In preparation for my first trip to Europe this summer, I realized how much more goes into the choosing of a pack than I ever would have thought! Thankfully I had my boyfriend and the nice sales guy to help me out.
The best way to pick a backpack is to head on over to REI or some other outdoorsy store and have them fit you. These packs come in many different sizes and if you're going to be walking around for miles exploring the globe with thing strapped to you for a few weeks it better be comfortable!
Things to consider:
1. Length of your trip - The amount of time you plan to be abroad will most likely have a very big impact on how much stuff you need. If you're only going for a week, a 30 liter may work just fine, but if you're going to be gone longer you should consider a 50-65 liter pack.
2. Size - Have pack fitted for your torso size!
3. Re-usability - How much use will you get from this pack? Do you have other trips planned that you may need the extra space for? If so, I would opt for a larger size.
Just to give you an idea... I am 5'6, weigh 135 lbs. and I measure as an XS. Just do yourself a favor and TRY IT ON! The guy in the store even stuffed it full of crap to give me a better feel for what it would be like once it's full. The last thing you want is to spend $200+ on a backpack and feel miserable wearing it. I personally chose the Osprey Aura 50. I swear this backpack feels like it is molded to your back or like you sitting in a comfy recliner:)... Ok so maybe not once it's filled to capacity, but you get my drift. One thing I have learned being a mom and carrying kids around in a pack, is that the tighter you have the waist straps, the less pain your shoulders/back will be in later on.
