We knew our backpacks were going to be an important decision. Thanks to my fantastic husband's research, we have our backpacks! (Seriously, he looked at every corner and angle of the internet, including its skirt.)
We could only afford a carryon. The size for the carryon was 22" x 16" x 9", 22 lbs. So, that meant a backpack around 40L.
There were so many tutorial videos and models. There are some great backpacks out there, but they will definitely leave you broke. Our budget for ours was $200.
We knew that we wanted backpacks that would fit in the overhead, hold our stuff, be durable, and be comfortable. We wanted adjustment straps and for the backpack to distribute its weight to our hips, which is where you carry most of your weight. We didn't want luggage, duffle bags, or wheeled bags. It would be too cumbersome and highlight you as a tourist, if we needed to be on the goal. Plus, we wanted two colors.
One night, Miguel asked me to watch a video with him and wanted my opinion on a backpack. We both agreed that we liked it. Afterward, he surprised me and said they are on their way. I love his surprises.
We decided on the Redwing 44 from Kelty.
The only problem with this backpack were its strings attached to the zippers. We wanted to be able to lock our backpacks. Miguel, my genius, came to the rescue, again. He thought to replace the strings with metal cable and pinch it closed with a metal ending. (I have photos.)
We found the materials, but we couldn't finish the project. After a few visits to Home Depot, I learned how to "clamp" (not a pretty English word) the ends. I showed Miguel with one end on my backpack and it was successful! Unfortunately, that ending I created is sharp and will probably cut a thief, if he tries to reach for it. After a night, I came back to see the backpacks finished. Miguel did the clamping better than I could AND his craftmanship was prettier.
But I have photos! It has enough room and fits the dimensions we needed. Miguel's backpack is in the photos. My backpack is black.
I can't wait to fill our life into these two bags and fly!
We could only afford a carryon. The size for the carryon was 22" x 16" x 9", 22 lbs. So, that meant a backpack around 40L.
There were so many tutorial videos and models. There are some great backpacks out there, but they will definitely leave you broke. Our budget for ours was $200.
We knew that we wanted backpacks that would fit in the overhead, hold our stuff, be durable, and be comfortable. We wanted adjustment straps and for the backpack to distribute its weight to our hips, which is where you carry most of your weight. We didn't want luggage, duffle bags, or wheeled bags. It would be too cumbersome and highlight you as a tourist, if we needed to be on the goal. Plus, we wanted two colors.
One night, Miguel asked me to watch a video with him and wanted my opinion on a backpack. We both agreed that we liked it. Afterward, he surprised me and said they are on their way. I love his surprises.
We decided on the Redwing 44 from Kelty.
The only problem with this backpack were its strings attached to the zippers. We wanted to be able to lock our backpacks. Miguel, my genius, came to the rescue, again. He thought to replace the strings with metal cable and pinch it closed with a metal ending. (I have photos.)
We found the materials, but we couldn't finish the project. After a few visits to Home Depot, I learned how to "clamp" (not a pretty English word) the ends. I showed Miguel with one end on my backpack and it was successful! Unfortunately, that ending I created is sharp and will probably cut a thief, if he tries to reach for it. After a night, I came back to see the backpacks finished. Miguel did the clamping better than I could AND his craftmanship was prettier.
But I have photos! It has enough room and fits the dimensions we needed. Miguel's backpack is in the photos. My backpack is black.
I can't wait to fill our life into these two bags and fly!