The search for the perfect bag is endless…

The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.
Mark Russell

One of the most common questions I’ve seen on forums is what kind of backpack to get. It’s difficult to answer as there are as many types of bags as there are different personalities. What will suit one person is not right for another.

One thing I do know is that with careful consideration to packing, it’s very unlikely you will need a 70L bag. Maybe you plan to be gone a long time with a wide mix of climates or are carrying specialized equipment - then you might need a larger bag. I’ve made short two week trips out of a 30L REI backpack that could double as a generous daypack. I didn’t have much room for anything aside from the essentials, but it worked (I split some shared items with my husband). I decided I’d like a little more wiggle room for souvenirs, possibly a netbook, extra tea bags and protein bars (I snack a lot), so I’ve recently upgraded to a 40L and think that will be plenty of room for most of my travels. I could live out of it for six months. You might not be able to work with something as small as 40L, but there are a lot of sizes to choose from before you get to 75L.

The advantages of carrying a small bag range wider than just saving your back. You can carry-on all your luggage, which is more secure and convenient than checking it. A smaller bag is easier to get around with on subways, buses, and streets (so speaks the woman who had all her bags roll down three flights of stairs in the Paris subway – a very long time ago). 

There is a debate about wheeled luggage. I’ll be honest and say that I prefer (light) backpacks without wheels. I like to have my hands free and I’ve been over a lot of cobblestones or mucky conditions in my day. If I need to walk 3km to my hotel from the train station, it’s not a problem. If you pack light, your pack won’t weigh a ton, thus negating the need for wheels.

If you need help picking out the perfect bag, I suggest calling in at your local outdoor store. They have folks there to help you choose and you can try walking around with the packs with weight added before committing to buying.

A good website to check out is at: http://www.onebag.com/bags.html

Helpful features to consider: 

• ·         A hip belt will distribute the weight of the pack onto your hips. My husband hates them, but I find it easier on my back and shoulders if I plan to wear the pack for long periods.

• ·         Some water resistance or a cover is important.

• ·         Some folks like bags that zip down the side for easy access.