Backpack or suitcase? NZ

Backpack or suitcase for a gap year in NZ

Opinions and experiences please

Small backpack.

People make themselves miserable carting big luggage around. Take half of what you want. You can buy anything out there if it turns out you've missed something.

A 35 litre pack is about right. There are going to be plenty of in-transit days when you want to grab your gear a couple of dozen times. Try a test in a shop loading up any packs you like, and aee how comfortable they are for ten minutes loaded.

I get that on a WHV you're likely to stay in a smaller number of places for a while, but the nature of NZ is that you're bound to spend a chunk of time touring.

Good choice - I can't think of a better trip than a year in NZ.

Will you be in NZ for a year?

Review what you can take on a plane, sizes, weights, banned items, etc.

A backpack might be okay for you. When you return home you can always amaze or amuse your friends with your backpacking experiences.

In the past I have had some long stays overseas. I was glad to have a carry on bag and a check in bag. In the carry on bag my laptop, books to read, spare clothes when accidents happen or for some reason flights are cancelled and there are long layover delays.

In the check in bag I always had my Swiss Army knife, spare clothes, multi-tool for repairs, etc. And always spare shoes that fit my big feet right. Also other stuff that from experience came in handy, like a small clothes line, etc. But that is me. (On my long distance flights overseas I am allowed a free check in bag and I make use of it.)

The only time I am actually carrying 2 bags is when going from airport to taxi, train or bus and from there to hotel. Around town exploring I have a small carry bag that squishes flat when not needed.

When you are out exploring and staying in hotels far from your home base don't be surprised when you notice some little old ladies who arrived there carrying old fashioned suitcases.

Have fun on your trip and don't forget to keep your parents and friends up do date on what you are doing so they don't worry too much.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have purchased a 60L backpack with 20L smaller backpack you can attach, it felt comfortable in the shop so I am going to put some stuff in it and test it out. Being a female I always tend to take more stuff away with me like skin products, make up etc but I will have to be very brutal when packing for my year out!

When you check in your big pack be careful of dangling straps that can be caught up in conveyor machinery. Some straps can be removed. Some people have a sack they use to put the pack in and keep it clean.

Sample post for traveling with packs:
https://www.peanutsorpretzels.com/5-tips-checking-travel-backpack-airport/

For any bag, suitcase or pack have a way to lock it. This is for situations where you may be sharing rooms and leave stuff in your room.

Good luck.

Quoting shannoncollyer_

I have purchased a 60L backpack with 20L smaller backpack

Ouch.

Okay I know we're all different and maybe this will suit you.

But personally, that'd feel like hell loaded up and on my back on a travel day. I'd quickly do a test pack of it, and take the bus into town to give you a chance to heft it onto your back a few times, stand at a bus stop with it, into and out of the luggage rack. How does it fit around your feet on a full bus? Are you going to want to live with this thing for a year?

Quoting karazyal

When you check in your big pack be careful of dangling straps that can be caught up in conveyor machinery. Some straps can be removed. Some people have a sack they use to put the pack in and keep it clean.

Sample post for traveling with packs:
https://www.peanutsorpretzels.com/5-tips-checking-travel-backpack-airport/

For any bag, suitcase or pack have a way to lock it. This is for situations where you may be sharing rooms and leave stuff in your room.

Good luck.

Hey! The backpack I got has a cover you can cover the straps up with and it zips up! looks pretty cool, so no getting the straps caught in the belt fingers crossed!

Quoting AndyF

Quoting shannoncollyer_

I have purchased a 60L backpack with 20L smaller backpack

Ouch.

Okay I know we're all different and maybe this will suit you.

But personally, that'd feel like hell loaded up and on my back on a travel day. I'd quickly do a test pack of it, and take the bus into town to give you a chance to heft it onto your back a few times, stand at a bus stop with it, into and out of the luggage rack. How does it fit around your feet on a full bus? Are you going to want to live with this thing for a year?

Hi Andy, thanks. I have received my backpack, I loaded it up and it didn't feel too bad. I will have to go and test it out like you mentioned though. Thank you