Choosing the right back pack 101

Choosing your first backpack/rucksack is somewhat like buying your first car. You really don't want to spend to much money on it, yet you really don't want to regret your choice later on.

First things first, not all packs will suite your body, unless your built like Ryan Reynolds which everything should look good on you and fits you well. It really comes down to comfort, since most of the time you'll be logging your pack everywhere, might as well find something that is comfortable and has proper back support, so you won't end up looking like this by the end of your travels :

When choosing your backpack, you always need to keep in mind the 3 rules of thumb :

1. Length of travel
2. Style of backpack
3. Body type (height usually doesn't matter, your torso does)

1. Length of travel:
From my experience, the ideal backpack for a 1-2 day travel would be around 20-35L. 3-5 days would be 40-50L. More than 5 days the ideal backpack size should be 60L and above. But this also depends of how you travel. If your the type that can just recycle your shirts a few times, wears the same underwear a few times, then most probably you can be considered a 'light traveler'. Light travelers tend to minimize things to bring and leave space for souvenirs to be brought home, etc. I've seen people going on a 6 days trip and only bring a 20L backpack. The less the better.

If you consider yourself as a light traveler, then you could consider downsizing your backpack size a little bit. If your the type of traveler that must have your laptop all the time with you, change clothes everyday, then by all means you should get a bigger pack. If you plan to bring your own food, etc also you would need to consider your backpack size as well. Really comes down to how you usually travel.

You would also need to consider the places your traveling to. If your going to cold places which need more thick clothing, you would also need to consider the size of your backpack.

I myself have three backpacks. One 70L North Face which I use for more than 10 days of traveling, a 50L Karrimor which I just bought, and a 30L Camel backpack which I normally use for 1-10 days of travelling.

I suggest everybody to have at least two backpacks. One for the short travels and one for the long haul travels.


2. Style of backpack:
Usually retailers have two major types of backpacks : travel packs and hiking packs.
I tend to notice that most travelers like to use hiking packs (me, being one of them) as it is more convenient, looks more stylish and a lot more choices to choose from.

Travel packs are usually quite compact and sturdy as compared to hiking packs as they are built for easiness during travelling as they do not take up much space on flights, buses and you won't usually get stuck between doors like you usually do with hiking/normal backpacks. This is mainly due to the more slimmer frame and usually thicker material which minimizes the bulkiness even when fully loaded. These travel packs usually come with detachable daypacks.

These are such examples of travel packs by Deuter (pronounced Doiter) and Karrimor (pronounced Karrimor. Hahaha) :

Hiking packs are usually what most people prefer because there is a lot more choices you can find around and looks waaaay more cooler carrying around a hiking pack rather than a travel pack.

These hiking packs have more open space to chuck things in rather than having compartments like travel packs but will have unnecessary attachments which would only be useful if you are going hiking or camping.  The material is usually slightly thinner than travel packs to save on weight but will compromise your pack's durability. Carrying around a travel pack may look way cooler than a travel pack but usually would be a hassle especially if your in a crowded area such as buses,trains etc as your bulky pack would be prone to say hello to other people's faces.

It does look cool though

Remember that backpacks are different from your normal luggage bags. You will be carrying it around most of the time and not pulling it around. Usually will have clips rather than zips, so always keep in mind that most probably you won't be able to lock your bag. Therefore always keep your valuables with you. Rather you loose your clothes than losing your passport in Ukraine.

Here are a few types of hiking packs:

3. Torso measurement:
How to roughly measure your torso is from your lower neck right until your back arch. The following sizes of backpacks should be as follows :

Men's and Women's
Pack Size	Torso Length
Extra small	Up to 15½"
Small	16" to 17½"
Medium/Regular	18" to 19½"
Large/Tall	20"+

Your pack must also have a nice grip on your hips so it won't wobble around too much when your making your way.

Waist size is not really so important as most bags will have adjustable waist grips that can be adjusted to fit your waist nicely. Just remember that more than 80% of the weight should be supported by your hips, and not your back. So please remember to choose your bag that fits your body frame nicely or else you will look like this:

Okay I'm sorry I'm being mean. I just wanted to make a point.

The modern age has also changed the way backpacks are designed and built. A lot of backpacks now come with a lot of improvements to ease the burden of carrying it around such as fitting in aluminium bars which go on the side, support straps, adjustable straps, lightweight materials etc. Don't worry so much about this though, just make sure the pack fits comfortably and you'll be fine.

There are also backpacks that are tailored for women and children as well.

A number of good and reliable brands that I would recommend are:

• The North Face 
• Deuter
• Jack Wolfskin 
• Karrimor
• High Sierra
• Osprey 
• Millet
• Mountainsmith

Normally a lot of shopping outlets with a sports section will sell backpacks although I've noticed that most will sell Deuter as it is one of the most famous brands around.

Two good places that I would suggest if you're looking for backpacks/rucksacks :

1. Madam Sia's backpacks - Located at Pertama Complex, First Floor. A lot of choices and all are original. If I'm not mistaken 'replicas' are also sold for a cheaper price. The auntie is really helpful and you'll be like a kid in a candy store. Always ask for extra discounts. Brands sold : Karrimor, Deuter, Osprey.  
2. Backpacks Heaven - Small shop located at Rasta TTDI. Limited choices, but will have a catalog if you want to make an order. Prices also are not too bad as they buy straight from suppliers. Other accessories such as flight covers, waist pouches also are available. Please click here for their website.

I am in no way affiliated with these retailers, I'm only spreading the love around.

Backpacks Heaven, TTDI*

Madam Sia's Backpack Shop*

Uuuuuuuuu...*

*i do not own these images.took them off the internet

I myself personally prefer the Karrimor brand as the designs are quite nice to look at and is usually cheaper than other brands. The brand has also been around since 1947 and is quite reputable around the world.

Conclusion:
Choosing between a hiking pack or travel pack is like choosing a wife. A travel pack will wash your clothes, feed you well and will listen to your problems day in day out. Except that the sex will be boring.
Travel packs on the other hand will give you the time of your life, give you the best sex ever, but will never be wife material. Either way you'll still win.

Choose wisely and travel safe!