Where in Seoul could I find a good backpacking backpack?

[#basedcowboyshirt]

Yeah, sorry - I should clarify. I'm from Canada, and there we use the term 'backpacking' to mean hoofing it around in the wilderness, too. When I think of SE Asian backpacking, I just mean, going places. With a backpack.

I was looking at 40-50L ones, too.

Also, I'm so wary of buying anything on Gmarket, for fear that I'll get knockoff merch. Am I just being paranoid? It seems like Gmarket would be a bit sketchy to buy brand name things from.

[vitamin-d]

I'd definitely call that trekking then, lol - not camping!
Whatever anyone calls it, it's awesome and I miss it.

[ttuts]

I roll with an Osprey Aether 85, it clocks in at 88l.

Forty liters or so should suit OP just fine. If your pack starts to unravel, just drop in on a local tailor and get them to fix it for you. They will have a story to tell their friends and you'll have a quick, cheap fix.

Seconding a cheap Kolon (or the like). Just drop in a store in person.

[Morticae]

Yeah, sorry - I should clarify. I'm from Canada, and there we use the term 'backpacking' to mean hoofing it around in the wilderness, too. When I think of SE Asian backpacking, I just mean, going places. With a backpack.

I was looking at 40-50L ones, too.

Also, I'm so wary of buying anything on Gmarket, for fear that I'll get knockoff merch. Am I just being paranoid? It seems like Gmarket would be a bit sketchy to buy brand name things from.

Not paranoid, no. I bought some Nike socks and even with their scan of the customs import document, I'm pretty sure they were knockoffs (but I don't mind, they fit me). BUT, I think that could be the case from any small supplier.

I might recommend you go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun_Market you should be able to find what you want.

@ttuts, that's a very nice backpack. back home I just use one from REI... flash 65, I believe it is. it is light, but a tad bit small for my liking.

[#basedcowboyshirt]

I'm a notoriously light packer, so I think a 40-50 will be just fine. Are Kolon products known for being decently durable? Also, (sorry for the billion questions - I swear I don't need my hand held all the time), are there actual physical Kolon stores around? I see millions of North Face ones, but don't recall seeing a Kolon.

[Janitor]

in recent years I see less of the "Kolon Sport" stores around. Again, check Gmarket http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_category/category.asp?gdmc_cd=200000737&link_type=LIST&search_err= This should take you to some decent packs. It is hard being here without a MEC or REI but this should help

[ttuts]

Provided you live in a large city you should be able to find one without too much trouble. Outdoors-type stores tend to congregate around one another, it seems. If nothing else just ask a coworker to help you find one.

[#basedcowboyshirt]

Well, I ended up splurging and getting a North Face Terra 45, but only paid 170,000 for it. Turns out, in Korea, when you buy something you should ask if they have stock of the same thing in the back, rather than the one that's hanging up - if not, they'll give you a discount. That's how I got 10% off.

I love going shopping with native Koreans.

[cocoinkorea]

If you have a friend in the military, send stuff to them.. it is SOOO much cheaper. I just ordered from Amazon and had it shipped to an APO. It saved me $85 in shipping costs.

If you don't have a friend in the military, make some lol... there are tons of people here. ^^