Best backpack for a year travelling in australia..

It looks a bit cheap for a backpack of this size. When buying one you really want to get something of a decent quality, a good backpack will last you for many years, probably decades. Having a detachable daypack seems handy, but the way this is attached to the backpack is the worst possible, at least if you actually have stuff in there. When carrying a large pack you want to distribute most of the weight close to your body and/or low (unless you do technical climbing, then you want the weight on your shoulders), the daypack hangs high up far away from your body.

Apart from that I can't say much except for that fit really is important and you should go for what feels right.

Keep your eyes peeled on eBay for something like an old, shagged and cheap Lowe Alpine in the 55-65L size. It'll be from an era when they still made them properly, it'll look crap, it'll outlive you and it will be cheap.

Would you have any recommendations?

They actually still make proper backpacks, you know?

Garbage, and way too big (unless you're planning multi-day treks carrying food for 7+ days). Zip off backpacks are also a waste of time. Think carefully - really carefully - what you would carry in the daysack, and then when you would ever want it zipped on, attached furthest from your line of sight...

Keep your eyes peeled on eBay for something like an old, shagged and cheap Lowe Alpine in the 55-65L size. It'll be from an era when they still made them properly, it'll look crap, it'll outlive you and it will be cheap. Bought my 55L used for £50 and it saw me though 3+ years and 60 countries...and is no more worn than when i bought it.

Eg: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lowe-Alpine-Large-Rucksack-55-15L-plus-Travel-Pillow-New-Mosquito-Net-/121507867170?pt=UK_SportingGoods_BackpacksRucksacks_Bags_EH&hash=item1c4a6eea22

...The ND means it's a women's version (for most people that makes NO difference), but there a dozens a week on eBay so just wait. There's a skyline 65 on eBay too, but £70 is probably a 1/3 more than it's worth.

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edit: FB group: Outdoor Gear Exchange UK

I just sold my Lowe Alpine Liberty 75+20 on there for £50. It used to cost £200, i bought it for £100...it was in excellent condition and would have outlived that Vango by 20 years. Great place to buy and sell. Put a wanted post for an old 60L pack and i reckon you'll have half a dozen offers of old bit good kit.

You're travlling around Oz. How many hours (seriously, it'll add up to less than a day) will that pack actually be on your back?

Have a look at Osprey's or Lowe Alpine's range of bags.

I used to work in an outdoor shop, and as a shorty myself can speak for these bags as they come in different back sizes and are adjustable too. They are so comfy omfg.

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Hi Carasezmoo, I will have to have a little look!! My main concern is my height/weight because I am quite petite and therefore don't want to be drowned too much by a heavy bag... (although I know i'll massively overpack and drown myself anyway haha)

Hi everyone,

I’m considering buying a backpack for my year travel around Australia, I went to Go outdoors and saw the “Vango Freedom” 80l+20 which seemed like the most comfortable backpack there however I didn’t know if anyone had any recommendations as I really am clueless when it comes to backpacks! I’m only 5ft 4 and not the biggest build therefore I don’t want anything that’s going to get too heavy as I’m not the strongest however I thought the 80+20 may get heavy when completely filled!! I just want something durable that I can take with me on my travels!!! If anyone has an recommendations that would be so helpful as I really have no idea!!!