I AM ON STRIKE. I DEMAND THAT THE 10P RATE FOR WRITNG AND THE 2P RATE FOR READING BE REINSTATED. UN...
I AM ON STRIKE. I DEMAND THAT THE 10P RATE FOR WRITNG AND THE 2P RATE FOR READING BE REINSTATED. UNTIL THEN, I WRITE AND READ NO MORE.
Member since:11.07.2001
Reviews:35
Members who trust:14
How many of us have packed our dinosaur suitcases (the one that Aunty Molly left when she visited three years ago, the one that has no wheelies, that is usually bright orange and weighs an absolute ton when you’re done packing?) and triumphantly sat on the lid, happy in the knowledge that you have EVERYTHING (perhaps the kitchen sink too) you are possibly going to need in a foreign country? Come on, everyone who travelled for the first time is guilty of this, and I see all of you hiding shamed faces behind your monitors…
Now then, how many of you have seen the intrepid foreign travellers to the UK humping backpacks on their shoulders? You have probably thought: wow, it looks heavy, and you would be right, but there is my point. These people WALK all over town, with their houses on their backs, much like snails, and quite simply, don’t feel too much pain.
Even if you are simply going over to the Balearic Islands for two weeks, bear the humble backpack in mind. And I am sure my ensuing argument why will convince you.
I have done my fair share of travelling, and I can tell you from experience that a backpack is literally your best friend. Firstly, the handy straps for your back allow you to carry the whole weight of your baggage on your back, which is a solid foundation for supporting weight. If you have ever had to cart a handheld suitcase to the tube, down the stairs, onto the train, off the train, to the check in-lounge,
(where you are so thankful to see the back of it – let someone else figure out how to get the bugger on the plane, and possibly rupture something doing so.) you will know what I mean. And, your problems are far from over: when you get to the other side, you can’t find a trolley, you are lost in the unfamiliar airport, you usually have to walk miles to the immigration desk, you are trying to not lose your kids and your spouse/other half, trying to steer them all to the correct place…then find a taxi, get to the hotel (where there are NOT always porters) and most times your room is up a couple of flights of stairs. By the time you sit down, you are finished. You can’t feel your arms, and believe me, you will feel them tomorrow, with vengeance! Let’s not forget the fact that you can do yourself countless muscular and osteopathic injuries with even the smallest suitcase.
That part is literal joy with a backpack, and there are a few guidelines to ‘humping packs’ that will stop you from injuring yourself that way too. Your back is a very important part of your body, which houses your spine. You do not want to play with it. So, follow this simple guideline:
If your pack is that heavy that lifting it by hand is a bit of a strain, do not try to sling it on your back unaided. If you do not have a pack buddy to help you, lift it onto a high surface, like a table, and back yourself into the straps. Get yourself comfortable, the straps adjusted for the weight, and then gently ease away from the table. The pack should shift into the correct position, without you hurting yourself. So easily done. Remember too, that the heavier the pack, the more slack you will need on the straps, to stop yourself from shoulder strain.
If you are one of those travellers who always pack for Britain, even if you try not to, but you simply cannot leave behind that frilly pink number for the Italian Stallion that wants to take you out to dinner, backpacks are ideal. From the outside, they may not look like you can fit more in it that perhaps an overnight change of clothes, but don’t be fooled. A 15 cubic litre backpack can take a weeks change of clothing (including three pairs of jeans and a jumper), up to three pairs of shoes depending on their size, underwear, a baggie for toiletries and whatever else you desire. Unfortunately, the cat won’t enjoy it in there, so leave him at home… There are also loads of little external pockets brilliant for stowing away must-get-at-now items like passport and papers.
There is also a method for packing that is easily learnt, and that will also save your clothes from getting so creased that you look like you were dragged through a bush backwards: simply lay the item out on your bed, fold in all extraneous bits like sleeves and collars, then fold the item in half lengthways, and then roll it up tightly, like a sausage. When you get to the other side, simply unroll the garment, and you will see minimal creasing, and it will be ready to wear without re-ironing. If you don’t believe me, try it. This works wonderfully for suits (Suits on holiday? No, I include regular business travellers here as well.) Also, the sausage method is perfect for the actual packing. There is minimal waste of precious space, and you are able to get to anything at almost a glance into the pack. Another handy tip: put all shampoo, lotions etc in zip-seal bags, to prevent leakage onto your clothes. You may think they are perfectly safe in their bottles, but the amount of manhandling they receive at the hands of baggage-loaders is unreal. Don’t pack breakable or valuable items in your pack though: keep your camera in your hand luggage.
Have you ever tried to lay your head on a suitcase and get some shuteye during delays? A backpack is an ideal soft spot to lay your head, and also to lean against and snooze. (Ask me, and I will tell you a memorable story about a six-hour stopover in Athens airport.) Added to the advantages, all packs come with dual zips, so you can ‘lock’ the pack with small padlocks for added security.
If you don’t want to keep taking the pack off to get to various much-needed items like money and tickets, take a small sling bag in which to put these things. It can also double as your hand luggage on the aeroplane or train. This way your hands are free for anything you may want to do: munch a bag of crisps on the way to your destination, or even hold an umbrella if the heavens open! Also, if you have to carry all the kid’s stuff as well as your own, buy the children their own small packs. They come suited for ages 8 upwards, and are just perfect for little clothes and shoes.
When buying backpacks, don’t simply opt for something new. They can be expensive, especially the state of the art ones. Prices vary, but for a new pack, you are looking at around £150 - £300, and second-hand should only set you back around £50 - £80. Look in the Loot for second-hand ones, which are usually in great condition, and have thus far, been tested for durability and reliability. There is no need to buy one with a steel frame. You are not going up Mount Everest.
Always opt for a front opening pack as opposed to a top opening pack…this makes it a lot easier to find what you are looking for without unpacking the whole thing.
Also, don’t pack your backpack to bursting point: a rare but very annoying burst zip can render your pack entirely useless, but nevertheless, a pack can withstand a lot of internal pressure as that is what they are designed for. Happily, burst zips and broken straps are all easily mended by your local drycleaners!
Backpacks store well: usually easily rolled up, and tied with a bit of string, they will take up minimal space in your storage cupboard.
They are also weatherproof, so a bit of rain on your pack is no biggie.
While backpacks are not necessarily elegant, and they do you out of your ‘matching luggage’ for impression purposes, you will find that they are an all-round winner. I can highly recommend them for ages 8 to 65, men and women. Respect your backpack, and it will be your long and faithful travelling companion.
Good review, Its nice to know someone has a sense of humor.
patriaconlon 02.08.2001 19:41
A well written, humorous and informative opinion. Thanx very much!
Cazz 01.08.2001 01:31
Hear hear, I would not be without mine - you'll find it still comes in handy when the baby arrives... I cannot think of any practical way to manage a suitcase and a buggy! Cazz xx
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Advantages: Lightweight and nice color Disadvantages: Frame bends too easy during travel making it impossible to pull out the handle to use to pull it.
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