Travelling Light

As my family will happily tell you, I travel light.  In fact, it is a bit of a standing joke that I might turn up at a wedding or posh restaurant in shorts and T-shirt.  Or maybe that is just a comment about my fashion sense!
But it is true that in recent years, I have tended to restrict my luggage to a small backpack, whether I am going back to the UK for a quick visit or spending rather longer in the Far East.  I can't help it - I just love the fact that I don't have to wait for luggage to arrive - or not - at the other end and that I am 'hands free' when getting on and off trains and planes.
But I fully appreciate that not everybody is the same and holidays are the perfect time to wear clothes that otherwise lurk at the back of the wardrobe.  Then of course you might want to pack a whole range of clothes from light summer clothing to a cosy fleece and walking boots so a large and sturdy suitcase might be essential.
However, if you are trying to go down the minimalist route, be careful as many bags such as wheeled 'carry-ons' which you assume will be accepted as cabin luggage are just too big.  Always check your airline's maximum allowances for dimensions of a bag and make sure you adhere to the smallest measurements if using two different airlines for outgoing and return journey.  Some airlines really are strict and when they say one bag per person allowed on board, they mean it.  Handbags, camera, laptop etc all need to fit inside although I have been allowed on board clutching a book, Sunday newspapers and a selection of several boxed Scottish shortbreads in my hand!  No matter how I tried, there was no way they would fit inside my trusty but teeny 20 litre rucksack.

However, due to our trekking and walking expeditions on La Palma, we have recently upgraded the backpack to a 30 litre one which still - just - fits the criteria to go on board a plane although I think some caution is still needed that you don't try and fit in the kitchen sink et al.
The one we chose is the Karrimor 30 litre Kodiak ramblesack.  Its key features are a handy built-in rain cover, compression straps, waist and chest straps, pocket in the lid, two mesh side pockets and a 'super cool' back system to keep you ventilated on long walks.  We could have done with that this summer!  It also has a special compartment in the back that takes a hydration bladder so that you can sip water while you are walking.  You can get it at Milletts, Blacks and Amazon, amongst others (apologies for being rather UK orientated) for 30 GBP.

If you have a favourite backpack, large or small, don't forget to let us know.  I am sure I could be persuaded to go for something larger, I mean, hands free and all that space, just think of the shopping I could do!  Maybe I should remind myself of the travellers' maxim - half the luggage, twice the money.  Bah!