With so little space in a backpacker’s portable closet, every item must be picked, purchased and stashed wisely. The right travel packing list is key to a light bag and a successful trip. It doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you’re prepared for the journey.
Like a baby opossum clinging to its mother, so the small backpack hangs securely from its owner’s chest. It’s safe there from unwelcome hands and unseen bumps, carrying those important items that can’t be trusted to the human-sized pack strapped on the other side of the shoulders.
It’s a common site in transport centers – the traveler with two backpacks, cautiously dodging traffic. The smaller pack may bulk out your front, but it’s essential; after all, you need something for those day trips and excursions.
But the practicalities of two packs can be a right pain. Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to carry both all the time? If – just imagine – you could put one inside the other? Introducing the collapsible backpack!
Made of lightweight nylon, this regular-sized backpack folds into a pocket the size of a paperback book. The fabric is difficult to dirty, but easy to wash. It’s also semi-water repellent: mine has withstood hiking in light rain, though it hasn’t fared so well on the bottom of a flooded boat.
When looking for your super compact bag, consider the following:
- Size (unfolded) – How big is the bag? Long enough to fit a laptop? Deep enough to stuff in a jacket?
- Durability – Is it made of nylon, canvas, or some other material? Can this fabric withstand the everyday wear and tear of long-term travel?
- Shoulder straps – How much weight will the stitching carry? Are the straps adjustable?
- Additional accoutrements – Can you slip a water bottle in the mesh siding, or stow credit card and keys in a secret inner pocket? What extra organization does it offer?
- Appearance – Of least importance, how cool does the bag look? Will you be too embarrassed to wear it when you need it?
My Eddie Bauer collapsible backpack comes in various designs and retails for 30.00. Herschel Supply has a similar model, in an extensive range of patterns, for $29.99USD; however, these colorful bags can only be shipped within the USA and Canada. To order outside North America, check out the Inca collapsible from Billabong or the Crumpler version, which folds into a hip pack.
What’s on your long-term travel packing list?
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli