The Eternal Question: Should you buy a backpack or suitcase?

I have a confession: I hate suitcases for long trips. If youre traveling around the world, your luggage is going to get thrown about and piled high on buses in random countries. It will get used and abused and its simply hard to walk up hills and stairs with your suitcase bumping everywhere. Try carrying a suitcase up five flights of stairs in a tiny place in Italy! Its a pain! Suitcases are great for weekends away or if youll be staying in one place for a long time. I always use a carry on suitcase on my short trips. But, if you are moving around a lot and backpacking around the world, it is far better to have a proper backpack. They are simply more versatile, easier to carry up flights of stairs, pack into tight places, and overall, they just make life simpler. I dont need to pick them up when getting on the escalator. Or drag them up a flight of stairs or across cobblestone streets.

Internal frame The majority of backpacks today are internal-frame packs, meaning the support rods and frame are built into the backpack and hidden from view. However, there some are still external-frame backpacks, where the rods are separate from the actual pack and stick out (think of those backpacks you see in old hiking movies or movies about people backpacking Europe in the 1970s a big, clunky metal frame). Dont get one of those. Make sure you buy a backpack with an internal frame. It not only looks better but the rods wont get caught on anything and your bag will also be slimmer, making moving around easier. Additionally, internal-frame packs tend to be lighter as the frame is composed of a carbon fiber or tough plastic, which makes them easier on your back as well as more durable. Extra info : Shop online sports equipment with SportyOuta!

Hiking gear : The second layer, or insulation layer, is a versatile layer and can be used in your layering system over your base layer, or indeed as a standalone layer that you wear over your trekking shirt when temperatures start to drop. They also come in great use at night when it can get very cold out.

Our preferred second layers consist of synthetic mid-weight Polartec fleece materials. These are great for warmth and comfort, but also provide brilliant breathability. Polartec fleece jackets come in three main types: 100s, 200s and 300s. The 100s are super light but not warm enough, whereas the 300s provide great warmth but are a little heavy. We recommend going for a 200 Polartec fleece jacket.

Backpacking Essentials : All Food EXCEPT my food for the current day Food for the current day is packed in an easy to access side pocket so I dont have to unpack my bag to access it.

Bear Container Food Storage ( Optional ): Check the area youre hiking in to determine if youll need this item! Its a must have in bear country. I prefer the The Backpackers Cache which can hold approx. 8 days of food if youre crafty!
Stuff Sack for Food ( Optional ): You may need to hang food from a tree so a stuff sack is important. I use a mesh stuff sack that came with a sleeping bag for this. It also will hold the bear container when hanging it from a tree.

Hiking shoes : Backpacking boots: These are designed to carry heavier loads on multiday trips deep into the backcountry. Most have a high cut that wraps above the ankles for excellent support. Durable and supportive, with stiffer midsoles than lighter footwear, they are suitable for on- or off-trail travel. Materials impact a boots weight, breathability, durability and water resistance. Split-grain leather: Split-grain leather is usually paired with nylon or nylon mesh to create a lightweight boot that offers excellent breathability. Split-grain leather “splits away” the rougher inner part of the cowhide from the smooth exterior. The benefit is lower cost, however, the downside is less resistance to water and abrasion (though many feature waterproof liners).

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