The Bag Chooses You

I’m delighted to announce, that The Travelling Film Makers have their very own backpack and rucksack expert standing amongst their ranks! She’s been in every outdoor shop the UK has to offer, and after weeks of research, she can tell you all there is to know about the humble backpack! Please step forward, our dedicated follower of fashion, Miss Gabriella!

Gaby has been searching for a bag to take on our travels and it’s been no easy task. Obtaining a bag that is tailored to her needs takes time, and Gaby is dedicated in her research before the buy. Occasionally accompanied by myself, Gaby’s been to all the common high street brands such as Millets, Blacks, Cotswolds and North Face.  Burrowing deeper she’s also visited more specialist branches such as Kathmandu, and other independent local stores.

She’s done it all! Well… Everything except actually buying one…

It’s hugely important that her bag is comfortable. Crossing three different countries will require her trusty bag to feel like part of her own body, especially in the stifling heat and humidity of South East Asia.

...Trying a bag in Blacks

It needs to be the right size; balance is the key. Too big and it’ll weigh her down. Too small, and she’ll have to jettison some of her precious clothes (that wont do!). 65 litres with the possible extension of 15l more is about right.

It needs to be waterproof, and rugged; strong enough to withstand whatever nature throws at us.

It needs to be reasonable priced.

But perhaps most importantly of all (for Gaby), it needs to be stylish. This bag represents someone with taste, so it can’t be as hideous as a baboons backside (no offence if you like that…?).

...and in Cotswolds.

After all this bag could be a bag for life, a companion on many daring adventures, a loyal protector of her possessions, a bag that will be used and used (“how about a Tesco bag for life Gaby?”). This bag will be the soul, heart and pride of its owner… As Gaby said to me whilst in one of the numerous activity stores…

“It’s like in Harry Potter with the wands… You don’t chose the bag, the bag chooses you…”

Gaby’s bag is yet to choose her. Using my own bag as a benchmark, she started her epic search. It’s actually been tough work. Despite the seemingly huge range of bags, very few of them match the whole criterion. As a result, the benchmark on which my bag sits has risen higher and higher. It even got to the point where, lacking in hope at ever finding a bag for herself, Gaby offered to buy me a new bag to replace my wonderful old blue Vango. I just HAD to decline. Sorry Gabs. I’m a committed, one-bag-a-life lover!

A happy Gaby testing my Vango!

As it stands, Gaby seems pretty happy with one of the bags that Kathmandu has to offer; it’s even on sale! Set to go in store to make her purchase in the next few days, Gabs rang me…

“Ewan you’ll never guess what!??!? I saw a girl wearing a Kath Kidston style rucksack today and I yelled out! She couldn’t hear me though as she was on the other platform, but they exist!!!! I never found any on the Internet but they obviously exist!!!!”

The hunt is back on so it seems, and man’s most poignant question lives on.

What bag will Gaby choose?

Ewan.