Hey guys, so I'm thinking about getting a New 75L Internal frame camp travel hiking backpack bag for my trip to SE Asia next month. I'll be traveling for 21/2 months so I was wondering if 75L is just about right or too heavy.
I'm a guy, a runner, fairly muscular and I don't intend to pack too much when I head out. I just think having a 75L might come in handy if I pick up things along the way which I intend to bring back home.
Thoughts? thanks for your time. 
Best regards,
bakpakk
I'd say you need to cut it down by 1/2 - I survive very well on 30-40L. Do you really want to climb up 7 flights with 75L (very few hostels/guesthouses are on the ground floor).
I strongly second that. Come on, you are going SEA. You are going to need 3-4 T-Shirts and 2-3 zip-off pants or shorts, plus 5 times undies and socks. When they are dirty you wash them. How much space is this going to take up? Put it out on your bed, take a long look at it and then think hard about the space you need.
FYI, 75 liters is enough space to pack a tent, a large arctic temperatures sleeping bag, mattress, winter clothes, food for 2 weeks and what ever else you might need to climb a very big and very remote mountain that is higher than 6000 meters. Fully packed to the brim these babies tip the scales at approx. 30 kgs.
Make a smart decision, take that gigantic 75 liter bag back to the store and go for a 40 liter pack with an air vent back. Osprey Kestrel 48 and Deuter Futura Vario 40+10 are good options. You should have enough space for hauling home some extras if you do not pack too much. Some people even set out with just the backpack and then buy their clothes as they go. Clothes are very cheap in SEA.
I really don't know why people carry such large backpacks. Especially in SE Asia you see people using with 90L backpakcs. The only thing I can think of that they are using such big packs is that they may be on a RTW trip or such?
My first trip I took a 45L pack. Was a decent size but that one in particular was not very comfortable. The for my second SE Asia trip I bought a 50L Berghaus with the special design that keeps airflowing to your back.
http://www.allweathers.co.uk/berghaus-freeflow-iv-50-litre-daysack-2009-983-p.asp
Have a good time..
[ Edit: Edited on 03-May-2010, at 03:42 by Seany ]
Too much.
Travel light.
I use a 45L and its perfect, have about 1/3 empty when I take off, leaving some room for souvenirs and a book or two I may pick up.
Too much!!!!
I have a 25-30 L, and when packed it weights about 8-9 kg, and it fits in the overhead bin in a bus...
Depends on ur body type, if ur 6'7 and built like a brick shithouse, then a 25- 30L back pack would look pretty flimsy on u. But i along with the other posters think there is always an advantage with taking a smaller pack and traveling light, if u pick up things along the way its easy post/fed ex back home.
Thanks for the feedback
@ islandtrek, I'm a fairly muscular guy. I tried out a 50 and 60 L and they look pretty ridiculous on me. I'm torn between between a 65 and 70 right now. I'll try a few more and see which size fits me best.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions
Quoting bakpakk
I tried out a 50 and 60 L and they look pretty ridiculous on me.
Since when is backpacking a catwalk 
I'm 1,90 and I'm happy with my 25 L, but if you feel more confident with a bigger backpack, that's your choice...
Only after your trip you'll know if you made the right choice.