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IMHO, if you are not carrying full camping or bulky sporting equipment, then 85L is awfully big. I am on the tail end of my 7-month trip and my pack is just 30L (and small enough that I don't even need a separate day pack). So what size between 30 and 85 should you get? The best way to determine is to first nail down what exactly you will be hauling -- then pick the pack accordingly.

In fact, if you're insistent on the carry-on approach I would not get a freeflow at all. I'd get the Lowe Alpine pack that is made for this purpose. It's about 40l and is black. Q cool but won't be as comfortable to lump about as a freeflow.

Scottevest? I'm looking to do some considerable traveling for maybe a year or more, that will take me to a variety of locales and altitudes throughout Asia. I want to make sure I get the right layers for the greatest versatility, and it seems that a fleece and a waterproof shell over shirts is the way to go. That said, I've been looking at the Scottevest. I love love love pockets and these things have them in spades. The Evolution...

Personally, I think a good compromise is a small backpack of say 30 li for your back (that you can use as a day-pack and carry-on) and a 70li trolley-case (you'll find good light weight ones made by Antler and Paklite). That way you can keep the heavy stuff in the trolley case if necessary.

Too funny. As if tourists don't look dorky enough already. Great idea to get all your toes callused up nicely though. That's really cool. Have fun. Cheers, Terry

This brings another question: if it causes calluses and blisters, why would you wear them? Or if it causes blisters and calluses, how long do you deal with it, until you move on to a pair of normal comfy shoes? Especially if you think they look silly... What if it never gets comfy? I am considering buying them, but I really dont want to deal with the blisters for 6 months. Hmmm, this might take a bit more consideration... This is interesting...

I used a Lowe Alpine 35-liter one on a trek in Peru last year and really liked it a lot. Here's my review

I have been doing my trips with a 34 liter carry-on sized daypack holding everything. That even holds either Canon 5D kit (even 70-200 f2.8!) or a largesh HDV cam (Canon XH-A1). Wheel suitcases & packs are ok for good pavements, imadine the unpaved streets of 3:rd world countries! We had a laugh looking at the (american) tourists stugling to pull their huge wheelie packs over the countless bridges in Venice while me and my son carried...

Switch the long underwear (cotton) and the polyester long sleeved top to those made from Merino wool, unless of course you're vegan. Merino is warm and easy to wash and wear, but there is an ace up Merino's sleeve. It doesn't need to washed as often as either cotton or polyester and doesn't smell either if it's been worn for days on end. All of my Merino pieces work well, but don't just take my word for it. Camera...

20' of Nylon Paracord (the real stuff, 7 strand core) Extra Batteries: off brand local ones often are factory seconds that can leak and ruin equipment Silk Sleeping Sack - made one myself for trip to India and have used it in many other places since. Use in dicy hotel beds, wrap up for overnight trips in trains or buses, picnic/beach blanket or whatever. Very handy. Pure silk only. Swiss Army Knife - a real one (Victornox or Wenger). Life...