Pack size?

[Antik]

I'm looking at buying a backpack online, as there aren't any stores close by that carry decent backpacks, and I have no idea what size I should get. 30 liter packs look too small, but 60 liter packs look way too big... What size is good for you guys?

 

[macks]

As soon as I get paid I'm getting a North Face Terra 40L! And a new pair of shoes, damn these knock off trailrunners wore through in 2 months.

I was thinking 60L for a bit but decided on 40L since I generally pack pretty light. And on this series there's plenty of straps on the outside to tie a jacket/tarp/whatever down if there's not quite enough room on the inside.

I think there's a couple threads about packs on here if you search you'd probably find some good info!

 

[Poe Boy]

I used to hobo around with a medium ALICE.

To put everything inside of a pack that I had in/on ALICE, would take a 40-50L pack.

FYI, I didn't go home when the going got rough, so I had to carry my winter gear with me.
If you're a fair-weather hobo, you can get away with less.

In fact, you might want to try a surplus ALICE pack. They are cheap, big enough for most purposes, and you can figure out where to go from there.

 

[IBRRHOBO]

I wound not buy it online at first.

I would go to a local outfitter and try packs on and find what you like and then look for a good deal online.

damn good idea there widerstand!!! now, i've never ordered much online, but let me say this: would you shop your kidney transplant online? your pack is THAT serious! and granted there's probably some good outfits that ship, but u get into a shitload of what ifs. 1 did the kid w/acne in india transcribing ur outsourced order get it right; 2 did the postal/ups folks drop something on it in transit and bend/tear/fuck up something; 3 are all the seams tight (i.e.; loose threads fuck up gear); and 4 how long does it take to return it and get a new one?

i carry an EMS 5100 for riding with IBRR (setting up base camps, training, etc.) i use my EOD pack from the navy for regional rides. now, your idea of riding and mine may be completely different. i spend 2-3 weeks straight w/o reprovision generally on IBRR ops.

the other thing that wider astutely pointed out is fitting. man, can't tell ya how critical that is depending on what u pack and how long u may have to walk! and i'm the FIRST to tell ya i've had to walk MANY a mile after being thrown off a train. wish i could say the military training and riding w/the old timers taught me how to ride undetected, but it would be a lie.

good luck.