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Embarking on a round-the-world adventure can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to choosing the right backpack. Your bag isn’t just a container; it’s your most constant companion throughout your journey. Selecting the right backpack can appear challenging, especially for novice travelers. However, with the right insight and a little bit of research, anyone can discover a pack that perfectly fits their needs.
Brands: From Basic to High-End
The market for backpacks is vast, with options ranging from popular, everyday brands like Black Diamond, Arcteryx, Eagle Creek, and Lowe Alpine to professional-grade mountain packs from MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) and REI. For more intense trekkers, there are military-grade options from Mystery Ranch/Dana Design and CamelBak.
If you’re an occasional camper or hiker, an affordable, name-brand pack should suffice. However, if you’re planning a cross-country expedition spanning several months, investing in a durable, high-quality mountain co-op bag might be the smarter choice. They’re designed for longevity and will withstand harsh conditions. Extreme backpackers might opt for the pricier, military-grade packs.
Tailor Your Backpack to Your Itinerary
Your backpack’s size should match your journey’s length and your budget. For trips of a week or less, a backpack below 30 liters should suffice. For longer journeys, add about 10 liters for each additional month of travel, up to 70 liters. Anything more and your pack could become burdensome.
The destination also plays a significant role. If you’re heading to warmer climes, your clothing will take up less space than if you’re journeying to colder regions. If your travels involve urban areas or less-developed countries, opt for a secure, discreet bag that doesn’t attract undue attention.
Prioritize Comfort and Health
The modes of transport you’ll be using on your trip also matter. If you’re taking public transport, your pack should be compact enough to stow away securely. If you’re hiking, comfort is critical – an uncomfortable pack can transition from a minor inconvenience to a major pain over hundreds of kilometers.
Check the pack’s frame type – internal or external frame. An external frame can help balance the load and prevent back problems if you’re wearing the pack for extended periods each day.
If your trip involves multiple stops with safe places to leave your main pack, consider a backpack with a detachable daypack. This feature, common in many modern packs, lets you keep your main bag secure while you explore with a smaller, more manageable load.
Convenience: A Valuable Commodity
When it comes to backpack design, opt for a front-loading pack if possible. This design lets you access items from the front, saving you from having to rummage through your belongings to find that elusive passport. Multiple compartments can be useful, but packing cubes, like those from Eagle Creek, can help organize your items in any pack.
With countless backpack options available, take your time and shop around. Remember, your hard-earned cash could be better spent on the experiences that make your adventure memorable. Use this guide to find a bag that matches your needs, so you can focus on the joy of exploring the world.
