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Choosing the right backpack Backpacks... in briefYou are a backpacker, therefore it is your job to put a 'pack' on your 'back'. It is essential that you get a good one. If you are on a long trip, or have never had a backpack before, why not get a new one? The gapyearshop is a good place to start. If the thing falls apart on you, or damages your back because it is the wrong shape, you will only have yourself to blame. A note about backpacks If you have never owned or used a backpack before, take note of what I am about to say. When I first went, I didn't have a clue. Luckily the guy in the shop decided to take pity on us when it was clearly obvious, by the fact that my foot had actually got caught up in one of the straps, that we were a couple of idiots. He therefore took us through the whole concept of backpacks - i.e. what sort there are, what they do, why some are more expensive than others, how to pack it and, most importantly, how to wear/carry the sodding thing! There are so many types of backpack, the only thing you can do is check out loads and find one you like. Comfort is the most important factor. Don't be tempted to buy a huge pack, unless you really need that much space; whatever size pack you buy you'll fill it. And when you're carting around a backpack the size of a block of flats in 40 degree heat, you're likely to regret it. Pick the brains of the sales assistant - they will undoubtedly have travelled themselves. And it is a good idea to put a few heavy things in a pack when you try it on - it will feel a lot different when it has more than just paper stuffing in it. Once you get it home, fill it with your stuff and practise walking in it. Prices vary enormously and while you generally get what you pay for, price does not always mean quality. Shop around, ask yourself whether you really need all those up-to-the-minute features and think comfort. Backpack buzzwords Adjustable back systems Allows you to slide the pack up and down your back 'til you're comfortable. Solid back supports These strengthen a pack and stops it bulging into your back which can be very uncomfortable. YKK zips These are heavy duty and corrosion resistant zips to avoid pesky broken zips at inconvenient moments. 55, 65, 75 and 85 litre Backpacks are measured by volume. So a 55-litre backpack is smaller than an 85-litre one.  Kit expert Nancy says..."Your choice of pack is between a 'top loader' (traditional pack shape) or a square 'travel' pack (loads from the side, often has a day bag attached). Most people take travel packs nowadays, ideal if you're going from hostel to hostel and not climbing mountains. A sturdy 65 litre is ideal." Click here >> for the gapyearshop Finding one that suits you  I am, let's say, in a PC kind of a way, 'vertically challenged' (I believe that I am about average height!) It is important therefore, that if I fill the backpack so that it weighs more than a small horse, that it is comfortable to carry and doesn't wreck my back. My belief is that, due to my stocky frame, the thing actually sits quite comfortably on my back and we tend to balance each other out well. If you are six foot six and went through school accompanied by the nick-name 'Lofty', 'Bean-pole' or 'The Lankster' - a heavy backpack not in tune with your centre of gravity (which is around your waist if you didn't know) will kill your back. Likewise, if you are a young lady, about five foot high, with, lets say 'The Atlas Mountains' as opposed to the sand dunes of Blackpool - balance and comfort are the key to make sure that you don't wreck yourself.Choosing the right backpack When you go into the shop to check them out, you will be faced with loads of them. So, which to choose? In the end of the day, it is not a fashion thing, you need something practical - however if it is a manky old colour, and you end up hating the sight of it... you'll only regret not going for 'spangly green' with racing blue straps! Remember, you are taking it around the world with you and you won't escape it!  Grab an assistant and get some help - after all, that's what they're there for, so make them earn their money. Get them down and try them on. See what they feel like. Bear in mind that every one you try when you are fully clothed and when it is empty are going to feel comfortable. So...get some stuff to put it in, make it heavy and bulky and see what it feels like then. Stick a load of jackets, candles, camp stoves, torches, boots and anything else a camping shop has on the shelves in it. Don't be shy as you are about to offer them a decent sale with that, the sleeping bag and possible sleeping sheet and any other bits and pieces you are going to need. Does this feel right for you? You might well find that one of the cheaper ones is actually the best for you... they are all different. So what to look out for. I look for zips and pockets. I have found that two of the most useful pockets are the side pockets - big, long and deep. However, there is now a trend for these backpacks that can be zipped up and made to look like a holdall. Yes, these can be useful for reasons that I will explain in a minute, but the problem for me is that they don't have side pockets! The other pockets I like are the ones at the very top of the backpack where things can be accessed quickly. Backpacks that convert into holdalls If you haven't got a clue what I'm talking about, go and have a look. It is a funky little idea and loads of travellers seem to be buying them. If ever you want to try and not look like a backpacker, you simply zip the back-straps away, turn the thing on its side and carry it by its side handles like a holdall. Most of them also come with a small day sack attached to them - a small backpack that is zipped to the front, which can either be used as a compartment to the pack, or unzipped and used as a separate day bag. The problem with this is that on a 65 litre backpack, once you take the 10 litre or so day bag off, is now reduced to 55 litres. Is this going to be enough for you?  When I go away I generally take my trusty 65 litre knackered old banger of a backpacker and a day bag, which probably amounts to another 10 litres or so. I think this is about right for me. If I am confusing you about the size in 'litres' of backpacks, don't worry too much about it... you'll see when you get there. Generally the ones you want to think about are the 55l, 65l, 75l and 85l. 85 really is too big, as if you fill it, chances are you won't move it! Even 75 is a bit of a beast. 65 is about right - again, if you fill it, it will turn into a heavy bastard, but that's for you to be aware of and to watch out for. A lot of girls travel with the 55, which, when combined with a day bag, seems to do the job. Again, if you find you are filling these things up straight away then you are probably taking too much, so empty it. Many say that maybe it is a good idea to go one stage up so that you can be sure of having enough space...the thing is, you'll find that you'll only end up filling it up anyway, so I wouldn't recommend it. Things to look out for Adjustable back systems. These are great, but will cost you a bit extra than your bulk standard pack. What they allow you to do is get the height and weight of the pack in the perfect position on your back. When the pack is on you simply slide it up and down until you are comfortable. When it is right, you lock it off. This means that even if you are vertically challenged like myself, you can still carry big packs and heavy loads without killing yourself. Bum bags Some backpacks now have bum bags attached to them as extras. These are really handy - they are not the best to wear (plus you look like a Swiss tourist!), but can be great just to put stuff in when you go out and about.  Back support barsSolid supports in the bit that your back rests against. Some packs that can be converted into a holdall lack these, as they don't fit in with the design. These supports can be very useful as they stop your backpack, when stuffed to the max, bulging in the opposite way to your back, making it a tad uncomfortable to carry. These supports tend to make the pack stronger. Unfortunately I arrived home once overloaded to the hilt, causing one of my supports to actually burst through the top of my pack, which was a bit of an arse... but it still does the trick. So, have think about this. Waterproofing Get a cheap backpack and you could get a bit of equipment that lets in more water than the Titanic. You can actually waterproof it if you want to. Likewise, if you get a good one and you want to make it impregnable to everything except bomb blasts and foot and mouth disease, you can buy waterproofing to go over the top. Loads of backpacks now have their own 'fly sheet' - a waterproof sheet that is stored at the top or the bottom in a little pocket which can be stretched over the entire backpack should it decide to piss it down whilst you are outside. These and backpack sheets are extremely useful, but you won't find out why until it's 11.30 at night, you're cold, you're looking for a 'Backpackers' and suddenly 15 tons of Monsoon water decide to, out of the blue, turn you into a fish. Lovely. Stitching Is it strong and tight? Poorly made backpacks, when they are put under a bit of pressure and a bit of hammering after a few airport experiences and Indian buses, will start to fall apart on you. One of my straps bust off, leading me to do a bit of a boy scout number on it. The thing gave me jip from then on... and mine was a good make. Also, if there is anywhere that it is going to leak, this is the place. Zips with holes These holes have to be wide enough to take a small padlock so that the zips can be padlocked together. Have a little root around. Imagine you have a couple of small padlocks - can you secure all the main pockets of the bags safely? Smart arses will always point out that the small padlocks can be easily broken and that 'If they want to get in...they will'. Nice one Sherlock! Of course they will... if I wanted to get into any house in the country I'd smash a window, but I wouldn't do it if you were sitting in the front room... Locks and security  Tiny padlocks will always stop opportunist thieves. These guys will, if given half the chance, flip your pack/zip open, have a delve around, and within ten seconds be away to the hills... well, they'd better be if they went delving into mine... mind you, poor buggers would probably end up pulling out my manky pants and a pair of minging socks... after that experience they deserve everything they can get their hands on! The point therefore is that, should they see a few padlocks, they are going to look elsewhere rather than have to mess around with the padlocks in full view of everyone (if it is opened and unlocked they will simply pretend that it is their own and root around as casually as a truffle pig in a particularly nice forest in Truffle Land!) This is the same principal as the car locks - they act as a deterrent, which, 99% of the time, is the difference between being robbed or not.  Click here >> for advice on choosing the right backpack Click here >> for female-specific backpack advice Click here >> for male-specific backpack advice Click here >> for advice on how to wear a backpack Click here >> for advice on what you should take Click here >> for kit we recommend Click here >> for tips on what to keep in your day bag Click here >> for a packing checklist Click here >> to buy backpacks |
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