Picking The Right Rucksack
After looking around various shops in Manchester (most are on or around Deansgate, Blacks, North Face, Ellis Brigham etc) at quite a lot at rucksacks and getting more and more confused, I decided today was the day to go out and buy one. After all I can't really start buying gear to take before getting the rucksack as I may just end up ditching some stuff because there isn't enough room.
I've decided the best policy for me is to travel as light as possible, (Also the first mistake of the 1st time traveler is to load up with too much stuff that they don't really need. Good website for traveling light one bag.) that way I can hop on and off of buses and trains without struggling with a massive pack in 90 degrees heat. I decided that my limit was probably going to be a 50L backpack.
After looking at quite a few rucksacks I noticed a lonely North Face 40L pack, but after some good advice by the guy in the North Face shop I decided it would give me a sweaty back as the pack is close to your back. The shop assistant recommended the Osprey packs, I thought these were really well designed packs (Wouldn't give you a sweaty back) but that 50L was too much for me and the only other option was the Osprey 35L which was far too small.
Whilst trying the Osprey pack on I spied a Berghaus 35 +8l pack which I had thought was too small, but now that it had something inside it looked about the right size. The Berghaus Freeflow 35+8l also has the system to prevent a sweaty back. As I couldn't be bothered messing about any longer or trailing around the shops again when they had more stock in, I bought the Berghaus.
It cost just under £50 from Blacks with 20% off in the sale.
I think it should suit me fine, I've tested it out and it’s probably the right size for me to travel light. It might even be possible to get it on the flight as hand luggage.
While I was out I also bought a silk sleeping bag inner, to use instead of a sleep bag on those warm nights in run down grotty hostels.
Now a note on my banking situation, Nationwide have finally sorted out my flexi account and I am now back to being a "Mr.", although to change the title on my credit card I will have to visit a branch. Oh well, I better cancel that sex change op I had lined up for next week!
