The advantages of traveling with hand luggage are undeniable. It's: it's unsafe - you do not have a suitcase, you do not have to put it in your luggage, you do not worry that it will be stolen or lost. This is economical - many low cost airlines have very high fares for luggage. Quickly - while the passengers of your flight crowd at the conveyor belt, you are already on your way to the exit! And if you fly with a transfer, you can safely choose flights with a short docking. And it is convenient - the backpack guarantees mobility, with it you will go even in the crowded bus and will rise on any ladder. In addition, it facilitates the search for a hotel on the spot (if you do not have armor): you will not have to settle in the first one just because you are tired of carrying a suitcase.
The essence of backpacking is long trips, often alone, with a minimum of expenses. Backpackers themselves develop routes, find the cheapest hotels and air travel, inside the country move by public transport or hitchhiking. Thus, they manage to visit more places and stay in them longer. Freedom of movement and maximum of impressions is the main principle of such travelers.
Well, theoretically, are you ready for a trip with a backpack? Excellent! It remains to learn a few rules - and you can get ready for the road.
How to choose
Most importantly: the amount of things depends on the size of the backpack, and not vice versa! In any case, do not try to pick up a backpack more "just in case."
It is believed that the height of an ideal backpack is 25-30% of your height: accordingly, with an increase of 170 cm, choose a model not more than 50 cm. Width and length can vary up to 30 cm, but it is better not to get carried away: voluminous backpacks do not always allow you to take with you in the aircraft cabin.
Since the maximum weight of hand luggage is usually also limited (6-10 kg), buy a backpack with a removable aluminum frame - if necessary, you can free up space inside and lighten the weight. For the same reason - the reduction in specific weight - now popular models, sewn from nylon or polyester. Well, if the fabric also repels water, otherwise be sure to stock up with a special protective cape on the backpack: in some countries, such a high humidity, that the wet pack is extremely difficult to dry. Because of this, do not advise buying backpacks with metal fittings - there is a danger that it will rust.
Packing
Tactics for modern rules of packing things in a backpack when hiking - throw everything, try to close and, if you can not, jump on the lid - not applicable: the backpack should be the right rectangular shape!
One of the main questions, whether to put heavy things on the bottom or on top, still provokes backpackers for heated debate, but do not listen to them. Go to the homepage of the manufacturer of your backpack: serious firms always write what type of loading will be optimal for their models. At the same time, my personal experience shows that it's still necessary to lay soft soft things (sleeping bag or clothes) on the bottom, then everything else is protected from impacts against the floor or the ground. The center of gravity is better to be moved as close as possible to the shoulders: the backpack tightens to the back and it is easier to carry.
When packing things, make sure that the backpack does not take the form of a ball. It is reasonable to firstly add up all the big things, and the remaining space at the corners of the backpack is filled with small items packed in separate bags. At the same time, you will save time when searching for necessary. If you suddenly did not have enough space, do not hang anything on the backpack from the outside - you will cling to every door handle and touch everyone around!
What to take
As a rule, the set of necessary things does not change with time. Experienced travelers advise once to create an electronic base list, in which you can then make changes, depending on where and how long you are going.
And when choosing clothes, remember that ideally all things should fit together, quickly dry and not crumple. I take with me on a summer trip the following: a light jacket, a sweater, 2-4 t-shirts or shirts, 2 pairs of trousers, a belt, a loose skirt, a neck scarf or scarf, gloves, headdress, raincoat or umbrella. At least three pairs of socks and three sets of underwear, a swimsuit. Of shoes: sandals, something comfortable for walking and a couple "on the way out." By the way, the list on which you checked, adding up things, it's better to carry with you: if there are many crossings, it is convenient to check on it.
Have a good travel!