Luggage Options

Two main options are

• Back Packs
• Rolling suitcases

There is now a combo backpack which combines a backpack with wheels.

Most independent travel sites will recommend that you travel light (less than 10 kilos). Although I agree I have a hard time to get below 13 kilos.  I like to take a few comforts such as hair spray, hand lotion, and perfume. 

The selection depends on the situation.  The roll on is good for flat surfaces and if you take a lot of private transportation or taxis.  Also, it can be considered if you are staying in places for a longer time.

The backpack is better if you have to carry your luggage (public transport, uneven road surfaces and frequent change of venues).  Even with backpacks you have choices about top loading or front loading options.

My first pack was an Eagle Creek front loading pack with an internal frame..  I finally updated it after 10 years of hard travel, because I wanted a pack with more padding on the hipbelt, the lower back and also for the shoulder straps.  My next pack was a 65 litre Alpine Lowe pack which I have had for five years. Both of these packs have advantages and disadvantages.   Lots of great options exist.  For adventure travel I find the backpack gives me more flexibility.

Some people swear by carry on and take a pack that is about 45 litres and meets carry on luggage requirements.

A great site which goes into details about luggage is onebag.com. This is the link for the luggage discussion.

 http://www.onebag.com/rsrc.html

The rest of the site provides information about packing. 

As can be seen from the websites that good quality packs can be expensive.  A  comfortable and durable pack it is worth paying around two hundred dollars. You can determine if the additional cost is worth the value.

Purchasing a Backpack

  Keep the following things in mind when purchasing a backpack:

• Your backpack should be comfortable enough to allow you to carry at least 10 -14 kilos 20 to 30 pounds).  Ask the sales person to put both weight and volume into the pack so that you'll have an idea of what 30 pounds feels like on your back.
• Your backpack should be proportional to body size  People under 5'6" inches should try to make sure their backpack is no taller than 22 inches--taller backpacks will hit the back of your head. Try to limit yourself to a pack that is between 45-80 liters.
• The most expensive backpack is not necessarily the best. I find the technology changes and so the desire to upgrade to a lighter or more convenient model overrides the long term durabilty. Many moderately priced packs ($100-$200) will suit your purpose just as well, than the high priced packs.
• If possible, get a pack that you won't have to check in at the airport (size requirements vary, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure L x W x H doesn't add up to more than 45 inches).  Not having to waste your time checking and claiming your pack is one of the best things about traveling light. But with recent security rules which limit liquids this may not be so easy.

Features to look for in your backpack: