Backpack for luggage

lotus blossom

Hello!

the three times that i've been to india i've lugged around far too much luggage. it's on wheels, but still, two bags seem like lot. i travel with my camera and laptop, which are essentials. and then of course, the accessories that go with them.

i'd love to figure out how to travel lighter and am wondering about people's experience with a large backpack. i am slight and am concerned about carrying weight on my back, but i've heard that a good fitting pack with a waist belt works even for us small folk.

can anyone comment?

__________________
Not all who wander are lost

katyrafi

Lotus Blossom

I'm short and slight and have lugged a 50kg rucksack up mountains in relative comfort - the key is to get a good quality rucksack (say Mountain Equipment or Pod - mine which is excellent) and one designed for women

Hope this helps

__________________
Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly

lotus blossom

thanks for your advice. i'll check that out!

camelgirl

I've always used a backpack to India (I'm 5'4") but after the last trip I am switching to wheeled luggage. I don't go mountain trekking and don't want to carry stuff on my back anymore. If you want to try something that has wheels but can in a pinch be put on your back, there are a few companies, like Eagle Creek which make this type in a few sizes.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/20133.html

The big problem is how much space all the equipment now takes up. I've been using my carry-on daypack to put all the camera equipment in & wheeled bag for everything else. Took my laptop on one trip and won't take it again. Too many hassles, too much to worry about and really hampers your mobility and peace of mind. There's internet available all over India now. -- as you already know, I'm sure, since you've already been there. I'm willing to deal with whatever annoyances there are not having my own laptop.

Good luck!

lotus blossom

hi camelgirl,

i like the idea of having something that i can both wheel and when necessary, carry, so thanks for the link.

i write profusely when in india, so my laptop is one of the items that is most important.

i think i'll take less clothing this time, even though i did not take all that much last time. i took two quarts of hair conditioner for my three month stint because i've yet to find natural and good conditioner in india.

still trying to figure it out, but know that i want to travel lighter.

thanks!

Darmabum

Lotus Blossom - I pack like a Victorian traveler too . . . not only cameras (still and video) but books too, research materials mostly (I'm also writing) . . . I use a high quality 80 L pack - mine is made by Arcteryx (pricey, but oh so worth it), great suspension system!, and it's a side-loading pack too . . . the top of it detaches and can be used as a day pack. I also carry a large duffle bag. As I've traveled in India more and more I tend to move less; in fact last time I stayed exclusively in Varanasi for six months, so mobility isn't the issue for me that it is for those moving more. Good information posted to you so far . . . good luck packing next time. Namaste. Scott

lotus blossom

hi scott!

i too stayed put quite a bit when i traveled last time but that may not be the case the next trip. and i try and make it a home away from home so need certain things. i did not take my rather large beloved journal last time, instead opting for a smaller one, but found i did a lot of my writing on my laptop anyway. but i just bought some derwent watercolor pencils that i want to pack with me, so need some good paper too. looks like i may be taking more than i thought...thanks for your input. it's helpful!

traceyam

Have you tried condensing your pack? Check out OneBag and Travelite.

Also, as far as backpacks and weight, Google for websites about "ultralight" backpacking. I did this for my A.T. thruhike and it forever changed the way I pack and travel! Ultralighters are a very clever and inventive bunch, a lot to learn from there. I spent six months climbing mountains for 8 hours a day wearing a 20 ounce Golite Gust backpack with everything I needed in it, cost about US$100 and full weighed about 30 pounds, including food, shelter, and water.

__________________
"Don't you sometimes wish the arctic was strawberry flavoured?" -- Thermoman

Darmabum

Lotus Blossom . . . I forgot, I took a full-on set of watercolors with me too. Found a nice travel set made by Windsor and Newton - just a little larger than a cell phone, has a palette/about eight colors, small brush (I upgraded), and a small water flask. I then bought more colors . . . I lived in Varanasi, specialized in sunrises . . . went through my reds/oranges and yellows very quickly. I took Aquarelle paper. Very nice paper.

You can find the watercolor set at Art Resources in dowtown Portland. I lived on a 29 foot sailboat under the Sellwood Bridge for ten years.

Have a great trip.
Scott

lotus blossom

thanks for the links tracy. i checked out the traveling light one's briefly and they look informative. i will listen and learn!

thanks to you too scott. more to check out. under a bridge in pdx. wow!

amarama

My preference, with a backpack, eagle creek made one with a large zipper, which gave me instant access to everything very qiuckly. It seems other backpacks you need to unload alot before you can get what you want. I never know where anything is, and after unpacking half my pack, even remember what i was lokking for. go for the big zipper

Sama

OT, but as for hair conditioner....

lotus blossum, have you tried Himalya Herbals products? I absolutely LOVE their Protein Shampoo for dry hair which has chickpea and sesame. I don't even need conditioner when I use it, but when I was Chennai the store gave me a little packet of the protein conditioner and I loved that, too.

__________________
My India, 2005-2008
BE THE REVOLUTION

lotus blossom

i've used that shampoo for dry hair, and i agree, it is very nice. i've also used the protein conditioner, but my hair is so very dry (i'm a vata girl) that it did not work too well. maybe i'll try it a few more times (i still have some left) before heading back to india. it would be great not to have to worry about that. i use all of the other himalaya products and love them!

Shaktipalooza

Alright, here's my suggestion/solution. If you're packing heavy but not moving everyday I'd suggest a conventional backpack and wheeled luggage combo.

something like one of these:
Women's Travel Pack
Conventional Travel Pack A
Wheeled Pack A
Wheeled Pack B

with a wheeled duffel like one of these:
$59 wheeled duffel
Nicer duffel
tres chic duffel


Point of the duffle is it's narrow and much easier to get around on the trains & buses.

I'm sure you haven't enjoyed maneuvering through a train with two big suitcases while 10,000 of your closest friends are doing the same. Split the load between your back and the wheeled duffle.

__________________
IndiaGroove - Train finder now in beta!
Pics from India 2006
Traditional Indian Dance

lotus blossom

man, i love all of you guys for being so helpful. i'd pack you all up and take you with me, but alas, i'm trying to travel lite!

Thanks for yet more suggestions Shaktipalooza. looks like i have some homework to do.