Backpacking Europe - Which backpack?

MRAE

My wife and I are looking for the perfect packs for our upcoming trip to Europe. We will be going from London to Athens in about 6 weeks during Mar-Apr-May, making a dozen or so stops along the way. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for backpacks for us for this trip. I am 6', 185 lbs and my wife is 5' 5" and 130 lbs. I am thinking I will need something in the 50-80 liter range (3000-5000 cubic inches), and my wife will need something in the 35-65 liter range (2000 to 4000 cubic inches). We are looking for sturdyness, durability, practicality and of course good looks, but only want to spend about $50-100 each. I have checked out a few hiking websites and read reviews on a few bags, but I would really like to get advice from someone who has experience with this kind of thing. What features are a must-have for backpacking Europe? Generally speaking, what is the largest size bag that I can carry on most planes? This is really important actually because I would like to avoid checking our baggage on our international flight as well as our two short scheduled flights in mainland Europe. Maybe someone who has have been around Europe can tell me about the backpack you used. I would really appreciate any help I can get! Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to be hearing back soon! Have a good day!

Answer
Airlines restrict cabin baggage to 22in x 18in x 9in (varies slightly) and 7-10 kg. Basically, it should be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Some budget airlines are very strict about the one bag rule, so everything you have (handbags, laptops, etc) must be in that one bag.

Here's an example pack. It's lightweight and the max dimensions for a carryon (though it's expandable to 50L). Unless I planned to camp (I'm guessing you're not based on the time of year) and hike extensively, I absolutely wouldn't take anything larger than this. I haven't tried this one out myself, but it looks ideal.
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=139

6 weeks of travelling is tiring, which means your pack should be as small as possible. My backpack is 30L, and my boyfriend's is 20L. Do yourself a favor, and leave all the extras at home. I bring enough clothes for 4 days, enough underwear/socks for a week and do laundry at the hostel.

Features I consider necessary for a pack:
-padded straps/handles
-several pockets inside and out for organization
-back panel
-waist strap
-double zippers so it can be locked

Need suggestions for ~$120 tiny lightweight digital camera using regular batteries .?

Sunhopes

Camera will be taken on a one month backpacking trip. Must be tough and very light. Thanks!
I would like to make it crystal clear that this camera MUST run on AA or AAA batteries. Thanks for your help!

Answer
The following three run on 2 AA batteries.

Nikon Coolpix L18
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-l18_product-reviews.html

Canon Powershot 580
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=1152

Pentax Optio E50
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=1158

If you can spring for an extra $40 ($160), I would recommend the Canon 590 is, which includes image stabilization, and many features you won't find on other entry level cameras in the same price range. Excellent options in manual controls.

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