this for me", "Can you give me a ---?". I'll talk to it when I'm on a lonely road from one area to the next. . I feel the same way about my pack as I do about pets I have had when home. He provides protection of sorts, and you can hug them as long as you like. I also respect my pack, I won't overburden him, or ask too much of him., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: I'll find a local cobbler, or seamstress, sometimes I'll just use Duct tape for small tears. Sometimes I'll buy some thick string and repair it myself with a sewing needle that I always carry. I can sometimes use wire ties (Ty-Wraps) which I always carry for certain types of repairs., doesapersonneedhikingboots: Yes, if you've ever walked through a very crowded city (especially where there's livestock), a good pair of (leather/nylon incorporated) hiking boots can save your feet. I have never skimped on footwear, bad shoes will ruin your feet. A good lightweight pair of 3/4 length hiking boots/shoes with a good sole will get you through all kinds of terrain, and you can always wear them out to dinner with a dress shirt (provided, there not all snazzy w/neon stripes). Good hiking shoes with also outlast an expensive pair of lightweight quality running shoes which I usually carry as well. I've found that if you're wearing running shoes and you encounter a small adventure/excursion into the rainforest, or swamp-type land, rubbers are available for purchase or rent., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: In general, I like the Barron's Guides. They're small and come with a nice plastic covering. They contain sections on 'basic phrases' & 'places of interest'. They tell you the tipping & etiquette customs, and usually a few 'slang' phrases. I don't want bus or ferry schedules as they can change overnight in some countries. I'll also pick up local guide books wherever I am. These I keep in my 'belly pack'. I have easy access to them for reference, and can quickly stow them when I need both hands free for whatever (banana picking, petting zoos). I keep them in a slot on my 'front/belly' pack. I put Velcro on the top opening about a 1/4 of the way over, this way they're somewhat secure while I'm being jostled about by the crowds, but I can get them out without having to open/close a zipper (hands-free) as I usually have a cameral, or water in one hand. The Velcro 'automatically' seals itself shut as I walk & brush up against the hooks & loops. If I'm in a hotel, or area with WiFi, I'll download 'Places of Interest', tripTix, or local maps & study them at night, but generally speaking, I prefer the convenience of pulp in my hands. If I have time, I'll find a shady spot, open my laptop and look over the material I have downloaded, make notes in a small notepad or my Barron's phrase book, and proceed with that. This only happens if I really like a place and plan to be there more than a few days. I have found that a guide book isn't usually necessary (especially in Asia where our pronunciation doesn't even come close to theirs), and its just a waste of $ if I'm only there for a day or two. My M.O. is this: I'll ask an English speaking person at the hotel where to go & what to do (showing them that you're ready to, or actually do TIP Them Well). I also try to take a 'sightseeing' tour of the area and come back to, or just stay in an area that I like. I have also encountered many 'Westerners' in my travels. Whether they are there on biz, or missionary work, etc., they can usually provide very good info on what to do, and what to avoid., doyouclimbmountains: Not usually, If the opportunity presents itself, I'll go for the day, but I don't engage in serious multi-day expeditions., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Absolutely...I'll keep a small first-aid kit in one, sewing kit, Swiss Army knife, compass/timepiece, notepad/pencil, passport - emergency cash - medical info & credit card, etc. I always use the same pouch for the same thing as I hate wasting time looking for just the thing I need at the moment. I usually end up making my own custom-sized 'pouches/compartments' for specific items I carry...no wasted space., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: Yes, several times, in Bangkok, I carried "bait"....small, trinkety type things in conspicuous places that the little thieves could have and (hopefully) be satisfied., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: For the most part, of large duffle will do, but it needs modified. It would need pockets, inside & out, and some sort of should padding for the strap(s) as I am thin., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: The straps can be used when its not on your back. Slip them around your legs, ankles, elbows, etc. Never let your bag out of your site when in public. Camouflage it whenever possible. Keep the compartments locked, and use decoys when appropriate., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: I've heard stories of people having their bags stolen. They were foolish enough to have kept their passport & cash in them. I use a flesh colored money belt that I wear around my abdomen. These folks had to go to the local consulate or call home for money & ID. I've never had mine stolen outright, although thieves have tried., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Pop-up Sun umbrella, built in music, solar battery charger, cooling system for my back, GPS, fold-out chair & lap-table, bullet-proof, (knife-proof), two-way audio/video cam, pop-down wheels for scooter-like transport. Pop out tent/rain protection. microwave, cooler, WiFi connection, jet-pak, or personal helicopter technology...

8/24/2008 12:29:39

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: 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

9/1/2008 3:10:54

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: CH, travelascoupleorsingle: depends, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 3 months, SE asia, brandnameofbackpack: bach, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 'bout $300, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: nada, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: too small for my souvenirs............., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: inside straps to hold clothing in place. inside pocket, strap for shoulder carrying, stowable shoulder straps, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: bout 13-18 kilos, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: yes! small gym bag, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: a few times, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, whatitemsdidyounotneed: removable small backpack on big bag cause had my ladies handbag, sneakers, except for getting to airport on leaving home, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: always carried water 0.5 L , refilling if possible- but not often possible, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1bag 1 roomy ladies handbag, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.bachpacks.com/products/detail.asp?PID=161&KatId=32&prodname=Overland+1+-+3&Travel, doyoucarryarainponcho: light rain /wind jacket, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 5-25$, whydoyouloveyourbag: compact, neat and tidy outside + inside. good accessability opens almost like a suitcase, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: would take it to upholsterer, doesapersonneedhikingboots: no, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: Make my own....carry only print outs- as needed on day to day basis in handbag, other print outs in bag , doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: yeah, but i tend to forget where i put what in there............., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: kept my stuff worth stealing in ma ladies handbag right by my side, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: my bag is my dreambag, might think about buying the larger size next time. but these bags are durable so maybe in ten years??

9/19/2008 17:20:39

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Canada, firstname: Chris, yourage: 31, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 3 years, I'm non resident in canada now, return there only for visits not to come home., brandnameofbackpack: Tumi, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $450, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: nothing, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: wheels, weight, and clunkiness. It's fine for urban/hotel traveling, not something I would want to drag around with me elsewhere. Doesn't go well with beaches, dirt roads, grass, etc. I want a 1-fit-all solution., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: -lightweight -detachable laptop section that's easy to reach. i.e. pull it off for carry on before checking bag at airport -organizer (liquids | dirty cloths | clean cloths) -security (i.e. locks for places where u feel more comfortable carrying backpack on front) -separate section for shoes (i.e. dirty running shoes), howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 20-40 kilos, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: typically yes, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: n/a, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, carry a holster wallet for valuables, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: habel.ca, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: Wheels. I needed them for suits, which I'm now ditching for board shorts and flip flops, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1 laptop bag (backpack/sleeve combo) 1 wheel bag 1 golf bag, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://habel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/Photo%2011.jpg, doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: yes, separate bag, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 100-200, whydoyouloveyourbag: It's great for business travel, not beyond., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: n/a, doesapersonneedhikingboots: not me :), explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: in the laptop bag, doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: somewhat, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, doyoulockyourbag: No, doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: you're defining it right now w/ windmill. I literally will live out of the bag, I'm not going for 2 week camping trips or climbing mountains. Having the convenience of a backpack combined with the organization of a wheeled pack. Safe, light, and all-in-one.

9/25/2008 21:21:38

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Tom, yourage: 60, travelascoupleorsingle: was single untill 6 months ago, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: China 2 months, brandnameofbackpack: Genuine Gear, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $135, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: no problems. Hand made in the US. With a 120% moneyback guarantee, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: no problem yet, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: I like my Voyageur just as it is., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: Try to keep it at 30 lbs or less, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Sometimes I bought a new printer in Thailand once. bought a duffle bag to carry it in., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: just 3 times. But when I needed it. I need it. Not for hiking but stuck in airports for hours and needing some exercise. to able move around for long periods with bag. I have a bad back and belt can transfer most of the weight to hips, wasyourobbedonthetrip: not yet, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I just use the 1 or 2 liter bottled water no need to a buy fancy water bottle to pour water into from another bottle., doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1 back Sometimes small daypack on the front, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.meivoyageur.com/, doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: eee pc in a day pack. Did not on the china trip, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $7 to $35, whydoyouloveyourbag: (1) the shoulder harness hides away makes it look like a plan normal softside bag (2) one lage compartment with a outside compartment for travel guide and maps. (3) Very strong YKK zippers (4) black so it does not show dirt so easy. That its made in the USA, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: 4 years 12 trips and no need yet. Still looks good to go, doesapersonneedhikingboots: for me high quality shoes with a thick soft sole, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: carry in my daypack mostly, doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: mine only has one small pocket inside. your roll up pockets that hang up in your room seems like a good idea, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: not yet, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: for me a army duffel is too big. It was ok for a young guy in the service. now I perfer the padded dual shoulder straps, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: keep it wthin eye sight is best. The best you can hope to do is lock it up from the causal theif., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: A bag like I have with good wheels might be good. Also water proof or water resistance

12/1/2008 1:46:07

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: Canada, firstname: Ryan, yourage: 25, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: Wandered around the North West USA - 2 months. Ireland - 2 months. Central America - 1 month. , brandnameofbackpack: Osprey, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 200, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: sternum strap buckle, rear lashing buckle. , whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: This has actually been a good bag, once the silly detachable day pack was removed. I only wish that the main compartment was deeper (distance from my back to the outer edge of the bag). , whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: -Where straps / buckles are used, and I think they are useful on large capacity backpacks to take some of the load / strain off of the buckles, make sure that both ends of the strap are long enough that they can be tied together when the buckle breaks. -Make the I.D. window only accessible from the INSIDE of the bag. -Shoulder straps should be without lots of seams, which casue friction points, and smooth low profile straps are better than thickly padded ones. -Keep outside pockets/compartments to a minimum: perhaps only one for a map or guide book and maybe one for a water bottle (I seldom use a water bottle pocket for water, but it's handy for sea shells or other things that you pick up but don't want to put inside your pack. Also good for toilet paper). -Arrange a place for lashing sandals. I wear mine in the shower and they're often wet. -Put D ring near the top of the bag so that it can easily be clipped to me, for example while in an airport, or also for clipping a towel to that isn't quite dry. -I would like a mesh stretch pocket / pockets stiched along the front of the main zippered compartment (the part that zips away) for books and other flat items etc. -Make sure the material on the bottom of the bag is not too coarse or loosely woven. Make sure that it is easy to wipe clean, as this is the part of the bag that sits on the ground and gets dirtiest. -two small / oblong pouches on the top inside of the bag would be nice to store a camera and sunglasses (in case) away from the main weight of the bag)- it also would keep them more easily accessible. Make sure they are securable with velcro tab etc (Not snap!). , howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: ~50+- lbs, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: No extra bags, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Sometimes, wasyourobbedonthetrip: Not yet..., didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yes- I carried a light weight rectangular bag which could be zipped open and used as a blanket (Snugpak Jungle bag). , didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No- too hard to refill or clean! Bad for extended trips!, whatitemsdidyounotneed: -Didn't use my hammock. -Would replace my alarm clock with a digital watch with alarm function. -Carried a compact water filer which I never used. , didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: A 1l plastic pop bottle is almost as good as it gets. Wide mouth bottles are easier to clean but harder to drink from without spilling and more prone to leaking. For reusable water bottles, I want something stainless steel that I can boil in. I like the Klean Kanteen line, although they are heavy (I use a flat cap, as the tall one may work loose?). "Sig" bottles are junk not good as they dent easily and are plastic coated so that you cannot boil them. Nalgene are ok- but a coke bottle is nearly as good if you want plastic. , doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: One large backpack (Osprey Waypoint 60- threw away the strap-on day pack it came with) and size small "Timbuk2" messenger bag for daily use and to be slung across my chest for things needed at hand while wearing the backpack., linktophotosofyourbag.: http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=43&colorCode=5451&tab=description (Note- used without the removable "day pack". , doyoucarryarainponcho: yes- I use a sil-nylon tarp/poncho (Inegeral designs). It was too expensive, but is useful: it's light, works well as a poncho, covers my pack while wearing, and becasue of its useful rectangular shape it makes great curtains or shade at the beach (provided some trees, etc). , doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: I have not carried a computer in the past, but I would get a Acer Aspire One ($400 9" "Webbook) on my next extended trip. , didyoubreakacameraorlose: No, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $15-20 in USA hostels, whydoyouloveyourbag: Nothing serious broke or failed. It didn't look to fancy and it hasn't been stolen yet., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Heavy needle and fishing line or take it to a shoe repairman. Duct tape can be useful, too. Improvise! Note! Make buckels all the same size so that you can move a less important one to relace the one that broke! , doesapersonneedhikingboots: Not unless that person is hiking. I wear leather walking books / work boots that I had made for me, but I like a leather shoe that I can have resoled. They are really heavier than they need to be, but sturdy and comfortable and look ok. I wear sandals a lot, too. , explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: I keep a small size timbuk2 messenger bag with me at all times, on my back mostly or across my chest if I am carrying my main backpack. The guide book stays in there unless its in my hands. , doyouclimbmountains: Not often, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Some inside pockets are ok, so long as they are designed well, but I like Andy's idea of a roll-up backpack organizer much better. The more material sewn into the bag, the less free space there is and the heavier the bag will be (and more expensive, too). Keep it simple!, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: Not yet!, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: A duffle could work but it is less comfortable to carry heavy loads and the contents slide around more. I prefer a backpack. , doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: I keep a lock on the main zipper any time that my bag is outside of a locked room. That's why some additional outside compartments (guide book pouch, water bottle pocket) can be useful., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: I have heard, but don't know the details. Most people say "I only set it down / looked away for a moment and...", whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Keep it simple and easy to fix. , candidateforbetatestersshortlist: Yes good Name: Ryan Lloyd EMail: awx01@hotmail.com Country: Canada

1/19/2009 16:08:02

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: United States, firstname: Greg, yourage: 22, travelascoupleorsingle: Solo, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: Zero outside of US, but 3.5 weeks within., brandnameofbackpack: Kelty, Jansport, LowePro, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $200 for the Kelty, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Too much pocket room and not enough main storage room. I prefer to carry everything inside an internal frame pack, so an array of pockets does me no good. Two or three is all that you need., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Personally, I would like a bag designed for backcountry stays in the wilderness. Things like sleeping pad straps, waterproof zippers, a big, beefy waist belt, extra-wide and well-padded shoulder straps, easy to access main area with plenty of space, etc. Ideally, this would weigh in the 4-6 lb range and have a capacity of 4000-6000 cu in and a load capability of 40-60 lbs. It should be simple, rugged, durable, and highly water resistant, if not water proof. Price is not a concern for me, as a pack is an investment. Spend more up front and you'll have a product that could last as long as twenty years., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 40-50, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: No., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always., wasyourobbedonthetrip: No., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: Almost!, didyoucarryatent: Yes, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yes., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: Yes., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://www.gregpphoto.com, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Nalgenes are great but heavy at 6 oz each. I prefer a 2.5 L bladder with only nalgene as a backup., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1, doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: No., didyoubreakacameraorlose: No., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 30-50 for motels once per week., whydoyouloveyourbag: I don't! The Kelty Red Cloud can carry 6650 cu in but a lot of that is lost in pocket space. Also, it's a bruiser at over 6 lbs., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Sewing kit., doesapersonneedhikingboots: Oh yea., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: None - Rely on Topo maps., doyouclimbmountains: Yes., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Sometimes., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No., doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: I am my security, the bag never leaves my sight, and if it does, it's because it's stripped down to it's "base camp" weight and is hidden while I'm away., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Waterproof, simple, light weight, can carry 60 lbs, and lasts for years.

1/20/2009 17:16:01

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Contortionist Bob, yourage: 38, travelascoupleorsingle: Marred....HAHAHAHA....no seriously...married., whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: Backpacked in South America for 1 month., brandnameofbackpack: REI Mars 85 (large), whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 295, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: None..., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Not big enough., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: LOTS OF POCKETS!!!!!!! BIG BIG BIG! Separate compartment for Sleeping Bag. Lots of hooks for carabiners. Front side access., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 40-55lbs, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Yes. Well, my "dirty clothes" stuff sack strapped to the outside of my pack., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always...with a load., wasyourobbedonthetrip: No's., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, but rained on a LOT!, didyoucarryatent: Yes, didyoucarryasleepingbag: Yep. Big Agnes RULES!, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: Yep. Rarely used though. Bottles easier to fill., whatitemsdidyounotneed: Stove. Didn't actually "camp" much. We did tent and sleep outside alot, but usually in a densly populated area., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: None..., didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Meh..., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels., howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1, linktophotosofyourbag.: no photo's, doyoucarryarainponcho: No...I rely on my shell., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: Nope., didyoubreakacameraorlose: Nope., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $20, whydoyouloveyourbag: It's all I know., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: I keep a small stuff sack full of extra straps and zip ties., doesapersonneedhikingboots: HELL YES!!!!!!!!, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: Side pocket or pants pocket(large w/zipper on leg), doyouclimbmountains: Sometimes., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Not enough. I would use them if there were more!, didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: Razor? No. Tree branch? Yes., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No., doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: I carry a knife., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: No., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Size!!! (see above)

2/9/2009 12:52:00

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: 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...

5/5/2009 16:01:31

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: USA, yourage: 23, travelascoupleorsingle: with girlfriend and single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: backpacked europe for 1 month, brandnameofbackpack: gregory, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 280, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: one zipper pull, other than that, nothing, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: way too awesome, but other than that, no dedicated slot for a laptop (even though i didn't bring one, i would have like to have that option), too expensive looking, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: lots of pockets to organize, different ways to access gear, comfortable to wear for long periods of time, not too flashy, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 25 lbs, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: no, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: always, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, i did carry a sleep sack though, about the size of a water bottle, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, i just bought large bottles of water everywhere i went, my backpack had a pocket that could hold any size water bottle very securely, whatitemsdidyounotneed: none, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: i didn't bring a water bottle, i preferred to buy large bottles of water. they are very cheap everywhere i went, as long as i went to the right store, and since they were bottled and filtered, i didn't have to worry about the water not being clean. when i got done with the bottle, i could throw it away, or if i'm in rome or switzerland, i can fill it again from a fountain, doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: no wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 1 backpack plus one small messenger bag, no-name brand, linktophotosofyourbag.: http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/hhut_2053_5524501, doyoucarryarainponcho: i carried a light weight rain jacket, fit better, looked better, could also be used for warmth, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10-75 euros a night, whydoyouloveyourbag: very comfortable, very roomy, i could always carry everything i had and keep it organized, howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: duct tape, doesapersonneedhikingboots: not unless they are planning on hiking over serious terrain that would include lots of water crossings. hiking boots are too bulky and heavy. there are many more lightweight options that will work as well, if not better. also, hiking boots can look goofy in certain situations, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: i had the binding cut off of a large guidebook, and rebound the chapters into smaller books that i could easily stuff in my back pocket, doyouclimbmountains: yes, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: yes, i liked all the little pockets, becuase i had lots of little things that i like to keep seperate. it made it very easy to find something quickly, also, if everything has its own place, you will know if you are missing or forgot something. , didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: i guess so, although there were points were i would have to walk long distances, and a large duffle would have been a lot more cumbersome to carry. also, i would be tempted to put duffle bag down a lot, increasing chances that i would leave it or it would be stolen. with a backpack, it is always on, and i always knew where it was., doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: i would lock my bag in my room, or in a hostel's bag room. if i put it down in a public place, i never let it out of my site. if i needed to leave it somewhere, i would find a locker. , doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: yes, a girl had her bag stolen on a subway in barcelona. one guy distracted her while another stole it from between her feet on the floor before she could notice. , whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: a way to have a detachable daypack that doesn't compromise the comfort or security of the rest of the bag. the daypack must also not look ridiculous, like most of the detachable daypacks i saw.

7/4/2009 0:43:43

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: usa, yourage: 25, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: lived abroad many times for several years, lived out of a backpack for two months, brandnameofbackpack: Ozark Trail, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 30?, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Zipper, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Broken zipper, whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Open like a suitcase, look semi-respectable so I don't look like a eurail bum, expandable and contractible, interior frame., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 30 to 50, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: No, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Very often, wasyourobbedonthetrip: no, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: no, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, whatitemsdidyounotneed: I need most things, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: you don't need one. plastic ones are cheap and disposible, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: one, on back, linktophotosofyourbag.: I can't find the backpack for sale anymore... it was cheap and at "Value City" but it is the best backpack I have ever had., doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10/20/2009, whydoyouloveyourbag: Cause it fits, can carry as little or as much as I need, and it looks like a day pack even though it has tons of stuff it in., doesapersonneedhikingboots: yeah, explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: don't take them with me. just printouts from wikitravel in the backpack, doyouclimbmountains: yeah, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, doyoulockyourbag: No

7/19/2009 21:10:18

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

8/4/2009 23:34:32

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: California, firstname: Squimmy, yourage: 12, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: Backpacked in Philippines for 2 weeks, brandnameofbackpack: IKEA, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: $15, blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: http://www.yankodesign.com, wheelsornowheelsbag: No Wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2

8/13/2009 14:10:41

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: United States, firstname: Zac, yourage: 21, travelascoupleorsingle: single, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 10 days in europe london and paris, brandnameofbackpack: Atalantic, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: ?, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Too hard to carry around all the time., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Wheels and backpack with room for dress clothes., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: Dose not matter, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: nope, howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: few, wasyourobbedonthetrip: nope someone on the trip was though, ifyeswhichcountryexplain: London, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no, didyouloseawaterbottle: No, doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: Wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: Two on on wheels other on back., doyoucarryarainponcho: no, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: no, didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $180, doesapersonneedhikingboots: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: multi compartments with wheels and a straps for your back

8/30/2009 16:50:58

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: U.S.A., firstname: Terry, yourage: 61, travelascoupleorsingle: Single , whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: I guess the army doesn't count..so I'd have to say central america (Costa Rica) 30 days...3 times , brandnameofbackpack: Free canvas bag set from camel cig's, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: A lot of cigarettes, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: Bag's are still in good condition...road weary but still my main ones. , whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: None....I love em. , whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: Bag's are brown canvas & leather very durable & the best thing about them are easy to spot at airport..... , didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: No....plastic bag from duty free store if I had money left. , howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Never , wasyourobbedonthetrip: All depends on how you define robbed , didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No , didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No , whatitemsdidyounotneed: Always travel lite.....so usually was on the short side , didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: usual store bought 20 oz'er , doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No wheels , howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2....1 over the shoulder & 1 backpack , doyoucarryarainponcho: No , doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: No (internet cafe's) , didyoubreakacameraorlose: No , averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10/20/2009, whydoyouloveyourbag: Fits me perfect , howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Duct tape , explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: To much trouble...always used internet & flyers I picked up. , doyouclimbmountains: No , doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Yes..but could never remember which pocket had what.. , didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: No , wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: No...the bigger the bag the heavier they got. , doyoulockyourbag: No, explainbagsecurity: Always kept with me or locked in storage , whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: How you could ever put stickers on a canvas bag?

11/3/2009 2:16:51

2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Z

countryonyourpassport: canada, firstname: scot, yourage: 47, travelascoupleorsingle: Married, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 6 weeks SE Asia couple times., brandnameofbackpack: Eagle Creek, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: 160, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: buckles, whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: Day pack was overly large and bag straps not very comfortable with 50 lbs in pack., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: fitted shoulder straps, lumbar support, padded laptop compartment, built in i-pod speakers and docking station (think Burton snow boarding packs).I-pod holder in shoulder strap and speakers in top compartment in pack. Shower/shaving kit incorporated into pack, Pack bag or fly to contain straps during airport travel. 5 liter day pack maximum.Side compartments that run the length of pack to hold Sanukes/ snork gear/ flippers. Internal straps/compartment that are top to bottom to hold the NICE Shirt for temples and the one "going out for dinner shirt". Small money compartment on shoulder strap for bus/boat/cab/tuk-tuk/beer money. Clamp type waist belt that can be worn buckled or unbuckled. Mens 80 liter Womans 65 liter Max, howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 30-50 lbs, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Yes. Purchased a Same-Same North Face in Vietnam ($18.00 USD) to bring home stuff. Was not a failing of luggage that we left with just an overwhelming desire to help out local economy. And was a plan to return with art and sculpture this time., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Never use harness on a walk under a kilometer. After that point I find that I do it up to ease on my aching back. This cuts down on number of Beer Laos consumed on that particular evening. If harness was a clamp that closed around hips on a spring system it would be more useful. Most of the time people do not get the benefit of the waist harness. For me if it gripped loosely for short trips and could be buckled up for long trips it would be more useful., wasyourobbedonthetrip: Nearly this year but yes last year for sure., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: This year Vietnam, Last year Thailand., didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: yes, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: no, didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: no. They suck (HE HE), whatitemsdidyounotneed: extra compartment for dirty laundry. Laundry services are everywhere., didyouloseawaterbottle: No, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: Only need a side pocket for a purchased water bottle. Never been anywhere that bottled water was not available., doyoucarryandumbrella: No, wheelsornowheelsbag: No, howmanybagsdidyoucary: 2, doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes, doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: yes. 9 " laptop carry it and all chargers and I-pod stuff in a soft sided lunch bag. This measures about 11"x7"x3". Place it in carry on for flights otherwise it lies in middle of pack. Would be nice if it had a dedicated compartment in pack., didyoubreakacameraorlose: no, averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: 10/25/2009, whydoyouloveyourbag: large. Day pack is suitable for all day excursions. mesh side pockets are great for water bottles., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: Duct tape. , doesapersonneedhikingboots: yes. 1 day in 10 you really want them, 2 days in 10 running shoes are adequate, 7 days in 10 sandles are all you want. Would be nice if a pack had an external mesh bag to put hiking boots into. They are usually to muddy to put into pack., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: In day pack or at the top of bag somewhere accessible., doyouclimbmountains: no, doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: I have none. Would use them if they were there., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: no, wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: no, doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: Airport approved locks on zippers., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: Yes. Bag pulled off person on street. thief made off on scooter into traffic., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: # 1 Would be the I-pod docking station and maybe a solar charger. #2 Better compartments in the bag. I purchased travel bags to go into my pack. #3 Dedicated footwear compartments so that my sandy/muddy footwear does not mix with my clothes. #4 shoulder straps that could be contoured to the person, like mouldable ski boots.