Alright guys.

Here's my big question. I'm big on natural materials- I find they last wayyy longer. So, here's my big question. Where do I find a suitable pack of a decent size to contain my clothing/cosmetics/first aid made from Canvas and/or Leather.

I checked Kakadu Traders... They've got a sweet backpack, although I am worried about it being too small. It measures Approximately 16" W x 16 "T x 8" D. I don't want to carry more than my backpack and my camera bag. I plan on packing pretty light. Saddleback Leather has some neat stuff http://www.saddlebackleather.com/....but, I can't very well carry a suitcase and their catchalls seem...small.

Korchmar has duffels but not backpacks.. GRRR.
I'm willing to pay good money for a bag that will last in my travels as long as I do.
I got a Billingham camera bag for that very reason.

I feel like kind of a freak for even worrying about it. But, if anyone has info on a company that carries what I'm looking for- let me know.


Second order of business.

My packing list- Central America May-June 40 days.

CLOTHING
3 Shirts
1 Tank Top & pair of pajama shorts
1 Rash Guard (must have... I get bad board rash!)
2 Pairs of Shorts (1 board short)
1 Pair paints
2 bathing suits
1 pair flip flops
1 pair sambas
4 pair underwear
2 bras
1 sports bra
1 cover up (purchase down there- tie to my pack)
3 Pair socks

I figure if I need a nice outfit- I'll buy it when I'm there...

I plan on using a Spacebag to compress all of this crap into a smaller package. Plus- it'll keep my clothes dry!

COSMETIC/Grooming

Cocoa Butter
Shampoo Bar
Bar of Soap
Conditioner
DEET Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Light makeup, consisting of eye liner, mascara, and a moisturizing tint (don't bark at me- I have to have it! I'm a bit vain.)
A Hairbrush
Baking Soda (I use it for deoderant- I have weak kidneys)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Chap Stick
Nail Clippers
A Chi (straightening Iron) (my hair is short and naturally curly- I'll look like Einstein if I don't bring it)...plus, it's tiny.

FIRST AID

Small Gauze roll
non-stick wound dressing
first aid ointment
small bottle of peroxide
ibuprofen (don't normally take medication- but what if I get some sort of crazy fever?)
a needle
thread
Tweezers
Liquid bandage


MISC IMPORTANT STUFF

Duct Tape
Combination Lock
Multi tool
Compass
Map/Guidebook/Phrasebook
Calling Card
List of essential phone numbers
Copies of passport, social sec card, birth cert, tickets, credit cards
Two debit cards
Stationery
Molskine
Pen, Drawing pencil, Eraser

CAMERA BAG
Two bodies
1 wide angle lens
1 zoom/macro lens
10 rolls of b&w various speeds (worried I won't be able to find it down there for cheap).
10 rolls of color (6 of 400speed , 2 800, and 2 1000)
Various Filters, etc.


(I’m worried about x-ray hurting the film, so I guess I have no choice but to get it developed down there, or at least get the negatives processed.
Anyone have an idea how expensive it is? The MIL says it’s more expensive there than in the US- I would imagine because of availability of chemicals….



....and I'm sewing internal pockets into everything I wear, and in my backpack, to hide money, important documents, and cards.


Additions, Criticisms, Ideas...?

Thanks,

Jessica

The first pack that I ever took to Europe (back in the dark ages) was made of orange canvas.

I know of no current canvas/leather full size packs, though there are products from Terrapax.

would'nt a leather backpack (full) size be heavy?

I'm going for a canvas bag with leather trim (for strength).
I just don't want any synthetics- they don't wash well, they get holes in them... they may be lighter, but heavy gauge canvas is stronger.
And, besides. I don't plan on carrying a "full" size pack. I'm trying to pack as lightly as possible.
I'm looking for a large rucksack.
I'm beginning to think the army/navy store is where I should be headed.

quote:

Originally posted by gettinglost:
I just don't want any synthetics- they don't wash well, they get holes in them... they may be lighter, but heavy gauge canvas is stronger.

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, Cordura Nylon is the best construction material on the market. Sorry, but it's stronger, lighter, and more waterproof than Canvas.

quote:

I'm trying to pack as lightly as possible.

Then you REALLY should consider a modern, nylon pack.

quote:

I'm beginning to think the army/navy store is where I should be headed.

This is probably your best bet. But consider: why do you think the Army and Navy have moved away from canvas?

However, if you must have canvas:
sahara

I have a small bag in this material and it's great but I wouldn't use a big bag in it. Too heavy. Go modern I'm afraid, despite the lure of brass fittings.

I'm such a whore for aesthetics- and I want so badly to travel light enough to just carry a day pack.
I know it's impossible to do that, and I see what you are saying about the modern packs.
Perhaps I'll learn my lesson after lugging around a canvas one for months :P

Pack aside. How does my packing list look?

quote:

Originally posted by gettinglost:
I want so badly to travel light enough to just carry a day pack.
...
Pack aside. How does my packing list look?

You're carrying a TON of camera gear. I know how much photo-geeks love their lenses and filters, but consider (just consider) taking a compact digital camera and leaving the other 20 lbs of camera gear at home.

Just buy this Osprey pack!

If you're big on natural fiber packs,you can check backpacks made by macpac out.. they use special fiber that's a combination of natural fiber and some other patented stuff.
check google products out they's point you to the right retail or online stores out here that sell them.

I agree with the macpac rec - the fabric is called Aztec and is a cotton/poly/resin mix - very water resistant and sturdy.

IF you really like "natural" materials, check out the Eco 40 from Lafuma - it's hemp. I've never seen the pack in person but it looks nice and should be small enough for carry-on but will fit all your stuff. Warning: it's a top-loader

I have an old army Alice pack, and find its the toughest daypack I've ever owned. It would have been a backpack but I didn't buy the METAL frame that was to make it a full touring pack. It was heavy, very heavy. In theory, one could make a medium sized waterproof canvas pack with modern structural materials, but why would they do that?

So, go to the Army Navy store and enquire. Heres a name for you. Sportsmans Guide. They have a lot of weird and useful army surplus from around the world, and ship to the USA. Its an internet address.

I did have a great leather daypack, and I do miss it. I never found one like it again. Leather daypacks speak of style, much like travelling with only a daypack and a messenger bag, and of course a beaten looking leather sombrero. The Indiana Jones look never dies.

However, the intrepid Photographers vest look is kind of interesting as well, especially if you make out you're a journalist for Time or Newsweek.

quote:

Originally posted by Skimaxpower:

quote:

Originally posted by gettinglost:
I want so badly to travel light enough to just carry a day pack.
...
Pack aside. How does my packing list look?

You're carrying a TON of camera gear. I know how much photo-geeks love their lenses and filters, but consider (just consider) taking a compact digital camera and leaving the other 20 lbs of camera gear at home.

Not possible. I don't use digital- and photography is a major part of the trip.
Thanks for the advice, though!

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll check out the mac pack- and if that doesn't work out- I'll go with an older Alice pack.
I laid everything I was taking out on my bed, and it's pretty miniscule. I think I can get away with something pretty small.
I'll take pictures of it when I get a chance.

There will be some places where you can't get film developed. A friend of mine in Belize was travelling with a film camera and was asking if he could get film developed anywhere, they said yes, no problem, just have to go to the next town over....only a few hours away! You might have to carry all the film with you until you get home.

As for the straightening iron, don't bring it. Even if you use it and get your hair straight, the humidity will undo all the trouble you've gone to anyway. Also there are a several places with regular power outages so you might not always be able to use it anyway.

Your packing list looks pretty good to me. Don't forget to bring a flashlight. I used a torch a lot in belize and honduras.