Wearing a backpack is not that easy...
Wearing a backpack is not that easy…
I was trying my backpack this weekend, walking with about 17 kg on it (my weight is 64), and it felt comfi, but I got tired quite fast! I’m not exactly very fit, but I walk a lot, and cycle, so i thought I would be able to carry my backpack easily, but I can’t!
Did you do any training before you left with all that weight on your back?
I will start running again, but I don’t know if I should walk with my backpack a couple of times a week to get used to it, and more able to wear it!?
Where are you travelling to?
You’ll find that you won’t be carrying it for that long generally speaking.
Mine usually weighs about 14kg (I only weigh about 55kg) and I am able to walk with it on for about half an hour before I start to get annoyed with it!
You will only generally wear it from the hotel/hostel to the bus stop/train station/airport (and sometimes you’ll get picked up/taxi/moto from the hotel).
17kg is a lot! mine is usually only about 9 or 10 but thats only packing for SEAsia. Where are you going?
As stated above you probably wont be walking around that much but occasionally it might take a while to find a good guesthouse but I doubt you would ever walk more than half an hour.
The general rule a lot of people go by is if you cant pick your backpack up with one hand, its too heavy.
Agree 17kg is too much, I try for 14kg for long trips 10-12 for shorter holidays
Maybe review your packing list
Agree generally you don’t have to carry it that far but on occasion you will
And on a side note, just because you are fit doesn’t mean you will be able to carry a backpack! That requires strength and arm muscle, not cardiac fitness as such!
Post your packing checklist - we will soon scrutinise it and tell you what you need to lose!
agree with the other posts.
I use a 20l daypack. i get 3 changes of clothes in it and other varuous bollocks i need. always carry on and never gets in the way. as least and as light as possible is always is the way to go imo.
I’m sure you will be fine- I am NOT a fit person AT ALL but pretty quickly got used to walking reasonable distances in Aus with my backpack on. Mainly this was because I had to do it- if the bus drops you off and you need to get to your hostel then most of the time the only cheap way to get there is to walk. Thats a good insentive to make it to be honest :)
I bought a backpack but never used it as one lol it has wheels and a handle so it was ok.
It depends what you’ll be doing, If your just going from bus - hostel then you won’t have any troubles. 17kg is a lot for travelling though. Saying that mine weights 26 :p
I’m going to South America, NZ, Australia, Singapore, Fiji, Malasya, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Camboya, Vietnam, and India.
I was just trying it on a weekend out, and filled it with this weight to see how it feels like, as what i’ve heard is that the maximum you should carry is 1/3 of your weight? But it is def, too much!
If your just staying in hostels you can easily get away with less than 30litres and probably lose 10kg.
3 pairs of shorts / trousers, inc what you wear on the plain
A top or 2 plus something with long sleeves
A fleece and waterproof and some underwear
Don’t really need anything else other than toiletries and an iPod :)
Yea once u get to those places Laura ull end up throwing stuff away,I took jeans,walkin boots etc never wore them the whole time I was away and I went to pretty much same places ur going,but women pack a lot lol, when are u going? Coz ur doin similar to me in June except SA and India,let me know,maybe could meet up.
I wont be taking a lot, but def. more than 3 tops!! maybe 6 or smth. Mine are much smaller than yours!! :P
I’m only starting the 20th of september, but I have started to buy stuff not to leave everything for the last minute and spend all the money at the same time!
I’ve got my backpack, the Berghaus Women jalan 50+15, my triclimate jacket (the only one I will be taking), and the next thing is my boots to get used to them before I leave!
My idea is about 5 month in SA, and then no idea yet how long in the other places!! I will keep the contact while away to meet up people on the way! :)
I’ve always overpacked my backpack. I probably maintained an average of 16-18kg when travelling.
I agree with others that this is probably more than you need. having said that, it did allow me to work on the guns and shoulders.
17kg is a bit much - I agree 13-14kg is a good amount to aim for, as you will also acquire stuff on the way.
Fortunately most of the places you’re going are hot so you won’t need too many layers etc. It depends when/where you’ll be in South America I suppose, you might need some cosy stuff for there!
The main thing I would recommend, however much you take, is:
Try the weight and make sure you’re happy with it with EVERYTHING you’re taking - do not exclude what you where on the plane. Try it on with every single thing (including a litre of water might not be a bad idea), and when you’re happy with it then take out what you want to where for the journey. Once you get to the boiling heat you’ll be wearing the bare minimum so you’ll have more things in your rucksack, and you’ll probably want to carry some water with you too.
Good luck, sounds like a wonderful trip!
It depends what you’ll be doing, If your just going from bus - hostel then you won’t have any troubles. 17kg is a lot for travelling though. Saying that mine weights 26 :p
Agree Agree Agree! Realistically you are not gonna be trekking for hours carrying your backpack! Mine is 75L… the longest i had to carry it was probs half hour…. Remember your max weight on flights is gonna be about 23kg anyway :-)
