Planning a trip is one thing, and once everything is in place you need to start fine tuning all those little details like what you might need while travelling and more importantly, what kind of luggage would best suit your trip.
When planning your trip to Namibia, this may become a crucial component as you will need to know what would suit your trip: Suitcase or Backpack?
Suitcase vs backpack. Image: You Tube
This seems to be an age old tale of clashing arguments and opinions, as each person has a different idea of what the ‘ideal’ type of luggage is. Making this decision is important as it may influence your trip, but what influences this decision the most is: what kind of travelling you are planning on doing. Will you be joining a group tour, or travel privately? Will you be backpacking across the country or glamp your way from location to location?
The great thing about travelling in Namibia, is that you can effectively travel with either a suitcase or backpack, depending on your personal preference. However there are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.
If you are planning on going hiking, and I mean serious hiking – like the trails that move through the Fish River Canyon – then go for the backpack, you will be able to pack everything you need for the hike and it will be a lot easier to move along the terrain if you aren’t dragging a suitcase behind you. If hiking is the aim of the game, consult this list of what you may need on the trip.
Hiking in Fish River Canyon. Image: Namibian org
Also, if you are traveling with a tour operator, check in with them before making a concrete decision as they may have size regulations regarding luggage.
Back to the argument: Packing can be a really tedious process and the packing style you prefer can affect your choices. If you are happy with top-loading all your possessions and clothes and don’t mind having to unpack it all every time you need something, the backpack is a serious contender. They come in all shapes and sizes and strap to your body, allowing for support where it is needed. If you will be covering a lot of ground on foot it may be somewhat easier to hoist a bag onto your back.
Although if you prefer being able to reach whatever you’ve packed with an orderly ease, the suitcase may be for you. Nothing against a backpack but when it comes to easy accessibility and keeping your clothes crinkle-free, a suitcase is a better option.
While in Namibia you will be spending quite a bit of time on the road, if you’re in a bus there may be some restrictions but none that would eliminate either of the above mentioned, or you may prefer to travel in your own car which gives ultimate freedom of choice regarding luggage. If you go on safari you won’t be spending a lot of time walking so once again you don’t need to limit yourself by what someone else has prescribed for your trip.
You will definitely need a smaller backpack for day-to-day use, regardless of which option you decide on. And having said all of this, I need to make an alternate suggestion… Why not combine the best of both? You can get these great tog-bags [duffle bags] on the market that come with wheels. So you get the easy accessibility of a nice broad opening to pack and unpack everything you need, along with wheels that can be dragged along behind you.
On top of that, you can carry it along your shoulders or even as a backpack if the need may arise. Whatever your choice may be, I have no doubt that it will allow you everything you need for your trip. And as an additional travel tip, if you’re an “over-packer” like me, it may be a good idea to check out a video on packing. This basically explains how clowns can pack so much into such a small space and how you can fit that extra pair of jeans into the small corner of space you have left.
If you have any other advise that could be useful, add them in the comment section!
Author – Jescey Visagie is a proud Namibian and is passionate about writing and language. Tag along for the ride as she tries to uncover new insights into Namibia and explores what the country has to offer.
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