Backpack/Duffel Recommendations for 23 Days of Travel?

I am looking for a large inexpensive backpack or duffel with backpack straps for a 23 day trip to Europe [first and last are flight days]. I would like to avoid going over $150 if at all possible. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations, especially from those who have done similar vacations in terms of duration?

I'd like to find a large capacity [6000 cu. in+] lightweight [less than 44 lbs when full] duffel that is 62 linear inches or less [slightly over is alright, as I could probably compress it to fit within airplane requirements]. If anyone has a duffel that they particularly enjoyed for long travel that is large and fits in my requirements, I'd love to know!

If you did go on such a journey and had a good one, how many shirts/pants/shorts/other items did you fit in, with how much room left, and what was the starting weight?
The tour I am taking requires the starting weight to be 44 lbs or less, but after the first day the weight restriction is gone. I am going to be packing a secondary bag that will be used for gifts and fragile things I buy on the tour that need to be brought back on the plane. Again, the tour I am taking is one checked bag and one carry-on for the bus, which has to be small. But a packed one to be brought out later is ok.

The current two duffel bags im looking at are:

http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/a_t_gear_access_30_wheeled_duffel/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=17597
http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/at3_sierra_lite_32_drop_bottom_wheeled_duffle/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=63374

I like the first one as it has many separate pockets, but I am afraid that if I use one side pocket for toiletries and the other for the extra bag and shoes that the middle compartment wouldn't be large enough for clothes. Conversely the second bag is large but has few compartments for separation.

Neither of those bags is appropriate for travel. They're more for things like going to the gym or a short weekend away. I'd really avoid any type of duffel bag.

In all honesty, if you're going on a tour (is it Contiki, by chance, or Topdeck..?), you don't need a backpack. I would recommend using a suitcase instead. You'll get dropped off and picked up at the hostel/hotels so you aren't going to need to worry about space and transportation, which are the main reasons for taking a backpack. I've done tours as well as solo travelling and for all the tours I've just taken a suitcase. Most people on the tours had suitcases and they worked so much better for that situation. Also, suitcases will hold a lot more so if you're taking back souvenirs this is the better choice. (Plus, no need to take an extra piece of luggage specifically for souvenirs.)

But, if you still really want to get a backpack, get a proper travel pack. Go to any travel or outdoor store and ask for a travel pack. They'll be able to measure you and get you properly fitted with the pack. If it's not properly fitted, you'll end up in a LOT of pain! Outbound is probably my favourite brand. They're not too expensive but they're excellent quality.

Again, I really would advise you on getting a suitcase instead. Your tour group will have size regulations for that as well. Also a tip for your weight - put your heavy things into your carry-on bag when you have your case weighed, then put them back into the suitcase after it's weighed. Lots of people do this and if you're a bit over the weight, this means you won't have to leave anything behind!

As for clothes to take, this depends on when you're going. I'm going to assume you're leaving soon. I would take no more than 2 pairs of shoes (one good walking pair and one pair of sandals for beaches AND evening-wear). Take a light rain jacket, and no more than three of anything else: pants, shorts, tanktops, tshirts, etc. Take ONE evening outfit and ONE pair of PJs. Take enough socks/underwear for 5 days and do laundry at hostels/hotels. Roll your clothes instead of folding them - it'll take up a lot less room. Buy travel-sized shampoo, etc, to save room. Also, remember you're not going to the arctic! Anything you forget or leave behind, you can buy in Europe.

Military style duffle bag they have back pack straps and a handle they only cost $ 20 and are besiclly indestructible you can fit over 100 pounds I know this becouse I had done it many many times, I had the same bag for over 10 years and the bag remains intact.