Choosing The Right Backpack For Your Trip

Posted by Ian in Logistics, Preparation

Eager Existence > Travel > Logistics > Choosing The Right Backpack For Your Trip

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Before I left for my trip, I’d been reading lots on what backpack to buy, as well as checking out all the local outdoor and travel stores in my area.

Pack Light

Everyone seems to agree, whether you are choosing a backpack, a suitcase, a duffel bag, or a rolling pack to carry as little as possible. Pack light. Wash more frequently (or turn your undies inside-out).

Easier said than done, for a first-time traveller especially.

You may have heard of the OneBag movement? Basically, your shoulders/back will thank you for packing light. Plus, there’s less chance of airlines/buses loosing your luggage, and its easier to keep track if you’re only taking a small 45–50L pack.

On the tour I did of Turkey, I noticed a lot of people using standard hotel/airline luggage, the rolling variety. I guess that’s because there wasn’t a lot of walking with luggage. So, well-planned, if the tour was their only trip in the near future.

But for me, doing a long-term trip, the backpack was really the only plausible solution, with the condition of the roads in Europe, rolling luggage just wouldn’t cut it. And I’ll be damned if I’m carrying a duffel bag around on my shoulder for miles!

If you go the backpack route, there’s a few options. I’ve seen a duffel bag with backpack straps built into the back. Nifty. But I think more of a gimmick than a long-term solution.

Top-Loading or Front-Loading?

Mec_top_loading_backpack_flim

There’s the top-loading packs, and there’s the front-loading packs. It’s really up to you to decide. I personally went with a front-loading pack, because the zipper gives access to all my belongings in one easy opening. I don’t have to pull everything out of the backpack to find a pair of shoes or sweater when the weather turns a bit nippy.

I’ve heard the top-loading packs have a bit more structure though.

The Backpack I Chose

I really lucked out with my pack. It’s an 80L (yes, too big) MacPac Gemini, that I scored off my cousin who used it 4 years ago for their tour around Europe. Sure 80L is a lot to carry (and I’m regretting filling the pack already), but I got it pretty cheap.

I’m actively trying to work out what I can throw away as I go, because I walked 5km with the pack on the other day, and damn, my shoulders ached for a bit.

What luggage are you using for your trip? How long are you “on the road” for? Any regrets with your choice? Let me know on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments.

* flickr image credit (cc) Joe Shlabotnik

Ian Cartwright

is a guy who gave up his career and mortgage for solo long-term travel. He travelled extensively across Europe for a year before heading onward to North Africa. He is now planning a trip to Latin America. As always there’s sure to be plenty of laughs, tears, and misadventures along the way.