So I know I am not the only girl who needs MONTHS to plan and pack for a trip. I figured I would make this post for the overzealous traveler. Here is my best attempt at a packing list. I have arranged it by categories with links to my favorite sites for travel gear.
Finding a pack:
This has been the hardest part of packing for my trip thus far. Being small, many packs sit to high and push my head forward in this really uncomfortable manor. Its sort of like forcing my head into a strange tucked position! Either way, I had to search for the best pack and the best deal. I have had many packs over time for backcountry backpacking trips. However, hiking packs are pretty different as their functions are not the same. When I hike, I do not mind having to pull out all my gear at night when I set up my camp. However, I do not want dig through my pack each time I need a swimsuit or new pair of socks.
Also, I didn't want a gigantic pack. I think it encourages bringing to much and the last thing I want is a back I cannot lift myself (that seems to be against the point). Additionally, most stores only carry unisex packs and 80 liters packs which are enormous. I believe 60-70 Liters seems just right as it leaves space for a few gifts to bring home. I found a few packs that I think works best:
** Though I have posted the homepage of where to find these bags, I bought mine at alternative online stores. I went into REI and other local outdoor stores and tried on the packs. Once I found what I liked the best I searched online for the best deal. Amazon is great as well as Campmore. Most of the time you can find bags for $50-100 less!
*** Keep in mind that traveling in Asia (or most developing countries) can be tricky for rolling bags. Most places are pretty rural and the streets unpaved. Also, I would not want to carry a heavy bag over my shoulder as you never know how far you could be walking. Traveling abroad has taught me to always be able to comfortably carry all my belongings at once up to one mile. You never know if you bus may break down.
Finding a pack:
This has been the hardest part of packing for my trip thus far. Being small, many packs sit to high and push my head forward in this really uncomfortable manor. Its sort of like forcing my head into a strange tucked position! Either way, I had to search for the best pack and the best deal. I have had many packs over time for backcountry backpacking trips. However, hiking packs are pretty different as their functions are not the same. When I hike, I do not mind having to pull out all my gear at night when I set up my camp. However, I do not want dig through my pack each time I need a swimsuit or new pair of socks. Also, I didn't want a gigantic pack. I think it encourages bringing to much and the last thing I want is a back I cannot lift myself (that seems to be against the point). Additionally, most stores only carry unisex packs and 80 liters packs which are enormous. I believe 60-70 Liters seems just right as it leaves space for a few gifts to bring home. I found a few packs that I think works best:
- The Osprey 65 Waypoint Women's - right now REI only has the 85. I can only imagine how much that would way in the end! This pack is nice as it has stiff interior skeleton. It is almost like a hard suitcase with a nice Osprey strap and belt system. The pack is pretty still but also very lightweight. However, I found the length and stiffness of the pack combined were to tall for by small body and squished my head forward.
- REI Grand Tour 80 Women's- this pack is also way to large. However, if you want to bring more weight the size extends out instead of up. It also has a zip off day pack and the zippers lock together for protection. They fit the TSA security locks which are always nice to cary a few extras. The back has less structure but still opens from the front, sides, and bottom. It has less pockets and I think the material is less sturdy than an Osprey or Gregory Pack. It could just be because it is REI brand. However, there gear is always nice since it can be returned. Additionally, the pack has a built in rainfly.
- Other Osprey Travel Packs- These packs are are like duffles with backpack straps thrown on the back. Its pretty unstructured and not the best idea if you plan on using the bag as a backpack often.
- Gregory Deva 70/60 Liters - this pack comes in both a 70 or 60. It was my favorite of all the packs I found. Although not categorized as a travel pack, the font opens like the REI Grand Tour as well as full zip side pockets and bottom, top, and middle entry. The zippers don't have locks but can still be locked together easily. The fabric and seams are water proof. The top loader can come off as a nice day pack as well. I really like the interior pockets since they are good for hiding things like money and my kindle. The pack sits shorter and comes in xs,s,m, and l sizes. I got mine for a great deal on Amazon. The blue is also a really nice color! Since it is a hiking pack the shoulder and hip straps are a bit more comfortable as they are meant for long distances. Pretty much my favorite option and it fit small me (5'2")
** Though I have posted the homepage of where to find these bags, I bought mine at alternative online stores. I went into REI and other local outdoor stores and tried on the packs. Once I found what I liked the best I searched online for the best deal. Amazon is great as well as Campmore. Most of the time you can find bags for $50-100 less!
*** Keep in mind that traveling in Asia (or most developing countries) can be tricky for rolling bags. Most places are pretty rural and the streets unpaved. Also, I would not want to carry a heavy bag over my shoulder as you never know how far you could be walking. Traveling abroad has taught me to always be able to comfortably carry all my belongings at once up to one mile. You never know if you bus may break down.
