Backpacking packs?

Never buy a backpack online without trying it on first. Different packs will fit different people differently. You also want to get correctly measured. Go to an REI or other large outdoor retailer and try on every pack in the size range you are interested in. Any reputable store will have sandbags to put in the pack, so you can see how it fits and feels while weighted. For example, Osprey packs are absolutely terrible on me, while Gregory packs are perfect.

I believe that a 55l pack is perfect, such as the Gregory Z55. The mantra that regardless of how big the pack is, you will fill it is absolutely true. 55l is the sweet spot I believe. Obviously if you are going on an expedition to Patagonia where you need to pack in all of your supplies for a 15 day period, a different pack is in order. For extended backpacking trips where resupplies are possible, 55l is what you want.

Personal experience: Over 3,000 miles of long-distance backpacking.

your initial concerns about the pack staying set on your back isn't something you need to worry about too much with just the pack.
getting it fit properly and making sure it sits right on your body will have more to do with the stability.
although as a general rule, the larger you go with your pack, obviously the more unruly it can be and the harder it may be to navigate weird little scrambles.

i have had great experiences with every deuter pack i've owned.

maybe take a look at something like this:

http://www.deuter.com/US/us/backpacking-trekking-/aircontact-55-plus-10-33442-120.html

you can go a week on a 40L though honestly, it all depends on how you pack!

i hope some of this helped!

hopefully this is the only time i ever say this; go to rei.

I'm shopping for a pack to, going in portugal and spain for a month this summer! I Went to MEC, same as Rei but in Canada. I tried all there MEC backpack, they are ok for the price but I think you should spend a little more and buy a pack from a backpack compagny such as DEuter, Osprey, Gregory and such.

For me, I'm Buying an Osprey Atmos 50, whit the 30% off it come at like 211$ tax in, I'm in Canana, which is pretty darn good.
But try as much as you can and but the one that fit

I might go a little bigger than 55L unless you are going ultralight, which I doubt you are. Like they said above, just go to a store and try a bunch on

If I'm planning on going backpacking for about a month this summer in another country, what size would you guys suggest getting? I'm not going to be carrying food, but want to be able to carry a small 1-2 person tent, a lightweight sleeping bag, a hammock, clothes, a camera, and want a little room if I want to buy a couple things.

I think you could most likely get away with anything under 40L. Totally depends on the size of the gear you are carrying. A sleeping bag can vary in size (when in sack) from fucking huge to manageable. Just one example.

RedPandaIf I'm planning on going backpacking for about a month this summer in another country, what size would you guys suggest getting? I'm not going to be carrying food, but want to be able to carry a small 1-2 person tent, a lightweight sleeping bag, a hammock, clothes, a camera, and want a little room if I want to buy a couple things.

will you be preparing the food at all?
additionally are you pretty sure the climate will be consistent? i.e. not trekking into a glacial area.
if you are not preparing food at all and your only clothing concerns are insulation at night and things to hike in, id say you could go pretty small. (always have a trash bag/poncho though)
and by preparing food i mean you will not need any stoves, pans, cups, sporks, etc.
the things you listed + miscellaneous things you dont realize right now that you need + extra room for things you might buy, i would go 40L.

going a little bit larger, like a 45L, will give you some nice amenities, like a lot of fresh socks, snacks, whatever it may be.
but i really think 40L and a little under would be better to make sure you're not over-packing.

i cannot stress enough that this really is 100% dependent on who you are though. people have different priorities and their packs end up loaded very differently!

Try on the packs at REI, find one you like and that suits you in every need you have.

Then find it on craiglist or ebay for cheaper.

Gregory makes some nice packs

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It's bullshit. The 70L is still my ultralight pack and I've had it for years. Such an awesome pack.