PittsburghNative Posted March 19, 2019 #1 Share Posted March 19, 2019 I won’t be taking my everyday purse to Alaska, so I want to get some recommendations of what type of backpack I should bring. I don’t need anything big, but comfort is a big deal. I was looking at The North Face and before I spent $$$$, I’d like to see what others have used. A big plus is if I can use the backpack after Alaska. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted March 19, 2019 #2 Share Posted March 19, 2019 (edited) I still use my 30 year old college backpack - actually more of a shoulder pack. It has traveled the world with me. I think I got my $$$$'s worth. It is similar to this (same brand - probably same model): https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FSSB Edited March 19, 2019 by Coral Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mapleleaves Posted March 19, 2019 #3 Share Posted March 19, 2019 Well you have me beat, Coral. I'd say my daypack is about 15 - 20 yrs old and well travelled. But mine is a $15 daypack from Costco! It has 3 zippered compartments and a mesh pocket on each side. When in Alaska I put a water bottle in one mesh pocket and my poncho in the other. Similar to this : https://www.amazon.com/Roam-Packable-Backpack-Water-Resistant-Tear-Resistant/dp/B077SQKHHF/ref=sr_1_17?crid=FD5SFF6A9KPD&keywords=daypacks+for+travel&qid=1552968509&s=gateway&sprefix=daypack%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicoleinwi Posted March 19, 2019 #4 Share Posted March 19, 2019 I find Osprey to be a lot more comfortable then North Face. I have a traditional backpack from them when I have a lot of stuff to use. But for instances such as excursions where I don't need a lot I love the FlapJill pack. It's a little more slimline (and it doesn't have big expanders. It does still have a ton of room so you could throw a jacket, souvenirs and misc in it but it's not going to bulge out. I remove the chest strap. Here's the link from Osprey's site. I have it in a greenishblue color so if you check other places you might find in different colors. https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/flapjill-pack-FLPJLPACK_201.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anita Latte Posted March 19, 2019 #5 Share Posted March 19, 2019 If the purpose of your backpack is a day bag? We purchased this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TEIVUQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It had just enough room to carry what we needed ashore. The fact that it folds up into a self contained pouch made it very handy for travel, because we needed bigger bags for air travel but didn't need, nor want, a large bag for port days. The water resistance was tested and by and large our stuff inside was fine. The pack dried quickly too. And, if we really cared, our rain coats are roomy enough and the pack slim enough, we could have worn it under our rain coats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LF23 Posted March 19, 2019 #6 Share Posted March 19, 2019 I have an Osprey backpack that I love for hiking, but for light walking around where that’s overkill - both traveling and at home - I’ve been using this inexpensive and light Eddie Bauer daypack for at least 10 years. Can’t wreck it! https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-packable-daypack-for-travel/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PittsburghNative Posted March 19, 2019 Author #7 Share Posted March 19, 2019 WOW...thank you for all your suggestions! Pricing is so much better than The North Face. They look more comfortable too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LF23 Posted March 19, 2019 #8 Share Posted March 19, 2019 Heads up- just noticed the Eddie Bauer pack is currently in their half price sale event, so $15 instead of $30. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommydust Posted March 20, 2019 #9 Share Posted March 20, 2019 I second the Eddie Bauer. My husband will be using the 30L version and me the 20L. And yes, currently 1/2 off - so a steal! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PittsburghNative Posted March 20, 2019 Author #10 Share Posted March 20, 2019 I do have a question about liter size. I saw the Eddie Bauer backpack was 20L. Will that be a good size for someone who is 5’2? I was also looking at the L.L. Bean, but that is 22L. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubamoose Posted March 20, 2019 #11 Share Posted March 20, 2019 My husband and I both have variations on this bag from Pacsafe. https://www.pacsafe.com/metrosafe-ls350-anti-theft-15l-backpack/30430216.html?cgid=daypacks#start=1 Since we go to Europe a bit and are concerned with theft we purchased the anti-theft bags and we are glad that we did. We were almost victims of a slash and grab in Barcelona (among other things). Worked like a charm. The 15L bags are big enough to hold what we need. Love the lock feature. They are pricey but occasionally you can catch a sale - I got one recently for $69. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicoleinwi Posted March 20, 2019 #12 Share Posted March 20, 2019 10 hours ago, PittsburghNative said: I do have a question about liter size. I saw the Eddie Bauer backpack was 20L. Will that be a good size for someone who is 5’2? I was also looking at the L.L. Bean, but that is 22L. Do you have REI near you? Might be worth going there to check them out. The sales people are amazing and actually know what they are talking about. I know for my backpacking backpack (I don't remember if regular backpacks offer this) is they come actually in different sizes (xs, s, m, l, lx) so you could see how it fits on you. I'm taller then you at 5'7 but pretty small frame. I always buy women specific backpacks, it makes it so much more comfortable. Main thing is the straps are kinda contoured in so they are digging into your arm pit area. Which is extremely nice if you are wearing a tank top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PittsburghNative Posted March 20, 2019 Author #13 Share Posted March 20, 2019 35 minutes ago, nicoleinwi said: Do you have REI near you? Might be worth going there to check them out. The sales people are amazing and actually know what they are talking about. I know for my backpacking backpack (I don't remember if regular backpacks offer this) is they come actually in different sizes (xs, s, m, l, lx) so you could see how it fits on you. I'm taller then you at 5'7 but pretty small frame. I always buy women specific backpacks, it makes it so much more comfortable. Main thing is the straps are kinda contoured in so they are digging into your arm pit area. Which is extremely nice if you are wearing a tank top. I actually drove to Orlando this past weekend to the closest REI, but I didn’t see too many backpacks I liked. I may just have to order a few online and see which one fits the best. REI is an AWESOME store! It was my first time in one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musik07 Posted March 21, 2019 #14 Share Posted March 21, 2019 On 3/19/2019 at 8:29 AM, Anita Latte said: If the purpose of your backpack is a day bag? We purchased this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TEIVUQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It had just enough room to carry what we needed ashore. The fact that it folds up into a self contained pouch made it very handy for travel, because we needed bigger bags for air travel but didn't need, nor want, a large bag for port days. The water resistance was tested and by and large our stuff inside was fine. The pack dried quickly too. And, if we really cared, our rain coats are roomy enough and the pack slim enough, we could have worn it under our rain coats. Thank you so much for this recommendation. I still travel with my college L.L. Bean bag, but it is heavy, not waterproof (I think it has worn off at this point) and it heats up because of all of the cushioning on the back. I have been looking for something similar to this for our trip that should be cooler and waterproof I will only need my wallet, water bottle, hat and extra jacket for the day so this seems excellent! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda Brasher Posted March 23, 2019 #15 Share Posted March 23, 2019 Yeah, I don't think you need to invest a lot of money. But DO try it out several times to make sure it's comfortable enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becoming Posted March 23, 2019 #16 Share Posted March 23, 2019 At The Container Store, I found this for a travel purse - https://www.containerstore.com/s/travel/totes-bags/baggallini-pacific-blue-city-tote/12d?productId=11005552 I like that you can upzip the bottom of the outside pocket and slip it over your luggage handle. For a day bag, I found a bag similar to this - https://www.containerstore.com/s/eagle-creek-heathered-blue-packable-daypack/d?productId=11006418&q=eagle creek It's very lightweight and could easily hold my camera, water, jacket, etc. Enjoy Alaska! Patti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommydust Posted March 23, 2019 #17 Share Posted March 23, 2019 Fwiw, pretty sure LLBean has a lifetime guarantee. I’d trade in that backpack for a new one if I were you! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted March 23, 2019 #18 Share Posted March 23, 2019 16 hours ago, Mommydust said: Fwiw, pretty sure LLBean has a lifetime guarantee. I’d trade in that backpack for a new one if I were you! Not anymore. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommydust Posted March 23, 2019 #19 Share Posted March 23, 2019 Hmm... I was just at one of their stores the other day and they emphasized their lifetime guarantee. But maybe it’s different for backpacks then for clothing. I know they replaced my husbands worn out shoes for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted March 24, 2019 #20 Share Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, Mommydust said: Hmm... I was just at one of their stores the other day and they emphasized their lifetime guarantee. But maybe it’s different for backpacks then for clothing. I know they replaced my husbands worn out shoes for free. It changed a year ago (for everything): https://www.llbeanbusiness.com/llbean/company/guarantee There is still some wiggle room but it is not as easy as before. Edited March 24, 2019 by Coral Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegoaliegirl Posted March 24, 2019 #21 Share Posted March 24, 2019 Yesterday I just bought this one at REI (https://www.rei.com/product/136588/rei-co-op-trail-25-pack-womens). I am 5' 2" and struggle with packs that hit the top of my head, as I have a very short torso. This one didn't do that. Aside from wearing it around the store for a LONG time twice, I haven't used it yet, but wanted to mention it, since you are the same height I am. Right now they have their 20% off one item sale going on for members plus a bonus 10% rebate (in the form of an e-gift card) on all REI branded items this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PittsburghNative Posted March 24, 2019 Author #22 Share Posted March 24, 2019 46 minutes ago, thegoaliegirl said: Yesterday I just bought this one at REI (https://www.rei.com/product/136588/rei-co-op-trail-25-pack-womens). I am 5' 2" and struggle with packs that hit the top of my head, as I have a very short torso. This one didn't do that. Aside from wearing it around the store for a LONG time twice, I haven't used it yet, but wanted to mention it, since you are the same height I am. Right now they have their 20% off one item sale going on for members plus a bonus 10% rebate (in the form of an e-gift card) on all REI branded items this week. Thanks for your suggestion! I ordered some backpacks to see which one fits best but I’ll definitely keep this in mind if they don’t work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfMommy17 Posted March 26, 2019 #23 Share Posted March 26, 2019 (edited) i just bought the Eddie Bauer 30L as well on sale. This way i won't be trapped into carrying too much stuff - just what i will need. May not be 'comfortable' but i am not hiking or carrying a Laptop daily, so i am not worried. I also have an osprey 20L but it's too stiff for my liking. Edited March 26, 2019 by GolfMommy17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owens_Moomer Posted March 26, 2019 #24 Share Posted March 26, 2019 On 3/19/2019 at 8:29 AM, Anita Latte said: If the purpose of your backpack is a day bag? We purchased this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TEIVUQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It had just enough room to carry what we needed ashore. The fact that it folds up into a self contained pouch made it very handy for travel, because we needed bigger bags for air travel but didn't need, nor want, a large bag for port days. The water resistance was tested and by and large our stuff inside was fine. The pack dried quickly too. And, if we really cared, our rain coats are roomy enough and the pack slim enough, we could have worn it under our rain coats. This is the same one we use to travel with and we love ours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PittsburghNative Posted March 27, 2019 Author #25 Share Posted March 27, 2019 Welp, I got the LL Bean backpack that was mentioned and it’s really big on me. It’s 22L. Waiting on another backpack to arrive and compare it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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