Confession: I used to be a chronic over-packer. (Hey Nate, remember that time I brought like 3 bags for 3 weeks in Israel? Thanks for carrying those around for me.) But since then I've left my suitcase days behind me, and I'm heads over heels in love with my backpack!! I honestly wish I'd made the switch earlier. Traveling with only what you can carry on your back feels so freeing, try it once and you'll be hooked!
Here's the top 5 reasons I love travelling with a backpack:
1. I've been forced into nearly neurotic levels of chaotic organization. With a backpack, there's a pocket for everything, and everything stays in its pocket. I feel a bit like one of those crazy old ladies that has a never-ending handbag!
2. The community is great! Backpackers are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. There's a sense of understanding, and I've never felt like help is far away. I always offer directions, and when I'm out of Sevilla , people do the same for me. Which is awesome, because I spend a lot of time being lost.
3. Getting places is less stressful. When you only travel with what you can carry there's less overhead to keep track of. I don't have to wait for checked bags to get unloaded, I don't accidentally take out people's ankles on the metro, I don't need to pay baggage fees. I can also run to catch planes, trains, buses, etc. You name it, I've been late for it and arrived just in time thanks to my trusty backpack.
4. Stairs, man. Stairs.
5. My priorities have changed. It's not like I used to buy a TON of stuff while traveling, but definitely more than I needed. With only 38 liters to hold everything in, my purchases mean a lot more to me. I also know what's necessary more now than I used to (I haven't used a heat appliance on my hair since August!). When I get home a lot of what I have is going to goodwill- I just don't need it.
Meet my backpack! The Gregory Jade 38
2. Easy Access Pocket: This pocket is perfect for stashing maps and travel guides. Because it's flat and square, nothing gets smooshed!
3. Rain Cover: Whoops, am I letting my PNW show again? Necessary item.
4. Shoe Compartment: I believe this is actually for a sleeping bag, but it's so convenient for keeping my shoes separate from my stuff in their own waterproof section!
5. Front AND Top Loading: This was one of my requirements when looking for a backpack. It's so much easier to find things when you don't have to pull everything out of the top to get to your hoodie jammed in the bottom!
6. Adjustable sides: When my pack is less full, I can shorten those straps so nothing is bouncing around. They're also useful for hanging particularly muddy shoes or a cardigan from. (Not at the same time, obviously.)
7. Big Water Pockets: This was another of my requirements. I'm a stickler for reusable bottles, so I needed lots of space for them! These ones are just big enough to hold the big 2L bottles that are so common here.
8. Hip pockets: This is where I store my CPR kit and Chapstick. Both vital for life and should always be within reach.
What you can't see:
9. The Suspended Back Panel: wicks sweat and keeps cool air flowing over your back. Sounds gross, but carrying a backpack can get sweaty!
10. It's The Perfect Size: It fits exactly within the Ryanair carry-on restrictions, which is the strictest airline when it comes to carry-ons. I have exactly the space I need, and no extra. It also hits my back and hips in just the right spots and isn't too tall for my torso, which was important to me.
11. Extra Padded Straps: I'm kind of a wimp, so having a little extra cushion is super nice.
12. Integrated Camel Back Pouch: I actually took out the water skin. I use this pocket to hold everything that needs keeping flat and secure against my back, such as; art, delicate souvenirs, or my laptop (when I'm travelling with it).
The short of it is: try out a backpack. Or even a smaller carry-on. It's not as scary as you might think, and you could discover a whole new flavor of travel that you really love!
Xoxo, Katie
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