They’re durable, waterproof, lightweight, and they come in a plethora of shapes and sizes – and no, we’re not talking blow up dolls here. The items in question are, however, much like their present staunch advocate – and by that I mean cheap and transparent. They will effectively safeguard the sensitive and protect the vulnerable, and preclude rucksack chaos and make the daily packing a breeze. With these things to hand, you’ll be up, dressed, and out of the hostel quicker than you can say “Where are those bloody earplugs?” So, what are they?

They are of course Tupperware boxes - and in case you hadn’t gathered by now, I think they’re absolutely brilliant.

If I had to rate their utility compared to other backpacker essentials, I would put them not only above duct tape but also above a sinister Lucha Libre Mexican wrestling mask (if whilst abroad you’ve ever dreamed of having a double bus seat all to yourself, I suggest you buy one now).

But it’s more than simply a storage solution. Amongst their many other uses, you can eat out of them, drink out of them and - with a sheet of paper slipped under the upturned box - even use them to evict unwanted critters from your latest jungle hideout. Even when they are NOT being used for any of the above, they are full of your other gear (so they don’t take up any extra space) and separating it in an orderly fashion and actually protecting it at the same time! Tupperware: it’s the way ahead!

If you are heading abroad in the near future you could do a lot worse than head down to your local superstore and check out what’s on offer. After all, they cost next to nothing and last a lifetime – they won’t tear, crack, rot, rust, or leak. The first batch rolled out in 1946 and I’m sure some of it is still sitting in the back of my grandmother’s kitchen cupboard, and still as good as new. It’ll last even longer than you’re average James Blunt concert feels like it lasts.

Ok, so let’s assume you want to Tupperize your backpack – here are some considerations:

First and foremost, have a clear idea of the amount of gear you want to stow and how you want it separated. It’s going to vary from person to person, but for the sake of argument lets say 3 boxes each a little bigger than my fist – one for the backpacker first aid kit , another for electrical gadgetry (travel adapter, camera leads, iPod charger etc), and another for non-waterproof/fragile/easy-to-lose bits (such as random scraps of card and paper, cheesy jewellery, delicate gifts and things like earplugs). You could even have another small one for a mini budget survival kit - so consider picking a few at the same time. If you end up buying one too many then its only a few cents lost (but I’m sure you’ll find another use for it! J)

However many you pick though, consider also where they will go in your backpack. For instance, if you do choose 3 boxes consider sizes that when side by side will fit snugly in the bottom of your pack or suit the shape of side pockets. With so many different dimensions available, picking the right ones for both your rucksack and your particular needs should never present too much of a problem.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment