Toss in internet connection and it becomes the traveller’s ultimate communication and research tool…and a shiny gadget to watch movies on over a banana milkshake

Here are a few tips to make life easier and help you get the most from your travel laptop whilst abroad.

Check the Voltage

Since supplies vary from country to country, checking the voltage of both your power pack and that of the supply before you travel will save any tears later on. Many laptop power supplies are now dual voltage (ie 110v – 240v 50/60Hz) but it doesn’t hurt to check.

Check the voltages at your proposed destinations here.

Adaptors

Kropla are a fantastic source of information for international plug pin configurations. More often than not some form of adaptor is needed abroad. Multipurpose travel adaptors, those with many different pin configurations, can be bought at airports immediate to departure (but at a premium) or beforehand if you plan accordingly. Alternatively, with a bit of a hunt around it’s often possible to purchase them for a fraction of the price within the country you need it for. This is a bit of a gamble, but not overly so – and the beauty of doing it this way is that if you are passing through several countries, you can just chuck it or pass this inexpensive version it on to someone else when it’s no longer required.

Know your Laptop

Familiarize yourself with your laptop and any required peripherals (such as modems etc) before you depart. Learn how to connect to the internet in as many different ways as you may be expected to, and set soft configurations prior to departure where possible (while you still have an internet connection!) Ensure you have all necessary drivers and software installed before you go because it’s way easier to get these things sorted in your home country than it is abroad.

Where wireless networking isn’t an option, a connection will need to be hardwired with a cable. And with more than 39 different styles of telephone jack worldwide, a bit of prior reading is sometimes necessary to find the right one for you and your laptop. The Worldwide Phone Guide has a heap of handy info on the different types of connectors, and this one tells you where they are used – and if you find yourself in need of phone jacks, adaptors or cables, Laptoptravel.com is just one of the places to try.

Once you are successfully connected, however, an ISP is still needed. You can search for ISPs by country at thelist.com, and some freebies are listed here & here.

Backup up your Data
Regardless of the length of trip, a laptop will be more at risk on the road. Since it’s more likely to get damaged or go missing when travelling, back up your data before you leave and regularly whilst away. Keep your backup either on CDs, DVDs, spare hard drive or a USB memory stick.

If you decide not to take the battery, carry your power pack with the laptop during airport transits in case officials with to visually inspect, or ‘hand check’, your laptop. Sometimes they want to see it turned on, so having everything to hand will save delays.

Batteries, to Take or not to Take?

A laptop is already an extra weight, so ask yourself whether you need to add to that with a battery as well. If you will most likely be working from a hotel room or cafe, the answer is probably no. It depends from person to person, but sometimes leaving it at home may work in your favour.

Never Put a Laptop in with Checked Luggage

When flying, always carry a laptop in hand luggage. Not only does checked baggage really gets put through the mill, but a checked in laptop stands a greater chance of going missing (either along with the whole bag or just a few other shiny things.)

On board the plane, where possible avoid putting the laptop in overhead storage – it’s got a long way to fall.

Ditch the Laptop Bag

Providing it’s not huge, you can slip it into one of your existing personal bags. This reduces the chances of it being forgotten and left loafing somewhere and also draws less attention. Bear the travel laptop in mind whenever buying new carry on travel bags since some will accommodate (and protect) it better than others.

Extra Laptop Protection

Sea Kayaking/Dive bags are perfect for waterproofing a laptop during transit. Just slip it in, roll the top down, clip it shut and you’re away. They’re relatively inexpensive and will keep your laptop 100% bone dry.

After sealing it in the Kayak bag, wrap the laptop securely in your available clothes and place it toward the most rigid part of your luggage. For both suitcases and rucksacks this is usually toward the back.

Travel With your Laptop Documents

Carrying copies of original receipts will save any possible confusion at customs when re-entering your home country. At the end of the day, the onus is on you to prove that you didn’t purchase the item abroad. If you can’t prove it you could get unjustly stung for tax and duty.

On another note, a copy of your warranty along with pertinent customer service contact details is invaluable if your laptop packs up abroad.

It’s a personal thing, travellers use their laptops in a multitude of different ways and, with new makes and models appearing regularly, it’d be a nightmare to keep the recommends current! Instead, here are a few considerations to help you choose the best travel laptop to suit your needs.

Laptop Make/Model

Consider spending a little more and purchasing a laptop made by a reputable, reliable, globally recognised manufacturer. If the new laptop does then break whilst on your travels, one backed up with worldwide customer service availability will make your life a whole lot easier. In theory (?!), it should be more straightforward to source replacement parts and get the bloody thing repaired.

Internet Connectivity

One of the main benefits of travelling with a laptop is the ease of internet access. Look for a laptop that has the capability of accessing the internet in as many different ways as possible, and ensure you have the correct cables and ancillaries for doing so. These days, one of the simplest ways is via a wireless connection. Although most laptops do now come with wireless networking, or WiFi, built in as standard, this capability is a must.

Laptop Ports/Interfaces

However many USB ports the laptop has, it’ll never be enough – especially when travelling. The laptop will be the centre of your travel geekery empire , so ensure it can deal with all your peripherals. In addition to USB ports, check for other data interfaces like network ports and modem ports. Some smaller notebooks also now come with 5-in-1 card readers fitted, which are quite a boon. For those with digital cameras, a laptop with a compatible 5-in-1 reader will negate the need for an extra ‘plug in’ card reader or camera-to-laptop cable. It’s just a little less to carry (and lose/break.)

DVD/CD ROM Burner

Again, they are pretty much standard on most new models, and they come into their own when you plan to travel with a laptop. A laptop with DVD player is great if you like movies, but even better if you like to keep your data safe. Periodically backing up your drive onto DVD is wise and, for longer trips, burning your digital photos onto CD’s and regularly sending them home will save the heartache of losing them if you’re unlucky enough to get parted from your laptop.

Laptop Weight

The lighter the better. A bulky, heavier laptop will test both your baggage limit and your stress levels if it’s literally Kilos heavier than it has to be. When you compare weights, do it together with all the laptop’s ancillaries, such as modem leads, power pack and mouse etc that you envisage taking along on your travels.

Laptop Size

Widescreen laptops are becoming more and more popular, however they are pretty bulky compared to the rest (and heavier on the juice.) Since it’s wise to always have the laptop on your person (or very close by) when on the move, a physically smaller model with standard screen also makes life much easier. Be careful not to go too far the other way though, and find something between ‘home cinema’ and ‘pocket calculator’ that suits your needs best. 12” – 14” screens have long been adequate.

Durability

A travel laptop must be tougher than Chuck Norris to withstand the punishment it receives on the average trip. Humidity, extreme heat and cold, thumps, bumps and scrapes, it’ll see the lot – and that’s just on the way to the airport. A laptop with a robust plastic casing and a rock-solid screen back will afford some protection, but a metal shell – like the magnesium alloy casing on the Panasonic Toughbooks – is simply awesome.

Running Temperature

Although smaller notebooks/laptops generally run hotter than their larger counterparts (the compact nature affords less ‘breathing space’), its’ worth slipping a hand under running shop models to feel it for yourself. Some will run hotter than others, and in tropical climbs in a stuffy room this can become a real issue causing lock ups and worse. If you could almost fry an egg on the laptop in an air-conditioned shop, it may be wise to move swiftly on to the next in line.

Batteries

Due to the extra weight, some people swear by leaving their laptop batteries at home and just using mains juice, but if the plan is to use battery power, it must be up to the job. The most common laptop batteries are 6 cell Lithium Ions, but heavier, longer lasting 12 cell batteries are available. For those planning on working from battery for extended periods of time, another option is to purchase a second one. Sourcing these from third party manufacturers works out much cheaper than buying brand name equivalents, but use of these may invalidate your laptop warranty. Read the small print.

Warranty

If you buy a new laptop and travel with it regularly, it may be worth seeking out an extended warranty. If choosing to do this, ensure that it’s protected by some form of worldwide cover.

And with that in mind, here are 5 ways to ensure you start that journey with both a healthier road fund and greater peace of mind.

Rucksack waterproofing – There are many shiny options here – of which vacuum sealing, space making bags, kayaking dry bags, and rucksack rain covers are but a few. So what do you opt for? The cheapest thing that does the job, of course. Rain covers are out because they are just that, Rain covers. Not only do many of them look the same, which can lead to confusion if your pack ends up as one of a large pile – as sometimes happens if you are on a heavily trodden backpacking route – but if your pack ends up in the drink as you embark/disembark a boat then you may still be sitting in wet underpants and updating your soggy journal the same evening.To avoid this, line the inside of your pack with a large, durable, plastic sack. It’s such a simple concept, yet seldom utilised. A well washed out agricultural fertilizer sack is first class, but there are many other similar types out there, such as refuse or rubble sacks, that may be more suitable for your style of pack. When full, roll the top down a few turns and fold the remainder over, tucking it tightly in the space between the inside of the pack and the outside of the waterproof bag. Never again will you worry about putting your pack on the roof of a Honduran Chicken Bus in monsoon season. Instead, you can opt to either rest easy with your latest book or just wallow wholeheartedly in the palpable malaise evoked by shoehorning four adults onto a seat primarily designed for two schoolchildren.

Rucksack security - Sakbags (lockable bags in which to put your pack), Pacsafes (slash proof wire meshes that cover your pack) and Wrapsafes (cables to wrap around/secure your pack) are among the many arrangements on offer to the security conscious traveller. Most have their merits and do the job admirably. Unfortunately they aren’t cheap, whereas I am. Several lengths of multistrand steel wire (off the roll from many hardware stores) about 3mm diameter or so and around 50 to 100cm long will serve the purpose. Fold one end back on itself to form a small loop and slide a collar cut from a length of copper pipe over the two bits of steel wire that are now side by side. Choose a diameter of copper pipe that is snug when over the two bits of steel cable. With the collar in place, simply crimp it as tight as possible in a vice – hey presto, one secure loop. Repeat this on the other end and you have a ‘padlockable’ strop. Make one for your pack, one as a leash to attach your now secure pack to a permanent fixture (such as a stoned hippy on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala), and a couple of spares to see you through. All these gadgets are by no means impenetrable, but they serve as a good deterrent for would be thieves. It may sound a little cutthroat – but if it makes your pack less attractive than the one next to it then it’s served it’s purpose. It’s a quick and easy method of affording you a better night’s sleep – be it in a 12 man dorm in New York or on the sleeper train between the Thai Islands and Bangkok. In addition, this cheapo method is a little more subtle than the commercial offerings. It states that ‘I’m not easy pickings’ but doesn’t scream ‘valuables inside!’.

Valuables - Most people these days will travel with some form of gadgetry – be it iPods, Digital cameras and spare memory cards, Memory sticks, or other such items. If you want to prolong their life and protect them, then I have one word for you. Tupperware. Procure a couple of small, airtight containers and the world is your oyster. Now there’s a statement if ever I heard one. With so many different shapes and sizes available you are sure to find one almost tailor made to the traveller’s needs. Not only are they such an inexpensive way protect sensitive electronic goods and afford a durable shell for smaller breakables, but they are a great place to keep all the odds and ends that inevitably accumulate after months on the road. Embrace Tupperware and gone will be the days of hopelessly foraging for your padlock key amongst the fluff, shards of broken soap and candy wrappers that will eventually dominate the bottom third of your rucksack. To some, this prospect of a semblance of order may come as welcome news, to others it may be perceived as an invasive and unnecessary evil. If this is so, then I will apologise to them in person the next time I drop by to unlock my rucksack.

Toiletries - Again, this one is very simple, but extremely effective. Forget bulky toiletry bags – too much space and too much weight. It really does all add up. Three plastic bags do a fine job. One to wrap up your toothbrush/toothpaste, one to wrap up your soap, and another to put those in along with any other sundries you may have. The beauty of the bags is not only the weight and space it saves, but also the damage containment factor should you do have a blow out on one of your bottles/tubes whilst going from A to B. Sure, a plastic bag will inevitably get a little slimy from soap after a while, but they are all replaceable. If, however, you are worried about the environmental impact that this may have, then use an existing bag that someone else is going to discard. Cheap and a little green to boot – who could ask for more?

Documents - We all have to carry some form of documentation – passports, photocopies of traveller cheque numbers, birth certificates and the like. They are all valuable documents that enable us to travel, and can even get us out of the poo from time to time, so its well worth keeping them in good order.And although we now all have a rucksack so waterproof that we could sit on it and paddle from Borneo to the Philippines, it doesn’t stop ourselves, and therefore our precious paperwork, from getting soaked through. This is why a wad of A5 size ziplock (or similar – read cheaper) bags are invaluable. A passport, a few dollars, and some well folded photocopied documents slip into an A5 sealable bag perfectly. They offer excellent protection against penetrating sweat, sudden downpours, and my pitiful inadequacy in a kayak. Only costing pennies for a big bundle, you can take more than you think will suffice thus enabling replacement when they wear out. I don’t know where I would be without them – probably in an Indonesian Prison, but that’s a tale for another day.

Some may argue that some or all of these items are unnecessary. I agree that you could travel without them and save yourself the outlay of a few pennies, but in view of the increased protection and security that these small measures afford, I wouldn’t leave home without them – and for me to choose functionality over frugality, they’ve got to be good…

Whilst on the road I’m constantly amazed at how few backpackers carry a first aid kit. Maybe it’s simply overlooked, maybe it’s not deemed necessary and sacrificed during the quest to attain a lighter backpack, or maybe it’s dismissed on a cost basis alone. I don’t know the exact reason, but what I do know is that a first aid kit can be worth its weight in gold – at worst it can provide piece of mind and at best could even avert a trip ruining calamity.

What follows below is a quick guide to knocking up your own tailor made DIY backpacking first aid kit –
it’s small, light, cheap and, most importantly, for its size it’s bloody effective.

Of course, it is just that: a baseline first aid kit, not an operating theatre. You could add more to it to cover more eventualities, but where do you draw the line? Anyway, here’s the lowdown on the cheap first aid kit for backpackers:

FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS:

2 x 10cm squared sealed sheets of padded, sterile gauze – Can be cut to size and used for cuts and scrapes too big for plasters. Nb. To avoid unwanted contamination of unused piece simply seal them back up in a small Ziploc bag.

A small roll of hideously sticky, 3-4cm wide fabric medical tape – Can be used with the gauze to make larger plasters, or to secure a larger field dressing made from a T-shirt or such like. If medical tape costs a few cents too many, good ol’ duct tape is another option – but remember it isn’t quite as sticky and loses its tack on material much quicker.

A couple of 10cmx20cm ‘cut-your-own’ style strips of plasters – These save the need for a large assortment of different size plasters.

One strip each of Tylenol, Paracetamol, and Ibuprofen – Among other things Tylenol can reduce fever and stop you feeling so shitty, and the others are great for hangovers!

Small tube of hydrocortisone cream – Essential for bites and stings.

Small tube of antiseptic cream – Ideal pre-treatment of cuts and scrapes

Antiseptic wipes - virtually no weight at all and another ideal pre-treatment. Failing that, clean bottled water can be used also.

Safety pins – Superb for hooking out splinters (remember: if need be, before you go digging about in your body with one it can always be sterilised over a flame/in boiling water first). Can also be used to fasten makeshift slings/bandages, or just to blend in on any foreign punk scene!

A sealed and sterile drip needle, syringe, and a couple of extra needles – If things are bad enough to need these you will probably already have medical attention, but at least you won’t have to worry about the hygiene of existing supplies if in a developing country. These items should be kept together with a certificate stating the issuing doc’s name and contact details in case of border/airport searches. My doc was kind enough to give me these, along with the covering letter; it may be worth asking yours for the same.

Set of non-latex barrier gloves – They weigh virtually nothing and may make you more inclined to help others in difficulty, or indeed others to help you. Also, if travel buddies tire of your shadow puppets and ghost stories, then these gloves open the doors to a whole new world of low cost entertainment!

Tiger balm – A little beauty most worthy of inclusion. Not only is it a great way to soothe those muscle strains gained from canopy swings and waterfall jumps, but during evening time it’s also perfect when smeared on your feet and ankles to deter them darn mozzies!

Notes:

(i) Assuming you already carry a penknife, I have excluded scissors from the list.

(ii) If you want to go really cheap on this, it can’t harm to explain your travel plans to the doctor/ hospital staff as they may even be willing to contribute some of the contents free of charge. It never hurts to ask – what’s the worst they can say?

(iii) As mentioned already, you could add to this baseline budget first aid kit until the cows come home – but these cheap and rudimentary first aid items should suffice to cover everyday mishaps such as cuts, bites, bumps, strains and stings…and hangovers.

(iv) Remember to improvise – just because something isn’t in the first aid kit it doesn’t mean that you can’t deal with the problem. Eyewash=bottled water, tubular bandage=sock with end cut off, splint=stick, tourniquet=belt, sling=sarong/towel, bandage=sarong/t-shirt, field dressing=sarong/clothing, sarong=erm…towel/blanket.

FIRST AID KIT CONTAINER

Ok, now that you have the contents of your first aid kit you’re going to need something to put them in. We need cheap, waterproof, durable and light. We need Tuppaware! You know the drill here: Wal-Mart, Tescos or wherever. But what box? With so many on offer here are some pointers to help you make the right choice: -

Pick a box only just big enough to house all your first aid kit contents – if it’s too big, not only will your stuff rattle around in it (possibly damaging it/breaking seals etc) but over time you may be also tempted to stash other stuff in there too, and before you know it you will be in need of a plaster but first have to fish through Guatemalan embroidered hankies, Thai wristbands and all sorts of other sh*t before you can go about the serious business of stopping the leak.

Pick a clear box – Then you can immediately see where everything is in the box before you have even opened it and other folks – such as border guards or airport officials – can too. It may mean the difference between a cursory glance and you having to fish everything out (and risk exposing the contents to potential contamination) during a search.

Pick a box that well suited to the size and shape of your particular rucksack/daysack and also your particular needs – it’s all about space saving as well as weight reduction. Personally, I would go for a shallow and wide box for both easy access of the contents and ease of stowing.

SUMMARY

Taking the above into account you should easily end up with an effective first aid kit that takes up less space than a couple of packs of cigarettes and costs well under 10 bucks (You could even do it for free!) So, before buying a ridiculously overpriced commercial traveller’s first aid kit from a firm cashing in on that big trip anxiety, why don’t you give it a go yourself?

Remember though, it’s dinky small for a reason: so you can transfer it from your rucksack to your daypack when your out and about. Its no use having a kick-ass first aid kit if you have a scrape whilst out doing adventurous things and the kick-ass first aid kit is back in the hostel sitting on your bed!

Whilst on the subject of First Aid its worth mentioning the one thing you can take on your travels that takes up no space and weighs nothing. Knowledge. Although I hope that you won’t, it’s entirely that possible you may encounter more hazardous situations on the road than you did at home. So why not consider taking a day or two out and enrolling on a first aid course to learn some basic skills? After all, you could be the one that makes a big difference.

What is a Travel Money Belt?

Basically it’s a slim line, usually flesh coloured cloth pouch around 8-10 inches wide and about 4 inches high, and is just large enough to accommodate your passport, tickets and other valuable documents. They have a strap and fastening arrangement so you can sit the main money belt pouch on your belly, wrap the strap around your waist and secure it at the back or the side.
Although money belts vary in their dimensions they’re typically thin by design, thus allowing them to be concealed under a top.

Pros of using money belts when traveling

1. They’re another place to spread your valuables around. By splitting things between pockets, a wallet AND a money belt, you may have a better chance – even if only slightly – of not losing everything if you get robbed.

2. It’s better to have your most valued items on your body where you can feel them at all times than in a bag that can be snatched or a pocket that can get picked.

Cons of using money belts when traveling

1. Due to their utility and popularity among backpackers, the travel money belt is now the worst kept secret in the world. If backpackers know backpackers use travel money belts, it’s a fair to assume that some robbers may also. And, in the belief that only you know that you are carrying it, it may cause you to put too much trust and too many things into it, and to lose even more should you have an exceedingly unlucky day.

2. You can’t put much in them before they become glaringly obvious

3. They can be uncomfortable – especially when strapped tight to your body in sticky 30 degree heat.

4. Your reminded of it every time you sit down or bend over when the corner of your passport prods you where no-one likes being prodded.

Tips for using travel money belts:

Don’t use them in public. It may sound like a no brainer, but you’d be amazed at how many folks use them as they would a wallet or purse. Keeping some money in your pocket negates the need to access it in public, so it can be kept under wraps and used purely as a kind of ‘body safe’. But what about the money now in your pocket? Well, you have to weigh it up, I guess. But surely it’s got to be better to slightly increase the risk of losing a little than massively increasing the risk of losing a lot.

Place documents inside Ziploc bags before the go into the money belt – it stops them going soggy if they get wet – which may well happen when your in searing heat and sweating like a pig with a 10×4 inch thin cotton band stuck against your skin.

Instead of wearing the hidden money belt high around your waist, position it like an internal fannypack/bumbag – don’t worry though, it’s not as painful as it first sounds. Just wear the money belt so that the top of it sits no higher than the top of your trousers/shorts (where possible). It’ll appear as though you’re not wearing a money belt at all and, since you shouldn’t really need to access it in public anyway, it shouldn’t prove to be any more of a problem that if it were around your waist.

Leather Money Belt

This is a different kind of hidden money belt – the kind of belt used to hold your trousers up. The difference here is that it has a slim line zipped compartment on the inside that you can slide a small bunch of folded bills into.

Pros of leather money belts

1. Very stealthy as it just looks like a bog standard leather belt.

2. Not only can it be used to hide money, but it can also hold your trousers up – dual purpose bonus!

Cons of leather money belts

1. You can only really use it to conceal money, as a passport/credit card is too large to fit inside.

2. It can’t really be used in conjunction with a dress or casual/beach shorts…unless you want to look a right tit.

Other Types of travel Money Belts

Hidden Leg Money belt

The concealed leg money belt is similar in design to the regular belt but – yep, you’ve guessed it – it goes around your leg. Although it usually goes around your calf, if you wear shorts then in theory you can put it around your thigh.

Pros of Hidden leg money belts

1. Not used as commonly as the waist money belt, so there’s more chance of it going undetected should something bad happen.

2. I find that something wrapped around my calf feels a little more natural and comfortable than something around my midriff/abdomen – but that’s just a personal one.

3. It doesn’t restrict movement or get in the way like the standard travel money belt can do.

Cons of Hidden leg money belts

1. If you wear shorts a lot, this may not be the one for you. When it’s on your thigh it may see more movement than if it were snugly around your calf – also, if really high up on your thigh, there’s more risk of it chaffing as you walk.

Hidden Neck Pouch

The next popular hidden wallet is the neck pouch. It’s pretty much designed to do the same as the other two types of hidden money belt, but it just comes in neck flavour instead.

Pros of hidden neck pouches

1. Not used as commonly as the ‘secret’ hidden waist belts and so may be less likely to be looked for if you get robbed.

2. When resting reasonably high on your chest bone it can be more comfortable than the money belts that stick fast around your waist.

Cons hidden neck pouches

1. The string around your neck can be a bit of a tell tale giveaway that you are using one. And, especially if you wear lower cut/open tops, you have to think a little more carefully about what you wear if you wish it to remain a secret.

General tips for using hidden travel money pouches:

There is one rule applies to all these hidden money pouches: don’t put all your trust in them. On their own they are not the 100% secure solution to storing money/documents, but then no single item really is.

Don’t try and pack too much into them and, if you do choose to use one, remember to spread your valuables around in a number of different places. Think eggs and baskets.

Final Note

In addition to these commercial options, there are also other ways to hide valuables on your person that can be used in conjunction with hidden money belts. Some of these others ways, in fact, should appeal to the true ubertrampers since they are also cheap and effective.

Size IS Important

Before choosing a rucksak, have an idea of what’s going to go in it. Visualise the contents, understand your needs, and shortlist a range of rucksacks accordingly. The shortlist should contain rucksacks big enough for the largest loads you will carry, but no bigger – as the larger the backpack, the more you may be inclined to fill it. But don’t go too small either, as an overloaded rucksack may feel uncomfortable and unstable, and may force you to have to secure extra gear on the outside thus increasing the risk of loss or damage.

The choices on offer can be put into the following categories:-

Daypacks (15 – 35L) - Small backpacks with minimal or no internal frame to support loads, so all weight is transferred through shoulder straps. Perfect for day trips and shorter outings.
Alpine Packs (35 – 55L) and Backpacking Packs (55 – 75L) – This will be the area to concentrate in for a backpacking or RTW trip. If possible, the smaller alpine pack. Both offer many of the comprehensive features of larger rucksacks whilst keeping physical weight and size to a minimum.
Expedition Rucksacks (75 – 100L) – These packs are huge. Possibly necessary for trips involving many climate changes for those wishing to carry all their gear from the word go, or for those wishing to practice for SAS Selection! If you fill one of these remember that you may and up carrying mucho, mucho Kilos…
Travel Packs – Essentially, these are like soft suitcases with shoulders straps that can be covered (to avoid snagging when not being carried). They are most certainly an option to consider, as these front opening packs make it easier to access your gear compared to conventional top-loading rucksacks. They may also engender a greater air of respectability if checking in to hotels or at border crossings. The downside is that they are generally a little more expensive and also bulkier than their rucksack equivalent.

Fitting

Choosing a rucksack that is a good fit is of paramount importance. If possible, try each rucksack with some weight in. It may feel quite different. Fill the backpack with the approximate weight that you will be carrying, and distributing it as best you can. After you have achieved a good fit be sure to test drive the backpack a little. Lean forward, backward, and also sway from side to side. The rucksack should remain snug, and not swing wildly or throw you off balance.
Walk around with it – even up and down some stairs if possible. Concentrate on ensuring yourself that the weight is being distributed evenly. Be aware of any minor niggles, as these will become painfully apparent after several hours on your feet with a heavy backpack on a hot day.

What to Look For

Shoulder Straps – Focus on rucksacks with wide, well padded (yet firm), shoulder straps. Ensure that the straps keep the rucksack central and well balanced, that they don’t slip (a good, solid chest strap should help with this), and that they keep the rucksack snug yet don’t chaff or restrict arm and upper body movement.

Hip Belt – Often overlooked, a good Hip Belt is essential. It should be strong enough to bear the main pack weight as it will, when used properly, transfer the weight from your back to your hips, thus considerably increasing comfort and reducing back strain when wearing the backpack for prolonged periods of time. Ensure that the band is semi rigid, and that it has soft, broad padding so to avoid creating pressure points that will all too quickly become very painful. On larger rucksacks, the hip belt is the main load-bearing component, so remember to use it – it makes a world of difference.

Other Straps – Side compression straps come highly recommended. After the rucksack is packed, these can be pulled tight to further reduce the size of your pack. It may make the difference between being able to have it as carry on luggage for flights, fitting it overhead luggage compartments on busses, and actually being parted with it on other such journeys. They also serve to increase pack stability by holding the load closer to your back.

Pay attention to the types of adjustments on these straps, too. Can they be adjusted whilst wearing the rucksack? Are they difficult to adjust? Inversely, do they adjust too easily and will therefore change when I don’t want them too?

Also look out for other types of adjustments. Although they may seem surplus to requirements at the moment, they will enable the wearer to further fine tune how the pack sits and feels at a later stage.

Pockets – Ensure there are enough pockets on the rucksack for all your needs. Lid pockets are especially useful for carrying items that need to be accessible in a hurry – such as guidebooks, for instance. Mesh pockets (usually located either side near the bottom of the backpack) are great for holding wet gear should you be fresh out of those handy plastic bags. Outer side pockets are also exceptionally handy for storing items that you want quick access to whilst travelling – or when your rucksack is half buried in other luggage – and are large enough to accommodate substantial items such as water bottles and tasty road-nibbles. In general, pockets allow for a better separation of your gear. If you like a modicum of organisation, including somewhere separate to put your skanky pants, you can never have too many pockets.

Compartments – If you opt for a top loading backpack then it’s advisable to choose one with at least two, separately accessible, compartments – thus providing access from both the top and the bottom of the backpack. This arrangement is ideal if packing/unpacking is a regular occurrence, as you can put your most used items in one compartment, and makes for a good compromise if you were also considering the purchase of a Travel Pack. You may also find that internal diaphragms separating the two can be unzipped to accommodate larger items if need be.

Top Flap – If opting for a top loading pack then look for a top flap that will extend if need be. It’s a must-have for those temporary overloads and can always be used to stuff extra little bits under when your rucksack is already packed and secured.

Back Pads and Stays – These days, rucksacks generally come with a padded back piece as standard, although better quality versions will also have ventilation features built in. Ergonomic, raised ribs of foam will allow better airflow between the carrier and the rucksack. This airflow means greater comfort, less sweat, and a smaller laundry pile after a few days of overland travel.

Lightweight, aluminium stays fitted in the rucksack (sometimes removable) maintain backpack shape and ensure good weight transfer between the shoulders and the Hip belt. Some versions are smaller, and therefore less intrusive, than others and will come pre-curved thus providing greater comfort.

Durability – Take a closer look. Check for durable, waterproof/water resistant fabrics and tightly stitched seams. Pay particular attention to where straps fix to the main body. Pull the seams apart, and be wary if stitching becomes clearly visible. Ideally, internal seams should be covered by fabric as it will make them less prone to wear. The base should be constructed from an incredibly durable material – or at least the same material as the body of the pack but double lined or double thickness – as that’s the part of the pack which will be most prone to being scuffed and torn.

Ensure that all zippers and catches look up to the job. Try them all several times to get a feel for their durability and functionality. Are the zipper handles too small? Can I fit a padlock through them? Are there double zippers that meet in the middle in case one breaks? These are all things to consider.

The benefits of hitting the road with the right backpack cannot be underestimated. Sure, you can travel with almost any bag – I used to borrow backpacks, in fact. But a comfortable, well-fitting rucksack will not only be physically beneficial, but will make life a little easier in the long run.