Travel Backpack The Easy Way Tips

Backpack the easy way

HAVE you ever set out to buy a backpack only to return home empty-handed?

Yes, buying a backpack can be a headache. There are so many aspects involved and it can get pretty technical too.

In the shops, the variety of designs, sizes, brands, models and colours doesn’t make it any easier. How do we know what will be suitable for our needs?

“The one that fits our travelling purposes and needs and which we are comfortable with,” says UFL Outdoor senior sales manager Muhd Syafiq Loke. The company is the sole distributor for Deuter backpacks.

The two most important questions customers need to ask themselves first are: What’s the mode of travelling (i.e. trekking, hiking, etc) and how long you plan to be travelling.

“You can decide on backpack size and type based on these two factors,” says Muhd Syafiq. However, the size also depends on your body built.

Petite customers are not advised to carry a big 40-50-litre bag. This is why women are usually recommended a 30-litre bag.

A backpack with lower zip is recommended for a long trip, while alpine or hiking trip requires backpacks made of light-weight materials.

“Once you have identified which bag is suitable, other features will add more values to the purchase,” he adds.

Other features to look out for are the type of material (water-resistant, light-weight and durable), shape (narrow and back-hugging shape, special design for women) and heat/air ventilating system.

Packing A Backpack Right

Properly packed, a backpack will not compromise the well-being of our body, especially the back. Heavy items like a toiletry bag or canned food should be placed at the bag’s body, near the shoulder height.

Since the top lid or the head of the bag allows easy access, it is suitable for small items like a first-aid kit and small gadgets.

The bottom part is where we put light items like sleeping bags and down clothing.

An important point to remember is that all heavy items should be placed nearer the back to keep the bag’s centre of gravity closer to our body.

Backpack Proper Fit

Backpacks that are adjusted to properly fit the back will allow the body to go further. It will be easier to carry and is easier on our backs too. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fit and carry a backpack:

Neutralise the bag’s fitting. Loosen all straps – shoulders, hip and sternum straps, to make it easier to shoulder the bag.

Lift the bag off the floor either by the shoulder straps or the head handle.

Shoulder straps (see pictures): (1) Cross your hands to firmly hold the shoulder straps and then (2) lift it up on air before slipping the straps down to the shoulders.

Head handle: (3) Hold the handle and lift the bag up onto a bent knee before (4) shouldering the bag.

Fitting the bag. (5) Position the hip belt and tighten it. The belt should be over the hip bones, not above for it will restrict the stomach. Then (6) pull the shoulder straps to tighten them, not too tight though as the weight should lie on the hip belt. Finally, (7) pull the sternum straps to further fit the shoulder straps.

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Hiking Backpacks – 4 Great Tips To Choose The Best

Even for the casual hiker, the hiking backpack is absolutely essential. Whether you are hiking a trail alone, going cross-country with a group, or following a guide, your backpack carries the things needed to make your hiking trip a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience. The first thing to realize is that not all hiking backpacks are created equally. there are many, many choices out there in hiking backpacks. Choosing the one that is right for you will take a little time, research, and smart shopping.

Considerations When Choosing a Hiking Backpack

1. Hiking backpacks come in a variety of sizes and styles. The main thing to consider is the type of hiking you are planning on doing with this backpack. Someone going for extended trips into the wilderness will need a totally different hiking backpack than someone going for a six hour hike along the trails behind their house. If you will not be hiking far or staying out overnight, a small backpack that can carry a first aid kit, water, and some food for the trip is all that is necessary. If you are going to be out overnight, you will need room for more food and water, and a sleeping bag and possibly a tent. Cross-country trips will require a large backpack with room for everything mentioned above, with a tent for sure, changes of clothing, compass, maps, cooking gear, and other survival equipment.

2. Whatever the backpack type, make sure that it fits securely and comfortably. You don’t want one that is too heavy for you when loaded, or one that does not fit snugly. If your backpack shifts too much, it can easily run your shoulders raw where the straps are rubbing.

3. The price for a hiking backpack can range from over 0 to as little as , depending on the backpack. For the casual hiker, or someone who intends to get serious but is just starting, seriously consider getting the least expensive one that is adequate for your needs. You will probably want to try different backpacks after you have been hiking for a while, and you don’t want to have too much invested in your old backpack. But make sure that it is sturdy and comfortable. Don’t trade off too much quality in the name of price.

4. A consideration you may not think about, is that different backpacks are made for different genders. A man’s center of balance is slightly different than a woman’s, and their torsos are shaped differently along the shoulder blades. This must be taken into account when designing the hiking backpack, so that the backpack does not throw the hiker off-balance.

If you take your time, put some thought into it, and make an informed choice, you will wind up with a hiking backpack that will serve you well in your hiking endeavors.

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How To Choose The Right Backpack For Your Next Trip

When you are looking for a backpack, chances are that you have many choices available. There are backpacks for camping, ones for travelling and ones for school as well. The backpack you choose should be designed to meet your specific needs, and provide you with a great accessory to your current look.

When you are choosing a backpack for a trip, some important things to consider are the methods of transportation you will be using, and the climate and weather forecast for your final destination. Revisit these criteria to make sure that you have chosen the right backpack.

It is also important to determine how long this backpack is going to be needed. Other factors to consider are price and style. These two are important because the style may affect the price and if you do not need the backpack for a long period of time, you can consider a more basic backpack. These are all important because you can find the best backpack for your needs without spending too much money.

Another aspect to consider as you are trying to decide which backpack is the best choice is to look at the things that you are going to put in it. Is this going to be a backpack where you put mostly clothes and personal items, or are you going to be carrying books and camping gear? Do you need a backpack that can hold a laptop, or is your backpack going to be full of baby items and toys? The answers to these questions can help provide you with an idea of which type of backpack is needed.

For backpacks that are going to be holding clothing and personal items, you can get some that are not very heavy and are made of materials like nylon. When a backpack does not have to hold anything heavy, it can be made up of lighter material. However, if your backpack is going to be holding books, it needs to be made up of a heavier material, like denim or nylon that is much tougher. You may also need a backpack with thicker straps, so that you can hold more weight. If your backpack is going to have a laptop in it, you want to be sure that the one you choose has a certified pocket for carrying a laptop. This should be something that helps to keep your laptop safe at all times. A backpack meant for books or laptops should be stronger and more durable, while a backpack meant for toys, baby items, or even clothing and personal items, should have more give and be easier to mold to your specifications.

Secondly, you want to look at how long you are going to be using this backpack. If you are going on a long journey and the backpack is the only luggage you are taking with you, you want to get a large backpack that is meant for traveling. This allows you to keep clothing or items for a few weeks, and you can easily move the backpack from one place to another. If you are going to need the backpack for a weekend getaway, it does not need to be as big or bulky, because you should not have to put as much into it. Therefore the amount of time you are going to be gone directly translates into the size and strength of the ideal backpack for your trip.

Next, you want to look at the style of the backpack. This goes along with what you need it for and how long you are planning to be gone. For a backpacking trip that is going to last awhile, you may want to consider a backpack that has many different pockets that you can use for items that are coming along with you. If your trip is going to be short, be looking at the style of the backpack and deciding which of the styles serves you best when it comes to the backpack that you are choosing. you can use a backpack with only one main area for storage. Either way, you are going to

The most important aspect to consider when choosing a backpack, besides price, is how it is going to be used. This is important because the answer to this question eliminates many types of backpacks, making your decision much easier. Several uses for backpacks are for travel, camping or carrying books to class. Each of these activities may need a different type of backpack but some styles may work with each activity. There are many backpacks available for each kind of use, and some which can be used for any activity. By considering these tips, you should be able to find the perfect backpack at a great price.

Tips For Choosing The Right Camping Backpack

A person who is not experienced with camping or hiking may think that all backpacks are the same, but that is far from the truth. For a camper who is serious about making the most out of a camping trip, a backpack can make or break an excursion to the woods.

Take the plight of a trekker who traveled to the Appalachians in 1994. Rather than a thrilling camping expedition, he needed to return home injured from the weight of an ill-fitted backpack that damaged his hips. A decade later, the same hiker, utilizing a backpack more suited to his needs, walked over 950 miles of terrain, turning what could have been another ugly experience into a more pleasant memory.

There are a few key tips you should bear in mind when selecting a backpack for the outdoors.

First, you need to assemble a fairly comprehensive list of gear you need to bring on the trip. Whereas some campers prefer to haul a bare minimum, others like to be well equipped and ready for almost any eventuality. Consequently, the size of your backpack is important. If you intend to camp or hike for several days – or even simply overnight -you need a sufficient amount of supplies to cover your time and prospective needs.

Second, make sure your backpack is comfortable to wear for a lengthy period of time. The best styles of backpacks distribute the weight in the bag evenly so that you can wear it comfortably for a few hours while hiking. Try it on at the store to ensure it meets your need. Some camping stores even provide weights inside so you get the full effect of the backpack. By placing these in the pack, you can walk around the store to get a sense of how well the weight distributes and how much you can actually hold while remaining comfortable and not overly straining your back or shoulders.

Third, select a frame for the backpack. You can choose between an internal and external frame, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Internal frames are more slender and allow the pack to remain close to your body which makes it great for densely wooded and more narrow trails. They do not restrain your ability to move in the least, but are admittedly more cumbersome to load and sometimes do not hold as much gear.

External frames, on the other hand, are great for clear walking paths and wider trails and are generally easier to pack. However, they tend to restrict mobility because they are larger and less flexible, making them seem more uncomfortable at first. External frames are the best option, though, when buying a backpack for beginners or children.

Finally, when purchasing a backpack, take into consideration whether it is designed to work efficiently with weather sheets that help protect your pack against dew and rain. Also assess how attachments can be accommodated for your pack. Most backpacks have either rings or snap-ons (or both), allowing the convenient integration of accessories with your pack.

Finding a backpack doesn’t need to be a challenge if you familiarize yourself with options ahead of time. By following these few tips, you should be able to purchase one that fits your budget and your camping experience needs, helping to make sure you have a wonderful adventure in the woods.

Backpacking With Children – Four Tips

Backpacking with children can be a challenge, but it is a good way for kids to learn about the outdoors and develop independence and responsibility. It is also just a great way to have fun. That is, as long as you plan well. Here are four tips to help you out.

1. Generate Interest

Forcing uninterested children to go backpacking is probably a bad idea. They are likely to resist, cause problems, and ruin the trip for all. So try to generate some interest first. A couple good outdoor movies can help. Try to find movies with characters who are the same age or a little older than your children. After watching them, suggest the idea of backpacking and gage the response.

If you aren’t sure that your children are old enough for backpacking, try a camp-out in the back yard first. Let them help set up the tent. See how well they make it through the night, and try your best to make the experience fun for them.

2. Have The Children Plan With You

The more the kids are involved in the whole process, the better. Let them help in choosing the trails you will hike, but narrow the options ahead of time to those most appropriate. Allow them to suggest what foods to bring, again narrowing their options to meals that make sense for a backpacking trip. Show them how to use a map, and how to judge daily hiking distances. Then let them help in the packing.

3. Give Them Responsibilities

If they are old enough, have the children set up the tent or make the fire. If they are younger, you might have them collect sticks to burn, or prepare their sleeping pad and bag for the night. Give them things that they can handle, and let them know they are doing a good job (if they are).

When backpacking with children, it’s okay to let them get a little ahead of you if there are no dangerous animals in the area. Let them be out of sight just a bit, as long as you can hear them or quickly catch up. And tell the older children that they are responsible for keeping an eye on the younger ones.

4. Bring Fun Items

Most adults love the opportunity to get away from all the things of home, and can sit talking for hours while watching the sun set. Backpacking with children, though, might require some more entertainment. Bringing a movie player is probably a bad idea, since the idea is to have a new and different experience. On the other hand, there are things that are fun and perfectly appropriate to backpacking.

For example, a pair of binoculars can keep young ones entertained for long stretches. One pair is enough, so they can learn to share. If they are old enough, a pocket knife and a quick lesson on how to make a walking stick might be a good idea. For evenings in camp a deck of cards is small enough to bring, and you can teach them a new game each night.

Finally, make sure that when backpacking with children you teach them the rules of the woods. Show them where and how to go to the bathroom, what is allowed and what isn’t. Teach them to respect the wilderness, and treat it right.

Learn how to make water drinkable on the trail, how much water to drink, and how to carry water backpacking in this free video.

Tips On Travelling Cheap

The world is in an economic crisis and tourism has slowed down all over the world, which can mean big savings for savvy travelers. Cheap travel is possible if you’re willing to plan ahead and do a little research. Make the most out of your dollar with these tips on traveling cheap:

Be flexible with your travel dates. Traveling is always more expensive during the times when people travel the most: holidays, spring break, weekends. Flights in the middle of the week are less expensive than on the weekends. Cheap flights aren’t hard to find if you’re willing to do some research. Look into trains or car rentals to see what options are the least expensive. Overnight trains can be a very economical option because you’re combining traveling and lodging costs into one, all the while catching up on your sleep!

Many large cities, especially in Europe, are best seen by walking or bicycling. Amsterdam and Paris, for example, have excellent bike-rental systems which are a great alternative to expensive taxis. Ask about different passes for the metro or bus – sometimes day or weekly passes are cheaper than buying one ticket at a time.

Hostels are a great inexpensive alternative to hotels. While some hostels can still be downright scary, it’s not always the case. Some hostels offer private rooms with private baths just like a hotel but without the hefty price tag. Hostels may not be the most luxurious of accommodations but traveling cheap requires a few sacrifices. Besides, how much time are you really going to spend in your room anyways?

Eating out for every meal can add up very quickly. Set a budget ahead of time to avoid overspending. Balance out several cheap meals with one nicer one. Scour guide books or ask locals about the tiny restaurants located off the beaten path with the smaller prices. Planning ahead and shopping at grocery stores for snacks, bottled water, and simple items for sandwiches is a great way to travel cheap, as is bringing snacks from home.

Take advantage of AAA or student discounts. Many hostels and hotels give students a discount, as do certain attractions such as tours, shows, museum passes, etc… It never hurts to ask!

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your next vacation. Call us at 1-800-788-0829 or visit www.travelteam.com.

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Travel tips for Backpackers

Backpacking for a holiday can be very rewarding, but there are some safety tips you can do and it will allow for your trip to go that much more smoothly.

Leave copies of important paperwork at home. Before you leave, make sure you leave copies of things like your passport, credit cards, traveler’s checks and anything else important with someone you trust. Just in case something happens and these documents go missing, having copies back home can make the replacement process that much easier. You may also want to keep a copy on your person so you can deal with missing items on your own as well. Travel information India

Make sure you check back in at home. With technology becoming much more common around the world, and cheaper to use, there is no reason not to keep in touch with someone back home. Even a quick phone call or an email to someone to say all is well, and you are fine, is a great thing. People will always worry while you are gone, and this will alleviate any worries they may have. You may want to call or text once a week, as it still gives you your freedom, but takes away worry. Holiday places in India

Locking up your luggage while you travel is a good idea. When you are out and about, you likely will have a small bag with you. Having either a combination lock or a key lock on this bag will help give you a peace of mind. It can be a pain to open when you need something, but it will prevent someone from stealing out of it when it is on your back. Holiday to north India

When you are travelling, by plane, train or a bus, you may want to lock up any luggage that will be out of your site. A second lock is a great idea for this, or a plastic zip tie. The zip tie is easy for security to cut off if they need to check your luggage, and you are not out the cost of the lock. If you are sharing a room with other travelers, you may want to keep your baggage locked up as well, a locker is ideal, but a lock on your bag works well otherwise.

Some of this may seem a bit extreme, but keeping yourself and your belongings safe and secure while you are gone will help with peace of mind and to have a good trip.

Winter Backpacking Trips – The Considerations

Some are actually brave enough to face the conditions during the coldest months of the year and go backpacking. It is more difficult during the winter with the added weight as well as more limited mobility do to the layers of clothing to keep one warm. If done right, it can be a good experience. Before going out make sure that you have considered all the possibilities so that you can be properly prepared.

The first thing to be aware of is that trails at times are closed during the winter or have winter routes. If you have a trail map that doesn’t indicate this, you still should find out if there are any differences during the winter. It’s almost more important during the winter months to have a clearly marked path than it is during the other times of the year.

Get rid of cotton as much as possible. While cotton can keep you warm when it gets wet, it’s a miserable material to work with. Wet cotton will make you cold. It may be fine to include some cotton but be sure to have other materials as an alternative or backup.

Make sure your fire making abilities are in shape. Have more than a few methods to start a fire and consider even having some kindling and tinder on your person in some plastic. The reason for this is that one slip at times can land you in the water. You have limited time to get out of the water, get out of the wet clothes, and get a fire going. This is the only measure there is to save your life so be sure that it’s all ready to go as fast as possible.

Always be sure that you have told people where you are going and they have a general idea of where you will be each day. This way if anything happens, they will have an idea of where to look to find you.

Backpacking Around The World: What You Don’t Need To Take

Where backpacking is concerned: less is definitely more!

Picture the scene: you’ve just stepped off a ten hour bus ride that you were assured would take 3 hours. You’re hot, you have dust in your eyes, your bottled water is down to the last warm plastic-flavoured drips and you’re craving some food that doesn’t look like a skewered insect. Behold! You spot a hostel gleaming at the end of the lane so you adorn your trusted backpack and head towards that paradise of beds, cool beer and delicious curry. You have 2 choices:

Option A

Your backpack contains at least one of the following: the plug for the plug-less bath in the land of showers, a fleece just in case Asia’s climate takes a historical plummet, a thick jumper based on the same reasoning, a pair of hard core trekking shoes when you’ve been prancing over mountains in your 1 dollar flip flops, a 2.5 kg iron chain and lock (waterproof variety) to protect your backpack in all eventualities. You get the picture. You struggle a few steps but the shouts of the tuk tuk touts prove too tempting for the lift to the hostel, even if you know it’s at the ‘special’ touristica price.

or

Option B

You carry a simple roll of toilet paper for those doubtless bouts of traveller-tummy, a guide book for some handy advice, spare undies, toothbush and paste, a scarf-it’s multi-purpose, shampoo, cash and passport. The essentials. And you’re away…at the hostel in no time, a cool shower, a clean bed and a cool beer in your hand. You know it makes sense!

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How To Find The Right Room When Backpacking: Travelling Tips To Ensure You Find The Perfect Place To Rest Your Head

Getting your hostel or hotel room right can make the difference between a relaxed, chilled out traveller and a tired, moody one. Particularly at the start of your backpacking adventure you need a place of refuge to escape the persistent touts and probably the heat of the sun. Bear the following in mind if you’re serious about finding the right pad:

1. Location, location, location: some like it in the heart of the backpacker ghetto whilst others aim to get among the local folk. Decide on your location criteria beforehand and head straight there. Is it worth paying more to be in the heart of the backpacker ghetto if this means you don’t get any sleep? On the other hand, a room in a tourist hotel serving familiar food can sometimes be all you can handle when it’s all getting too much.

2. Cleanliness is close to godliness, well a good night’s kip at least. It’ll be hard to rest your peepers if you’re worried about cockroaches crawling into your pjs! Ask to view a room first. Then take a good look under the bed. And check the toilet flushes.

3. Learn the phrase “do you have hot water?” in the local lingo. An ice-cold shower may be invigorating but it’s generally not good-mood enhancing. Having hot water to clean your hands will also ward off nasty bacteria. In our opinion, steamy showers are most definitely worth the extra pennies.

4. Check what’s included – the room may look smart but unless it comes with covers and towels you’re unlikely to end up a happy bunny.

5. Bargain – aka agree on a price you are happy with. If you are staying for more than two nights you should be able to wangle a discount. Don’t be afraid to say no then go back later if you can’t find anywhere else.

6. Check the walls go right to the ceiling. There can be nothing worse than your party animal room-neighbours rolling in and you hearing every word because the partition isn’t complete. Sounds obvious, but believe me, it’s worth checking!

7. Turn out the light, snuggle down and enjoy!

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