Backpack of Choice

Hi!
I'll be traveling in South America between April and August next year. From April through July, I will be living up in the Andes (cold-ish) in one house, and then will spend half of August traveling from Ecuador down to Argentina on buses etc. I want the LIGHTEST and most comfortable back pack possible. I have chronic back problems, and in the past have a backpack on my back has gotten in the way of me going to do other things, because i was just in too much pain. I haven't shopped for any in awhile, does anyone have a suggestion for a good brand or model to go with? thanks!!! Reply to this

hi ashley

im currently travelling south america with a backpack that has wheels and a seperate daypack
(im not going to recommend it though because i think you can do better)

but interestingly i find that i have only put the larger one on my back for about .01% of the time... and at that it has only been for convenience of running up a few flights of stairs or so...and often its more hassle to go taking the back straps out than it is to just carry it in my arm for 2 minutes

so despite the fact that backpackers seem obliged to use a "backpack" much the same as bikers use harly davidsons which have a great appearance but apparently are also bad for your back, im inclined to think that a decent wheeled bag might be a viable solution for travel.. maybe that means im not one of the backpacker gang..but it suits me..

also it is no harm to choose a basic looking bag over a really flashy one.. after all the job of the bag is to protect your prized possessions not "be" them

..unless your going to be hiking with it of course... but then why not just use the smaller daypack for that?




half of august to get from ecuador to argentina on buses? as in 2 weeks?
... is that possible?
some of the bus journeys are long.... personally i would consider the occasional flight to speed things up )
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I have the Gregory Jade 50. It is female specific with the waist having more padding. I purchased mine at REI, they can help you find one that fits correctly and give you an idea how heavy it will be by packing it with weight bags. Hopefully that helps! Reply to this

I am definately a Golite convert. I got the Jam 2, No more wheeled pack for me... it's a gimmick, all that weight just for wheels. keep laundry detergent with you, wash and wear, and golite!

Stats:
1 lb 5 oz. · 620 g
Volume: 3100 in3
less than $100.00



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Ashley,

Here are my thoughts on backpacks.

1. Figure out exactly what you plan to take. Scrub your list and go light. Pack weight is not as important as your packing weight. Be sre to stay under the airline limits for weight as well.

2. GO to a reputable outfitter with staff knowledable in backpacks. When you ask 100 backpackers abotu backpacks you will get 100 opinions--there preferences work for them.

3. Be sure the pack is adjusted to fit your torso. A knowledgable staff will know how to fit you with a pack.

3. Once you find one or two that will work for you, load them with weight and walk around the store. Be sure to bend, twist, turn and get the feel for the pack. If it doesn't feel right in the store, it won't feel right on the road.

4. If it doesn't come with a rain cover, be sure to pick one up.

5. Consider a small day pack to carry essentials for short day trips away from your accomodation. You can "marsupial" your day pack while traveling. I use a combination of my backpack and day pack. My day pack goes every where. I also use my day pack as mt carryon for air travel.

Have fun in selecting a pack that works for you. Reply to this