A backpack that was bought for a two week trip to Japan that has joined us on our adventure of a lifetime. Here is a review of my trusty Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60L+20L Backpack. 

Firstly, myself and Josh have pretty good experience of backpacks, as we do both own two other backpacks. Two small 35 litre bags that served us well for a two-week trip around Italy. Two 50 litre bags, which were adequate luggage companions for a month in Thailand. To cut a LONG and admittedly boring story short we’ve had said bags for five years and they are rather worn and damaged. So began the search for new backpacks. Criteria: slightly bigger, easy to get in to without emptying the contents from the top and less clunky.

We read a lot of reviews, like a lot. I didn’t even realise there was so much to consider when looking for a bag but there is. For me, having travelled with a backpack before I knew I would again, but we read a lot re backpack vs. suitcase. Spoiler* I took a backpack and Josh a suitcase to Japan. Josh has since opted for the same backpack as me, as he nearly abandoned said suitcase on multiple occasions. Thinking about it maybe that’s why it didn’t make it back on our flight from Beijing. When you’re moving about a lot in a busy place, although, a backpack can be heavy – dragging a huge 20kg suitcase along side you is quite a struggle and an experience that Josh entirely hated.

The Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60L+20L Backpack:

Anyhow, I got side tracked – this is the bag that I travelled around multiple cities with for two weeks and subsequently, is the bag that we both have on our current round the world trip: Mountain Warehouse Traveller 60 + 20 Litre Backpack. Oh and FYI (at time of writing) you can pick this up at 50% off for £59.99 – bargain!

Here’s a little bullet point list (so that I waffle less) of the backpacks best features:

• The main bag is a very roomy 60L and then the front 20L bag is completely detachable. Additionally, it comes with lots of extra pockets – the front mesh ones are super handy for water bottles. (Anybody else hate that they provide measurements for bags in LITRES?! For those interested, mine was well packed but nowhere near full and weighed 11kg).

• The detachable day bag is great for carry on hand luggage on the plane/bus. Additionally, it makes a great day pack for all the necessities when out sightseeing or hiking.

• My favourite thing: there is a divisible main compartment that has zip access all the way round at the top and you can get in at the bottom! This was a game changer for me – no more rummaging through the entire contents of my bag to find that missing sock!

• Second favourite thing: the bag comes with a flight cover, to protect your bag straps from getting caught and broken they zip away completely.

• Who knew anyone could babble on about a bag so much, for more info click here!
• Bag also available from Amazon with free delivery.

Packing Cubes

I couldn’t talk about packing essentials without mentioning PACKING CUBES. These little organisational wonders changed my life! Okay I will stop with the exaggeration. But they were so helpful and if you have been contemplating purchasing, contemplate no more. Imagine not having to empty your whole rucksack just to repack it again! Imagine having a selection of appropriately sized clothing compartments and a spare one for washing! In all seriousness, they save time, save space, ensure that you pack lighter and are just an organisation junkie’s (ME) version of heaven. Ohhh and Josh recently got these for his birthday (not that he copies everything I do or anything).

Thank-you for reading, let me know of any other packing hacks in the comments!