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Backpack
Essentials |
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When it comes to your
backpack, don't forget some of the essentials
you should consider bringing with you on your
travels. Some items will be carried in
your pack while others can be attached to the
exterior. Many packs come with daisy
chains are webbing
loops sewn to the backpack allowing you to use
straps, clips or carabineers to attach additional gear.
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Travel
Gear Luggage Tag |
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There are endless
styles of luggage tags available, simply search 'Luggage Tags' and click
on Images. Pick something that
appeals to your personality and have fun
with it. The important thing is
that you have one!
Even if you do not plan on checking your
bag, you should always have some type of ID Tag attached. Situations may arise that are
out of your control, requiring that your
bag be checked, no matter the size. If for some reason your
bag gets lost, having an ID Tag attached will greatly increase the chances that your bag is returned to you.
Tags should include a
slot on the back to insert a card
with your contact information.
 Be sure
your information includes at minimum your name, phone number and even an email address.
Including your home address is up to you. If you decide to include an address, a work address may be a better. Listing your home address may send a red flag to other unscrupulous people that no one is at home.
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Bluefield Backpack
Rain Cover and Sizing Chart |
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Some backpacks will come
with either a built in rain cover that expands
from a bottom compartment or a separate rain
cover that can be stowed away in any available
compartment. Other backpacks may not come
with a rain cover requiring you to purchase one
separately. A rain cover is essential and
you may never need it, but if you do, you can be
darn sure you will be glad you have it.
We
have had to break out our covers on several
trips and they can make a world of difference
when it comes to
arriving somewhere with the contents of your
backpack nice and dry or cold and wet requiring you to dry and air things out.
For only a
few dollars, purchase a rain cover if your pack
did not include one.
Your will find several
different brands of covers available so choose
one that works for you. We have used and
can recommend covers by
Bluefield.
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Bluefield Rain Cover Sizing Chart |
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Size |
Height (in) |
Width (in) |
Depth
(in) |
Suitable
Backpack (L) |
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S |
22 |
13 |
6 |
15-35 |
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M |
29 |
17 |
8 |
35-55 |
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L |
32 |
18 |
10 |
55-80 |
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Combination Lock |
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Although bringing a lock
with you will add additional weight to your
back, it is a good idea and may come in useful.
It's easy to carry and can simply be locked to
the exterior of your bag for when you need it.
Keep in mind that no locking device is foolproof
but it may help thwart an attempt for someone to take your bag.
A lock could be used to
secure a double zipper preventing your backpack
from easily being unzipped. We have stayed
in hostels having in-room lockers where you may store your bag,
but you had to provide your own lock to
secure it.
When purchasing a lock, we do not recommend a keyed lock
but rather a combination lock. With a
combination lock you have one less thing to
worry about as you do not have to be concerned
with loosing or misplacing your key. Some
combination locks will come with a pre-set code
while others allow your to set your own code.
Simply pick a code you can easily remember and
you are good to go.
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Look for locks with the Travel Sentry
symbol.
Travel Sentry is
a company that develops and licenses
standards used in travel security,
including a standard for luggage locks
that can be opened by aviation security
agencies such as the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) without
damaging the lock for
baggage inspection should it be
necessary.
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Expandable Cable for Lock |
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It may be a good idea to
include an expandable cable as a compliment to
your lock. Having a cable allows you
to wrap it around objects helping to secure your
bag so that it may not easily be snatched away.
It can be secured to a table or to your bed
frame while staying in a hostel where other
people are coming in and out of your room.
Should you decide
not
to bring a cable for your lock, in some situations you
may be able to wrap your backpack's waist belt
around something and click it together to
prevent someone from running off with your bag
but you will not be able to lock it securely
while unattended.
We recommend an expandable
length of approximately 48 in.
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Carabineers
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Spring Loaded Clip with Screw Lock
Spring Loaded Clip / non-locking
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You may want to attach small
items to the loops or the Daisy Chain of your
backpack. Carabineers are a cheap and convenient way to
attach items such as your hat, small flashlight,
compass, souvenir keychain, etc. to your
backpack.
We want to note that these
carabineers are not rated for climbing.
Climbing rated carabineers will work just fine,
but they are much more expensive, costing $10 or
more for a single piece.
You will find carabineers
at outdoor stores specializing in climbing, but
for travel there is no need to purchase climbing
rated carabineers which can be very expensive.
As you will only be using these to attach small
items to your pack, look for something inexpensive
that still performs.
We found the best deals at Amazon for ordering
in bulk; 10 pieces for about $10.00. (Link
to the right)
For convenience
and if there is an immediate need, you can find
individual non-locking carabineers at Home Depot
for around $1.00 a piece.
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Home Depot
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SecureLine-Mini-Spring-Link-4-Pack-7035BM-4C/204235663
There are several different
colors, shapes and sizes available including
mini and normal.
We recommend the
normal-size with spring loaded screw lock for
added security.
Approximate Sizes
- Mini: 2 in. x 1
in.
- Normal: 3 in. x
1.5 in.
- Spring loaded clip
- Optional spring
loaded screw lock
- Made of aluminum
- Can be found
individually or in bulk
- Anodized finish
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Stainless Steel Wire
Cable Keychain with Screw Type Closure |
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Another alternative for
attaching small items to your backpack is a Stainless Steel Wire
Cable Keychain
with Screw Type Closure.
These are probably the
most economical of anything you will find,
providing a lightweight, strong and secure way
of attaching small items to your backpack.
You can find a pack of 12 multi-colored cables
at Amazon
for around $7.00. (Link
to the right)
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2mm thick strong wire cable
- Screw connector is secure and convenient
- Connect two or more to
increase the length
- Material: Stainless steel wire with plastic
coating
- Quantity: 12 Pieces (2
Pieces of each color):
Black, Silver, Red, Lite Blue, Green and Magenta
Various Sizes
- Cable Length: 4 inches (10 cm). Loop diameter:
1.4 inches (3.5 cm)
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Cable Length: 6
inches (15.5 cm). Loop diameter: 2 inches
(5 cm)
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