luggage/backpacks for long term, rugged world travel
 

i know many of you like to travel, some very extensively. i'm planning on downgrading my laptop to something very small, and taking off for quite some time (1 - 2 years minimum). i've always used backpacks for lugging around my laptop/camera/cords/clothes/etc. i'm currently using this:

http://spireusa.com/products/ME5.html

which is just big enough for taking everything i need, but gets a bit uncomfortable on my lower back when loaded up to the max. other than that, i love this backpack.

i was looking at this:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1106510006780

as it breaks down into 2 rolling luggage + smaller day pack for getting on planes, but still meets airline onboard luggage restrictions. will also easily fit a small (12 inch) laptop in the day pack.

my main issues boil down to comfort (my lower back gets sore pretty easily), not checking any luggage, and being able to take everything 'on my back' to remote locations without any issues. i plan on going to many places where i will have to travel for hours or even days, on foot or via antiquated transit. what do you use/recommend for traveling?

thanks :)

those things arent big enough for my hairdryer and cologne :-O(

It looks pretty good actually, I really like it but have no experience with it. Looks very functional.

Will you be working from the road or do you have other plans with your business?

those are nice, but I think I would need something a lot bigger.


Where do you plan on going?

A backpack? Get real. I was thinking this is more suited to you:

http://www.grandearmee.com/ProductIm...EDAN_CHAIR.jpg

I don't usually bring backpacks when I travel, but I only buy Tumi luggage so I'm assuming their backpacks are just as good as everything else they sell.

http://www.tumi.com/search/index.cfm...link=backpacks

what about work?

i think so too. but without actually seeing it, it's kind of hard to decide. working? work sucks!! ;)

i always amaze everyone with my packing skillz lol. i also agree with the saying 'bring twice the money and half the clothes'. i'm planning on going pretty much everywhere, eventually. currently, i'm thinking i'll head to Northern Italy to start, and just move on from there.

well if you are flying internationally you know that weight requirements differ by airline, and you'll want to consider your carrryon luggage with care.

and if you have to move around in big terminals having a roller bag is nice, and most backpacks aren't setup that way.

check out the lowepro line---very well made stuff for carryon valuables like laptops, cameras, etc.

i've tried a bunch of different brands and have found nothing better.

lowe alpine

hey, you might look like a climber or hippy but maybe a low profile is not such a bad idea

also probably not too many steal or raid those type of bags when they are out of your hands [they figure wtf is gonna be in there.. .]

anyway, it is tough good quality gear

Tumi. Nuff said.

quiet it sounds like you are living the dream :)

:glugglug

I love Kipling bags -- http://www.worldtraveler.com/jump.js...=1%2C3%2 C496

and the OGIO backpack that Sexsearch gave out in Curacao is awesome too, so I'd definitely buy their products. http://ogio.com

OH and Swiss Army Victorinox rocks too --

http://www.worldtraveler.com/jump.js...ORY&itemID=545

very cool idea, i like the philosphy your displaying.


i'm going to have to ambush you soon on here.









never let the things you own own you. less is more. :thumbsup

Nice bags, but I like bigger ones.

I spend more time on the road than I do at home. Here are a few things I know...

1) Rollers are a must.
2) NEVER check luggage.
3) As few bags as possible, only 1 if you can.
4) Do not overpack that 1 bag.
5) Take enough for 4 days only. 2 shorts (can zip into pants), 2 pants...
6) Be careful of the socks you choose. Invest in quality hiking socks.
7) Keep a copy of your credit cards or any other IDs seperate from the real ones.
8) Only carry as much cash as your willing to lose. ATMs give better rates anyway.
9) Since some places you must cary cash... split it up so you don't lose it all if robbed.
10) First aid kit. A good one and add antibiotics to it. You can by all that over seas.
11) 1 big ass lock. You never know where you will be sleeping... not all doors lock.
12) Mini flashlight. This has saved my ass many a night in island black outs.
13) 100% Deet.
14) Make sure you get your visas lined out ahead of time.
15) Good hiking boots.
16) Imodium!!! Don't forget this one... it's a must have.
17) See #16
18) Travel wet wipes for your ass. Ya never know when it's gonna hit. :-(
19) A good book. Those bus rides and 12 hour airport layovers suck ass.
20) A few pics of your friends and family. Good for conversation when talking with locals.

Enjoy your travels.

quiet - where do you plan to go to?

21) A Maple Leaf patch. People will be less likely to want to kill you if they know you are not American.

Good advice, thanks..
:pimp

It's all about Tumi luggage. My partner turned me onto them years ago. Best travel investment i've made so far.

Check out http://www.haglofs.se/ - check out the CLIMBER 40 bags.

I always use backpacks when I travel. I just so convenient.

When I got a pack for my round the world trip (which never happened, unfortunately) I was around in every store in northern Ca. The only one that fit my back (I have a curvy back) and was comfortable loaded was Dana Design's backpacks.
When ever you decide how much stuff you're going to bring and find a good size pack that will fit it, go one size smaller and toss out some stuff. You will end up not using half and you will save your feet and back.
Also make sure get GOOD shoes with soles that are made for your feet.

http://www.danadesign.com/packs/


Good luck man :)

I second that. Excellent advice. :thumbsup

The only thing I could add would be a soft thin money belt that goes around your waist inside your clothes for your cash, CC and passport. Sleep with it, bring it into the shower with you etc unless you are gonna be five star hoteliing it all the way. Keep some cash in your pocket for minor expenses and to give out if you are robbed.

I started my world travels from Australia in 1985, through China, did the Trans-Siberian railway across Mongolia and USSR(then) to Europe, worked in Europe for a few years and ended up in USA.

I think the most important rule is carry as little as possible. After travelling for a few weeks you will be able to throw out/give away even more stuff you don't really use.

I met a Canadian guy in a youth hostel in Hong Kong that was coming the other way. He had just a shoulder bag and was doing just fine. I ignored his advice and ended up having to get acupunture treatment in China for a fucked up back.

Good luck :upsidedow

wow, thanks for all the great ideas. i'm be going through all of these sites tonight.

That sounds great. I want to travel too.

I might get myself a new travel buddy, Dana Design Far Flung. 10 liter bigger than the one I have, looks more snug to the back, a small day pack and a travel duffle is included (no more torn straps and buckles after it has gone through the luggage monster at the airports).

what kind of shoulder bag do you recommend? a messenger bag? i definitely want to travel extremely light. so i guess you recommend just hitting the cleaners to keep your clothes fresh?

bump.....

i have this :) :thumbsup

some great advice, bookmarked for summertime :)

which one?

One more very important thing to add:

Make sure you have ANY shots you may need for any country you are going to. You also want to cross refernce what countries you can come and go from without certian vacciantions. For example, a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if going into Brazil from Venezuela, Peru or Colombia. That sort of thing you want to check out AHEAD of time so you don't fuck yourself.