There are basically two designs to choose from. The toploading style and the travel pack.

The Toploader will be more durable and water-tight than the travel packs but can be an inconvenience. The fact that there is only one opening can be a hassle when you would like to get at the items packed right at the bottom of the bag. The other pro of this style of bag is the comfort factor. These bags are designed to fit you better and if you are going to be doing a lot of activities then this factor can count for a lot.

The Travel pack is going to be more appropriate for those of you who will be staying in a lot of Hostels and guesthouses and not doing a lot of Hiking and rafting. The fact that these bags have a lot of zips and openings may be handy when packing, but make the bag less durable and more prone to leaking when getting overly wet. A lot of Travel packs now have day packs attached to the main bag (usually with a zip). This is a very handy accompaniment but they do have a habit of breaking at the most inopportune moments.

You will have to tally up the pro’s and con’s of each type with the trip you are planning. Only you can decide which pack suits you best. But be warned, this is one thing you do not want to skimp on.

When buying your pack, take into consideration the following:

• Pack capacity– You want to make sure you buy the right size. Buying the largest available style is not necessarily the best thing to do. Consider what you are taking with you and what you are likely to pick up on the way, and then buy the smallest size you think you will need. Most souvenirs you will buy would be best sent back home rather than carrying with you anyway.

• Durability – Your bag has to be sturdy and be able to take a bit of a battering. Look for a style with well made zips and openings and double stitched. If it does look too unconvincing and flimsy; it will be!

• Padding and Fitting – Check that the bag is padded in all of the places that have contact with your body. The shoulders are obviously the most important part and should be comfortable even when the bag is full. Sore shoulders are not an acceptable consequence anymore! The fitting of the bag is as important consideration when purchasing as any other point, if not more. Many bags now have adjustable inner frames to fit all manor of sizes, so try the bags before buying. Women are now able to buy gender specific bags and therefore have options accommodating their different hip and spine shapes.

The security of your backpack is of paramount concern, and there are various products out there to secure your bag.

You can find special mesh products that cover your bag and therefore make it slash proof. Most of the products on offer are strong, flexible and are expandable to most pack sizes. There are small padlocks available that lock into the straps of the backpack, and prevent the buckles from being opened and also stops the webbing straps from being released.

Also available are special sacks that you place your pack inside of. The straps then fit through customised slots so you can still use them as usual. The sack covers the bag, making it more protected against wear and tear, and helps secure it from wandering hands.

Your day pack will be with you almost all of the time, when you are on the bus, train and plane. They will be carrying your everyday items including Camera, maps, water bottle and first aid pack etc. Again like the Backpack they must be durable and secure. The bag should not be to big, but also have enough room for all of the items you will need to put in it. An over packed bag, is a burden when marching around the busy markets of a Northern Thailand Village.

More and more Travel packs have day packs attached to the main bag. These are very useful but watch out for the fragile zips used to keep them together, as they are notorious for breaking. If you don’t have a day pack with your main sack, then you will want to attach your packs another way. Make sure you use padlocks and that none of your valuables are left in the little bag; fit them in your back pack for added security.

Money belts are a must for the security conscious traveller. Cotton belts are advised as although they are less durable, they are not as heavy as leather and won’t make you sweat like plastic varieties.

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