Our Backpacks – Keeping the load light

Many backpackers stress about what backpack should accompany them on their journey. For us, the decision was already made. Back in 2011, Harry and I ventured off to the South Island of New Zealand. As part of our 17-day trip to the country, we hiked the Milford Track with Ultimate Hikes.

The Milford Track is a 5-day, 33.5-mile trek through mountains and temperate rain forest in Fiordland National Park. The journey ends in Milford Sound, a fjord that some have named the “eighth wonder of the world.” It was at this time that we purchased our hiking backpacks. After a lot of research and some consultation at REI, we purchased the following bags which were rated the best all-around backpacks from Backpacker Magazine in 2010.

For Her: Gregory Jade 50 liter

For Him: Gregory Z55 55 Liter

We use these backpacks when we travel as our sole luggage.   Therefore, I’d like to think that we’ve had lots of “practice runs” packing and traveling with them. They’re great since we always carry them on flights and never have to check luggage.

My only worry…they have been used for two-week holidays, not multi-year trips. Despite that, we are determined to make them work. We are going to continue living by our motto, “The bigger the backpack, the more fear you carry.” So for now, these bags will be holding our sole possessions as we make our way around the globe.

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