Choosing the Best Backpack for your Trip

There are very few people who do not love travelling. The desire to discover new places and meet new people is part of human nature. There are various ways to go about it - if you can afford it, you can take the luxurious way out. You can spend your nights at five star hotels all over the world and take worldwide cruises. But most people will tell you that the most fun is had on backpacking vacations. So, while you have the time, try at least one backpack tour of whatever country or continent you would like to visit. You will be surprised how fun the unexpected can be.

Packing for a Backpacking Vacation

If you are not taking a car with you or planning to rent one for the whole of your trip, you have to be very efficient in your packing. Take only what is strictly necessary. This includes:

• Clothes - For obvious reasons.
• Multi-tools - There is no need for you take a toolbox, but tool availability is recommended. Multi-tools may not be as good, but they have many options and take up very little space. Most recommended one would be a pocket knife that may also include a mini fork and spoon.
• Plastic cup and plate - Plastic is the lightest material that makes cups and plates. It is also the least likely to break.
• Cloak - Very useful when getting caught in the rain.
• If you are interested in being really adventurous you can try packing a tent and a sleeping bag. Bear in mind, though, that a tent can be heavy and a sleeping bag can take up a lot of space - so if you don't think there's a chance you will use them, you might want to leave them at home.

So Which Backpack do I Choose?

The backpack you choose depends a lot on the type of trip you intend to make. If it will be your only luggage, you need to make sure that a lot of things fit in it - but at the same time it needs to be light. If you are going to take a tent and a sleeping bag with you, however, you may want to take a frame backpack - because although overall they weigh more, they split the weight so that your back can handle it better. Without frames, the tent and the sleeping bag will press to your lower back and it will be very difficult to carry them.

Usually, a backpack that will allow you to carry 20 to 30 pounds should be good. You can try putting weights in the backpack when buying it, to see how it feels when carrying such a weight. Make sure you choose a backpack that is proportional to your own body's size - if you are short, try to buy a backpack that is not too long. If possible, it would be an advantage to buy a backpack that is small enough so you are able to take on the airplane with you. It will save you some time.

Do not buy the first backpack that you see that fits all of this criteria: try out more and see how they feel. You will be wearing that backpack a lot so make sure you like it.