Backpack tips: Pack like a pro!

Tips on how to prepare and pack for a backpacking trip

From personal experience I can tell that practice makes (close to) perfect! I have learned a lot over the past years. The more I travel the better prepared I arrive at my destination. Especially when you’re going on a trip where you plan to travel around and through different climates, starting to pack your bag can be pretty stressful! Not to mention all the different accommodations, building the ultimate itinerary, choosing which modes of transport to use and deciding what you really want to see, cause there is never enough time to see it everything on the list, am I right?!

Backpack

The purchase of my first backpack wasn’t one I spent a lot of time (over)thinking on, as I simply bought one a day or 2 before my flight from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, when I realized taking my big fat suitcase wouldn’t be the best idea.

This was a typical example of a trip where I needed all types of clothes, as I was going from the beaches in Brazil to the mountains in Peru and from the highest point above sea level without electricity in Bolivia, to the Atacama desert in Northern Chile. I had no idea what I was doing and started way too late with packing, so I just put as much as I could in the bag. Then I realized I didn’t have any warm sweaters because it never got really cold during the previous 6 months I spent in Buenos Aires, meaning I had to buy some Alpaca sweaters and gloves. As you can imagine, I ended up creating a total warzone every single evening because finding something in my exploding bag was mission impossible. I think it’s safe to say that I have strongly increased my packing skills over the years, I might even put it on my cv.

That’s why I thought it might be useful to share my personal tips when it comes to travel preparations, as it’s more than just packing.

How to choose a backpack?

Buying a backpack is not that easy, because the choices are endless, so where do you focus on?

Size: this is measured in Liters. I went from a 65L with my first one to a 45L with my current one and am so happy with this size! A bigger one is definitely useful for a trip of several months and if you plan to go camping etc. However, a 45L or even a smaller one will do just fine when you travel for a few weeks and stay in the same climate. Besides that, your back will be forever grateful when you carry around a little less than half your closet.

Brand: there are so many! My Deuter has been on a variety of trips and has never let me down. Other good brands are: Osprey, Nomad , The North Face and Lowe Alpine.
Fitting: make sure you try your backpack to ensure it’s comfortable and fits your body. There are even specific backpacks made for women. I recommend trying some in a shop and then get it for the best price online :).
Waterproof: not all backpacks are waterproof, and not all of them have a protecting cover hidden somewhere. If you want to make sure your backpack doesn’t get damaged during the flight or with heavy weather conditions, make sure you buy a cover.
Prices: Obviously backpacks are available in various price ranges, but more expensive isn’t necessarily better. Decathlon for instance, has some pretty decent backpacks of their Quechua brand. In the end a backpack is a lifetime investment, and you don’t want to have it broken halfway your trip.

Check out some of the best backpacks here

Get yourself a proper Day Pack

A day pack is going to save you a lot of back pain and frustration, so it’s better to invest in a proper one! I personally prefer a smaller one, so I bought the Osprey Hikelite 18L. It’s great to use for a day hike or when wandering through a city. Make sure it has a “breathing” back, enough separate spaces to keep it organized and that it’s not too heavy. The only downside of mine is the pockets at the side, as they aren’t deep enough to keep a bottle inside, which is something probably every traveler carries with them.

Pick your dream daypack here

This fella from Osprey has explored a lot of countries with me!

Cubes & Pouches, real lifesavers

Depending on the type of trip I decide what type of luggage I’m gonna take, but what really helps me to eventually find my stuff and keep it neat(ish), are packing cubes and pouches. I honestly can’t imagine traveling without them anymore.

Affordable bagage organizers

This place has them in all colours and sizes!

Packing Cubes