<p>We have the pack cover and actually a bunch of backpacking stuff from son’s journeys. I guess I took his trips more seriously because he was going to be gone for a couple of weeks and more in the back country. It’s working out though, with just a couple of personal girl sized things, I think she’ll be all set.</p>
<p>For his work/safari trip to Africa, S was advised to scuff up his new backpack to discourage would-be thieves. He did, but zip away attached bag was stolen at the Nairobi Airport. Since then, bag has been through God Knows Where, looks like hippie paraphenelia and is no longer theft prone–apparently. (Never say never).</p>
<p>sounds like a great trip…good luck to her!</p>
<p>I’m not sure if they still make these…but I’m only 5’4" tall and I have an EMS internal frame backpack. It can hold quite a bit, is lightweight, and is a whole lot less awkward for a short person than an external frame pack. I LOVE it…have had it for years.</p>
<p>Hey thumper! Only 5’4"? That’s a tall woman in our family! Glad to hear your backpack has worked so well.</p>
<p>Son is leaving today for eight weeks weeks in Senegal on a service project. After years of backpacking in the Pecos Wildenerness in NM we thought he had most everything he would need. WRONG! At least the backpack still worked…dropped a small fortune at REI for insect repellant clothing, a new thicker base camp ground pad (sleeping on it for 8 wks is a lot longer than 2) and other miscellany. The best item though was the “exocell” bullet proof wire skin that locks and envelopes his backpack and travel pack which will then be attached via his bike chain to something immovable. I feel like a shareholder in REI, Mountain Hideout and Cabelas.</p>