Gear
Here’s what we are using to carry around all our items on our around the world trip. This section covers our backpacks and packing accessories.
First off, we should mention we had initially wanted to invest in newer, more advanced packs. With all the upfront trip costs, however, we decided we could save on this category and opted for the tried and true: the packs that have accompanied us on our travels over the past 10 years. To help those making their own packing decisions, we’ll share the pros and cons of our packs as well as other packing accessories we’ve found beneficial.
HIS PACK
Lowe Alpine TFX 80 L
Pros: Four external pockets makes it easy to access misc. items on-the-go (books, sunblock, etc.). Spacious. Makes me look like an experienced backpacker (like I’ve been on the road for 30 years). Side plus: No one wants to steal my antiquated bag because they think nothing of value could be in it.
Cons: Way too big. Lacking back support. No detachable day pack. No front-loading or side access so accessing anything at the bottom means unpacking everything. Material of pack doesn’t do well in rain.
HIS PACKING SUPPLIES
Two small canvas dop kits
One large mesh bag (for clothing)
One small mesh bag (for undergarments and socks)
*One Eagle Creek Pack-It Compressor Medium (for bulkier clothing)
HER PACK
Gregory Petit 60 L
Pros: Great detachable day pack. Ideal size for long-term travel without being too bulky. Good back support and waist and chest straps. Nice bottom compartment makes items at bottom of pack easily accessible.
Cons: Wish it had a zipper on the side so that I could access middle of the bag without unloading everything. Would have loved to have found a good pack with wheels so didn’t always have to have it on my back, but couldn’t find one light-weight enough.
HER PACKING SUPPLIES
*Three medium size Eagle Creek Pack-It Sacs (three for clothing one for misc.)
One small size Eagle Creek Pack-It Sac (for undergarments)
OneEagle Creek Pack-It Compressor Medium
*Hanging dop kit (allows you to carry items to showers and keep dry)
SHARED PACKING SUPPLIES
*Adventure 6 camera bag from Tamrac (holds camera, lenses and accessories with separate compartment to carry other day pack items)
Small backpack from Colombia (carries netbook, guidebooks, maps, etc.)
Two PacSafe Retractasafe 250 Cable Lock (locks for locking your bag down)
Three, small Eagle Creek TSA Locks (locks for locking your bag so no one can open the zipper)
*Indicates primo purchase, i.e. purchases that we highly recommend and couldn’t travel without
For more details on our round the world pack list, see below: