Hey everyone! In 2 months, I’m going on a 5-week backpacking trip to SEA. This will be my longest backpacking trip so far. Since I don’t have a decent backpack, I’m planning to buy one which I can also use far into the future. Now this is where I’m very confused. I’ve seen that most of the times, airlines won’t allow backpacks above 40-45L as carry-on but I think I will need more than that, meaning it will have to be a check-in bag.

I quite liked the Osprey Farpoint 70L (since it has a detachable daypack), Salkan The Backpacker (which also has detachable daypack and weatherproof design) and the Peak design Duffelpack 65L (quite cool hybrid backpack). If I’m going for the Peak design then I will need a separate daypack as well.

Now, to all the experienced backpackers out there, please help me choose one of the backpack (or is it better to have a backpack below 45L and a larger daypack?) and share your wisdom with backpacking. For your info, I will be traveling to 3 countries and have 2 domestic flights.

Thank you!

Hi Everyone, my boyfriend and i are going to australia in less than 3 weeks (poor notice for information on our side…), but we’ve been talking about getting a van to do our travels around australia to save costs on hostels. We educated ourselves on Rego, pink slip, green slip, rwc etc…but what I cant get my head around is whether or not I need to re-register the van in each new state we visit.

I have seen many WA plated cars/vans for sale in QLD (i know you shouldn’t sell cars registered to a different state you are selling in), so to my basic understanding I don’t believe we do, unless we are planning on staying in the same state for an extended period of time? The more I try to understand the process the more confused I am becoming, so any clarity would be amazing!

Hi! I'm planning on hiking through Swiss and Austrian alps and therefore I gotta equip myself with reasonable equipment. However, I have no idea what brands to look for, what should I be careful about, etc. For now, I'm only looking for a backpack and sleeping bag - preferably one that fits into the bag. The bag should be about 35-40l (I have found this one which I kinda like but again, have no idea what to look for: Grossamer Gear Kumo 36). The search for the sleeping bag on the other hand is much more complicated. I usually get allergies when sleeping under feather blankets/duvets, so I suspect that geese feather might not be the best option. The bag also has to fit inside the bag so I'm looking for something that doesn't take too much space. Lastly, as a student I'm on some budget - I would like to spend max 400EUR combined on this. I'm a male, 185cm tall. Could anybody experienced please suggest gear that would fir my requirements? Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you so much!

What backpacking trails, that are at least 100 miles, look they are from Lord of the Rings? Preferably in the USA, but it doesn’t really matter. The John Muir Trail looks really cool too.

Any recommendations for good everyday hiking shoes I can go into the wilderness but also be comfortable in a city environment? With gortex🙏

I used to use the adidas terrex free hiker for two years until it worn out. I loved it! Any thing similar? Better?

Hi! I'm going on a solo backpacking trip to Scotland to do the Skye trail, and then a week to Norway to go over there. I have created a gear list of my base weight, which I think includes all my essentials and a couple of luxuries like my camera and pillow. Base weight comes down to 23 lbs. I am a little concerned because I know 7 days of food may be pretty heavy, and I only have 7ish lbs before I hit the 20% rule (I am 5'5', 150 lbs). I was wondering what people thought about the kit! If you see anything I may be missing or should add/omit, and suggestions on lowering my base weight please let me know! different gear suggestions and tips/tricks would be appreciated.

PS: By no means am I an ultralight backpacker, but this is my first multi-day and I know weight is important for these kinds of things.

https://preview.redd.it/ry1chnrk08xd1.png?width=1766&format=png&auto=webp&s=a9f150050a633444f870f94d9dedaeebd83401a1

Hi all! Bit of a fledgling backpacker here looking for trails or good grounds to explore near jacksonville NC. Looking for something moderately difficult and camping overnight, I’m very physically active and outdoors quite often so I’m looking to trial myself. Anyone have any experience with this territory? Any recommendations? Anywhere you recommend driving to for something like this?

Hi, this winter (northern hemisphere) me and several of my friends are going backpacking to Tunisia, Egypt, Nepal and India (New Delhi). I am planning on a taking a ~45 liter backpack with me. Not sure what my friends will be taking but most likely something like that if not something bigger. I’m more concerned about the weather than anything else. I have no idea what the climate will be in North Africa and then to transition to South Asia, if anyone has advice abt that I would love to hear. And if anyone has advice period or recommendations or whatever please let me know. I’m interested in hearing what you have to say. Thanks!

Hey y'all, I'm deciding where i want to go for my solo trip at the end of the year. Torn between Hong Kong/Taiwan and singapore/malaysia/cambodia. part of me really wants to finish off south east asia (been to laos, thailand vietnam already), i love the vibe of it there and im definitely looking to party a bit and let off some steam/meet lots of other travellers. however, taiwan/hongkong also look great - although i know its not super warm at that time of year. anyone got any thoughts of what I should do?

Hi guys, I’m looking to backpack across South America for 6-12 months and am looking for that 1 carryon bag that I can bring with me to the plane and across each country.

At the moment, I’ve looked at these ones:

• Allpa 35L Travel Pack
• Patagonia Black hole 40L
• Osprey Farpoint 40L
• Patagonia MLC 45L

I need some recommendations if anyone has any suggestions or if you have experience backpacking with any of these, I would love your intake.

Also if possible, the preferable recommendation is if the bag has a shoulder strap option.

Thank you so much!

I quit my job and took this year off to travel. I'm more drown towards India, Guatemala, Thailand.. However I find myself lacking motivation and drive yo even plan these trips and I feel afraid. Maybe because I'm going by myself or because I've never left Europe for backpacking but I'm lacking direction and excitement which makes me sad. I'm interested in Ashrams, yoga, meditation, ecstatic dace and communities but at the same time everything seems dull and lime there's no point in going so far to find these things. What's wrong with me?? Please help

As a solo traveler, I like to have myself immersed into culture, foods and local transportations.

Now I'm planning to go central America. How would you rank countries from aspects like destinations, vibes, safety and hygiene?

I’ve got non refundable accommodation for the night on the above date. Does anyone out there want to make use of it, free of charge.

Hi all! Me and some friends want to make a trip to Norway. We would like to do some hiking, camping and canoeing. Does anyone have some tips on which area we should go.

We are fond of those beautiful lakes and mountains.

All tips are welcome. 😃

Lake Karakul China or more time in Kyrgyzstan?

Hi I am looking for some advice from people who have traveled through or live in central Asia.

My husband and I are visiting central Asia in March. Our current itinerary is:

-Kashgar 4 nights

-Kashgar to Sary-Tash or Osh 1 night

-Kochkor and/or Bokonbayevo (Lake Issykul) 2 nights (Including 1 in a yurt)

-Bishkek 2 nights

-Almaty 3 nights

Flight from Almaty to Dushanb

-Dushanbe 2 nights

-Samarkand 3 nights

-Bukhara 3 nights

-Tashkent 2 nights

Our objectives are to eat good local food, see nature, architecture and culture.

On the objective of nature, we are considering taking a day trip to Karakul Lake(Xinjiang) in China at a cost of USD225 for two people. From a Chinese perspective it is beautiful, but we are unsure if it would add much given we will be travelling the Irkesham pass, through Kyrgyzstan by road and will travel by road from Dushanbe to Panjakent.

We are from New Zealand, so we have seen plenty of mountains, but going to such a high altitude is new for us.

If we skip Karakul Lake, we can leave China two days earlier (as we understand that busses only go from Kashgar to Kyrgyzstan on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) to give us more time in Kyrgyzstan or Almaty. We would appreciate any feedback and what we could do with the additional time in other places.

Any advice about travelling from Kashgar to Kyrgyzstan and within Kyrgyzstan is also welcome, thanks!

Edit: referring to the Karakul lake in Xinjiang, China (not the one in Tajikistan or the city in Kyrgyzstan)

Hi

Would like to do something along the lines of this. Blue points are places that i have spotted for now.

I need to work (remote / zoom calls) a couple of places here and there. any ideas on where these could be.

Planning on arriving in Hanoi around december 15. is 5 weeks realistic for this?

Im aware of the 4000 islands and angkor watt. they are already on the list.

Open for suggestions loving being off the path and doing adventure things. love to relax as well and hike . etc

https://preview.redd.it/rpc6scda01xd1.png?width=1042&format=png&auto=webp&s=14629f22670f0d6007e01e747315f9b1de4c516e

I am currently in Puerto Escondido and plan to go to San Cristobal de las Casas on the 2nd of November. Unfortunately, I’ve heard that the area experiences floods and it might not be safe to go. Can somebody give me information about the current situation in SCdlC, if it is save/worthy to go? If not, I would take an ADO bus straight to Palenque. Though, the route will also pass SCdlC, so my next question is if the busses can pass through the streets at the moment?

The last update from the government was 5 days ago so I would appreciate if somebody from the area can give me an update!

Hello! I am planning on trekking through Kungsleden early next august and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on pairs of shoes/boots that are appropriate for this terrain and could make the trip more enjoyable. From what I've read, I am leaning away from heavier leather boots that will get water logged, but also not going for a trail runner with zero water resistance, but somewhere in between the two.

I'm also curious what are some things to look for besides material choices? Like the treads of the shoe, the type of lacing system, how tall the heel is, the durability and the overall comfort of the boot are things I would love to get some insight on.

I have a few ideas in mind that I've linked below but any input would be greatly appreciated!!

Salomon quest 4

Arcteryx Acrux tr gtx

Hoka Kaha 2

I’m an occasional hiker but I mostly am just a college student in a major city without a car haha

Puffer jackets are my all time favorite and I have one in particular that I KNOW needs to be properly washed. It was gifted to me years ago and it itself is already a very old model of the jacket.

I know the trick in the dryer on no heat with dryer balls to puff it up, this works with most of my down jackets but this jacket in particular looses it loft quite fast.

I walk A LOT with a backpack on my puffer, which really flattens it out both on the back and on the front. But with this jacket the flatness lasts until I do the dryer trick.

I would like to give it a proper, down specific wash which I know I have to buy (which brands do u recommend?)

BUT I remember hearing about a “treatment” like another thing you put in the washer that retreats the down and potentially nylon outside(?) I’m thinking this will help it’s loft again but I don’t know what to look for

TLDR: I have an old down jacket that doesn’t stay puffy even after dryer balls. I know I need a down specific wash but I’ve heard about extra “treatments” what are they?

Hey, I'm planning on solo travelling to guatemala from UK. My main concern is safety. My plan is to fly into guatemala and head straight to Antigua. I plan to stay in Antigua, Lake Atitlan and potentially Flores.

Is there anything to be worried about? I've heard mixed reviews. Would love to hear from other solo travellers!

hi all do you love to travel? do you have your group of travel buddies you always call on for new adventures? then I need your help!

My friends and I are in the ideation station for an app that will take the disorganization out of group travel and the travel plans out of the group chat while still keeping the group chat together. It will take under 10 minutes.

We would so appreciate your time to understand your pain points with group travel. Thanks for your help! Happy travelling!

https://forms.gle/t7NciCWRWwAuRF9F7

I'm trying to decide where to go on my next trip, I have 2 weeks and I've narrowed it down to El Salvador or Nicaragua.

I like nice beaches where you can go swimming and preferably to have good nightlife as well.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Hey guys! I’m desperate to start of my first trip.

Haven’t decided for certain yet but I’m guessing it’ll be South America (or Europe or Asia or Africa lol….)

Anyways, how did you guys prepare for your first trip? As in deciding on what to bring and what not. Any podcasts or videos to watch? I don’t even know where to start!

Thanks!

Anybody have any adverse info (or good info) on the Coleman isobutane canisters for backpacking stoves? Walmart sells for $5.57 for a 220 grams which is less than half of what the "other" name brands sell for. Just don't want to get out there and find they are junk and I have to drink cold coffee :)

I’ve just started backpacking and am investing in gear. Should I get a 50 litre or a 70 litre? My sleeping bag is pretty big but don’t mind buying a new one if it means I can travel lighter.

Any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

50ltr: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-trekking-backpack-50-l-mt100-easyfit/_/R-p-309807

70lrt: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men's-trekking-backpack-70l-mt100-easyfit/_/R-p-309851