Backpack struggles #1

Before you can start a trip you need to find a backpack. If you're as picky as me that takes a lot of research and overthinking. I've watched too many YouTube videos, blogs, websites, etc. and everybody told something different. In this post I'm going to write about the backpack I chose and the things you should keep in mind when you're going to buy one.

My backpack
After all my research and trying different backpacks in the store, I bought the Lowe Alpine Manaslu ND 55:65. The backpack is specific for women, they also have a regular version, but this one fitted better to me.

Some pros:

• frond and top entry to load your stuff
• adjustable back-length and padded back, shoulder straps and hipbelts
• ventilated mesh back (ideal for warm climates)
• extra pockets on top, front, sides and hipbelts

Some cons:

• quite heavy while it's empty (2,2 kg)
• it is not the cheapest backpack
• for the trip I am currently on it is actually too big (beginner 'mistake'?), since I always have free space

Buying a backpack

Size
The first thing you need to do is think of the size of the backpack. How big your backpack is depends, of course, on the stuff you want to bring with you (i.e. if you're going to Siberia or take a whole tent with you, you'll need a bigger backpack than when you just go to a warm country and sleep in hostels). Also keep in mind that your own height matters, compared to the size of the backpack.

• 25L: ideal as a daypack and when you're doing hikes for a few days
• 35L: if you bring only the essentials with you and go to a warm climate
• 45L: if you go to a warm climate and want to pack comfortable, probably just small enough for carry-on luggage (do check the weight limitations, sometimes airlines allow only 7/10kg carry-on luggage)
• 55L: in between, slightly too big for a warm climate (unless you want, or have, to take a lot of stuff with you), good for colder climates but probably just too small to take your camping gear with you
• 65L: when you're planning to go countries with a cold climate and/or if you take camping gear with you

Fitting
You'll find a lot of people who recommend a backpack and say that it fits perfectly. On the same review list you'll find people who say exact the opposite thing. Most important is to try different backpacks yourself, because nobody is the same. So go to a store or order a few online if there isn't a store close by or you don't find the time to go there. Make sure you try it with 10-15kg inside so you can see how it feels on your back.
I went to the store with 3 backpacks in my head which I really liked. Once I was in the store and fitted them, they weren't comfortable. I tried a few more until I found one which was comfortable and completed the rest of my 'list'.

Price-quality
You can find backpacks for as little as €40,-/$50,- and up to €245,-/$300,-. Keep in mind that, during your travels, you'll live out of your backpack. So you might want to spend a little bit of extra money on it, but spending a lot more than €200,- may be a bit too much. In busses and on planes they are not going to treat your backpack as a royal. And again, try different backpacks within your price range, the most expensive one doesn't have to be the best one.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to ask if you want more specific info or comment if you have other experiences.

Bernice