Backpacking solo? Learn 6 factors to help you choose your first backpack

1. Backpacking solo? Learn 6 factors to help you choose your first backpack Your backpack will be your figurative home away from home. It will go through hell and back again, all to serve it's owner and faithfully carry their life throughout the whole journey. Your backpack will be the most important piece of equipment moving forward. So you should spend a good chunk of time doing your homework and finding the best fit for you. We will help you make the right decision. Let's get real here, while a Herschel or a drawstring backpack might seem appealing, they will drive you crazy if you get caught in the rain or end up walking 10 miles in hot and humid weather. There are 6 essential things to look for in a backpack when traveling solo: 1.Size 2.Durability 3.Weather-proofability 4.Aeration 5.Versatility 6.Inconspicuousness Size You should choose a size depending on only one factor: •how extreme is your adventure of choice? •how picky are you with clothing options? While the first is a legitimate concern, the second is not. Traveling solo means that you must always incorporate minimalism it comes to your gear. You really don't want to be lugging around 4 pairs of shoes in your backpack for 3 weeks and never use them. If you don't plan on sleeping anywhere without a roof over your head, then look for something in the 30 to 40 liter range. When it's time to choose, keep 3 questions in mind: 1.What are the flight carry-on size restrictions? 2.Which clothes will be packed vs. worn? 3.Am I leaving enough room for gifts and souvenirs? Durability The last thing you need on your trip is a torn strap or a ripped hole where your passport can escape. Look for brands which have a proven track record in the community. Something like http://solotraveltoursmeta.com/

2. Osprey, Deuter, or North Face. You should expect to pay somewhere around $130 for a suitable bag. It's also a useful to know what their warranty policy is like, since some of the bags can be exchanged even when damaged by you. I've heard of people who received brand new bags after accidentally damaging their backpack in a bonfire. This is obviously not the norm, but good quality comes with its perks as well. So does good manners. Keep your receipt, be kind to your local store's salespeople, and they might surprise you. Durable material won't necessarily feel durable. Keep in mind that the manufacturer has to keep their product as lightweight as possible too. So while the material might feel thin or flimsy to the touch, keep your trust in the company's reputation and their warranty policy. Weather-proofability Given enough time, it's inevitable that you will get caught in the rain. Wet clothes won't make your day any better either. So it's essential to have a waterproof tarp on hand. Some of the higher quality bags will have these hidden behind a secret zipper in the bottom of the bag. These will come in a bright color and will be tied to the pack as well so they don't get lost or blown away by the wind. They should also be 100% waterproof and with an elastic edge so they can wrap around and completely cover your backpack along with its precious cargo. Aeration Everybody knows the infamous strap sweat line that backpacks give us on a hot summer's day. Now multiply that by 10 if you're hiking a mountain in Spain, or running on the streets of Santiago to catch your bus. It's not just aesthetic either. Too much sweat means that your backpack is more likely to smell. It doesn't matter how breathable the material is. With enough sweat and heat, your bag will inevitably start smelling like jockstrap. That does't help your chances to make friends at the hostel either. You can minimize the smelliness risk by looking for: 1.A breathable material for the backpack 2.Mesh straps with holes in them 3.A strong foam back pad with mesh over it The breathable material on good quality bags will feel almost flimsy. But it's specifically designed to withstand thousands of hours of a combination of ungodly heat, strain, and your stinky armpits. Versatility http://solotraveltoursmeta.com/

3. •Adjustable strap lengths •random hooks and knots and elastics •Pockets everywhere •Adjustable bag size •Adjustable internal compartments •Chest and stomach clip-on straps •Hard foam back •Water storage Backpack Inconspicuous-ness Being your most valuable asset while on the road, it's also prized by thieves. Local thieves know all too well how to spot solo travelers or travelers in general and scout potential targets. The key is to blend in and not have anything flashy that screams "THIS BAG CONTAINS $3000 WORTH OF LAPTOPS AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT". Ideally you will find a bag with very subtle or even no branding at all. Stick to earth colors; any shade of black or gray. http://solotraveltoursmeta.com/