As I mentioned earlier this week, I recently bought
the backpack I’ll use for my upcoming European adventure. I went with the Kelty Tornado 4000, a pack specifically made
for women. It came with a hydration system that I won’t bring with me to Europe, but I got the pack at a reduced price,
so I felt like that was a nice bonus I’ll use on future hiking trips. My favorite features is that is has both top and
side panel loading for easy access, plus a roomy top compartment and several internal pockets. I’ve been using the pack
all this week on my visits to NYC and Baltimore, and have been happy with the results thus far. Right now I’m still
clumsy and awkward as I fiddle with the compression straps and hip belt, but by the time I leave in a month I should
know the bag in and out and be able to maneuver it quite well. (I’m hoping anyway :-) I’m curious to know what other
folks do to test out their packs before heading out on a big trip — do you test it out on a mini-trip first? Do you
weigh it or load it up as heavy as possible to see how it well feel at max capacity? Any tips/ideas/suggestions to
share on how to prep budget travelers for the extra workout?