I plan on traveling around Southeast Asia for maybe 2-4 weeks and am looking at different capacity backpacks..

Question

I'm going in January or February (when it's warm there) and think my trip will be about 2-4 weeks long. I usually travel light (I don't pack unecessary items) and since it will be warm weather there at this time, the clothing I'll be packing is lightweight.

I'm just trying to find the backpack that will be suitable for this amount of time, and have seen ones that 40, 45, 50 and 60 L (liters) in capacity. I don't want to have to travel around with something that is bigger than necessary, and it would be nice to be able to carry-on the backpack and put it into the overhead compartment, untill it gets too big for that of course. Also, in addition to my clothes and other necessities, it would be nice for some souvenirs to be able to fit.

So basically, I need an answer from someone who has experience with traveling around with only a backpack, and what would be a suitable volume backpack depending on the length of travel.

Thank you!

Answer 1

I travelled light with a 40L capacity. Avoid buying too many souvenirs. Stay with shorts, zip travel pants that convert to shorts, couple of t shirts, a clotheline and pins, couple of underwear.... that's it + personal hygiene items such as shaving gear, tooth brush, paste etc...

A neck pouch is a must to carry your passport and money.

Any souvenir you buy can be shipped to your home address so that you can avoid lugging it around.

Send yourself a pic postcard as you go - so that you can keep a tab on where you were and what you did.

Scan your pp and visa, credit card (take only one) if any and send the pic to your email so that you can access them if lost or stolen.