Backpack or suitcase?

[Dunn]

I posted a little while ago about moving to New Zealand for a year. Now I'm trying to decide between taking a suitcase or just getting a backpack and use it as luggage.

I'll be there a year and moving around a decent amount working on farms and vineyards. I should have a place to stay most of the time, but I'm just worried about travel. I wonder if a backpack would be better, and I am taking a tent just in case.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

If you opt for backpack, about what size or capacity do you suggest? Or any specific brands or models? I'm trying to pack as light as I can to be there for a year. And as far as camera equipment goes, I'm taking an M6 with a 35 and a 50 and an Olympus e-p2 with a 20. So, the cameras won't need too much space.

 

[Pablito]

There are so many variables that you're not explaining, it's really impossible to answer your question.

 

[Dunn]

What variables do you need to know?

 

[Mablo]

I normally use a backpack when I need to move constantly when I'm traveling. It's much easier to handle on buses and trains than a clumsy Samsonite. The trick is not to use too large a backpack. 50-60 liters size is plenty. Another great trick is to pack everything soft like clothing into 2-3 liter ziplock bags and carefully squeeze all air out. Loading and unloading your backpack is much easier and faster that way. Usually I use one larger backpack for travel and another much smaller one that I can use on daytrips etc.

 

[ChrisN]

You've mentioned a tent, which implies a sleeping bag as well, and probably a self-inflating foam mat. Add some clothes, toiletries, a towel (every galactic hitch-hiker needs a towel!), documents, perhaps a netbook and mobile phone, and finally some camera gear!

Mablo is giving good advice. I used to travel in the wilderness with a 60-litre pack with all the above (less netbook and phone but add cooking gear and food). I think you'll probably need at least 60 litre capacity plus a smaller pack, as Mablo advised, for day trips.

As to backpack or suitcase - if I thought I'd have to carry it for more than 500m, I'd take the backpack.

EDIT: don't forget the waterproofs - I gather it's been known to rain occasionally in NZ! 😀

 

[exiled4979]

I've had the same dilemma for a while, been travelling with a suitcase, then with all sorts of bags, and in the end with backpacks. My biggest problem was that I had too much trouble with getting backpacks on the planes, the only way was to wrap it up in plastic, which they charge really a lot (this was solved by taking a bag in the backpack, I'd just put a backpack in a bag for the checking in, and then put the bag in the backpack after 🙂), and I'd stick with backpack for absolutely every trip. I realized that sooner or later I start carrying my bags and cases - over the shoulder, and it's usually pretty clumsy to move around, backpack is a lot easier to handle, plus many compartments (most of them are with lots of those), really help in sorting and finding things.

Size? Any trip taking longer than a week - 50L plus, not including tents, sleeping bags, etc. Shorter trips, where you won't have that much stuff with you, 30-40L is plenty.

Vacuum bags help a lot, you can get those "space bags" where you suck all the air out with standard vacuum cleaner, but those can be tricky with customs and security checks on the airports, if you're not dealing with those, this could be a real lifesaver...

 

[MartinP]

Unless I'll be walking most of the time (ie. mountains) I would just use a big-bag-with-removable-rucsac-straps. I don't know what the generic term is really.

For longish trips, I have one made by North-Face that is about eighty litres (rarely filled up, but it has compression straps too = easy to pack) and the shoulder-straps make it much easier to move about than a similar suitcase would, while also being easier to move and secure on trains etc, than a normal rucsac would be with their vulnerable pockets and openings.

Additionally, I'd have a shoulder-bag for valuables and camera etc.

Edit: I'd also recommend getting a waterproof liner and using lots of smaller stuffsacs and compressible bags inside that to simplify packing and unpacking. Nothing is worse than opening your travel bag on the station and having an explosion of loose items all over the floor!

 

[damien.murphy]

Split the difference - get one of those backpacks that has a pop-up handle and wheels like a case. I've never used one, but they seem like a nice compromise. As for size, that's up to you, but there are plenty of knowledgeable sources online to help you consider what you'll need for the year.

 

[Dunn]

Thanks for the advice guys. I didn't think about having to wrap a backpack for flights. So, thanks for recommending a large duffel bag.

I think I'll start looking at some backpacks around 50L.

And thanks for the tip about putting clothes in large zip locks. I think that sounds like a smart idea.

I might also look for a smaller pack to carry inside that backpack and use when I don't need to lug around the backpack.

 

[Dunn]

I actually learned that duffel bag trick in a roundabout way in Belize. Naturally, there was a local on-hand, selling these bags for $30... At least now I have one. 😛

Yeah, definitely consider a "man bag" sort of thing that folds/collapses down into nothing. You can stash your wallet, passport and camera in there for the day out, etc. Or buy one there.

Do you know where to find a big enough duffel bag? I imagined just a huge canvas style bag with a zipper to throw the backpack in, but when I look online I see lots of fancier looking bags and don't know if they will hold it.

And, just curious, why do you either have to wrap a backpack or put it in a duffel bag?

 

[_goodtimez]

Dunn you may also customize a backpack.
I think making an adapter with 2 large wheels and soft tyres would be a must.
Wheels should be at least 4 inch OD.
I know my idea sounds odd but if you have to walk that may be your ultimate machine.

 

[JHenry]

Regarding your idea to bring a tent, be careful on that (and any camping, hiking/tramping, etc, gear). Biosecurity here in NZ is taken very, very seriously. You'll have to declare your tent and all other related gear (e.g. hiking boots) when you enter the country, and they will want to inspect it at the airport.

Even saying you have hiking boots in your bag automatically triggers a hand inspection of the shoes to make sure there is no dirt, grass, or other bio material on them. Pretty quick inspection for shoes, but I'd assume a tent would be more in-depth. Just kind of an annoyance after a long flight.

Clean everything before you come; will make your life at the airport upon arrival much easier. Any other questions, shoot me a PM.

Jeff

 

[exiled4979]

And, just curious, why do you either have to wrap a backpack or put it in a duffel bag?

one reason only - not to have it stuck somewhere on the conveyors and bring everything to a halt...