Getting the right pack is paramount to having a decent time when you go travelling Dark Nomad style. Getting a pack that is too big or doesn’t sit right can really put a damper on your day as can one that draws undue attention from unwanted quarters. Now let’s get this straight right up front. This is about choosing a pack for travelling in the third world. We’re not talking about hiking packs or luggage you would take on a Western Europe jaunt. We’re talking about a pack that will serve you well both in rugged rural conditions and in city tramping. Your pack will probably be quite apart from these pieces of advice if you are hiking across Antarctica or climbing Everest. With that said, let’s look at what a Dark Nomad looks for in a backpack.
Toughness – First and foremost, you want a pack that is not going to fall apart. Don’t skimp on your pack if it means you have to go for a weaker make. If the attendant winces when you try to tear the pack before you buy it then don’t get that one! In general Karrimor packs are built tough and the packs from Eagle Industries are also pretty well made and won’t all apart.
Eagle Industries Makes Tough Packs
Look – You are going to want a drab colour for your pack. Nothing attracts the attention of third world touts more than some gringo with a giant fruit salad on his back Lonely Planet style. Low key is your friend here. You might also be well advised to avoid military colours depending on where you’re going. While it won’t worry you too much in travel hubs, when you get into the rural third world, any little thing can attract unwanted attention. The short of this is the shabbier looking your pack, the better. My favourite pack is black and 15 years old with plenty of mud and repairs. It certainly doesn’t look worth stealing, but I think it’s brilliant (largely for that exact reason).
Size – You can tell an experienced traveller by the amount of gear they carry and hence how large their pack is. The smaller, the better. In fact, many people I know who frequent the third world can actually take ALL of their luggage onto a plane as hand luggage. You have to know how and what to pack, but it is well worthwhile if you pack is so small that you can avoid the baggage carousel at your flight’s destination.
Karrimor Make some of the Toughest Packs Around
Another quick tip is to put a garbage bag inside your pack for a bit of insurance if it leaks. Nothing is worse than travelling when everything you own is wet. You might also consider a pack cover for even better protection from leaks.
In the end it comes down to light, small, tough and drab. Go with that combination and you won’t go far wrong.
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[...] Shiny Backpack – This kind of goes along with the bling, but nothing says naive and easily robbable young foreigner like a backpack that looks like a fruit salad. Again, try to be a little discreet and not draw so much attention to yourself and read our guide on choosing a backpack. [...]
Thanks for the heads up on Eagle Industries!
Yeah, definitely worth checking out.
Travel tips for third world: you gave some very good tips, most people dont realise they going where people are hungry and poor , so one automatically becomes a target.Understanding Customs VIP.
[...] for your gear. They aren’t that easy to find, but you might like to check out our article on how to choose a backpack as our recommendations aren’t too far off – even if you’re carry camera [...]