Backpack advice for one month trip

[revyd]

Okay, I've read as many of the threads as I can and I need some advice.
I'm looking at one of two backpacks. Either a Deuter Quantum 55+10 or an Osprey Waypoint 65 or 85

Actually I guess I'm looking for two packs. One is for my wife and the waypoint comes in a gender specific 65 or 85. The Quantum is one size fits all.

The problem and the reason for the request is that no-one in my town keeps these packs in stock so I have to order the one I want. I won't get a chance to try them on ahead of time. So I'm hoping someone on the board knows the packs and can give me some advice.

A little more information is I'm 6'5" and my wife is 5'2" so I can handle a larger bag but she'll obviously need something smaller. I'm leaning toward the men's Waypoint 85. There's only a few ounces difference in empty weight between the 65 and 85 but I don't know if it's just too big.

My wife is thinking of the Women's Waypoint 65 since it's gender specific.

The Quantum looks like a good bag too but I just don't know enough about it to make a decision.

I would appreciate any help or suggestions anyone can give. Thanks

Dave

[Noah]

Can you post links? You won't need a pack larger than 70 liters, 85 is way too big. Also, I would not trust any pack that says "one size fits all". It's just not true and sounds like it would give lots of problems.

[revyd]

Noah,

here's the waypoint: http://www.rei.com/product/788536
The quantum doesn't advertise as one size fits all. That's just my take on the fact that there is no gender specific pack. Here's the link: http://www.rockcreek.com/deuter-pack...RCO_googlebase

Thanks for the help

[Noah]

Ah, okay...well' the deuter is top loading so that makes it no good for Europe travel. The Osprey looks fine to me, from what I can gather on the web site.

[revyd]

Hmm... didn't catch that the Quantum was top loading. Thanks for the advice. I'll probably go with the Osprey then.

[methuo]

The Deuter Quantum is actually front-loading as well. I have a 70 L. It is extremely adjustable and you could definitely get it to fit you.

[Grill]

I have been using ospreys for a long time. Never really for extended backpacking trips, mostly mountaineering trips in the rockies. I highly recommend ospreys. Me and my girlfriend are traveling to europe this summer and are both bringing ours.

[revyd]

Originally Posted by Grill

I have been using ospreys for a long time. Never really for extended backpacking trips, mostly mountaineering trips in the rockies. I highly recommend ospreys. Me and my girlfriend are traveling to europe this summer and are both bringing ours.

We've got two Osprey packs coming into our local outdoor shop to try on. After all the research we think we're going to go with 1 Atmos 35 and 1 Aura 35.

I know they are pretty small packs but we've laid out everything we expect to take and it should fit without too much problem. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Mark from Georgia]

Love small packs! Good packing discipline, revyd.

[revyd]

Thought I should update this thread now that I've bought one pack anyway. I got the Osprey Atmos 35 in large. I loaded it up with everything I'm taking plus some extra books and I've still got lots of room so we're going to be good.
We were going to get an Aura 35 small for my wife but when it came in it was too small for her and we can't get a medium except by special order. I think that will turn out okay anyway.

I just looked at a Gregory z25 in medium. She tried on a Gregory medium before and really liked it but it was a top loader. Now that I've got my pack and lots of extra room, she shouldn't have any problem living out of a 25litre.

I'll update you when I find out.