Travelers - need a backpack

[Marty McFly]

Gonna be spending a few weeks in Ireland, and then possibly 2-3 months checking out western Europe this next spring. I'm a light packer so one-bag travel won't be an issue. I need something that can open like a duffel bag so I can get to stuff easy, but obviously I need backpack straps (preferably that can be stowed, and that won't kill my shoulders after a few hours). 35-50 L should be a good size. Also needs to be able to fit carry-on requirements.

I've looked at the Osprey Porter but people say it's not very comfortable when using it as a backpack. The Rick Steves Convertible Carry On looks pretty good too. I may go check out REI later and try them out for myself, there are just so many options I could really use some advice from people who have actually traveled.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

Stay on the road. Keep clear of the moors. Beware the moon. Lad.

 

[Deleted member 848]

Seemed to have endured a rigorous 66-game lockout season in one piece.

 

[Duck Rodgers]

The Rick Steves Convertible Carry On looks pretty good too.

My boy Rick Steves has a luggage line now too? That capitalist *******! I knew I loved that man, despite his uber dorkiness.

 

[Weezur]

A couple tips:

Make sure to take extra stuff that you don't need because you might need it.
Remember to pack at least two 30 pound dumbbells. They might not have a gym in Ireland and you don't want to get out of shape.
There's no need to pack a toothbrush. Toothbrushes are useless because there's more than one tooth in a typical mouth. Try to find a teethbrush.
Don't bother learning Irish, the whole world should be speaking American by now and if they don't, they're not civilized and it's better to stay away.

 

[Scat]

There's no need to pack a toothbrush.

I thought for sure this was going to be a crack about dental hygiene and the British.

 

[Marty McFly]

My boy Rick Steves has a luggage line now too? That capitalist *******! I knew I loved that man, despite his uber dorkiness.

Yeah and apparently his travel stuff is pretty damn good for the price. Dude knows how to explore the world!

 

[Weezur]

I thought for sure this was going to be a crack about dental hygiene and the British.

Shoulda gone that route,

"There's no need to pack a toothbrush. From what I've heard, people who brush their teeth in Europe are squares.

 

[candrew]

Don't forget a patch of the Canadian Flag on the back.

....Just in case.

 

[franklin]

Hire llama, travel heavy, stay away from all posters starting with stoked and scat