Although I am trying to save up as much money as I possibly can, I knew there were certain things that I absolutely had to invest on before I begin my journey. A durable backpack and a pair of good travel shoes.

I have been scouting up and down through malls and online stores, pouring through all the written and video reviews  and listening to all the various pep talk from sales people and friends who has done this before. Finally, I am more or less convinced with what I want (haven’t bought them yet though but I mostly probably will). Here are my chosen ones so feel free to give any feedback if you have any!

Backpack:

The search for the perfect backpack is like choosing a soul mate. It has to hold you right, carry all your weight without burdening you excessively and be trusted to last through thick and thin. After reading through (and listening as well) all the contrasting feedback of competing brands like Deuter, Arcteryx, Northface and many others, I have finally settled on one that I fell instantly in love with when I first saw it and loved even more when I researched, and explored in person at a shop in Funan.

The Osprey Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack

I first got introduced to this osprey backpack in a video review by someone who was teaching his viewers how to pack for long term travel. I particularly loved the fact that unlike regular backpacks which has so many complicated compartments and zips, this one totally slayed me with its unforgiving simplicity, and efficient balance of space and practical functionality. What I absolutely adore about it especially, is the straps that secures and hides all the zippers (can be hidden from potential pickpockets!) and that you can split the bag (a la transformers) and produce a day pack that has its very own straps as well! I know it is probably hard to visualize what I am saying so here is a video below that will show you exactly what I mean!

For all that it offers, the price is not too steep, pretty reasonable as compared to its competitors (especially Deuter).

Shoes:

Is like choosing yet another soul mate. However for this one, it needs to not only be durable, and comfortable in all situations & weathers, but also presentable, just in case you are planning a night out or something. Timberland presents the best choices for me (as of now until I research more) in these aspects. Here’s my choice.

Men’s Timberland Water Proof & Anti Fatigue Chukka 

Not only does it look pretty decent (I love grain colors), it is also made to resist wear & tear for as long as possible, meaning that it can take a lot of brunt and different weather conditions. It is waterproof, anti fatigue (absorb shocks so your feet won’t be aching too much at the end of the day) and is most importantly, very comfortable to wear. I am however, still looking around at other options as I haven’t done too much research about travel shoes and because, timberland isn’t cheap at all.

On a side note, I felt that I needed a pair of shades on the road and I was so lucky that the owner of a specs shop that my friend worked at in Peninsula Shopping Center gave me a really nice looking pair of polarized and UV-protected aviators absolutely free on hearing about the journey I am embarking on. Hurray to awesome Samaritans!