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What backpack would you recommend for Alaska?

PittsburghNative

By PittsburghNative,
in Alaska

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PittsburghNative

PittsburghNative

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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!

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mapleleaves

mapleleaves

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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

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nicoleinwi

nicoleinwi

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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

 

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Anita Latte

Anita Latte

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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.

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Arubamoose

Arubamoose

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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. 

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nicoleinwi

nicoleinwi

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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. 

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PittsburghNative

PittsburghNative

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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.

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musik07

musik07

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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! 

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Becoming

Becoming

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Posted

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 

 

 

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Mommydust

Mommydust

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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. 

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Coral "Live from...." Rare

Coral

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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 by Coral
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thegoaliegirl

thegoaliegirl

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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.

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PittsburghNative

PittsburghNative

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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.

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GolfMommy17

GolfMommy17

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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 by GolfMommy17
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Owens_Moomer

Owens_Moomer

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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.

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