Some Inspirational Travel Videos
DirtCheapJourneys.com has some cool videos about about a group of guys who are are traveling very cheaply by bicycle.
Red Wine Helps You Sleep On Trains
Here is a nice tutorial on packing your backpack for a trip to Europe.
How to Pack Your Backpack for Europe from Scott Dean on Vimeo.
Universal Packing List
Click on the photo to use the Universal Packing List.
Generate a custom packing list for any journey!
Eagle Creek Gear Torture Test
Check out how Eagle Creek torture tests there gear.
Karrimor Global Full Review
The Karrimor global is a convertible travel pack that offers the convenience of a suitcase and the comfort of a rucksack. It features a zip away harness that allows you to easily check the pack and not have to worry about the shoulder harness being eaten by a conveyor belt at the airport. It is expandable from 50-70 liters.
Build Quality
The pack is made of heavy duty ballistic nylon and is very resistant to abrasions. The packs build quality is very good and Karrimors attention to detail really shows. The stiches are immaculate and at all carrying points box stitching is employed. Karrimor uses #10 YKK zippers which are as durable as you can get. You can stuff this pack to the brim and you are not going to pop a zipper. The build quality of the main pack carries over to the day-pack as well.
Packing
The global is a front loading pack so packing it it very easy. The pack has an internal divider so the pack can have two compartments. Leave the divider open for one single large main compartment in the pack. If you still need more room unzip the expansion gusset. The lower compartment can hold a sleeping bag, footwear, or dirty laundry. The pack also has an internal compression strap to keep the load in place. There are two small zippered pockets on the inside of the pack. On the outside of the front flap there is a zippered pocket that is underneath where the day-pack attaches to the pack. I find this to be perfect to store you passport & important documents as you have to partially remove the day-pack to gain access to this pocket. It gives your documents some extra security and is well hidden. The main pack has locking zippers to keep your gear safe. Karrimor also includes a lock with the pack. On the outside of the pack there are two water bottle pockets.
The day-pack is very basic and is large enough to accommodate a small camera, light jacket, snacks, etc. It has a small organization pocket with a key clip in it. It features a shoulder harness with wicking mesh to help keep the sweat at bay. The back of the day pack is not padded though so be careful how you pack it. I do wish that it had a water bottle pocket though and a padded back. It would be nice if pack companies would pay the same attention to harness construction on a day-pack as they do on the main pack.
Carrying the Global
By the handles: The pack features two carrying handles. One on the side of the pack and one on the top of the pack. The carrying handles are pretty comfortable in your hand.
By the Shoulder strap: The supplied shoulder strap is well padded and pretty comfortable.
Zip away SA Super back system: Karrimor’s Supercool harness system is well designed and isvery comfortable. It is fully adjustable and features an internal frame, hip belt, contoured shoulder harness with sternum strap. The entire pack panel is made of Karrimors supercool wicking mesh. It does a very good job of keeping you dry and comfortable. This is a very nice harness
Conclusion
The Karrimor Global pack deserves strong consideration. It is well made and has a very comfortable shoulder harness. I like the fact that it is expandable and convertible. Whether you are backpacking for through foreign cities or you have gotten off of the beaten path the pack is going to perform well. It is quite versatile and has a harness system designed for the trail and packing features of a piece of high end luggage it is suitable in any hostel or upscale hotel.
2nd opinions