Ideal backpack size for 6 months SE Asia?

As usual Busman I have no clue what you're trying to say.

My point is really simple... the OPer is going to SE Asia... whether you're going for a short time or a long time an experienced traveller is still taking (almost) the very same stuff... a couple of changes of clothes to cover a high-end night out, the usual day-to-day wear and beach/recreational. The same set of footwear. The same hygiene kit. The same still/video package. The same laptop, smartphone and all the peripherals. It's all the same stuff and it's all in the very same quantities.

It all fits into a 35-40 litre backpack with LOTS of room left over. No big deal.

So... what's confusing you this time?

Cheers,
Terry

CheersTerry wrote:As usual Busman I have no clue what you're trying to say.

My point is really simple... the OPer is going to SE Asia... whether you're going for a short time or a long time an experienced traveller is still taking (almost) the very same stuff... a couple of changes of clothes to cover a high-end night out, the usual day-to-day wear and beach/recreational. The same set of footwear. The same hygiene kit. The same still/video package. The same laptop, smartphone and all the peripherals. It's all the same stuff and it's all in the very same quantities.

It all fits into a 35-40 litre backpack with LOTS of room left over. No big deal.

So... what's confusing you this time?

Cheers,
Terry

It's actually you that's confused but travel with the kitchen sink on a 2 week trip if that's your thing dude.

The truly experienced traveler can do very well with a day pack for a mere 2 week jaunt

"... The truly experienced traveller can do very well with a day pack for a mere 2 week jaunt..."

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Which was exactly my point, Busman. A 35 - 40 litre backpack is carry-on size and as I stated you'd still have LOTS of room left over so obviously a much smaller size would work just as well too. This is the case whether it's a 2 week trip or a 2 month trip - or a 6 month trip like the OPer is doing.

You really have to start reading posts before you retaliate with your predictable knee-jerk responses to non-issues and end up shooting yourself in the foot, yet again.

Cheers,
Terry

Guys, I know you have this endearing love/hate bromance going on, but the OP left on their trip months ago. Even I was a month too late ... in December.

I think you both tend to state you POV pretty bluntly. I find it useful, as far as a range of opinions goes, but as far as I can tell no one is really ban-worthy or trolling.

Also, you just seem to be simply disagreeing on the definition of day pack vs. carry-on.

For the sake of posterity and BNA folks with similar needs reading this: while I can see what you mean by the length of the trip doesn't matter, for 2 weeks I'd sure as hell bring a lot less. A day bag/small backpack with 1-2 changes of clothes, my Kindle, and ... that's about it. Buy a toothbrush there. Now for a 1 month to 1 year trip, yeah, basically pack the same gear.

As for me, as long the essential and most important things fits, the better.

Don't forget to bring the impt stuff like:

1. Cash, ATM/Credit/Debit cards
2. Travel documents, guidebook, map, itinerary, passport, ID with photo
3. small pack of laundry detergent
4. sewing kit
5. first aid kit (with vitamins/paracetamols/meds)
6. swiss knife
7. camera and communication gadget

Good luck!