Backpack recommendations?
Dec 20th, 2003, 02:08 PM
#1
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Backpack recommendations?
We are headed to Italy the first two weeks of March and are thinking of packing very light, backpacks??? Do you have any recommendations? Also I have been looking for a garment that could double as a long jacket and a dress- wrap or buttoned down - so it could served a duel purpose. Anyone have any suggestions for that idea?
Have a very Merry Ho-Ho one and all!
Have a very Merry Ho-Ho one and all!
Dec 20th, 2003, 02:59 PM
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Will you be staying in more than one hotel? Will you be hiking or backpacking?
Packing light can just mean two carry-ons of a not so big, not so heavy piece of luggage..why backpacks?
I am asking because it seems such a bulky awkward way to travel if you are staying in a hotel..with closets.
And they are a pain in the neck on trains and in crowded areas.
Packing light can just mean two carry-ons of a not so big, not so heavy piece of luggage..why backpacks?
I am asking because it seems such a bulky awkward way to travel if you are staying in a hotel..with closets.
And they are a pain in the neck on trains and in crowded areas.
Dec 20th, 2003, 03:02 PM
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I would definitely recommend a backpack. It's much more practical than a wheeled suitcase - especially for walking in hilly areas or cobbled streets.
My best advice is go to a good store you trust. I would recommend going to Moutain Equipment Coop (Canada) or Caballas (sp?)(US). For good online advice go to www.mec.ca.
Take the time to ask lots of dumb questions and try them all on.
When trying a backpack get them to fit it too you properly and put weights of about 20 lbs in it (sandbags or something) so you can see what it will be like full.
Don't get anything larger than 60 Litres otherwise it will get too heavy. Get one with adjustable straps and lumbar support/extra padding.
By the sounds of it you won't be doing serious long treks, so get a travel style backpack where you can zip a cover over the straps for when it goes on the airplane. Oh and get one with a detachable day pack.
My mother has been a convert to backpacks since backpacking in Italy last fall with me. She's 60's, 5'2, and motherly. Loves her backpack and swears she'll never go back to suitcases!
Have a great trip!
My best advice is go to a good store you trust. I would recommend going to Moutain Equipment Coop (Canada) or Caballas (sp?)(US). For good online advice go to www.mec.ca.
Take the time to ask lots of dumb questions and try them all on.
When trying a backpack get them to fit it too you properly and put weights of about 20 lbs in it (sandbags or something) so you can see what it will be like full.
Don't get anything larger than 60 Litres otherwise it will get too heavy. Get one with adjustable straps and lumbar support/extra padding.
By the sounds of it you won't be doing serious long treks, so get a travel style backpack where you can zip a cover over the straps for when it goes on the airplane. Oh and get one with a detachable day pack.
My mother has been a convert to backpacks since backpacking in Italy last fall with me. She's 60's, 5'2, and motherly. Loves her backpack and swears she'll never go back to suitcases!
Have a great trip!
Dec 20th, 2003, 03:26 PM
#4
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Look at the suits that have the extra long jackets (dusters). You can wear it with the pants as a suit and just the duster alone as a dress. They are longer than knee length so quite modest if you are visiting churches in Italy where you need to dress a bit more modestly than in the U.S.
Another option would be separately purchasing a black dress of knee (or longer) length and matching it to a pair of slacks. Wear together or separately.
Enjoy your trip.
Another option would be separately purchasing a black dress of knee (or longer) length and matching it to a pair of slacks. Wear together or separately.
Enjoy your trip.
Dec 20th, 2003, 06:45 PM
#6
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I thank you all- have to check the travelsmith site for the outfit and I did find a backpack with a detachable day pack at www.backcountrystore.com.
I think that the packs will be handier than rolling cases when taking this trip as rolling cases over cobblestones or taking them on water taxis might make the packs look more convenient.
Can't wait to start packing!!!
I think that the packs will be handier than rolling cases when taking this trip as rolling cases over cobblestones or taking them on water taxis might make the packs look more convenient.
Can't wait to start packing!!!
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Dec 21st, 2003, 07:03 AM
#8
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Backpacks are the way to go in my mind - I"ll never over pack in a rolling case again.
But don't buy from a catalogue or online as you MUST get it properly fitted to you by someone who knows what they are doing. Also you MUST try a bunch before buying. Otherwise you'll end up hurting your back with a bag which is too big, improperly fitted or something else.
But don't buy from a catalogue or online as you MUST get it properly fitted to you by someone who knows what they are doing. Also you MUST try a bunch before buying. Otherwise you'll end up hurting your back with a bag which is too big, improperly fitted or something else.
