Because sometimes you need to go where the luggage wheels won’t take you
Experiences brought me to a backpack for travel
I love Tumi luggage. It is one of those luxuries that feels so good- a great suitcase that you can wheel down the airport. When you travel to great spots and luxury who wears a backpack? Then I had a few experiences that radically changed my mind:
Getting off the plane in Cabo San Lucas when I had to walk down the jet onto the tarmac – my wife had to hold my son’s hand and I had to hand carry down two carry-on suitcases.
Then there was the time in London where we were carrying our suitcases down stairs to their subway (the tube).
Then there was China – visiting my in-laws who lived on the fifth floor – no elevator.
Then there was Rome – ever try to wheel a bag down the cobblestone streets of Rome?
Ever notice how many airports have carpets? Wheels don’t go well there.
The escalator didn’t work going to the customs area in Norway.
The ship doesn’t have escalators (if it does the ship is too large to travel on).
“Hey honey, the steps to our house look nice, but should we pave them all so that we can wheel the suitcases in easier?”
So I bought the Tortuga backpack. At first my wife (@producergirl) made fun of me, until she went to Canada and decided to take the backpack. I few weeks later I was joining them so I had to purchase another backpack. For variety I purchased the Osprey Farpoint 40. Both of us have our gear on our backs and we can hold hands with each other and our son (working on getting him a backpack). I like both backpacks – but I am going to try to convince my wife to take the Osprey and let me use the Tortuga.
After buying the backpacks I noticed backpacks weigh less than my “lightweight” carry on bags. The backpack is 4 pounds and my carry on luggage is 9 pounds. Plus the backpack costs a lot less (Tortuga has a sale on for their carry on for $199) and the Tumi carry on is over $600.
Pack light and travel far: It fits in my backpack or it stays home.
The hold the same but the backpack weighs less and costs less
I wear comfortable walking shoes – which can go to any restaurant, but this time @producergirl made me take a nice pair of shoes.
Underwear goes into the mesh of the bag. T-shirts are my fashion, sometimes I bring a couple of golf shirts. Walking shorts, and always a pair of pj’s because we always seem to travel with interesting folk and it is nice to get comfortable and make a good cup of coffee in the morning
A simple dopp bag – and the wife has hers (featured Pack: The Pack).
Pants, shorts, shirts, simple hardware all in a 40 Liter bag (can fit in any international overhead space)
Bluffworks pants, the best travel pants out there and these are great for hiking or going to Cafe Boulard for dinner. I usually wear a pair on the plane. Always bring jeans.
Bluffworks are the best travel pants. I’ve traveled with them in seven countries on two continents.
Two nice shirts – always eating at great places.
Always pack two simple shirts- learn to fold them properly
The hardware I travel with has become simplified. I don’t take an apple watch because I don’t want to recharge more than my iPad and iPhone.
The iPad replaced the laptop and uses the same cord as my phone. The international plug is a must.
Since I use the same charger for both I have a rapid charger or I use an international charger for foreign countries. The iPad pro has replaced my laptop. It weighs less than my laptop, and because it uses the same charging cord as my phone it saves even more space. My MacBook air cord is large and cumbersome so it now stays at home. I can use the iPad to watch movies, or to type my latest newsletter, post, or finish editing my next book.
Noise canceling earphones. I have plenty of over-the-ear headphones, but I found that I never liked to pack because of their bulk. so I use the in-ear noise cancelling headphones.
Passport – of course. Invest in the frequent traveler program from the US. It provides TSA precheck and makes it easier to return to the US instead of those long security lines.
Don’t forget the hardware. Most backpacks make it easy to take things. Of course I take the coffee maker – aeropress
Camera comes everywhere – I have the Sony A6300 and I bring an additional lens. I recommend a wide-angle for the buildings and landscapes. If I am going outback for bears I take a longer lens. Shown is the recharger with an extra battery.
I use reading glasses so always carry a spare pair or two. Yes, you can always buy a spare pair, but they are light. I also pack a pair of sunglasses – because even in winter in Alaska you need them.
Of course I take my Aeropress (click for the link to Pack: Traveling coffee makers). I will take coffee beans if they are allowed in the country I am going to- but it is really easy to purchase beans in most places. I have a hand grinder that fits into the aeropress bag (not shown).
An easy coffee maker that provides a French Press taste with simplicity
Yup- that is a stethoscope – I am a doctor (See my blog Travel MD: Airplane Illness)and since I have been asked 19 different times on planes to take care of someone, or am the only doctor in the Alaska bush it is something I feel comfortable with.
All of that goes neatly into my backpack. So I was quite happy with my Tortuga backpack, and when my wife and son left ahead of me she took it (after protesting that backpacks were not as good as the Tumi). Researching the various packs I purchased the Osprey Farpoint 40 Liter. Even on the small jets it fit in the overhead. When I arrived and had to walk down the jetway, and upstairs I was thankful I didn’t have to wheel my luggage. Here it is now packed with everything and ready to travel.
I usually wear an appropriate jacket for the local area, sometimes a hat, and the shoes I travel with are always comfortable walking shoes – sometimes Noat sandals.
Two weeks worth of packing – all in this.
