I am traveling to Costa Rica for 2 weeks. What type of backpack should i bring?

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David in Kenai

My experience backpacking in CR was that it was either warm and kind of humid or hot and very humid.

So I would strongly prefer an external frame pack because they have more of an air-gap between the pack and your body and you don't get so sweat-soaked. It can be tough to find an external frame pack anymore (REI has some Kelty packs which are good) - X-C skiiers and rock climbers somehow converted everyone else to wearing internal frame packs. Yes, they're better for highly technical climbing. Yes, you'll bruise fewer people in the airport. But internal framed packs usually weigh more than externals, can carry less volume, and are hotter.

One possibility is one external framed pack with stuff sacks strapped on for all the fluffy stuff (food, sleeping bags, etc) and a large rucksack for all the heavy stuff (stove, fuel, water, frsh fruit, etc). You can divide the weight pretty evenly, but when you're in town or taking the bus or heading out from camp for a dayhike, etc, you can stash the big pack and use the other as a daypack.

Bring (or purchase there) trash bags (I like trash compactor bags because they're much tougher). When you get to laundry or have a sunny day to get things really dry, do so, and store them back in the plastic bag. But for 2 weeks in the tropics, just accept that you'll be a little funky when it rains for 3 days straight.

You can go two ways on the rain - Goretex and try to keep the clothes underneath dry. Or just wear clothes that will dry fast (nylon or polypro ideally, polyester if you must). Consider that the locals are consistently wear cotton t-shirt, no goretex, no high-tech fabrics. Test-drive some wool/polypro socks in advance. You really want to be nice to your feet for such a long ttrip and soggy cotton socks are a drag. Or, if your feet are tough enough, do the Teva thing and just bring one pair for the occassional stretch of stickers, squitters, etc.

Remember - half as much clothing and twice as much money as you think you'll need. Univerisal travel advise, but I found I didn't need the money in CR. But definitely, 1/2 or maybe a 1/3 the clothing. 1 shorts, 1 long and light pants, one t-shirt, one LS shirt. Rain hat. Good socks. Undies if you must. That's it.

homeless

Ones that will fit in Carry On on the Airplane. For 2 weeks or 2 months that is all you need.

â˜”ULâ˜¼

The Arc'Teryx Bora 80 Pack http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47792961&parent_category_rn=4500572
isn't bad, though it's a bit heavy.
The Granite Gear Vapor Trail 3600 Pack is nice and light but won't hold as much gear. http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47638652&parent_category_rn=9986490

roman.meneses

Yeah, just get something for the necesary things, you can buy many stuff in CR including bottled water and many other products, get a backpack that can fit gifts ans souveniers.

KeS

Hi,

Have a look at this site to search for good advices.
Lots of good info there!

http://www.italyexposed.com/travel1.html

swsbcabg

get something either water proof or quick dry, because it'll get wet. don't take cotton clothing it's way to absorbent and gets heavy. lots of pockets help keep things small, but also organized so you can find things without having to dump out the whole bag. get things with wide shoulder straps, those are MUCH more comfortable to carry around for any period of time. good luck and have fun!!

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