The Eternal Question: Should you buy a backpack or suitcase?

I have a confession: I hate suitcases for long trips. If you’re traveling around the world, your luggage is going to get thrown about and piled high on buses in random countries. It will get used and abused and it’s simply hard to walk up hills and stairs with your suitcase bumping everywhere. Try carrying a suitcase up five flights of stairs in a tiny place in Italy! It’s a pain! Suitcases are great for weekends away or if you’ll be staying in one place for a long time. I always use a carry on suitcase on my short trips. But, if you are moving around a lot and backpacking around the world, it is far better to have a proper backpack. They are simply more versatile, easier to carry up flights of stairs, pack into tight places, and overall, they just make life simpler. I don’t need to pick them up when getting on the escalator. Or drag them up a flight of stairs or across cobblestone streets.

Lockable zippers – Make sure each compartment has two zippers so you can lock them together. While am not really worried about people breaking into my bag and stealing my dirty clothes in a hostel, I like locking up my bag when I am traveling. I’m always paranoid that someone is going to put something in my bag or that a grabby baggage handler in an airport is going to take my stuff.

When purchasing locks, make sure the package says they are TSA-friendly locks – these locks have a special release valve that allows the TSA to open the lock without breaking it so they can check your bag. You can purchase TSA locks at any large retail store, such as Target or Walmart. Extra info : Buy sports equipment on SportyOuta!

Hiking gear : Layering
Regardless of seasonal variations, climatic conditions often change rapidly between day and night, low altitude and high altitude. The ability to layer up and down as the sun rises and falls, or as you ascend over high passes or across shadowed valleys is key. Below we look at how you build up your clothing layers, starting at the inner most layer, underwear!

Backpacking Essentials : Backpacking Tent: After taking the tent out of it’s storage bag I stuff it into the bottom compartment as small as possible in a small waterproof stuff sack.

I don’t pack the poles or tent stakes in this compartment. They are covered below.

For nearly all weather, except 3+ inches of snow or extreme wind I use the REI Quarter Dome 1 Man Tent.

The 1 man tent fits me well at 6’2? while propping my feet up on my backpack at night. Get used to it!

The weight savings for this 2-pound tent is well worth it!

For winter and extreme wind I use the North Face Assault 2 which is heavier at approx. 3.5 lbs but a must have in some conditions!

Hiking shoes : These range from mid- to high-cut models and are intended for day hikes or short backpacking trips with light loads. They often flex easily and require little break-in time, but they lack the support and durability of stout backpacking boots. Materials impact a boot’s weight, breathability, durability and water resistance. Split-grain leather: Split-grain leather is usually paired with nylon or nylon mesh to create a lightweight boot that offers excellent breathability. Split-grain leather “splits away” the rougher inner part of the cowhide from the smooth exterior. The benefit is lower cost, however, the downside is less resistance to water and abrasion (though many feature waterproof liners).

https://sportyouta.com/ is a sports, outdoors and trekking equipment online store.