Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jennzy]

i did a search here to see if there was a post like this but i couldnt find it. i found posts asking where they can buy the bags, but i am looking for an advice on what i should look for when buying a backpack.

i'll be going backpacking (first timer) in thailand for 17 days. and i'm not sure how big of a bag i should get and what kind of features i should look for in.
any advice will be greatly appreciated! thanks!!!

[guava]

What was it that Spliff replied to a similar question, something like...

"How long are your dreadlocks? Will you be carrying a lot of beads?"

[eliquez]

My brother did that last summer, and is thinking of doing it again. He was looking for backpacks that were simple (lighter is easier on the body), top loading (slightly less difficult for theft), and not eye-catching.

[prideofidaho]

Look, I know this isn't the buy sell trade forum, but It's worth a shot...

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442096519&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302883912

I have one of these that's been gently used over two years (only for two, two-week stints), and it basically fits the bill for small trips. It's durable, not too compartmentalised that all your shit is in a different pocket and you forget what is what half the time, and the day pack zips off quite easily. I'm more than happy with it. I'm a woman, and what I love about this pack is that it's small enough that I won't pack everything I own and be buried down by it, and it's black so it's not flashy and won't draw too much attention.

I just upgraded to a more long-term pack, so I'm trying to sell mine. PM me if you're at all interested, I live in Itaewon.

[oskinny1]

You don't need a huge pack, so think small and mobile (55 litre is more than enough). What are you planning on bringing (lay it all out, then remove half of everything, you won't need it)? Are you planning on buying anything while you are there? Do you want to be able to get at things easily in your pack?

When looking for a bag, look for a bottom compartment. It sucks having to pull everything out just to get at a pair of socks. Like someone else said, nothing too flashy.

And get one of these.

[Malislamusrex]

You mightaswell only take a few things with you and buy the rest out here, its so cheap it's pointless taking a lot of stuff. everywhere you go will have laundry so don't worry.

[slothrop]

edit

[zool]

[prideofidaho]

[zool]

well i carry a solid steel chain with smallish links which are about 5mm gauge, so the chain weighs about a kilo.

i carry two small padlocks, for locking closed my big bag when in transit, and a bigger one for use with the chain or on room doors; mind you the smaller locks can be used with the chain as well.

as for keeping your stuff secure, the chain is great for securing your bag on the spot, like when you are on an overnight train or something, but people can still cut into your bag if they really wanted to... havent had that happen to me yet (touch wood).

also on security, you can use the padlock+chain combo to create an impromptu safety-deposit-box in your room, as long as you have a bedside table or a fridge or something that you can stick your valuables inside of, wrap the chain around and then lock up.

[prideofidaho]

Thanks for the advice, zool. Hmm, the tearing into the bag is the aprt I am concerned with the most. While the pacsafe may be expensive, it's cheap as chips for peace of mind alone.

[oskinny1]

[Patrick Bateman]

[warren pease]

any idea about getting a pacsafe in Korea?

[rocket_scientist]

Make sure the pack you buy meets the size requirements fir carry on baggage. If you need more room, get a korean blue collar man vest with lots of pockets and one extra backpack.

I carry two bags and when I fly I stuff the contents of the second bag into my coat pockets and I put that bag into the first bag. Weight restricts apply to bags only, there is no law/rule about the weight of the stuff that you put into your coat pockets or coat lining for that manner.