Choosing the right backpack

I've always taken a suitcase around with me on my travels as most trips have not lasted longer than 3 weeks. However, as I will be travelling from late October for 6 months, I thought I really needed to look in to buying a Backpack.

I needed to choose the right Backpack for me and the 3 main criteria I had was Capacity, Accessibility and Comfortableness.

After doing some research and going in to several retailers that specialise in outdoor equipment, it became apparent that what I and most other travellers needed to look at were:

CAPACITY

I needed a backpack large enough to carry enough things I needed for a 6 month trip but also I didn't want the physical size to be so big is was difficult to carry around. You can get a backpack from around 30 litres up to about 80/90 litres which is quite large. I settled on 70 litres for my main backpack as I have a separate smaller rucksack for my days out etc that is about another 20 litres, so 90 litres overall.

PRACTICAL

Until I started to do some research, my biggest dread of using a backpack was the nightmare thought of having to empty it every day to find something that would inevitably always be at the bottom! To my delight, aside from the normal hiking backpacks, a lot of the backpacks tailored for the travel market now have a zip around the front panel that enables you to open the backpack up just like a suitcase. Voila! It makes life so much easier so that was a huge plus point for me.

COMFORTABLENESS

If you are lugging something heavy around particularly in hot climates, you need something that is comfortable. You need one that fits your body, torso length (not your overall height) and one that has enough support and grips around the waist and hip area. You need to make sure the hip belts and grips fit you comfortable and that there is enough support on your back and lumbar region.

FEATURES

I wanted a backpack that had enough features not only to keep me comfortable but also to keep my belongs safe and easy to find.

Frames - most backpacks will have a body-hugging internal or external frame which is designed to keep you stable and upright.

Ventilation - having a backpack with a good ventilation system was key for me, particularly one with a mesh back panel while in hotter climates.

Pockets - elasticated pockets are probably the best as they take up no room when nothing is in them yet are stretchy enough to hold water bottles and other bits and pieces you may have. Having other pockets internally and externally are also useful for quick access to things such as cameras, phone, snacks etc.

Removable daypack - this is particularly useful if you aren't planning on taking a separate rucksack with you or if you want something that is removable for day trips. Backpacks that have this feature detach easily from the main backpack.

After much looking around and debate, I settled on a backpack from the reputable brand, Osprey, and their Farpoint 70 backpack as it ticked all the boxes above for me. Fingers crossed it will be the right choice!

http://www.ospreyeurope.com/gb_en/