When you really think about it, going away for 3 months really does not mean you need to carry any more than if you were going away for one month. Think about the last time you went on holiday. If you are anything like me you probably returned home having worn only half the clothes and shoes you took away with you! The other half of stuff you took "just in case".
Having too heavy a backpack can restrict your freedom and sightseeing if you have to carry your pack with you. It is of course a lot more tiring which means that the trip will be less enjoyable. Being tired will make you more susceptible to injuries such as sprained ankles and blisters and back and knee problems.
Travelling with a lighter backpack makes a trip much more enjoyable and you will not start to dread putting on your backpack and trudging down the road on blistered feet.
However, whatever size backpack you choose there are still some design issues to consider to ensure that you get the best fit for the shape of your body. What may seem to be comfortable in the shop may feel like a dead weight at the end of a long day.
Some pointers are:
- To ensure that the weight of the backpack is above the waist and as close to the back as possible as this will help to take the strain off the back, neck and shoulders.
- That the shoulder straps are curved to fit with the contour of your body; they should also be padded for added comfort and to prevent any edges cutting into your shoulders and avoids pressure on nerves around your arms.
- There is a strap which fastens round the waist will keep the backpack in position and snug against your back and relieves stress on your spine.
- There is a pad along the lower edge of the backpack which will again add to comfort by softening the contact of any hard items in the backpack.
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