Dear LPG readers,

I recently read a very insightful article on your pages, which offered lots of information on how to make your holiday travel bags as light as possible (►►►), and I agree with GA about the importance of carrying as little as possible around with you when away from home, whatever your age, but especially when you are getting on a bit.  I do not doubt that many LPG-reading older travellers will see sense in her message because, as we get older, our legs and backs tend to remind us that carrying anything should be attempted carefully and with forethought.  

But watching the videos she shared got me thinking about one aspect of getting away that she did not touch on. Having watched the videos she shared, I noticed that nearly all the light packers were using backpacks to hold their essentials. It is true that most of the people who post such videos are younger, but I have spotted that older wearers of such luggage are becoming more common as the years go by. 

The rucksack has quickly become the preferred school bag, gradually replacing the suitcase at airports, train stations, and coach stations. As I looked around on a recent weekend away, there was evidence. Have you noticed how they are getting bigger? That has to imply that they are also getting heavier, and I have misgivings about the ones that give the rolling option. Undoubtedly, the wheels and pulling handle add to the weight on your back.  

So many videos show essentials being packed into backpacks, usually by younger people, although it is becoming less uncommon to see older tourists with them these days.  I don’t have any real back issues so far, and when you see someone walking around with one, it is easy to assume that they are young and carefree.  I suspect that, as long as you are not carrying too much stuff inside, they appear more convenient and leave you ‘hands-free’, but I started to wonder about the effect of wearing one on your body.   They have become quite popular recently, but I often wonder just how good they are for an ageing back.   

I looked online and found a little information about the best way to use one, minimise the effect on your back, and maintain your posture. LPG’s get-away-from-it-all readers might benefit from taking a look, and those who would never consider one might find some wisdom to pass on to those school-aged, backpack-wearing grandchildren…  

 
DA, Bellingham 

DA shares her online findings…

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