For months, weeks, days, or even hours, a tight packing list is essential. Even more so, for the benefit of one’s back and shoulders, is selecting the proper backpack. This references trips that will last a few hours, days, weeks, or months. Packing lists should be similar and adjusting for duration is not a Sisyphean task. As I abhor taking a wheeled suitcase for any trip that isn’t business-related, everything listed will revolve around the ability to stay stuffed into a backpack. Hauling gear over dirt roads and cobblestone streets is difficult and counter-intuitive and when one or more of the wheels break, having a backpack is infinitely easier. Additionally, as many accommodation options won’t have a lift, so weight distribution on your hips and shoulders is much less taxing than picking up a massive checked bag and carrying it up numerous flights of stairs. So for the sake of strain and packing efficiency, strap on a backpack.
Most airlines will allow hand luggage of backpacks, as long as they aren’t oversized. While exact sizing will vary by model and manufacturer, a good balance of size, weight, packability, and comfort will be between 35-50 liters. Some people can function with less, but this seems to be a good size for trips of anywhere from 24 hours to 24 months. In the US, REI is gold standard for pack shopping. Osprey, Kelty, REI, and Gregory make excellent products. In Europe, Decathlon makes them as well, but their backpacks are of lesser quality. Deuter is a popular German brand that is frequently seen on the road, and doubles as an outstanding hiking companion. My current accompaniment is a Kelty Redwing 50. For hiking, overhead compartment, city walks, and the like, it’s perfect.
For backpacks, there are two design options. A top-loader and a panel-loader. A top loader is best for hiking and camping, as it’s designed to hold a tent, stove, pans, and other backpacking gear. The frame and suspension system are well designed, making these types of packs extremely comfortable. They are shaped like cylinders, with a bevy of straps, loops, and lashes to hold items that take up unnecessary space inside. In addition, many come in bright colors to be seen from a distance. Will this type work well if your trip consists of wild camping, mountain hikes, and cooking outside? Absolutely. How about on a week-long trip to Berlin? Well yes, but there are are better options. As hiking packs are sized to hold their gear vertically, they often become much taller than carry-on standards permit. Also, some have a trampoline mesh panel on the back, which curves the frame to mimic a spine, reducing internal carrying capacity. Finally, having to reach in and dig around for every small time without universal access is going to drive someone crazy, whether over time or immediately. The solution? Get a panel loader.
Panel loaders are seen less frequently than hiking packs, but are overall better for traveling. Some, like the Redwing 50, have a suspension system that is built for hiking, so only minimal comfort and stability are sacrificed for the other benefits brought by a top loader. Panel loaders have zippers that extend either all or most of the way around the body, for easier access to what’s been packed. Extra features may include: lockable zippers, attached rain cover, elastic water bottle pockets, laptop sleeve, hydration port, and a separate compartment for a sleeping bag, shoes, or dirty laundry. Most important however is a frame and waist belt/sternum strap combination for weight transfer. The most effective packs will keep the weight off your back and shoulders, and place it on your hips, for improved stability. This allows the backpack to worn comfortably for excessive periods of time when walking around cities, as compared to transiting everywhere via taxi. Kelty and REI’s packs do this very well, unlike Osprey’s travel line darlings Farpoint and Porter. Finally, no matter which pack is purchased, torso sizing is essential. I went through 5 backpacks before at last keeping the Redwing 50. My torso is longer than what is offered by the majority of products, which reduces weight transfer and can make carrying the pack an extremely uncomfortable affair. The solution? Get measured at a dealer, load the pack up with slightly more weight than normal and walk around the store. If you can’t handle 10 minutes strapped up, how are 10 months or 10 weeks going to feel?
As in life, backpacks are not cheap. A good one will cost between $100-300, depending on the make, model, size, sale, and activities. They should be thought of an investment – if treated properly, can survive years of abuses thrown at it by the open road. Pick a neutral color – black, navy, or grey – and keep the details to a minimum. Lock your zippers and keep a sack handy in less-traveled areas. Although pickpocketing and theft can never be 100% prevented, you just need your gear to be less desirable than its companions. Translate that statement to keeping it in a rain cover, or toss it into a potato sack for commuting in rural confines within the developing world. Your backpack will take a beating – dust, being thrown around, crammed into non-existent bus storage space, and stained from various food and drink. It will be with you every step of the trip; do not skimp.
Outside of a packing list, which is already posted on the page, everyone has a few additional items they do not leave home without. For survival or general amusement, here are my extras: carabiner, moleskine notebook and pen, sleep sack, eye mask, paracord, water bottle, locks, travel towel, and tiger balm. The carabiner secures the pack; ditto the locks, the notebook for general information and stories, a sleep sack for less then savory accommodation/extra warmth, eye mask for sleeping in transit, paracord to secure again the pack and a host of other uses, a water bottle for transit hydration, a travel towel to not have to ruin a shirt, and tiger balm as a cure-all for bites, bruises, bump, and other tropical mishaps.
As far as actual packing goes, there are two ways: roll, and fold. I roll, to save space. It may cause more wrinkles, but airing your shirts out will solve that problem. Besides, traveling is tough on clothes – don’t bring ones you would be heartbroken to destroy, because it will happen. Your clothes will accumulate sweat, dirt, blood, sauce stains, grease, and mud, not to mention will smell quickly of whichever animals are in the vicinity. You can wear natural fibers and synthetics, like merino, tencel, and polyester to absolve a bit of the damage. Merino is known for being naturally anti-microbial and wicks sweat. It dries quickly and can be worn several times before washing. Yes, I’m aware I smell after wearing the same shirt for three days straight. Get over it.
All in all, packing and purchasing for a trip is a whirlwind of emotions at once – stress, joy, panic, and elation. Hopefully, it’s made slightly easier now. Go out and pick up a pack; your journey is just beginning.
Dispatches by Alec 