Luggage & Packing
Overview
There is a vast range of luggage available today. In the old days, long-term travellers opted for
backpacks. But luggage design has come a long way.
There are four main choices to consider:
1. Backpack, travel pack or suitcase
2. Wheeled suitcase or no wheels
3. Hard-shell suitcase or soft-shell suitcase
4. Carry on or check-in on
We try to travel as lightly as possible. But because we change modes of transport frequently, we have to have several types of luggage to suit backpacking, bicycle touring, short trips and overlanding.
Some of our gear is multi-purpose. For example our waterproof rack packs we use on the bicycles, are the perfect size for trips where we only want carry on, or we’re likely to have bad weather or lots of water around.
Section 1 – Provides agrowing selection of resources relevant to luggage and packing, including..
Section 2 – Links to our other posts and pages relevant to luggage and packing.
There are always new companies and products appearing with new and innovative luggage solutions.
We try to keep up, but please tell us if you know of products, and companies you think are superior to those mentioned. We’re always excited to learn about and test new things.
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Section 1 – Luggage & Packing Resources
Oops. Still working on it.
We don’t own a suitcase. So were are surveying friends, family, and travel buddies to see what they suggest.
If you have a favorite brand or style of the suitcase, let us know in the comments and we’ll check it out.
When Tim and I left Australia in 1996, we had a brand new pack each. Twenty-seven-plus years later and a massive amount of use in all sorts of conditions, Tim still has his Macpac. It’s been on the roof of chicken buses and trucks, hauled through the Himalayas, soaked with Asian monsoonal rain, and covered in African dust and mud. It’s a little bit faded, but other than that, it’s in perfect condition.
I swapped my Caribee out in 2019. It was still absolutely functional, but at one point, it got stranded in Washington State and was too expensive to mail because of its dimensions. I almost cried. We’d been together through so much it was almost a part of my persona. I’d even lent it to my niece and one of our foreign students to start their traveling adventures. I hope whoever got it from the op shop treats it well.
The point of that long-winded story is if you spend a little more on buying a quality backpack, it will last for decades.
Strictly speaking, our packs were travel packs, not backpacks.
Take a look at this blog so you know the difference. Backpacks vs Travelpacks
I now have a backpack, and I’m nowhere near as happy with the setup as my old Caribbee, despite the plethora of pockets to allegedly keep me organized.
If you have a favorite brand or style of backpack, let us know in the comments, and we’ll check it out.
Daypacks
Different types of Day packs
Why do you need a daypack?
What features should you look for in a day pack?
Who makes the best daypacks?
What else would you like to know? Leave your question in the comments field below.
I use them, but Tim doesn’t, mainly because he is mostly neat and organized, whereas I need the maximum amount of help to keep my things in order.
What are packing cubes?
What types of packing cubes are available?
What are the best brands of packing cubes?
What else do you want to know? Leave your suggestion in the comments section below?
Commuter bike vs. Touring bike
- Tough and durable
- Waterproof
- Panniers
- Rack pack
- Handlebar Bag
- Bikepacking accessories
- Daypack with water bladder
Section 2 – Posts & Pages About Luggage
This section is still in progress. I plan to write quite a bit about this topic. What would you like to know? Leave your suggestions in the comments.
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- The Pros and Cons of Carry-On & Checked Luggage: Which One is Right for You? – Enjoy input from well-known travel bloggers, plus our take on the topic.
- Coming Soon:
- Packing list for bicycle touring
- What to pack for long-term travel
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