Pack Up Your Goodies In Your New Backpack
HEADING ON A LONG ROAD TRIP TO GET TO YOUR HOLIDAY DESTINATION? INSTEAD OF HAVING TO RUMMAGE THROUGH DIFFERENT CASES AND PLACES IN THE CAR TO FIND ESSENTIAL ITEMS, IT’S TIME TO REDUCE YOUR SEARCH WOES BY CONSOLIDATING WHATEVER’S NEEDED FOR YOUR TRIP INTO A NIFTY BACKPACK. THIS MEANS THAT WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING THAT ELUSIVE NECESSITY, EVERYTHING IS WONDERFULLY CONTAINED IN A COMPACT BACKPACK, FACILITATING QUICK ACCESS WHILE KEEPING EVERYTHING ORGANISED.
“When it comes to extended road trips with my family, having one or two central places containing the essentials makes things easier, with one less thing about which to worry,” says Eugene Beck, CEO of RoadCover* (www.roadcover.co.za).
Beck, who is a seasoned traveller and has been on many road trips, both with his family and to cycling events across South Africa, provides the following advice when it comes to organising your backpack for a long journey:
1. BOTTOM LEFT POCKET
This is the perfect spot for your water bottle. Water is an essential on any road trip, keeping you hydrated while boosting the brain with oxygen, which helps to keep you alert while driving.
2. TOP LEFT POCKET
Store your first aid kit here. It is a good idea to use a transparent bag for this so that items can be accessed quickly. Include essential items here such as plasters, sanitizer or disinfectant, painkillers, prescribed tablets, hydration sachets, pills to stop gastro-related symptoms, alcohol wipes, burn cream, anti-histamine tablets and ointment, tweezers and ear buds.
3. SECONDARY COMPARTMENT
Pack your toiletries (toothbrush, face wash, toothpaste, face cream, suntan lotion and insect repellent) at the bottom of this pocket so that in case something leaks, it will not cover the rest of the contents. On top of this include a raincoat and then a fleece-lined jersey.
4. MAIN COMPARTMENT
Pack your clothing in the main compartment.You can also include your tablet or notebook in this compartment, with the clothing providing protection against bumps.
5. TOP RIGHT
This position allows for easy access of your cellphone, music device, cables, charger, and wallet. It is also a good place to have emergency numbers written down, in addition to having them saved on your phone.
6. BOTTOM RIGHT POCKET
Pop some snacks such as energy bars, peanuts, raisins, and dried fruit in here for when you get the munchies.
7. SECURITY
Make sure your bag is tied properly to keep all your items safe and sound inside your backpack.
“Backpacks may differ in design, but there are usually two main areas of smaller pockets and larger compartments,” Beck says.
“Planning is key when it comes to making the most of a long road trip, to ensure that you get to enjoy every step of the way.”
*RoadCover assists its members to receive full payouts of their Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims without incurring any additional costs for themselves.