how not to choose a backpack

How NOT to choose a backpack

If you know me personally, you’ll know that, without a doubt, I’m the shittiest preparer for any trip. Ever. There hasn’t been one trip I’ve taken where I haven’t forgotten my hairbrush, or something else integral. Like my CAMERA.

And on the other side of things, I am a notorious over-packer. I am not a light packer. I do not apologize for this personality trait in the slightest, and I’m not sure when being an over-packer became such a taboo thing. I LIKE having some variety in my wardrobe. I LIKE dressing up for big nights out. I LIKE not wearing the same shirt three times a week. I love comfy pajama pants, and all my tacky gym outfits, and my little black dress paired with my big gaudy necklaces. I have flip-flops and heels and sneakers. A few pashminas. A bikini, or five. DEAL WITH IT.

But it became clear to me that hauling a suitcase around on my journeys just wasn’t a practical thing to do. Particularly in Iceland. That’s silly. But I made some mistakes when shopping for my backpack, so maybe you can learn through me.

Don’t think about the long-term

I was stoked about the first backpack I finally invested in. I wanted something that folded out, like a suitcase, because the thought of digging deep into a regular ‘ol hiking backpack was exhausting. So I got the Osprey Farpoint 55L pack, and used it for most of my trip around Alberta last summer.

Farpoint

While I was shopping, I asked the dude at Outfitters if it was a suitable pack for long-term hikes. I had planned on doing the Long Range Traverse at the end of the summer. He answered with a truthful “no”, but I bought the damned thing anyway. The pack’s width expanded when filled, rather than filling out length-wise, making for a rather uncomfortable weight distribution. Flash forward to 2014, and I’ve only used the pack twice since then – both for short-term trips.

Don’t properly research sizes

I didn’t realize that 55 liters wouldn’t sustain my over-packing ways. A few trips here and there, sure. But not if I were going to do something long-term, like my Balkans trip. So I went for the motherload: a MEC Ibex 80-liters pack. I actually love the hell out of this pack, and it was the cheapest one I found. BUT I didn’t really need 80 liters, and I over-packed the hell out of it when I first left for NYC. I actually couldn’t lift the thing. I don’t know why I didn’t think this through.

I cut half the weight when I went to NYC, and mailed my shit back home. And then I cut half of it again in Brela, because I was too sick to lift the thing. And then I promptly went shopping.

A regular ‘ol backpacking trip is probably worth a 55-liter. I’ve learned to pack more conservatively, but not entirely. My hair products take up a lot of space.

Don’t try it on first

I admit that I ordered my MEC Ibex 80 online, but I was pretty confident in its abilities. At least five people recommended the pack to me, and I was broke as hell. This one cost under $200.

But I lucked out. Whenever possible, put some weight into that thing and try it out.

Don’t get a backpack with side pockets

THIS SAVED MY LIFE. OH MY GOD.

Verdict? if you’re starting out, the MEC Ibex 80 is a seriously sweet pack. Maybe just leave a little room for souvenirs. Or a few dozen new dresses. Whatever.

  • August 28 2014

    Hehe, forgive me for saying those backpacks all seem huge. I must be a really light packer. I went around the Middle East and Europe for six months with just a 42L MEC backpack.

    • August 28 2014

      They are large! I like it that way. Variety is the spice of life.

      • August 28 2014

        I hear you. I definitely found it weird not having as much choice in my wardrobe, and was happy to have variety again once I got back.

        • August 28 2014

          I also like lots of nailpolish.

          • August 28 2014

            I basically only had clothes, a small toiletries bag, my Macbook Air, and my iPhone. Very minimal!

            • August 28 2014

              Hahaha. I also pack books…I can’t help it.

              • August 28 2014
                RW

                Also guilty for packing too many books and not reading them. TSA in LAX thought it was odd to carry so many books and a laptop. Apparently we’re the rare few that cling to old trees.

                • August 28 2014
                  Sasha @ The Curious Zephyr

                  On my last long-term backpacking trip, I carried a messenger bag in addition to my backpack. The only thing in it was books. We called it The Library. Glad I’m not alone hahaha.

                  • September 02 2014

                    Hahaha. I bought an e-reader. Didn’t work out so well for me.

              • August 28 2014

                Oh wow. Now I’m not surprised at all you need such a big bag. That’s where my iPhone comes in handy. I read almost exclusively on that now.

  • August 28 2014
    RW

    My name is Robert, and I’m an over-packer. Like Candice, I too refuse to be restricted to a minimalist wardrobe. I like this whole one bag fits all concept. Generally I carry-on 2 bags, backpack/briefcase for my electronics. Check another bag under the plane (A large expandable PVC luggage en jaune). Besides.luggage make great dancing partners to Lady Gaga in the airport whilst you wait for a taxi.

    • August 28 2014

      I think my carry-on weighs more than my actual luggage.

      • August 28 2014
        RW

        Mine is pretty up there too. The gym helps in that regard without obvious grunting noises. Infact, Lets start a baggage boot camp. BPM.

  • August 28 2014
    Charlie

    I’m going have to get all my stuff into a 65L backpack when I go travelling. I totally can’t get my head round how that possible. I’m a incurable over-packer, your 80L sounds more like my thing. No way I could lift it tho!

    • August 28 2014

      65 is a good size! If you’re going somewhere warm, that helps. Haha. I had a ton of sweaters and warm clothing for February in Greece. I couldn’t bear to throw that stuff out.

  • August 29 2014
    KaleenasKaleidoscope

    I’m also a notorious overpacker. I just struggle with making decisions, and how am I supposed to know in advance exactly what I’m going to want to wear each day?! We need options! So I’ve been trying to combat my overpacking by drinking a bottle of wine when I pack to help make the decision making process easier. The idea is that I don’t overthink it. But that meant that on my last trip I opened my pack to realize I didn’t pack any shirts… I just completely skipped that shelf, I guess. So yeah, still working on the packing strategies. Let me know if you ever find the secret the perfect packing! haha

    • September 02 2014

      RIGHT?! I had to pack for three seasons on my last trip. THREE.

  • September 01 2014

    I overpack in a huge suitcase, so to try to do it in a back back… yikes. You’re one step ahead of me!!

    • September 02 2014

      Hahaha, I feel like we’re at an Over-packers Anonymous meeting. “I too am an over-packer!”

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