Comments on: Gear Review: REI Grand Tour Women’s Backpack

By: The Year in Review - Married with Luggage

The Year in Review - Married with Luggage — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:32:27 +0000

[...] Gear Review: REI Grand Tour Women’s Backpack is the story of my future “home.” Almost everything I own will reside in this orange (my favorite color) wonder, and buying it was one of the first signs that this trip is going to be real. [...]

By: Warren

Warren — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:05:31 +0000

Hey Rudy,
WOW, 31 days. We cannot wait to head over to your website and read about this whirlwind adventure. Sounds amazing.

The 2 backbacks we have 65L (Betsy) and 67L (Warren). These will certainly fit in the overhead of an airplane. The only issue we have faced is the growing challenge of finding any space at all on flights these days since the huge increase in baggage fees the last few years. However, from a size perspective these packs will absolutely fit.

By: Rudy Arpia

Rudy Arpia — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:13:53 +0000

Hey guys,
I’ve been reading your blog for days now since I’m getting ready for a RTW trip with a friend but we are going to do it in 31 days.

I’m looking into choosing a backpack now and I wanted to ask you if this is model is good to carry-on airplanes.

Thanks!
Rudy Arpia recently posted..¿Tiramos hacia el este o al oeste

By: Round-the-World Trip: 5 Must-See Destinations | Married with Luggage

Round-the-World Trip: 5 Must-See Destinations | Married with Luggage — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:31:50 +0000

[...] difficulty while away or misplace them. This will provide you with a back-up plan. Also ensure you pick a good rucksack, the best you can afford, as this will hold all of your worldly possessions during your [...]

By: Betsy

Betsy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:27:18 +0000

Christine, thanks for the tip on the cubes. I’m actually surfing REI right now for their sale and trying to stock up on the things we need when we can get the best prices. I love my day pack, and I use it quite a bit just in everyday life. I’m sure it will be handy on the road.

Thanks for the recommendation on the cubes – going to check them out right now!

By: Christine T

Christine T — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:11:12 +0000

oh my goodness, I just saw that we have the exact same backpack—mine’s burgundy–the one in your photo!!! that is so wild—you will love it!!! I have mine down to 12 kg and it is so manageable. The zippered compartment is the best–we see these packs that are top loading and I think ‘what a nightmare’ because you are always having to take everything out to find something. Plus, I like being able to take my day pack on the bus, plane or train as it contains my computer, etc. Also, something that you might want to consider–cubes (eagle creek)—can’t live without them–I have one for shirts, one for dresses and long sleeves and one for shorts and pants and they fit so well in our packs (Paul has the man’s version)…plus one for toiletries–the last thing you want is to accidently leave something behind because it’s loose (we’ve learned the hard way). Anyways, I hope I’m not giving you too much information, just excited because we have so much in common.

By: Betsy

Betsy — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:51:26 +0000

Alan and Angela, I am a big fan of REI, though I have to admit that Almost Fearless was right about this backpack – the velcro on the bottom part that houses the flap to cover the straps has already come loose. I’m not sure if it can be fixed or not, because otherwise I really love this bag. I just can’t have that piece not function well. The good news is that I’m confident I can work it out at REI when I get back.

Alan, you are right about the body weight thing and then carrying it around. I weighed the pack before I left and it was 23 pounds, which is definitely less than 25% of my body weight, but carrying it around has made the difference. I don’t have trouble once it is on my back, but getting my arms through the straps with a bag that heavy takes some practice.

Karen, thanks for the compliment!

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:03:46 +0000

Betsy-
That backpack looks perfect, and I love orange too! And it sounds like a great price.

REI is definitely the place I would go to buy my gear for an around-the-world trip, no question about it. We get all our stuff there. As a member, once a year you’ll get a 20% off coupon, and all year long you get points on your membership card, which adds up to discounts essentially.

Also, they must pay their employees pretty well, because they’re very knowledgeable and helpful.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:47:11 +0000

Betsy,

Excellent suggestions. REI is one of the best places to buy a pack because of the personal service and fitting you get from their staff (which is so important, as you mentioned). I spent many hours with them over a few days to end up with the perfect pack and fit.

My only additional suggestion would be to wear the pack around town for a few days at the maximum weight to make sure you’re comfortable with more than you expect to carry. The rule of thumb is the pack should weigh no more than 20-25% of your body weight (some people say ideal body weigh, some people say real body weight). And if it doesn’t feel right head back in to REI for a re-fit or an exchange, which they’ll let you do (if you’re a member) for 30 days, even if it’s been around the world.

-Alan

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:23:57 +0000

You are the definition of fashion and budget! rock on!