Unless you’re trekking in Nepal or Patagonia or traversing glaciers in Antarctica, wearing “adventure clothing” is mostly unnecessary. Sure, limited suitcase or backpack space may be prohibitive and multipurpose items like the aforementioned zip-off cargo pants may seem very practical. But if you were wandering the streets of your own city for the day, would you whip out the cargos and hiking boots? Think about that. If you’re in a city, dress for the city. If you’re at the beach, dress for the beach. Polar fleece isn’t an all occasion fabric. Nor are board shorts an all-occasion pant.
There’s actually a science to knowing what the best travel backpack is – and how to pick it! When I first started traveling, I spent weeks picking out my first travel backpack. I tried on dozens, did hours of online research, and packed many to get a feel for what they would be like. It was a time-consuming process. That research paid off though as my first backpack lasted me 8 years. In fact, the only reason I bought a new backpack was because an airline lost that bag. Otherwise, that backpack would still be around today.
Lockable zippers – Make sure each compartment has two zippers so you can lock them together. While am not really worried about people breaking into my bag and stealing my dirty clothes in a hostel, I like locking up my bag when I am traveling. I’m always paranoid that someone is going to put something in my bag or that a grabby baggage handler in an airport is going to take my stuff. When purchasing locks, make sure the package says they are TSA-friendly locks – these locks have a special release valve that allows the TSA to open the lock without breaking it so they can check your bag. You can purchase TSA locks at any large retail store, such as Target or Walmart.
Hiking gear : Waterproofing: Despite downs dominance in terms of weight and warmth, it does have a major flaw – it is much more susceptible to moisture. When down jackets get wet they lose their loft and insulation capacities. This is not to say that a light downpour or even all day snow is going to destroy the insulating qualities of your down jacket, but in similar conditions or very wet conditions, a synthetic jacket will perform better. The key thing to look for, therefore, is a jacket (down or synthetic) that has an outer fabric that has a high water-resistant capacity. Pertex Shield fabric is the best for down jackets and nylon is great on synthetic jackets. If you are looking to trek in a region susceptible to rain we suggest a high water-resistant synthetic jacket.
Backpacking Essentials : Don’t Buy All Your Backpacking Equipment at Once Start out with a few basics and take a 1-night backpacking trip, during a warm time of year, with no rain in the forecast, to a location you already know. On your first trip take note of items that you may or may not need in your pack. After returning home you can reduce or buy more backpacking gear if / as required. It will take some time to find out what you actually need or what fits you the best. Hiking shoes : Low-cut models with flexible midsoles are excellent for day hiking. Some ultralight backpackers may even choose trail-running shoes for long-distance journeys. Materials impact a boot’s weight, breathability, durability and water resistance. Nubuck leather: Nubuck leather is full-grain leather that has been buffed to resemble suede. It is very durable and resists water and abrasion. It’s also fairly flexible, yet it too requires ample time to break in before an extended hike.
Forget anything strappy or full of buckles. Like I said before, simplicity is key. By avoiding anything superfluous like strappy sandals and triple-buckle boots, you can cut down on the time you spend preparing for security and up your in-flight comfort factor too!
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