Rucksack shopping complete! Hurray!

Following lots of research, trawling through websites and a couple of false starts we ended up in the Kathmandu shop in Brighton. We were all measured up and, after a lot of trying on of loaded and some (very) uncomfortable packs, we are now the proud owners of 4 backpacks! It was a bit of a dash at the last minute to get there before the shop shut, having picked David up from the station and driven around Brighton in evening rush hour to get to the right place and also to then find a place to dump the car. The staff were so helpful and full of useful tips and really positive with the girls. Big thumbs up for them. 

David and I have this one! Its 65litres+10 - the advantage is that all the straps fold inside so that when the bags are at the mercy of airport baggage handlers and equipment there will be less chance of anything getting caught or damaged. Well, that's the theory anyway!  

The girls have a 30 litre pack each which can also use as day bags and carry ons. There was some "discussion" with Rowan about not having the same as her sister, but in the end they both have the same as long as we promise to customise hers!




We have also bought a number of other bits and pieces as recommended by various books, websites and seasoned travellers. Currently loving the One Bag website which preaches the benefits and practicalities of travelling long term with only carry on luggage and trying to plan to pack accordingly.


So far we have....

• 2 double mosquito nets with 2 point fixing
• 8 combination padlocks - inc. 2  cable for securing packs to train seats, cafe tables etc and 2 tsa locks which allow the US authorities to open packs without breaking locks
• 4 travel toothbrushes
• 4 mini hand gel
• 4 packs anti bacterial hand wipes
• 1 shaving oil
• 2 sporks
• 4 DEET insect repellent lotions
• 1 DEET insect repellent roll on
• 1 sewing kit
• 1 hanging wash bag
• 1 money pouch (skin colour as less obvious under clothes)
• 3 packable macs
• 2 inflatable travel pillows
• 1 travel washing line
• microfibre towels - 2 large, 2 medium, 1 small
• microfibre face flannel
• 1 dry bag for keeping valuables/documents dry and sand free!
• 2 waterproof bags for wet/dirty clothes 
• 4 organiser pouches -2 large, 2 medium - for better organisation within backpacks
• 2 1litre flexi water bottles - folds flat when empty and stands stable when full

Will we have room for any clothes? or anything else?!!!