Meet Erica Kuschel and Her Deuter Fox 40 Backpack

This post is part of a series in which ladies on the road offer a review of their backpack. Today’s review comes from Erica Kuschel who has been traveling RTW with her husband for the last 200 days!

Howdy! My name is Erica and I’m 1/2 of the team at Over Yonderlust.

I’m a wedding photographer by day and a burlesque/fashion/travel photog by… other days!

I have been on the road for a little over 6 months (starting in Mexico) and am currently in Costa Rica.

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What’s your backpack brand and model? How much does this backpack typically cost?

I’m running with a Deuter Fox 40 Pack (yes, it is for juniors) and is currently running at $109 on REI*. I think we paid $80 on sale for mine.

>> Buy the Deuter Kid’s Fox 40* on Amazon.

How long have you had your backpack and where have you traveled with it?

We got the backpack brand new for this trip and it has lasted me from Mexico to Costa Rica and everywhere in between – even in rainy season!

What factors were most important to you in choosing a backpack? How did you come to choose this one?

The thing that I was most concerned about was that I am a super small person. Towering at 5’3 3/4″ (my drivers license says 5’4″!) and with bad knees, I needed to make sure I was carrying something light and maneuverable. After trying many backpacks on, the moment this one was fitted, I knew it was “the one”.

What do you like most about your backpack? Any down sides?

The one thing that I noticed about this backpack is that the straps that go around your waist don’t cut into you. All the straps are super cushy and are super comfortable while on. The one thing I wish that it did have was straps on the bottom of the bag for sleeping bags or tents. We’re currently trying to figure out that conundrum.

Tell us about the fit and comfort level of your backpack.

If you are a small woman like me, it fits like a freakin’ glove. Curvy? No problem, the cushy waist straps mentioned above hug you just right so the backpack does not burden your shoulders at all. The only thing I have issues with (and this goes for most backpacks) is that if you are a woman with big breasts like I am, when you strap the chest strap in, it looks like you’re in this weird bondage fetish contraption.

If you want to take your backpack as carry-on luggage, can you?

If I am not mistaken, the 40L can be taken on as a carry on.

Have you found the size to be too small, just right, or too large?

I wish I had a little more wiggle room in size but anything bigger would just be too much for me. I’m super happy that I am a low maintenance girl and can make the pack work for me. If you need maintenance at all, a 40L may not be for you.

Overall, would you recommend your backpack?

In a heartbeat. I love everything about it. While it is top loaded, there is an awesome bottom zipper that you can unzip to get your items at the bottom of the bag. Oh, and for those nature-y types, it does have a spot for your Camel Bak. We have used it for that on more than one occasion. Love it!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with your backpack, Erica! Finding the perfect fit isn’t easy but it sounds like you have the best bag for you!

You can learn more about Erica and her adventures at Over Yonderlust and connect with her and Shaun on Twitter, their Facebook fan page, and their travel videos on YouTube.

>>See all women’s travel backpacks here.