Backpack, Backpack!

Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel. ~Yogi Berra

 

Here’s a riddle: What weights several pounds when empty, feels like a million pounds when full, has many compartments filled with valuable items, and is a necessity for hiking Kili? Your backpack! 

When trekking Kilimanjaro you will actually have two backpacks: one day pack that you carry filled with only necessities, and a backpacking pack filled with your supplies for the week to be carried by a porter. In future posts I will be sure to cover what items go in which pack.

I was fortunate that I didn’t have to shop for either of these items because my family already owned them. Because my brother is an Eagle Scout and my dad was incredibly involved with the scouts, they had many of the items I needed including both types of backpacks. Thank goodness a scout is always prepared!

For my day pack, I carried a blue, large-size Camelbak backpack. Though the Camelbak had a water pouch, I never used it on the trip because I didn’t know if there was an adequate way to clean it while also having to use purification tablets. I simply stuck to filling and refilling my pink Camelbak water bottle. Large Camelbak Backpacks for outdoors range from $65 to $125, so they can be pretty expensive. If you’re okay with using a water bottle as your hydration source, I would recommend just buying the Camelbak reusable water bottle and purchasing a general outdoors/daily backpack.

Because I didn’t use the water pouch inside the backpack, I probably could have used my trusty Northface Recon backpack that I use every day when going to class. The Northface Recon backpack is pricey at $90, however it’s great for daily use when going to class or work and it definitely is made to last. This backpack has survived almost four years of college with me! Other Northface backpacks are priced as low as $55 and come in some adorable colors as well.

Whatever backpack you decide to use as your day pack, make sure it has cushioned straps and cushion on the back. You are going to be carrying this for many hours each day every day for a week, therefore it's super important that it feels comfortable. 

For my hiking backpack, I used a Kelty external frame pack. Because a porter will be carrying this pack, almost all tour operators require you to use a backpacking pack or a frame backpack and absolutely no hard case luggage. 

One backpack accessory you can’t do without is a backpack rain cover. While $35 seems like a lot to spend just in case it rains, you will thank yourself for spending that money when your clothing and supplies aren’t sopping wet.

If you’re not an avid hiker and don’t necessarily want to spend the money on new backpacks, ask around to family, friends, and coworkers to see if you can borrow them from anyone. I’m sure they will trade you some delicious home-baked sweets for a week and a half of backpack use-this way everyone wins!

Side view of the day backpack I used for Kili-note the cute "A" luggage tag!

Back view of my day pack-lots of cushion is key.

My everyday backpack that would have also been great for Kili! Love this!