Part 1:The Complete Guide on Choosing Your Backpack for Backpacker

This is a question that comes up very often, and I thought I could give you some tips for choosing a backpack. Your backpack, on your trip, is a little like your friend who follows you everywhere ... So as well choose it as it is necessary, and love it! There are so many brands, models, and sizes that it's very easy to get lost and not know where to turn. For shopping my backpack last year , here are my tips to choose the backpack best suited to your style of travel.

# 1. Choose the size of the backpack

40L, 50L, 55L, 60L, 70L ... What to choose? It all depends on the type of traveler you are. Do you usually sleep under the stars or under a tent when traveling? If so, you will probably need to bring your camping gear, which will take up space in your backpack, of course. If you are more the type of traveler in hostel or guesthouses, you can reduce the size of your bag.

My advice

Do not take a bag too big. Why? Because if it's too big, you'll fill it. It often ends (very often) like that! This way, you will drag more weight than you really need, and you will end up bringing in too much. Travel light, as much as possible.

Size of my bag: 55L. I consider it the perfect size for the type of traveler that I am: if I travel less than a month, I do not fill it, because often it is a sign that I will stay in almost the same place and that I will have only one season to brave. On the other hand, if I travel for more than a month and have to deal with cold and hot temperatures, I have enough space in my bag to bring winter/spring clothes and summer clothes. With a 55L KAKA backpack, I managed to pack all my life for 75 days of travel, with clothes to brave temperatures ranging from -2 degrees to 40 degrees. And ... I had room left when I left Montreal. Well, that's the size of my bag, but go according to your needs! This is only indicative.

# 2. Check the type of storage offered by the bag and the number of compartments

There are some bags that are loaded from the top, others by the front. I strongly recommend the bags that are loaded from the front. I bought the top loader, my boyfriend bought the front loader, and I must admit I was jealous of his bag all along our trip. He could open it like a suitcase, while I still had to struggle to find stuff at the bottom of my bag. The only advantage to having a top loading bag, and you still have to say it, is that it is made stronger (yay).

Also prefer a bag with several pockets, where you can store for example your shoes or underwear, or your wet clothes.