Choosing the right backpack for a big trip

You are going away for a long trip, for a long time. Your backpack will be your daily companion, your home, your faithful friend

Have you chosen the backpack as your luggage?
It’s a very personal choice, take the time to try several before you find the right one!
I have always had the same bag for more than 6 years. It has accompanied me everywhere, Nepal, Peru, the Amazon, the desert and the jungle… I’ll only change it when I’m forced to and for the same model… a little improved. It’s a DEUTER 50 + 10l Air Contact. It’s green, it’s beautiful, I love it. Solid, resistant, practical, it’s a quality that can’t be beaten.

Here are a few things to think about when making the right choice of backpack

Make a choice for the long term: choose a quality backpack!

Beware of cheap backpacks. They are uncomfortable to use and wear out quickly. They are very attractive with beautiful flashy colours, a sporty design and an attractive price. Manufacturers of this kind of backpack focus on an accessory or function that looks great at first glance. But in the long run, you won’t use it that much and the famous super-waterproof zips will eventually leak. Dazzled by the promotion, you won’t notice the thin straps, insufficient back support or the strength of the mediocre canvas.
Tried in the shop, empty, this bag will convince the city dweller and give a smile to the budget. It is after some time of travel that this purchase will be regretted. You will need a luggage you can rely on, which will not let you go in the middle of the desert or the Andes mountain range.

The backpack must be practical and comfortable before it can be beautiful and bear the hallmark of a prestigious brand

You may load and unload it every day, carry it from bus to bus or on your hikes. The backpack must fit your back perfectly, it must be ergonomic. A good, wide, padded waist belt guarantees comfort. Adjustable straps to adapt it perfectly to your body, all thick enough to avoid injuring your hips and shoulders.

Choosing the right size

Are you 1.90 or 1.50 cm tall? Choose the size that suits your morphology. It makes sense and yet…

Who can do more can do less! Choose a backpack that’s a little bit too big rather than too small

That’s not why you’ll carry more weight, but at least you’ll be flexible! Most good bags have an integrated extension. Very often you will have to carry more than usual. For example, in some countries a sleeping bag is really desirable, while in others it is completely unnecessary. The weather or altitude changes, clothes to protect against the cold take up more space.

Beware of the weight of the empty backpack

In the shop, you almost always try it on empty! Try it loaded. It will give you a more accurate idea of how it feels. Feel free to browse the shelves to fill it with what you think you need and load it up. Sleeping bag, water bottle, clothes, toiletries, fill it up. Then empty it. Repeat once, twice… That’s how you’ll find out if it’s really practical, solid, comfortable, made for you. Don’t be afraid to look like a madman, if this shop is trustworthy, the salesman will applaud.

Backpack straps: why are they so important?

On the top of the shoulder straps, make sure your model has “load reminder straps”. These are there to adjust the distance between your bag and your back. We tend to adjust them often because they change the centre of gravity of the backpack, and that’s really important.

Green Giant or Hop-O’-My-Thumb the backpack must be able to adapt itself to the terrain

The length of the bag should be equal to the length of your back, isn’t that logical? So as not to turn your walk into a crossroads, pay attention to the options that will allow you to adjust the length of your back, not all models offer this.

It’s the backpack that must follow the movement, not the other way round

The chest strap helps to relieve back strain, especially if your bag is heavily loaded. A snug fit allows the bag to become one with you. This is extremely useful when going downhill fast, on uneven or soft ground. To know if everything is well adjusted, do the rain dance, run, walk on a thread. The rucksack must not move.

The waist belt of the backpack is crucial, it’s the one that carries the most weight

Approximately 90% of the weight of the backpack can theoretically rest on the hips thanks to the waist belt. You can always do without it by tightening the shoulder straps so that the bag sticks perfectly to the back and does not pitch like a drifting boat. But a good, thick and well-designed waist belt will allow the legs to carry the weight. It’s so comfortable!

Think about the details of the backpack, in the long run they matter…

Otherwise, it will annoy you every day!
Are the side pockets well placed? Are they big enough to put something other than a flat object or a crushed matchbox?
Are all these pockets everywhere really useful? Inexpensive backpack stun the traveller with all those handy pockets, but sometimes you can’t even get into them once the bag is full.
Are there openings to access the middle or bottom of the bag without having to empty everything? 
Everyone has their own organization, try to project yourself a little.

 

Take care of your backpack: don’t forget to use the cover!

Always use the protective bonnet. Don’t wait until it rains. Whenever you go out, on every trip and especially if you have to travel by bus. It will quickly become a habit and your bag will stay clean and in shape. You will probably have to buy a new one on the way, but it’s a small price. If you can’t find one, a big garbage bag will do the trick.
 
It takes a little discipline to load your bag properly
 
Doesn’t that seem important? Yet you have to be ready to sprint with it on your back at any time, sneak into a crowded bus, the streets congested?

Put the bag on the ground and see if it stands up on its own. If it lies down, rearrange the load. You can find out all about loading from A to Z here!
What does a badly loaded bag look like, where everything hangs around like a Christmas tree? Bumps, hollows, the badly distributed weight betray the total amateur who has adopted the backpack to pass for an adventurer, a real one. Discover everything to know to load your backpack like a pro here!

Big trekking, hiking and long distance travel: the backpack must be able to adapt to the programme

During your trip, the programme may change every day. Discover a city, climb a volcano, walk in the Himalayas, spend a day at the beach… All this requires a different kind of luggage. No need to leave with a whole collection: a backpack is flexible.

On a daily basis, transported from town to town, from station to hostel, the luggage rests in the hold, the dormitory or the trunk. However, it must be solid, resistant to knocks, falls, dirt…

For a long hike lasting several days, or a short trek you’ll use the backpack diffrently

  • it is the sleeping bag, food, first aid kit, change of linen, etc. that will be carried. You will need a sturdy and comfortable bag. Pay attention to the practical side. Are water and sunscreen easily accessible without having to put the backpack down each time?
  • A day hike? No need to take the big backpack. You will need another, smaller bag in which to carry the essentials: water, snacks, compass, sun cream, etc.
  • Do you only want to buy one backpack that combines these two options?  The designers have thought of everything and have designed models consisting of two detachable bags. A lot of travellers seem to be satisfied with them. Ask your salesperson.

More tips and tricks about backpack

  • A brightly coloured backpack isn’t just for fun. If you’re going to the mountains or a desert area it’s important to be spotted in case of a problem. If you have opted for a beige or grey bag, the bonnet can take over, provided it is also flashy.
  • Get into the habit of unloading the backpack without throwing it on the ground. Use a table, a bench, a chair on which you will get rid of the 2 straps. Then turn around, take the bag in your arms and put it on the floor.
  • No table? Drop one strap and pass it over your shoulder in front of you. Pick it up on your raised thigh. Take the backpack in your arms (with love) and put it (gently) on the floor.
  • A good wash every now and then is important. A dirty, smelly bag is shameful. Take care of it. Don’t spend it at the Karcher, poor thing! You would damage the canvas and it could lose its watertightness. A basin of water, a soft brush, soap and that’s all.
  • If it has been around a lot, finish it off with a spray of waterproofing product after drying.

The weight of the filled backpack should theoretically not exceed a quarter of your weight

Especially on treks. This is what the nice salesman will tell you (and he is certainly right). But that’s just theory! I weigh 54kg for 1.56m and I regularly carry 15/17kg. It’s up to you!

On a daily basis, this calculation is less important but still, you have to be reasonable.

Learning how to limit the weight of a loaded rucksack is fundamental

Heavily loaded bags reflect different types of travellers :

  • A real trekking pro, no doubt about it, he knows what he’s doing
  • An anxious person who wants to be prepared for all eventualities
  • An optimist
  • A former Special Forces, Commandos, a rugby player, possibly a Mike Horn fan
  • A martyr making his pilgrimage

Fatigue will eventually make itself felt. Lightening your bag also means leaving more room for mobility, spontaneity and confidence.

A few tips and a little organization will allow you to carry your backpack for a long time without suffering. But in addition, you will save a lot of time to put away your stuff, organize and empty the bag!

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

error

Vous aimez cet article ? Partagez-le ou réagissez !

error: Content is protected !!