About backpacks

What size backpack?

It doesn't make much difference whether you're travelling in summer or winter. You could choose a larger backpack for carrying bulkier winter clothing but the most important consideration is to choose a backpack this is right for your height, weight etc... If you carry your backpack comfortably, you'll have a great trip.

Travelling in summer

This generally means you can travel lighter. Try the pack on for size - empty backpacks all feel comfortable so ask the shop assistant to help you fill it with whatever is lying around the store, this gives you an idea of how comfortable the pack feels across your shoulders.

You will need to take your own sleeping sheet and light weight sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are a great investment and will always come in handy. Most tour companies hire sleeping bags (approximately $10 for the duration of the trip) and so to save some cash, bring your own.

In the summer months you may find a sleeping bag is too warm in parts of Australia, however it can still come in handy - sleep on top of it for extra comfort.

Travelling in winter

You will need a slightly larger pack for winter travel - winter clothes are larger and bulkier and you'll need extra socks and shoes. However, if you pack sensibly you should be able to layer your clothing for extra warmth and swap the layer around for variety. The golden rule...one jacket only!!!

Back-friendly backpack checklist

This backpack illustrates features that will help lessen the strain on your back. 

• Wear both shoulder straps
• Use the waist belt
• Use the side / chest straps
• The bottom should rest on the curve of your lower back and the top touch just below the big knob on your neck
• Snug shoulder straps so the pack fits close to the upper part of your back
• Load pack so the heaviest items are right next to your back

How to pack

Pack everything you need on arrival at your destination into a day pack which then fits snuggly inside your backpack... then pack the day pack last, making it super easy to get everything you need at once i.e.: clean change of socks and undies, toiletries and hand towel.

Packing techniques will depend on the type of pack. Hiking packs require the most thought because you have to layer everything first and then squeeze all of your other bits and pieces down the sides into any empty spaces.

Roll all of your clothes into snakes... Yes that's right, flatten them out, fold them in half and in half again and then roll. This technique eliminates creases and crushed clothing, saves room and makes it easier to get to all of your clothing... this method means you don't have to pull out your nicely folded items one by one just to find a clean t-shirt... the rolled clothing is compact and easy to move around in your pack without messing everything up.