Backpack
The most important equipment of backpackers is of course the bag. The handle of the suitcase broke during my trip to Moldova in winter.. I had to carry the suitcase in my hand when the ground was icy and snowy for about 1 km.. After that day, I realized that; In this type of equipment such as bags and suitcases, you will buy whatever is best, if it leaves you halfway, the trip is spoiled.

My love of backpacking started in 2011.. I went to many equipment stores and looked at all brands and models.. I bought my 45 liter bag which I thought would be enough for me. Until 2016, I always used the same bag. Then I realized that 45 liters was not enough for me and I switched to Columbia’s 55 Liter Trail Elite 55l.. Especially since I had to carry things like tents, sleeping bags, inflatable pads, hammocks, and hammock mosquito nets with me all the time, 45 liters was not enough anymore. At the moment I am extremely satisfied with this bag!
Pros of the bag;
– Very light when empty.
– Very good waist and hip support. When you tighten all the straps, the bag becomes like a part of your body.. It gets smaller by about 10 liters.
– There are aluminum cross slats in the back part. Thanks to these laths, the bag does not stick to your back and does not make your back sweaty as there is always space in between.
– The waistband is thick and has pockets on it to put things like passport, phone, wallet.
– There is a rain cover in the secret compartment at the bottom of the bag. The cover is very durable and it is unlikely to open unintentionally when you wrap the outside of the bag with it.. The covers of some bags are external and when you give them under the plane, the cover may be removed until the bag arrives at you.. The same is true when you hand it in the trunk of the bus.. I’ve had these many times. That’s why this feature of the bag is very, very good.
– There are a lot of eyes on the top, on the edge, in the middle and inside.. If you are going on a long trip, all those eyes are useful for you.
– It has zippers that open in the bottom and in the middle.. If you need to buy something from inside or under the bag, these eyes make your job easier.

Cons of the bag;
– The bag I use is black, but they have made the small straps white.. Well, when you give the bag to the trunk of the plane or bus, those white straps get dirty instantly.. So it would be better if they were gray.

you need a liter bag. While some travelers travel with a 65+10 liter bag, others can be worn more minimally.. Of course, this does not work with a single bag.. When I first started my trips, I saw one big backpack and one small bag in front of them.. They don’t know the business, I would say two bags are unnecessary, but the goose’s foot is not like that.. During my trip to Europe with a single bag, I realized that 2. a bag is required. Because that little bag works great for your everyday items, electronic equipment and snacks.. If your goal is to travel like a backpack, I recommend you to buy a small front bag.

Let me list the priorities for the backpack roughly as follows;
1- How many liters of bags will do the trick, depending on how much you want. forehead. No matter how big or small it is.
2- The empty weight of the bag is very important.. Go for lightweight models. (The price may increase as it gets lighter)
3- Choose a model that can be opened from the side and/or the middle as well as the top and bottom opening. Something is always left in the middle of the bag and trying to pick it up is a pain.. Do not skip this detail.
4- Some bags have original covers.. Otherwise, definitely get one.. You prevent it from getting water from the rain (usually they are water resistant) and getting dirty when you give it to the bus and plane.. (I suggest you go for the models with sheaths fixed to the bag.)
5- It is very useful to have small pockets on the top, on the right, on the left, and on the belt that is attached to the waist.. I say take it into consideration.
6- When you have decided on the bag you will buy, do not get tired, fill it with something from the store.. Take it on your back, tie the front laces. Examine it well whether it fits your waist or not.. Some may have waist adjustment.. But if there is no waist adjustment and you cannot move comfortably, give up that bag.. You will walk for miles with that bag that will come to pass.. In the first use, your shoulders will hurt for 1-2 days, then you will get used to it, but if there is a problem with the waist, there is no solution.
7- If a 45-liter bag will do the trick, I say measure the length.. Extra charges are applied for non-cabin luggage and bags on many international flights.. But if your bag enters the cabin, you do not pay extra.. This is directly proportional to how many liters of a bag you will buy.. Max for cabin size in airplanes. The length is usually 56 cm.
8- When you decide on the model, I say instead of buying it from the store, search the internet for the cheapest price and buy it from there.. In general, store prices are higher.

Front Bag
Although this bag will also be chosen according to needs, an average of 25 liters will do the job. sees. I am currently using Columbia’s 28 liter model in this link. Its biggest feature is; separate laptop compartment. A nice detail for those who use computers all the time like me.. Extra eyes inside and outside are more than enough as well. I am satisfied with both bags I use.

Mont
I think 2. The important equipment is the coat.. I’m using Columbia’s Diamond 89o Turbodown jacket. Even if I wear something like a thin underwear/t-shirt in the cold, I don’t get cold.. Also, my favorite feature is; When you go to a summer city, you fold it and put it in your bag and it takes up almost a fist or two.. The reason why the jacket is so warm is that it is goose down and the degree of filling is high.. This type of technical jackets have a phrase “Down XXX+”.. Roughly the higher the XXX value, the warmer it will keep you.. I’m using the 890 one. If there is no such extreme cold in the city you live in, you do not need to buy such a technical coat.. But if you are going to cold regions, coat is very important.. Especially if you are going on long trips like me, you have to buy a technical jacket.. Also, this jacket has small silver dots in it.. By trapping your body heat inside, it can keep you 20% warmer than normal.

Note: I can’t describe my love for animals in words. I know there are some videos on the internet about how goose feathers are chipped.. I hope that the coat I bought “optimistly” did not cause such torment to the geese.. Unfortunately, as far as I know, there is no alternative for this type of coat other than goose down.

Let me list the priorities roughly as follows;
– If you do not have a travel plan such as going to the mountains in winter or if it is not too cold where you are, 700+ filling degrees is more than enough.
– Look how much space it takes when folded.
– I would say also check the waterproof condition, but these coats can be waterproof under long rain.
– When you think of this type of technical coat, whichever brand you go for, the prices will be quite high. be prepared.

Polar Jacket

For slightly cooler weather fleece is good, but when the strong wind comes, it may be necessary to wear a coat as it absorbs the wind.. This fleece that I use stands out with its windproof feature. It’s full of silver dots, like the coat I mentioned above.. The outside is covered with omni-heat technology. In windy weather, I can only use it by wearing a t-shirt.. Because it doesn’t let the wind through unless it’s extremely cold.. It can be managed in many places even with only this fleece without the need to wear a coat.. If the place you are going is extremely cold; If you wear a goose down coat on top of this fleece, you will completely solve the cold problem.

Raincoat
I have a coat, just in case you don’t need it. don’t think. A coat is useless if you come across the rainy season in Asia or Central America.. I say go for models that will not take up space when folded so that they can always be with you according to the conditions.. It would be even better if it had a hoodie. I’m using the raincoat in the link. Not too thin like ordinary raincoats. Can be used even in cool weather. I don’t know what the property of the fabric is, but when you touch it, it gives a quality feeling like light suede. What makes the raincoat different is the zipper part on the bottom of the jeans. If you go to countries that are both hot and rainy in Asia and Central America, you can completely open your armpits and walk around :). This raincoat also has a nice adjustment mechanism that solves that case. The only downside I see is that the raincoat looks wrinkled if you want to use it after folding it and throwing it in the bag.. But it gets better in 10 minutes as you wear it.

Underwear
Another important detail is this underwear issue.. I say definitely get a professional underwear, both top and bottom.. They have warm (wool) and normal (quick-drying) models, just like the coats.. Now you make your choice according to the weather conditions in the region you are going to.
            
I chose a normal black model with long sleeves on top.. I just roll up your sleeves and use them as a t-shirt, when it gets cold you just throw that technical jacket over you ohh miss, it’s bulletproof. Don’t say you don’t need a litter. The weather can spoil in unexpected places. While you’re at it, get the top and bottom sets.. Prices will not be very affordable for a quality brand.
However, there is a great variety of unknown brands in these products.. Do not think that a normal woolen thing will meet your needs, because while protecting you from the cold, if the sun suddenly comes out, this time you should not be overwhelmed by the heat.. That’s why I say go for technical products.. You can understand why I said that by seeing the inside of the products in the photo on the side.

Shoes
Since I usually go on my trips with only one type of shoes, their appearance is also important. i give. I have never bought professional mountaineering shoes as they are a bit rough on me.. I am currently using the shoes in this link. The most obvious feature is that it is waterproof.. This feature is a life saver since I have never carried a boat with me until now.. Another detail is a light shoe.. You will be surprised when you get it. Of course, when all these features are in a single shoe, the price is unfortunately not cheap.. But when you think long-term, this type of technical product deserves its money.. When choosing shoes, I say wear both pairs and walk a little.. Even if it’s a little big, I think it’s a problem. Because if you wear loose shoes on long walks, your feet may collect water.. Although it is generally thought to happen when small shoes are worn, it is the opposite.. In case you went for a long walk with loose shoes and your feet are blistering, the best thing to do is to wear double socks or even triple socks depending on the situation.. Thus, your feet will be comfortable.

My previous shoes were the model with the photo of which you can see on the side and the video at the bottom. In fact, there are no serious technical differences between all three shoes.. All three are also very light and waterproof.
Note: The meaning of waterproof in this type of shoes is usually up to a certain level.. In other words, if you put half of the shoe into the stream and take it out, it is waterproof.. But if you wait for minutes like that, it’s waterproof.

Pants
I’m using the pants in the link. Although there are cargo pockets on the side, it certainly does not look rough. Almost like linen pants. The kind that can be worn even when going to the right and left and to entertainment venues in the evening by wearing a shirt on it if necessary.. For this reason, it is ideal for those who do not want to take too many things with them on long trips.. It makes trekking walks easier as it stretches from the knee area with every step.. In addition, the most crucial feature; You can remove the hem from the knees and turn your trousers into shorts.. What kind of feature does its fabric have, it does not hold water on it when it rains.. You can understand how it does not hold water from the photo I took myself.. While walking on muddy ground, you can shake off the small pieces of soil that jump out of the shoes.. The fact that technology is so effective in the clothes we wear really makes life easier.. You can watch the promotional video I made for my previous pants with similar features, below.

T-Shirt
Don’t ask if t-shirt will be promoted now. If you are someone who likes long walks or trekking, everything you use can be important. Columbia also has many technical t-shirts in this sense.. I have used 8-9 different models so far.. The first thing I will say is; If you are taking long walks, stay away from models that stick to the body in body style.. You can use polo collar models both on walks and even when going somewhere in the evening.. When you see the fabric, you will directly understand that it is different from normal t-shirts.. Your exception for the best quality technical t-shirt I’ve ever used is at this link.

Slippers
My favorite accessory. I even wore a slipper for 3 years during my travels.. Don’t buy standard flip-flops. Then go for what is comfortable. If I am going to a hot country, sturdy and comfortable slippers are one of the most important things for me.

Shirt
I have seen that it is more useful to use technical shirts in places.. You can protect yourself from the sun when you raise the collar and leave your arms open if necessary.. Of course I’m not talking about a regular shirt. Being a technical shirt, it gives you flexibility and comfort even while trekking.. If necessary, you can use it in cool places by wearing a t-shirt.. After 4-5 years of traveling experience, I regretted why I didn’t use this type of shirt before.

Towel
Don’t say what a relevance. If you’re going on a long trip, the less you have in your bag, the better.. Technical towels do not take up space like regular bath towels.. They can even fit in a palm when folded. Although its price may seem expensive at first, it is a very good product if you think about it in the long term.

Sleeping Bag
It is clear where the sleeping bag will be needed. it is not possible. Do not think that it only protects from cold. While staying in an extremely bug-ridden place in New York, I slept in a sleeping bag even though it was hot.. Otherwise the bugs were jumping on me, that’s all.. I use a light sleeping bag as I have no plans to stay in a tent or in very cold conditions for long periods of time.. It’s not heavy and doesn’t take up space.. If you are going to a place below 6-7 degrees, a solid sleeping bag is a must.. But a solid sleeping bag is also good money.

Mat
After my long camping trips, I realize how important this mat thing is. i understand better. I used to use classic roll mats but after a few nights sleeping on them felt like death.. When I woke up in the morning I was sore all over. Then I turned to the models with inflatable pads and got angry with myself for not getting them before.. If you like camping or going on a long trip, go for inflatable pads that don’t take up much space.. Unfortunately, the smaller the space it covers, the higher its prices.

Suluk
Maybe many of you might say what a drinker is, but that’s not the case.. At first I bought the collapsible plastic drinkers.. One of the types that can even go into your pocket when empty.. In the long run, these model drinkers are definitely not useful and smell after 1-2 days.. Then I bought a drinker made of hard plastic. Everything was fine in it too, but the water in it still smelled when it stayed for 1-2 days.. Finally, I turned to the American-made Nalgene brand that I saw on some travelers.. Ok now, I was saying that I solved the drinker thing, but it still didn’t work.. In the products of this brand, if the water in it stays for 2-3 days, it starts to smell again.. I’ve given up on plastic and turned to metal drinkers.. It doesn’t smell even if it stays in water for at least a week.

Head Flashlight
Without much knowledge and research, it’s called energizer 3 led headlight. i bought a model. Anyway, I said the flashlight would do the job, but unfortunately that’s not the case.. When you throw the flashlight into the bag, the on/off button opens with a little friction and the batteries run out without you realizing it.. If you want to remove the batteries and put them separately, this time you have to make a superhuman effort to open the battery cover.. It is not possible to understand how Energizer made such a user-friendly product.. I will buy a better quality product at the first opportunity and share the details again.

If you are going to buy a headlamp, make sure that there is a red light in addition to the white led light.. So you can see your work without attracting much attention at night.. In addition, even if the environment is dark, the eye adapts to the environment in 5-10 minutes and allows you to see even in very low light.. When you turn the white led on and off, this process starts again.. But there is no such thing at red light.. Open-close eye sees the same again. Another detail is that a model with adjustable power while using the LED light would be the right choice to save battery.

Addition: As a result of long researches, Fenix ​​is ​​waterproof to a depth of 2 meters. I bought the HL50 model. My first impression is very good. There is no red light in the product, but since there are 4 different settings for the white LED light, it gives a very light light at the lowest level.. In a way that can operate unobtrusively at night. In addition, it is possible to use the product both as a headlamp and a key chain.. Being completely metal, it feels durable and high quality for long-term use.. Working with a single pen battery is very good and user-friendly compared to other headlamps working with 3 thin batteries.. It can also be used with a CR123A battery if desired.

Addition 2: The Fenix ​​HL50 is a useful flashlight, but it drains the battery very quickly after -5 degrees.. If you are looking for a flashlight that you can use in cold weather conditions, I suggest you go for another model.. In cold weather, the battery drains quickly, but this flashlight runs out faster than usual.

Portable External Battery/Battery
5,000 I am using a mah model. It can fully charge my mobile phone about 3 times.. When that’s not enough, I use the laptop battery.

Tent
While I don’t like the tent life at all, I’m traveling to the Sierra Nevada mountainous region of Colombia. I needed a tent. The reason is that it was possible to sleep in a hammock at the place where I will stay, but then you couldn’t be protected from bugs.. I went to a big supermarket and bought the tent you see in the photo for 35 TL.. He’s seen too much of my work. Of course, it is an absolutely useless model for cold and rainy weather.. Let’s see next pro. I don’t know if I’m headed for a tent. Time will tell.

Hamock
I said I don’t like using tents, so my first choice is hammock. Although it is not easy to sleep in a hammock, but sometimes there is no alternative.. There are also many alternatives for hammocks. If you want a model that takes up little space and is comfortable, the prices are too expensive.. The fabric of good hammocks is just like parachute fabric.. Slim, comfortable and durable. After long research, I found the Bear Butt brand, which is both high quality and affordable, and bought one for 30 dollars.. It looks like it will work for me for many years.

If you’re going to the Amazon region or a place with a lot of mosquitoes like me, I recommend getting a mosquito net for the hammock.. The brand and model of the one I bought is called “Eno Guardian Bug Net”. A blessing for those in need.

Life in Tarlabaşı