http://spreadsheets.google.com/feeds/list/o06996531621457208767.1275442097903647886/od6/public/basic/ea67k2009-11-03T07:16:52.328Zcountryonyourpassport: USA, firstname: Kevlar, yourage: 43, travelascoupleorsingle: Single, usually, whatisthelongesttimeyouhaveevertraveledoutsideyourcountry: 3 months in China, then to Europe for 3 more to get some of the western influence back in me, then to india for a month, back to China/Hong Kong for another 2 months, home (PA) for about 2 weeks to take care of biz, then onto S. America for 5 months..., brandnameofbackpack: Columbia ??? don't remember, whatdidyoupayforbaginu.s.dollars: Dont remeber, listtheitemsthathavebrokeonyourbag.: The zippers become clogged with lint & similar stuff, and the zipper's pull-tabs usually break off completely. The strap attachments (where they connect to the top of the pack itself) have frayed and the stitching has loosened. The bottom seam stitching. The top of the pack becomes faded and the UV damage weakens the material on the pack's top. I have had less problems as time goes on and I learn how to pack in such a way as to reduce wear in certain places., whatarethebiggestproblemsyouhadwiththebag: I have a thin body-type and sometimes, usually when I'm in a hurry to leave somewhere and need to pack quickly, the items in the pack (cooking utensils, laptop batt, etc) will become dislodged and jab me in the back. Also, the zippers 'sticking'. I also need to figure out a way to keep the items positioned vertically...to keep everything from falling to the bottom of my pack., whatfeaturesorbenefitsdoyouwantincluded: - Lockable zippers & slice-proof outer covering for compartments that contain valuables. - Waterproof compartments (from the inside & outside). - Built in compass & clock would be nice. A padded, secure compartment for my laptop (& battery) when I travel with it. - A water bottle holder on one side that's easily accessible while wearing the pack. - A slot down one side that I could slide a(n) umbrella/canopy into for sun protection while wandering through arid lands. HERE'S SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE GREAT: A bag that lays over the shoulder and provides a backpack and a front pack, i.e. Two backpack connected by the shoulder straps with velcro waist connectors to secure the bottoms of each to each other, the front being slimmer and cotton backed to keep your chest from sweating. Eventually, a solar photo-voltaic charger for my laptop batt., howmuchweightdoyoucarryinthebag: 30 lbs unldng laptop, didyoureturnwithmorethanbagsthanyouleftwith: Occasionally I will pick up a small, cheap 'Fanny-pack' type bag to carry souveniors, etc. safely back with me until I can put the toys in my pack correctly., howoftendidyouusethewaistharness: Always, unless I'm in an airport or on a bus and need to 'slide' by people easily and quickly shift the pack from one side to the other. It also provides another means of security in certain situations. If I had broader shoulders or a thicker waist, I might not need to use it, but I do, so I do., wasyourobbedonthetrip: I have been robbed. I suspect by children in places like India,Bangkok, & the Philippines. They have cut the compartments on my pack to gain access to what's inside., ifyeswhichcountryexplain: India, Thailand, Mexico, Philippines, didyourbagfallintothewaterontrip: No, but I've set in on grassland that was swampy, didyoucarryatent: No, didyoucarryasleepingbag: No, unless, I'm specifically going to the woods for a short time, i.e. weekend camping trip when home., didyoucarryacamelbackwaterpouch: No, unless I've gone hiking on a specific trip, again, a weekend hike for example, but don't carry one when I travel extensively. Water is available most everywhere, but I do carry a small amount of chlorine bleach to disinfect when needed., whatitemsdidyounotneed: Cooking pans, eating utensils, and the Swiss Army knife for the most part, but when I did need it, I was glad I had it..., blogorwebsitenameifyouhaveone: Not Applicable, didyouloseawaterbottle: Yes, explainyouropinionsonwaterbottles: I will usually just buy bottled water wherever I'm going. In most third-world type countries, people are quick to accept the empties for recycling., doyoucarryandumbrella: Yes, wheelsornowheelsbag: Have Both, rarely use the one wheels, howmanybagsdidyoucary: One large backpack & a smaller front (belly pack Patogonia), not a fanny pack, linktophotosofyourbag.: My pack is HIGHLY MODIFIED, some out of necessary repairs, some out of ingenuity & convenience. Its a basic large pack with 2 shoulder straps & waist strap, and a top zip-around opening, but that's about all that resembles the original thing., doyoucarryarainponcho: Yes, a very thin one with vents., doyoucarrryacomputerexplainhowyoucarry: I have a very slim Sony VS. I will lay my pack flat (part that rest against my back on the floor) and put a shirt, or jeans in first, then I'll lay my laptop on that and place some socks all around the edges of the laptop to protect from side impact while traveling. I'll then place other clothing on the top side (back of the monitor) to protect from 'rear-end' collisions. I also wrap the laptop in plastic (making sure its cooled down) before I put it into the backpack., didyoubreakacameraorlose: I've been lucky, I've never lost my camera, but got some sand into the lens area while in Egypt. I sent it home (to be repaired later) and picked up the same model in Cairo., averagepriceofroomsyoulivedin: $28, whydoyouloveyourbag: We live together. It provides for me & is a part of me. It doesn't talk back, become irritable, or make fun of me. I look forward to spending time with him (???-- I've decided that its masculine--???) as I look forward to the adventures we will share. He's like a little helper..."Here, carry this for me", "Can you give me a ---?". I'll talk to it when I'm on a lonely road from one area to the next. . I feel the same way about my pack as I do about pets I have had when home. He provides protection of sorts, and you can hug them as long as you like. I also respect my pack, I won't overburden him, or ask too much of him., howdoyourepairabagwhentraveling: I'll find a local cobbler, or seamstress, sometimes I'll just use Duct tape for small tears. Sometimes I'll buy some thick string and repair it myself with a sewing needle that I always carry. I can sometimes use wire ties (Ty-Wraps) which I always carry for certain types of repairs., doesapersonneedhikingboots: Yes, if you've ever walked through a very crowded city (especially where there's livestock), a good pair of (leather/nylon incorporated) hiking boots can save your feet. I have never skimped on footwear, bad shoes will ruin your feet. A good lightweight pair of 3/4 length hiking boots/shoes with a good sole will get you through all kinds of terrain, and you can always wear them out to dinner with a dress shirt (provided, there not all snazzy w/neon stripes). Good hiking shoes with also outlast an expensive pair of lightweight quality running shoes which I usually carry as well. I've found that if you're wearing running shoes and you encounter a small adventure/excursion into the rainforest, or swamp-type land, rubbers are available for purchase or rent., explainhowyoumanageguidebooks: In general, I like the Barron's Guides. They're small and come with a nice plastic covering. They contain sections on 'basic phrases' & 'places of interest'. They tell you the tipping & etiquette customs, and usually a few 'slang' phrases. I don't want bus or ferry schedules as they can change overnight in some countries. I'll also pick up local guide books wherever I am. These I keep in my 'belly pack'. I have easy access to them for reference, and can quickly stow them when I need both hands free for whatever (banana picking, petting zoos). I keep them in a slot on my 'front/belly' pack. I put Velcro on the top opening about a 1/4 of the way over, this way they're somewhat secure while I'm being jostled about by the crowds, but I can get them out without having to open/close a zipper (hands-free) as I usually have a cameral, or water in one hand. The Velcro 'automatically' seals itself shut as I walk & brush up against the hooks & loops. If I'm in a hotel, or area with WiFi, I'll download 'Places of Interest', tripTix, or local maps & study them at night, but generally speaking, I prefer the convenience of pulp in my hands. If I have time, I'll find a shady spot, open my laptop and look over the material I have downloaded, make notes in a small notepad or my Barron's phrase book, and proceed with that. This only happens if I really like a place and plan to be there more than a few days. I have found that a guide book isn't usually necessary (especially in Asia where our pronunciation doesn't even come close to theirs), and its just a waste of $ if I'm only there for a day or two. My M.O. is this: I'll ask an English speaking person at the hotel where to go & what to do (showing them that you're ready to, or actually do TIP Them Well). I also try to take a 'sightseeing' tour of the area and come back to, or just stay in an area that I like. I have also encountered many 'Westerners' in my travels. Whether they are there on biz, or missionary work, etc., they can usually provide very good info on what to do, and what to avoid., doyouclimbmountains: Not usually, If the opportunity presents itself, I'll go for the day, but I don't engage in serious multi-day expeditions., doyoulikeallthelittlepocketsinsidethebag: Absolutely...I'll keep a small first-aid kit in one, sewing kit, Swiss Army knife, compass/timepiece, notepad/pencil, passport - emergency cash - medical info & credit card, etc. I always use the same pouch for the same thing as I hate wasting time looking for just the thing I need at the moment. I usually end up making my own custom-sized 'pouches/compartments' for specific items I carry...no wasted space., didyougetyourbagslashedwithrazor: Yes, several times, in Bangkok, I carried "bait"....small, trinkety type things in conspicuous places that the little thieves could have and (hopefully) be satisfied., wouldalargedufflebagworkgoodenough: For the most part, of large duffle will do, but it needs modified. It would need pockets, inside & out, and some sort of should padding for the strap(s) as I am thin., doyoulockyourbag: Yes, explainbagsecurity: The straps can be used when its not on your back. Slip them around your legs, ankles, elbows, etc. Never let your bag out of your site when in public. Camouflage it whenever possible. Keep the compartments locked, and use decoys when appropriate., doyouknowofanyonewhohadthebagstolenexplainwhathappened.: I've heard stories of people having their bags stolen. They were foolish enough to have kept their passport & cash in them. I use a flesh colored money belt that I wear around my abdomen. These folks had to go to the local consulate or call home for money & ID. I've never had mine stolen outright, although thieves have tried., whatfeaturedoyoudreamofonabackpack: Pop-up Sun umbrella, built in music, solar battery charger, cooling system for my back, GPS, fold-out chair & lap-table, bullet-proof, (knife-proof), two-way audio/video cam, pop-down wheels for scooter-like transport. Pop out tent/rain protection. microwave, cooler, WiFi connection, jet-pak, or personal helicopter technology...