I'm trying to pick out a pack for a 5 week trip around SE Asia. I'm around 5 ft and 100 lb so I can't carry those huge heavy bags haha. I'm hoping to shoot for 40-50 L and spend less than $100. Anyone have any pack recommendations that are lightweight but roomy and sturdy, and also won't make me broke? Here's my cut & paste rant about travelling light... First of all, whether you're travelling for 2 weeks, 2 months or 2 years your backpack size doesn't change - you're bringing exactly the same stuff for a short trip or a long trip. The only exception would be if you're camping or travelling in really cold climates, obviously that makes a difference. Generally anything over a 50 litre backpack is way too big. Think light, efficient and mobile... you definitely don't need to be hauling around a boat anchor on your trip. I travel independently for indefinite periods (several months at a time) via hotels/hostels through 3 climates with a carry-on size 46 litre backpack with LOTS of room left over - all the cinch straps are yanked to their tightest dimensions so the backpack is really only about 35 litres.

And I'm a big guy. That's including a set of nice clothes to crash an Embassy party or high-end club, normal day-to-day casual and hiking wear, beach clothes, personal hygiene products and everything else you need to be safe/comfortable plus a laptop, digital still/video package and all the peripherals.ogio 1950 backpack review I have a separate daypack that fits inside the main backpack. tessel backpack buyI use it to carry all my essentials when the main backpack is in an overhead bin, etc.canon c300 backpack uk It's easily doable and you'll see LOTS of experienced backpackers doing the same - and in warm climates going even lighter. Seeing other travellers - especially smaller women - struggle with 60-70-80 litre backpacks (usually with large additional daypacks!) is insane.

Going light makes sense to me because it allows me to keep my backpack with me (almost) all the time - it's carry-on size for aircraft, it doesn't need to be checked into the baggage space under the bus where it's out of my sight and out of my control - and it's obviously way easier/faster to navigate a crowded train aisle, keep with me inside the taxi, stow in a small boat, fit into a tuk-tuk, onto the back of a motorcycle and a million other situations. Everyone's needs/requirements are different though... different strokes for different folks... Have fun with your shopping/research. Good luck and travel safe. I have watched petite young ladies trying to walk with a 50l on their back and they look like they are going to topple over at any second. Really the best way is to go in and try on the backpacks in a store - BUT fill them with 15kg of gear (good to try it with a bag of books) and then walk around the shop and up and down flights of stairs etc and practice running for a train.

Thats when you will realise how much you can cope with on your back. Also consider convertibles that can also be wheely bags - for when you really cant cope with putting it on your back one more time. I live opposite backpackers hostels and honestly - what I see is just ridiculous!! Honestly, for someone as small as the OPer - and backpacking around SE Asia - the 35 litres that I mentioned in Reply #1 is more than sufficient, it could easily be barely 2/3rds full so loads of room left over for souvenirs, etc... While wheels may be nice, having wheels and telescoping handles adds a fair bit of weight to a bag before you even put anything into it. I agree that 35L should be enough, especially if you're going to a warm climate. Personally, I do extended trips with a simple 35L duffel bag, light enough that I don't care about wheels. That plus a small laptop pack for the electronic toys. Regardless of your needs, I would not go over 35l simply because you would not be strong or tall enough to carry a much larger backpack.

If you need more space, I would consider taking a wheeled suitcase. im with the other posters on this one. 35L max, or move to the wheelie bag. to all the advice here, but a few comments.. As to what one should carry - it really is a personal thing as to what you want to bring and how much you are willing to carry. Very good suggestions about trying on the backpacks with weight in them - it's key to make sure the backpack fits you properly. I also agree that a 35-40L should bee plenty. The most important factor is the length of your back, not your height or weight. Backpacks are sized by the distance between your hips and your C7 vertebrae. You can be short and have a longer back than a much taller person. So go to a store with knowledgeable staff who can help you find an appropriate pack. While this is for travel backpacking where a larger pack is totally unecessary, there is no reason the poster or any equally smll woman couldn't carry a pack larger than 50L. It's done all the time for hiking and backcountry ski trips.

I'm not much larger and have carried more than a third of my bodyweight hiking and on skis.. My large pack is 70L, and I know people with 80L+ packs. It's a matter of getting a properly fitted pack, packing appropriately and having the right fitness. You're kinda comparing apples and oranges, ksneds. A travel backpack has none of the advanced features that a hiking backpack has that allows you to carry heavy loads for long periods of time... two entirely different designs for two entirely different uses... Short answer: High Sierra Access. This backpack is 44 liters with two big compartments (think mobile hamper). You can bring your gadgets. For those sudden Southeast Asian rainstorms this backpack comes with its own "rain jacket". I'm with Martian / Terry in regards to the travelling light opinion. Also, I agree with the 35 Liter (max) pack suggestion for you. t-mobile international data - a complete ripoff? Buying European SIM cards the best option? What programs /applications yo use when planning yor trip?