How much should my backpack weigh?

For long-term travel, aim for 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg) maximum. Anything heavier will become a burden during long transit days.

Should I bring a daypack?

Yes. Bring a small, foldable 15-20L daypack inside your main bag. Use your main bag for travel days and the small one for daily exploration.

How to Pack a Backpack for a Long-Term Trip

Pack your backpack by placing heavy items close to your back and center-aligned, keeping high-frequency items in accessible outer pockets. Aim for a total weight that does not exceed 20% of your body weight to ensure you can carry it comfortably for miles.

Categorize your gear. Lay everything out on the floor. Group items into clothing, toiletries, electronics, and 'must-haves'. If you aren't sure you need it, leave it behind; you can buy basics anywhere in the world.
Use a modular system. Utilize packing cubes to compress clothes and organize them by type (e.g., one for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear/socks). This keeps your bag tidy when you live out of it for months.
Distribute weight correctly. Place light items like your sleeping bag or extra shoes at the very bottom. Put the heaviest items—like your toiletry kit, extra shoes, or laptop—in the middle of the pack, directly against the back panel to keep your center of gravity stable.
Secure the exterior. Avoid hanging things from the outside of your pack. It makes you a target for theft and prone to snagging on doorways or transport equipment. If it doesn't fit inside, your pack is too small or you have too much gear.

How much should my backpack weigh?: For long-term travel, aim for 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg) maximum. Anything heavier will become a burden during long transit days.
Should I bring a daypack?: Yes. Bring a small, foldable 15-20L daypack inside your main bag. Use your main bag for travel days and the small one for daily exploration.