If you’re going to travel for any significant amount of time, one of the most important, if not the most important, things you will be carrying is your pack.  This is basically your home, so here’s how to pick a winner:

1)  Figure out how big you want to go.  There is a lot of talk on the internet about flashpackers who get into dick-wagging contests over how little they need to travel.  You’ll hear about guys with tiny packs, no clothes, no underwear, and no concept of how bad they smell since they never wash their clothes.  This is stupid.  On the other extreme there are people who have way too much shit with them.  I met a couple who were carrying a toaster.  A fucking toaster. 

Basically, pick a pack size you’re comfortable with, because it will be stuffed full no matter what.  I think that the perfect size is about 60-70 Liters, with a max of 80L.  At 60L you can easily carry the pack, and it will fit under a city bus seat, which is really nice when you’re constantly using public transport.  By 80L it’s become a pretty big bag, and by 90L you’re basically carrying a dead elephant on your back. 

2)  Find a pack that zips open lengthwise (i.e. not a top-loading pack).  This was some of the best advice I got when choosing a pack.  When you’re at a hostel, constantly going in and out of your pack to grab something, the last thing you want to do is pull everything out just to grab one item, and then jam it all back it.  The majority of pack are top loading, but there are a few with side zips.  Seriously, this is a deal breaker when looking at a pack.

3)  Find a real backpack, not just a duffle bag with straps.  This means the pack needs and internal frame, adjustable straps and padding, and a real waist belt.  Getting a real pack means that you’ll be more comfortable, and you can use the pack when trekking too.

4)  Get a removable day pack that securely attaches to the main pack.  You’ll definitely want a day pack during your travels, but it sucks to have extra gear strapped to your chest or in your hands.  Lots of packs have this feature, so it’s not a hard box to check.

5)  Think security.  This means locking zippers on every compartment.  Any zipper that’s not locked will eventually be opened by someone somewhere.  If there is a spot that doesn’t lock just put your dirty undies there.       

Recommendations:

I’m carrying the pack pictured above, and I love it.  My only complaint is that the day pack is a little small.  Otherwise, it’s perfect.  Check it out here.

Here are some other packs that I haven’t used, but I’ve heard good things about.  Definitely worth checking out, and read other peoples reviews to choose the right bag for you:

Eagle Creek Travel Gear Thrive 75L Bag

 

 

 

 

Osprey Packs Waypoint 80 Backpack – 4900-5100cu in

(Note: One of my friends has this pack and he really likes it.  I think it’s a better pack than mine for trekking, but not as good for straight urban travel.  Based on how much trekking we’ve done so far, and plan to do in the future, I probably would have bought this pack.)