Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Prices for a well-stitched, 65-litre rucksack can vary greatly. Remember, the most expens-
ive is not necessarily the best, get what is most suitable for your trip.
A side-opening backpack is easier than a top-opening one. You can get all sorts of attach-
ments but if you don't need it why pay for it? A good outdoor store should be able to advise
you on exactly what you need for your particular trip. Most of these stores have websites
with helpful hints and lists of 'essential' items.
You should be able to leave your rucksack in most hostels or guest houses, if you are stay-
ing for more than a day, or in a locker at the train station. Always take camera, passport,
important papers and money with you everywhere, zipped up, preferably out of view.
Footwear
It's worth investing in something comfortable if you're heading off on a long trip. In hot
countries, a good pair of sandals is the preferred footwear for many and it's worth paying
for a decent pair, as they will last longer and be comfortable. If you're going somewhere
cheap you could just pick up a pair out there but you're likely to be doing a lot more walk-
ing than usual, so comfort and durability are important.
Some people like chunky walking boots, others just their trainers, but it's best to get
something that won't fall apart when you're halfway up a mountain. Take more than one
pair of comfortable shoes in case they don't last, but don't take too many - they'll be an
unnecessary burden and take up precious space in your rucksack.
Sleeping bags
Go to a specialist shop where you can get good advice. Prices vary widely and you can
sometimes find a four-season bag cheaper than a one-season bag - it's mostly down to qual-
ity. You need to consider:
•
Can you carry it comfortably and still have the energy to do all you want to do?
•
Hot countries - do you need one? You may just want to take a sheet sleeping bag
(basically just a sewn-up sheet).
•
Colder countries: what will you be doing? Take into account weight and size and
the conditions you'll be travelling in - you might want to go for one of those com-
pression sacs that you can use to squash sleeping bags into. For cold countries, you
need heat-retaining materials. You can usually - but not always - rent down-filled
bags for treks in, say, Nepal.
