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| Your Baggage on a Safari | Jungle
Especially in the rainy season, tropical travel is humid and wet. As you will only need lightweight summer clothing (unless you visit higher altitudes) a smaller – and therefore more comfortable – backpack should be sufficient. In case you are going during the wet season, look out for a backpack with an integral rain cover, or take a separate one and pack your clothing in water tight stuff sacks. Since rehydration is so important, consider a waist pouch with integrated water bottles.
Desert
Desert travel usually has animal or vehicle support to carry your main baggage. You may need warm clothing and a warm sleeping bag for the nights. Plus, if you are not with a tour, you will need to take your own cooking equipment, water containers and food so a large pack will be necessary. Throughout the day you will need a reasonably large daysack to carry sufficient water, camera, compass and hat as well as a fleece for when the sun goes down. It would be reasonable to take a daysack with a good air flow back system for comfort in the heat.
Trekking
The majority of trekking is with guides and porters who will take charge of cooking, water and food. And you would carry your clothes, sleeping bag, toiletries and other bits and pieces. It may all fit into a 35-45 liter pack, and as you will be carrying this all day it needs to have a very comfortable back system. Use a waist pouch, it is useful to keep a few things handy without the hassle of taking off your backpack.
Characteristics of Rucksacks (Convertibles): Designed for multi-functional use; Hideaway backpack straps; Two way zips which are easy to lock together; Opens up to access whole bag; Holdall strap; Grab handle; Hip belt; External compression straps.
Extras: Separates into two compartments; Detachable daysack; Adjustable back system; Integral rain cover; Wheels.
Features of Top Loaders designed for trekking with heavy loads: Side pockets for easy access; Top lid pocket for easy access; Body contour shape for comfort.
Extras: Adjustable back system; Integral rain cover; Separates into two compartments; External straps to carry items such as a roll mat.
In case you don’t have a convertible backpack with a detachable daysack, you will need to combine your backpack with a smaller carrying vessel. Consider what you will be using your extra bag for – weekends away from base, shopping, taking your laundry to be washed, carrying around day to day bits and pieces etc. Assume how you will carry it in conjunction with your backpack. Think of taking an extra lightweight daysack or waist pouch that can be packed away for later use or utilized to separate your packing.
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