I was so eager to purchase my very first travel pack. That was 5 years ago, I chose an orange travel back pack, 45-liter or so. I chose that backpack, simply because it was the cheapest one in the store. I had no time to shop, my 9-day trip through 5 cities started the next day. I have always been a poor planner, but an excellent procrastinator.
The orange back pack has since taken me to 10 different countries. It has served me well and has been a great companion. If I had known then what I know now I would have done things differently. I would not have bought a 45-liter backpack.
There is an infinite number of lessons to be learned as we travel though life. It can, however, manifest itself only in retrospect. The most valuable lesson that I have learned is that you need less things than you think you do.
By the third week of the first time I went on a long-term journey, I grew tired of such a heavy bag that I found myself discarding many things. The second sweater I brought along because it matches perfectly with one of the skirts I had brought. 4 out of the 10 pairs of socks. I tossed out clothing and downsized my wardrobe to the essential. In the end, my bag was only half-full.
I had so much space that I found myself purchasing items that I did not need only because I had room to carry them. Days later I throw or give them away when I am burdened by the weight they add.
When I began my second long-term journey, I still had my faithful orange bag. However, I felt the time had come to say goodbye. I knew now exactly what I needed and what I did not. I had evolved.
With the same eagerness I purchased my second backpack. With 25 liters I had all the space for everything that I needed. Even a pair of heels and a make-up bag.
Joya of the World 