Hi,
I am travelling through China/Japan for 5 weeks.
I need to buy a backpack as the last time I travelled I had a suitcase on wheels which weighed as much as a small army
I have been researching backpacks and I like the sound of the "Caribee fast track" 75lt with wheels.
Problem is I have had 3 spinal surgeries. I could not travel for 10 years, then had surgeries and had semi recovery, enough to fly which was my goal. So I made my first OS trip at the age 36 to Thailand.
Now I want to travel longer, cheaper and better. Trying to stay in 2 star hotels as I also need medical equipment each night and dont think a hostel is an approriate place for this.
My first thoughts was to take someone with you, but where's the fun in that? Curious as to how much your medical equipment weighs - everything you need to take. 75litres is over the top, but you can pare down in other areas.
Do you have to have the equipment with you at all times, like when you're out and about, or can it be left at the hotel? I'm thinking two smaller bags - one with wheels for traveing with your medi stuff and the other a largish 'day' bag that won't hurt your back. If they are both within carry-on spec, you can mix 'n' match.
[ 20-Mar-2010, at 02:51 by fabyomama ]
You need to be fitted properly for a backpack - different bodies fit different packs, and some are gender-specific too. For only 5 weeks, you can do very nicely with something in the 30 to 45L size. Someone with your problem should not buy online or blind/with just a recommendation.
A wheeled backpack only adds more weight!
fabyomama
Hubby is going too but I dont want to rely on him to carry anything. Really want to do this on my own IFYWIM.
Med equip weighs approx 2.5-3kg It is a CPAP machine so only need it for sleep so will always stay in hotel room.
The problem with carry on is I am only allowed MAX 7kg. Between an empty backpack, empty daybag and CPAP I would allready be over the limit before I even pack. How do people travel with carry on only if you can only have a max of 7kg?
I am really leaning toward a backpack with wheels but they are heavier so I am in a catch 22.
I do think 75ltr is too much though.
Daarwgon
I went into 2 camping stores and left when I seemed to know more than the staff(which was very little).
Will definately buying a pack after trying it on and getting them to pack it with a bit of weight too.
I know a wheeled backpack adds more weight but I am thinking when I need to rest my back I could pull the bag along. I am thinking of asking the store where I end up buying my bag if I can 'trial' it at home for a couple of days. Then I can pack it and wear it around the house to see what strain my back is under.
Thanks for advice people
One factor to be aware of is the twisting motion imparted to one's back by pulling a wheeled bag.
Iit seems like one can never have all the angles lined up quite right all the time-then once in a while-TWINGE!!!!!
Nothing to be afraid of but you should Go Slow when pulling and be extra careful pulling it up stairs/ramps/over curbs.
I did a quick Google and saw a 'travel' version of your CPAP machine - around a kilo.
Couple that with a lightweight bag...?
Hi Samsalmon...
Yes I am taking into consideration the forgetful twists while pulling a bag with wheels. I have been wheeling a bag around my home for 2 days lol, to see how I am feeling and to give me a rough idea of the effect on my back
fab...
Off to research travel CPAPS.
I havnt heard of them before so just my luck they may not be available in Australia but will have a good look and also ring Doctor and ask the question too.
Best idea - pack light. you can get everything really cheaply in China.
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