@cuckoo: if a top loader works for you, go with it!!!

@david: Glad you enjoy the blog and hope to see you back more. I use my daypack for my laptop. That way it is always near me and I don’t have to worry about it getting broken as the big pack can get thrown around a lot, especially during travel. I’d suggest a small backpack. Most travelers have a large pack and a small day pack anyways and I think the smaller one is better for valuables since it is closer to you and get thrown around less.

@tanya: R.I.P Justine!

@quick: Very true!!!

I’ll go with Theresa, top loading is what I prefer. And for other points, yes I agree with you & always take care of those pts when I buy a new one.

I like your website. I can relate to many of your topics since I left the rat race myself 10 years ago to live abroad.

Question: What packs would you recommend for laptops? I mean the one I have seems like the others available, small, good for a few days, but tough for long journies. Any larger size backpacks? I know checking in one isn’t advisable, any suggestions? Or best two just try to pack ultra light?

I look forward to your posts, people like you and Kirsty at Nerdynomad are inspirations for starting websites and working on the road.

Keep up the good posts.

Don’t forget the all important backpack waterproof cover. Not all come with them but if you get caught in a heavy shower they are invaluable.

REI membership is a fantastic deal. I buy all of my climbing gear through them. REI is like a toystore for big kids. I looked at the Kelty Coyote pack as well but found it too big for my taste.

I have heard pretty good things about REI’s house brand UL series of packs.

I’d have to second….or even third Matt’s recommendation for buying from REI and if you’re going to make more than one or two purchases from them in your life get the….what do they call it…membership? It’ll pay off huge. But DON’T buy a pack online….unless you’ve first been to a store and tried it on – preferably loaded – and the REI guys will help you fit it if you don’t know how a pack is supposed to fit.

Chris Cook or anyone else…what is the largest capacity pack that will go as carry-on? I have a 45L which I think is the perfect size…but unless I fill it only half-full it’s gonna have to be checked.

I agree with the reasoning for a front panel loader – I’m gonna stick with my top loader. They work good enough if they have both a top and bottom compartment…put the wet-weather gear in it’s own compartment and you shouldn’t have to dig through it too much while out and about.

Good post Matt…thanks for the tips!

Hopefully for my next uber trip I’ll be wiser about what to pack and the size pack to take.