Check out ebags.com - they have a huge variety and tons (literally, thousands) of user reviews. The one I've posted the address for is 60$, 50$ if you have AAA. I'll be using it for 35 days in Europe in the fall. The price is a lower than others I've seen online, but has gotten really really good reviews.
Your frame depends on what you'll be doing and how you're getting around. If you'll be camping and carrying a tent, sleeping bag, etc, go for an external frame - really good for hiking and when you'll be carrying a lot of weight around.
If you'll be taking the train and staying in hotels and hostels, you can get an internal or frameless backpack. You also need to decide between a rolling bag and a convertible bag (one that you can carry by hand, over your shoulder, or wear like a backpack). I'm getting the convertible one because it will be good for getting on and off trains, traispsing through the stations, etc.
Things to consider:
- most external frame backpacks are expensive, and will not fit in your carry-on restrictions.
- rolling bags heavier, expensive, and may not fit in the carry-on restrictions. they're good for flat surfaces but hard to lug up and down stairs
- convertible bags are smaller, but most will fit within the carryon limitations.
Check out ricksteves.com for tons of travel info - and you can use the helpline to ask other travelers for advice. I don't work for him, but I'm on there all of the time!
And congrats on doing your research this far ahead!
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09-05-2007, 07:11 AM
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