By Alyssa Archie, Contributor
Many of us are over-packers, including me. Unfortunately, missing luggage has become a major headache for air travelers, with the total number of mishandled bags reaching a staggering 26 million in 2022, compared to 9.9 million in 2021. Luggage tracking software such as Apple Air Tags have emerged as one solution for locating lost luggage but merely knowing where your bag ended up doesn’t solve problems such as boarding a cruise ship or joining a tour of Europe without your luggage.
One solution to checked bags is to take only backpacks and/or carry-on bags -- it’s amazing how much you can fit in a carryon and a backpack. There are thousands of articles on how to choose the best backpacks and carry on luggage. I didn’t read any of them.
The Unattractive Backpack I Used During My Travels Abroad
Preparing to embark upon my study abroad journey in Madrid, Spain, I was caught off guard when my mother presented me with an unattractive backpack. My initial reaction was to chuckle and politely decline her offer, but little did I know that this seemingly unremarkable bag would become an indispensable companion throughout my adventures.
Expecting me to respond that way, my mother dropped the green, LARGE, oval, backpack outside my door. Initially skeptical, I decided to give it a chance and began packing for my trip to Madrid. To my surprise, the bag revealed its true potential. Not only did it boast a generous capacity, but its well-thought-out design featured numerous pockets, slits, zippers, and straps, reminiscent of a convenient carry-on roller bag. I’m not saying it was the only bag I brought for a five-month trip, but it was certainly the most useful.
Intrigued by its versatility, I decided to put the backpack to the test during a four-day weekend trip to Barcelona, leaving all other luggage behind. To my delight, it performed admirably.
Upon packing, I was impressed by the separators and pocket depth, offering secure spaces for my passport, wallet, keys, shoes, clothes, purses, laptop, mini-iPad, toiletries, sunglasses, and jewelry. Despite accommodating all my essentials, the backpack still had plenty of unused space.
I am an over-packer; I do not travel light. Yet the Mother Lode Jr Travel backpack proved to be a reliable companion on my journeys. It easily fit under my legs on the plane, and its contents remained well-organized, even when placed in storage under the bus. A major advantage was that it incurred no extra charges, functioning like an additional purse. When not in use, I could conveniently store it inside one of my suitcases underneath my bed.
As my travels increased, the backpack consistently lived up to its promise. I must admit, there were moments when I felt like a turtle with its green shell, but the convenience it provided far outweighed any concerns about style.
As I returned from one of my final trips, I humbly called my mother to express my gratitude, admitting that I initially hesitated about the bag's appearance. Nevertheless, I couldn't imagine traveling without it now. It made my journeys incredibly easy and hassle-free.
Luckily, even though I did not do any research, I ended up loving the Mother Lode. But
backpacks are not all alike and what worked for me, may not be the best for you. If
you’re shopping for a good backpack, read REI’s informative guide “How to Choose a
Backpack” to find the right one for you!
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