Backpack Selection
I've spent hours mulling over the practical differences between taking a high quality "Western" style backpack and taking a cheap duffle bag that would be exchanged for a "local" style bag once in Pakistan.Today, I ended the internal debate by ordering the Victorinox "Bolt" pack from REI. It's quite a small pack at 1,575 cubic inches, being smaller than some school bags I've had, but I think it'll juuuust fit everything I need. It's simple, clean, and black. It also has a single external compression strap if I need to attach another set of clothes, or a jacket, to the outside.
My primary criteria here were: small, tight (to the body, etc, to be able to move quickly with), and not so garishly colored or littered with straps and buckles that it would attract undue attention. The last criterion was the most difficult to find as most backpacks have gobs of "features" that mean extra pockets, meshes, compression straps, connecting straps, adjustment straps, external pockets, folding lids, rain "cinch" closures, reflective strips of fabric, etc. Compound that with whatever sort of fascination with "extreme sports" or being spotted from the air that leads manufacturers to make backpacks in neon colors and you end up walking around looking more like an oversized toucan than a traveler.
Anyway, I think this Victorinox pack should do nicely, but if it doesn't, I'll probably just return it and buy a $10 duffle bag in Chinatown. REI has a lovely "100% satisfaction guaranteed return" policy and will take the pack back without questions if I don't like it.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home