Nathan87 Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Hi all just wondering what people think would be best to take on a 1yr whv trip, a suitcase or rucksack? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 Backpack, but, then, I've never owned a suitcase. Get a good one that fits you (try it on in the bush walking store and ask them to put something weighing 20kg or so in it). Even I, an old granny, can heft 20kg which is your airline allowance and, once on, your mobility isn't impaired and you can manage stairs etc quite easily. Get one with a strap cover so that you can zip it over the straps if going on planes so the straps don't catch in machinery. I'm also a big fan of packing cells - I'm getting some Kifaru ones at the suggestion of my son who swears by them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 Whatever you find comfortable remembering you may have to lug long distances, manage public transport and keep secure. Also an issue of consideration is the/if countries stopping off on en route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1Perth Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 I would go for a really good rucksack. Try and keep the clothes and stuff you have to carry to a minimum. Pack the rucksack for a practice and see how it feels walking with it, if it feels to heavy/uncomfortable see what you can get rid of. Secure pockets that are pretty easy to get at are handy for stuff like passports, travel documents, phones. You will probably buy some clothes here to suit the climate so don't plan on bringing too much. Carry some easy to get at toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes. Surprising how much better a quick wipe down and spray and a clean of your teeth can make you feel. Nothing worse than sitting next to a hot travelling chic on a bus for 10 hours, wondering if your breath smells or you have BO.:wink: Have a good time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spleenus Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 I'm also advising a rucksack, far easier to move around between places. If you can try and get one which has a mini day sack attached to it so that when you're staying in one place for a while you've now got a little rucksack for those day to day bits you carry around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louisella Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 I used a rucksack for my WHV, it was easier to carry around and grab from coaches, trains etc. Go for one that spreads the weight evenly and feels comfortable for you (ie. that you're not going to topple over!). It can be a pain having to empty it if the item you want is right at the bottom but other than that, it is much easier than lugging a suitcase around (and it's also more comfy to sit on / lean against if you have long waits anywhere :wink:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickyplum Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 (edited) I would recommend a rucksack. Suitcases are great if you are in the same location all the time but rucksack much easier for being on the move and generally taking a bit of a beating! I've got a nice one, Eurohike brand... it unzips all the way around and the straps can be put away behind a cover, so they don't get tangled up on the conveyor belt (etc) at the airport. It's 45L plus 15L day sack but I don't generally use the day sack (this style but smaller: http://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/10352443-eurohike-colossus-65-15-black.html). Edited May 30, 2014 by vickyplum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan87 Posted May 31, 2014 Author Share Posted May 31, 2014 Thanks for the advice everyone, looks like rucksack it is then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Don't economize on it though, be prepared to get a good one! Try somewhere for serious bush walkers! I've got a Kathmandu (with a baby pack attached) and it's pretty good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Britpop Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Rucksack that zips right round rather than just stuffing from the top. Wheels are an advantage on a case but they are very rigid for squishing into a car etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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