Several years ago, I stumbled upon an ad for a backpack that caught my eye. I can't explain why, but it sparked a curiosity within me that quickly turned into an obsession. I found myself tirelessly researching and stalking that backpack for weeks until I finally succumbed to its allure and made the purchase. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of an adventurous quest to find the perfect backpack.
As soon as I received my coveted backpack, I realized it wasn't all I had hoped for. It was heavy and cumbersome, making it a pain to carry around. Nevertheless, I held onto it, believing there was something special about owning the "perfect" backpack.
And so, my quest began. I embarked on a journey of trial and error, exploring various backpacks with the hope of finding the one that would steal my heart. I soon discovered that different backpacks served different purposes and appealed to different aspects of my life.
Now, I must confess—I am not an avid hiker or a minimalist traveler who can pack their entire life into a single backpack. I have no qualms about checking in a bag at the airport; in fact, I prefer the freedom of having my hands free. This realization allowed me to embrace the diversity of backpacks and appreciate their unique features.
Over time, I have bid farewell to several backpacks that failed to earn their keep. However, a select few have managed to secure their place in my collection. Interestingly, some of these backpacks were acquired as freebies from trade shows. A grey one from a Magento Show, an orange sling pack fashioned from paper cloth, and even a vibrant Flamingo bag by Vera Bradley, reserved exclusively for beach vacations.
Among the pink bags that still remain, one topples over far too often due to its poor structure, while the other proves ideal for local adventures but lacks the security required for bustling airports. A whimsical string bag gifted to me by one of my children serves as a charming addition, alongside a trusty blue travel bag that may not be a backpack but insists on staying with it’s siblings..
But my current favorite backpack, the one that has stolen my heart (for now), is none other than the The Zomake Lightweight Packable Backpack. A Christmas gift that has become a trusted travel companion, It boasts an incredibly lightweight design and folds up into a compact 8 x 8 size, perfect for slipping into my luggage.
One of my favorite features are the double zippers at the top, allowing me to attach a wire and lock it securely to a beach chair while I take a refreshing swim. It's a small but thoughtful detail that provides me with the peace of mind I need when traveling to the beach. While it may not accompany me on the plane, it faithfully travels with me, folded neatly in my luggage.
Now, as I revel in the joy of finding my current favorite backpack, the Zomake, I can't help but contemplate expanding my collection. Perhaps I'll indulge in a few more colors, or maybe I'll venture into the realm of different folding packs to satisfy my curiosity. After all, the journey itself is what makes the quest for the perfect backpack so exhilarating.
As I continue to explore the world of backpacks, embracing their versatility and uncovering hidden gems, I'm reminded that it's not about owning the "perfect" backpack. It's about the experiences, memories, and stories that each backpack carries along with it. And in the end, the perfect backpack may just be the one that accompanies us on our adventures, faithfully carrying our dreams and aspirations as we navigate through life's many paths.
Photo taken while on a train ride on the Yukon Pass, during an Alaska Cruise in May of 2023
Here's the current backpack on a trip earlier this year. Tomm was along for the ride, TOMM = Tale of the Mysterious Monkey, I'll talk about him at another time, but he travels with us now and then.
