CAIT AROUND THE WORLD

To backpack around the world you need . . . a backpack!

I started looking at packs earlier this summer. I did most of my reading on PackHacker and they give some super-useful tips for deciding what you want in a bag and what to look for in terms of materials. They also have a database of tried-and-tested bags which they have personally reviewed – also super helpful!

I started with my eye on the Osprey Fairview Trek 40L (and I’ll end the suspense now . . . it’s the one I bought 😉) for its carry-on size and because I knew people personally who had bought from the Fairview/Farpoint family and were pleased with them. It was also one of the bags reviewed on PackHacker (see it here) and had a high rating from them with a great review.

Some of the major things that attracted me to the Fairview 40 (and my must-haves in general):

• Carry-on size. I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want to need to check my bag. I’m not nervous to (per se) but it makes it a lot cheaper and easier to fly if you only have a carry-on. I have a bunch of domestic flights planned when I land in Europe and a carry-on saves time, money, and worry.
• Backpack. There are wheeled carry-ons that you can buy (Osprey has a few) but to backpack around the world, I wanted the actual backpack. Basic, but it’s a point in the Fairview’s favour.
• Clamshell opening. The Fairview opens fully from top to bottom, just like a regular suitcase. As PackHacker explains, these kinds of openings make it easier to access everything in your pack at once. Top-load tends to be the other option and while they can allow side access to get to the bottom, I knew that I would prefer accessibility.

• Compression strapping. There are compression straps inside the bag (like suitcases) but also compression straps on the outside. These allow the bag to be compacted when there isn’t much in it and the fabric attached to the straps actually comes over the tops of the zippers to the clamshell and tech pockets. I really liked this little extra, security-wise, because while it isn’t foolproof, it does make it a little harder to get at the zippers.

• Lockable zips. One thing I knew I wanted right away in any bag was lockable zips. Lockable zips have little holes where a TSA-lock can be passed through to lock the zippers together. There are workarounds if your pack doesn’t have this, but I loved this feature on my suitcase that I travelled with previously as it gave me that extra peace of mind, making them a must-have on a backpack.
• Separate tech pocket. I planned on taking some sort of device with me (was hoping it would be my laptop, but it’ll be my iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard instead) and therefore needed somewhere that my device could go where I wouldn’t need to worry about it. The Fairview provides this, and while it’s in a bit of an odd place according to most people, it does the job and I’m definitely not worried about anything breaking.

I checked out reviews for bags other than the Osprey Fairview 40 but ultimately wasn’t as impressed by them as I was by the Fairview. I love its looks, its functionality, and all its features. It seemed to have the best of all other backpacks I looked at, and I’m so excited to see how it holds up!

Actually purchasing a backpack is no easy feat in this day and age: I checked my local backpack retailer for the Fairview back in June and unfortunately they had none. When I checked again in August they were looking at October for stock coming back. I wanted to make sure I had this backpack for my New York City trip that I have planned at the end of September. I checked at MEC and was able to find them in stock, unfortunately several provinces away. I ended up ordering both the Fairview S/M and XS/S to try at home. Based on torso measurements, I could have used either one. For comfort in the strapping (and carrying, though both were awesome), the S/M won!

If you’re looking for a backpack, a few initial tips:

• Start looking early. Give yourself enough time to investigate all your options. Research can be overwhelming and the last thing you want to do is pick a bag just because there’s too many options.
• Determine your list of must-haves. One of the things that was paramount for me was a bag with a clamshell opening. I looked at a couple top-load backpacks and although they have workarounds (e.g. side access pockets) I didn’t want to have to dig around looking for something or try to pack strategically enough to keep important things on top or near a side access area. Knowing what you want in a backpack will help narrow down the options.
• Plan your packing list. This will help you think about what features you want on your backpack. I’ll be bringing my iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard, so I knew I needed a dedicated tech space that would fit both these things (this was actually also part of the difference between the XS/S and S/M Fairview 40Ls – the mesh zippered pocket inside the S/M fit my keyboard while the XS/S didn’t).

With a backpack picked, I’m now turning my attention to picking various accessories to take as well!

Check out this gallery for more photos of my bag (packed and unpacked!)