p.s. i **highly** recommend getting a pack that zips up the length instead of only on top. i went on two lengthy overseas backpack with only top loading options and it was a pain in the arse to get to the goods on the bottom...or plan as you pack to put the important stuff on top, etc..

Um, well, it sorta grew organically. I got a job offer off the texas A&M job boards (great for ecology jobs if anyone is interested) for 3 months, and the PhD student I'm workin with mentioned student work visas. Turns out there's a lot of countries that will give you a year-long work visa, even if you don't have specific plans, as long as you are under 30 and have a grand or so in the bank. So, I thought, why not? I've always wanted to see NZ and Australia, this is a great excuse! Joined couchsurfing.com, will buy myself a wwoof book as soon as I'm down there, and have faith that I'll make it work and have a blast. :)

Dwanjabi's tip to get a backpack that zips up the length is the most important thing that I can think of, which my pack does not have and it has driven me crazy everywhere I've gone. It is so necessary to be able to access shit anywhere in your pack, rather than just from the top. Even if you plan to put all the important stuff on top, if you're anything like me you'll leave something at the bottom you didn't realize you needed,lol.

I like Kelty packs personally!

Have a fun time! :)

Looks like a good pack. The pack you say your friend has that is a giant dry back...how much does it weigh? The Luna weighs in at 6.75 pounds or so. This is a major consideration if you actually plan to do considerable walking with a pack...keep the weight down but it has to be burly enough that it won't wear out too quickly. I'd probably get the Luna if I were you...

Some other things to consider:

You can mail stuff home or to your next destination...you may not need to carry it with you. Check out the postage and shipping costs before you get to a country so you can know whether or not this is expensive or not.

Many things like clothes and toiletries, etc can be purchased after you've arrived, rather than lugged around to the next destination. Good Will's, church stores, etc are often a good source for cheap clothes. Clothes are going to wear out anyways on any extended trip, especially if you plan on being active and outdoors, etc a lot...so you'll probably have to buy some anyways. Might as well plan on that in advance.

Weather. If your bag is not "weatherproof" bring a trashbag that can completely enclose each backpack/bag that you bring. Double or triple layered bags are better. If the weather gets wet, you take out the bag and put it over the top...or wrap the whole thing in it if you are waiting for a bus, etc. (Note: some airlines require that you have a transport bag for any backpack you ship...most will provide you with one...basically, they and you just don't want the straps to get caught on any conveyors, etc during transit...these bags generally aren't as light nor as handy as a good 'ol trash bag though. I've had to use my trash bag as one of these bags on several occasions.)

I loooove my Kelty Coyote, its about 6000ci. Medium, but fabulous. Fits a ton, very comfy, incredibly adjustable. No zip off daypack tho, which WOULD be nice. Very nice. :-)

So after a month and a half of traveling (hitching, hiking, bussing, flying) I have a few extra minutes and want to list the things that I've found uber-useful, especially if someone is forwarding this to a backpack maker (great idea!). I ended up getting the Marmot Moon Goddess, 72, in silver

LOVE:
~extra roomy sleeping bag compartment, so I can stuff other emergency gear (poncho, towel) that I don't always need
~access from both sides, top, and bottom (through the sleeping bag compartment)
~two long vertical pockets along the front for quick-access to food/travel and toiletry stuff
~roomy top compartment
~extra extra extra padding on hip-belts
~lots of snaffles on the front to tie things to (I have a tent, sleepin pad, and collapsible fire hoop I tote around)
~durable enough to be thrown/kicked/slung/stuffed/and generally ill-abused. It gets lots of this, and will get a lot more.
~low-key silver tone, relatively inconspicuous clean and looks fine dirty


HATE:
~72 is way too big. it was on sale, but now I'm posting a lot of stuff home 'cause I'm tired of carrying it.
~no diagram/color coding to make sure all my straps/snaps are arranged right
~the detachable 'fanny pack' top is designed weird, I never use it
~would like more pockets INSIDE, for arranging things like books, maps, cords
~random rubber panel on top, too small and open to stuff anything into, would be much better as a mesh zipper pocket or something.


WOULD LIKE:
~ipod pocket on shoulder strap
~pockets on hip belt
~detachable sleeping bag 'shelf' to make one big compartment
~more mesh pockets for things like shoes, water bottles, jacket
~velcro straps on shoulder straps to hold other bags in place-- purse, tote, whatever
~more compression straps


Thanks to all that contributed to this thread! And to whoever forwards it to a company that can actually DO something with these ideas!
Have fun, stay safe, be cool!

An excellent suggestion. I'll be glad to do it.