When considering the purchase of a backpack you should keep several things in mind:
- Your backpack should be comfortable enough to allow you to carry at least 20-30 pounds. When trying out different styles ask the sales person for weights to put inside pack so that you'll have an idea of what 30 pounds feels like on your back.
- Your backpack should be proportional to body size (your pack shouldn't be so large that you and couple of your closest friends could fit inside). People under 5'6" inches should try to make sure their backpack in no taller than 22 inches--taller backpacks will hit the back of your head. Try to limit yourself to a pack that is between 2,800-5,000 cubic inches/45-80 Liters, unless you and Godzilla are the same size.
- Shop around. Try out as many different styles as you can before you make your decision. In other words, don't buy a pack simply because it comes in your favorite color and don't avoid trying on a pack simple because it isn't aesthetically pleasing. The fashion statement you'll be making with your "stylish" but uncomfortable pack will be one that only masochists will appreciate.
- The most expensive backpack is not necessarily the best. Unless you plan to do quite a bit of backpacking over the next twenty years or so, that $300 pack will be a waste of money; many moderately priced packs ($100-$200) will suit your purpose just as well, if not better, than those high priced packs.
- If possible, get a pack that you won't have to check in at the airport (size requirements vary, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure L x W x H doesn't add up to more than 45 inches). Not having to waste your time checking and claiming your pack is one of the best things about traveling light. If you plan on bringing a Swiss Army knife or something similar, ignore this because only checked luggage may contain pointed/sharp implements.
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