What backpack should I get for a Euro-trip?

Question

I am planning on a 1- to 2-month backpacking trip through Europe (hostels, EuRail, couchsurfing - lol-, etc..) this summer, and I'm trying to find a backpack so I can practice and figure out what I need to bring.

I read to bring anywhere from 30 to 65 L bag, which I found a nice 50-ish L (3350 cu. in.) online. I'll prolly go to a store and try some on, though just to make sure.

The thing is, I'm really into photography, and I was looking at backpacks that have front loading camera pockets for an SLR camera, lenses, memory cards, etc. But, they don't look big enough to take on a long trip like where I'm going.

Does anyone know of any stores/brands/etc.. that offer a 2-in-1 type deal, a great pack to hold a camera & supplies plus all my stuff? If not... what should I do? I really don't wanna throw my stuff in a huge bag... I want the protection, ya know?

Oh.. and if anyone wants to offer any other advice, feel free. This is my first trip, so I'm really nervous! :-)

I'm a girl, also... If that makes a difference? :-)

Answer 1

Hi- I'd get a big pack with a zip- off day pack, and use that for my camera gear, as well as fitting in my guidebook and other small things you'll need to carry around evey day, leaving your main pack in the hostel/hotel etc. Bu this isn't really an answer to your specific question, but more of a general thing. I've backpacked around Europe six times- just got back from six months as a street musician in Europe- and I wanted to give you a good piece of advice. Get a copy of "Europe Through the Back Door" by Rick Steves, the BEST budget travel advice you'll ever find- he covers EVERYTHING you need to know ro have a smooth trip, from what to pack, to how to read a train timetable and everything in between, and his suggetions for the best places are right on the money. He also has great guidebooks for most regions. I used to travel with Lonely Planet or Let's Go, but now I take his guides. You can find 'Back Door' in the library. Oh, and if you get a chance, go to Slovenia!

*EDIT*-
Today I just came from a photography trade show- they had an AMAZING camera bag called a Lowepro Slingshot, custom-designed for travel shooting, including a raincover- look for it online! So whati would do is take a medium-sized backpack, and take the slingshot as my carry-on bag, with my gear inside, and then use that as my daypack when I get to Europe.

Answer 2

Eurotrip Backpack

Answer 3

Forget bringing a big pack!
Forget putting your expensive lenses out in pockets at your back where you can not see them but everybody else can.
Forget putting your lenses in the outer pockets where a fall (of you with the pack) will break them.

If you travel for a month you can not carry enough clothing with you not to need to do laundry. So better take less and wash it a little more often.

Without your camera your gear will already weight enough to pull your shoulders out, your camera and gear will add to that.
I used to bring a SLR camera and extra lens with me on longer trips, I have grown wiser, I now carry an ultra compact, (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd950is.asp) that I can and do slip into a pocket.

The best way to carry a camera, I think as I have only seen it, is a big bag that you carry as a belt bag. It is big enough for an SLR camera with a tele-zoom lens, and has some pockets for other gear.
Bring one good lens, tele-zoom, and a wide-angle lens, and maybe a converter to double the range on your big lens.

For your other luggage, bring so little that you can easily toss it in an overhead luggage rack, walk with it for hours, and if the pack has wheels it is even better, but do not bring a case that is not a back-pack. Those big packs with daypacks zipped on are even worse, as you will put the heavy things in the worst spot, and all thieves know that you keep the important things in that bag.
I never see people with the small pack zipped on, as they get too heavy, so they carry them on their front over the straps of the pack, cutting of circulation in the arms from both sides.

Before you go out to buy an expensive backpack, take one you own now, or can borrow from a friend, and fill it with 10 kg or 20 pounds of books or grosery shopping, and walk around with it for a time. Now double the amount and do it again.
If you buy that 50L pack that is what you seem to carry, even with the better straps.
I have a much smaller pack, but I still think I carry to much, 12 kilos when I leave home, 15 when coming back, and that is without camera and gear.

And with the kind of trip you plan, hostels and other cheap lodgings, you will need to have your camera with you 24/7, even into the shower-stall, as you never know who is going to share the room, or come in with a key to clean it and leave the door open when you are out.

PS, I think Rick Steves is good but Lonely Planet is much better.

Answer 4

My best tip is to try and get one that has wheels AND can go on your back. It has made things so much easier for my backpacking trips, and my back thanks me for the fact I gave it a break every once in a while. The one in the link has a daypack attached, so you can leave the main bag at the hostel for safekeeping (they often have lockers and such, and some have private rooms) and just take the daypack.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442506349&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302861417&bmUID=1195971866013