We had very different opinions when choosing our RTW trip backpack. Bruce is notoriously lazy and always very tired, hence why wheels were his first choice. I wanted to try to be more adventurous for once, making the point that it’s not real backpacking if you cheat and have wheels.

When he said he would still go with wheels, I realised that I would end up being very jealous all the time – so we should really get the same pack.

We found a perfect middle ground in this Osprey Waypoint model which has great wheels but is also very comfortable on your back if you decide for the proper backpacking style.

What we learnt while browsing and researching for the perfect backpack, is that there is no magic formula or one fit for all when it comes to choosing your type of luggage for such a big travel. Everyone is different and everyone has different needs, so the best thing you can do is to spend an afternoon in an sports and outdoors shop, try all the models that are most recommended, take your time with each bag, walk around the shop and add weights if you can. It’s the only way in which you will be convinced of your choice without having second thoughts.

In terms of size, most travel bloggers will tell you to go light. Again it’s a very personal choice and it depends on whether you’ll be walking / hiking all day every day, or if you are taking lots of planes and public transports. We went for 80 litres, formed of the15 litres day pack which can be zipped on and off the main bag which is 65 litres.

For six months, there will be a lot of things you need, and with a bag smaller than that we couldn’t fit everything. If you are travelling in more than one person it makes it easier to fit stuff into a smaller bag because you can share most technology and toiletry items as well as your medical kit and medicines.

Here are some blogs that helped us in our decision, and some backpacks that we were close to buy. Your backpack is going to contain “your life” when you travel, so make sure you take your time to pick the right one for you!

 

 

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