I’m a 30-year-old female going backpacking round Central and South America for six months from September.
I’ve backpacked before around Southeast Asia and I usually travel with a 50L backpack which I find to be just right. I never overpack it and it means I can always bring some stuff back. Not having a totally full bag also makes it easier to carry and pack.
I plan on taking a slightly bigger bag this time, at least a 55L absolute max 60 L, bearing in mind the different climates to pack for and I now have long-term medication that I need to take for my trip.
I’m quite small (5ft) so 50 L is what I can manage, but I’m a bit worried about the fact my pack will be bigger this time round.
Therefore, I’m considering taking a backpack with wheels. Personally, I found round Southeast Asia you could definitely do most locations with a backpack with wheels or even a suitcase however I’ve never been to Latin America apart from Costa Rica so I’m not sure what it’s like.
I’ve heard mixed things. Some people say they’ve taken one to South America and literally never put it on their back. Others say it’s a bad idea because backpack with wheels ends up being heavier and you can’t wheel it in as many places as you think.
Advice about packing light is not useful. I have a lot of medication I need to take and I know I don’t overpack as it is, but I am also not a minimalist.
Any genuine advice from people that have been to that part of the world would be much appreciated - especially those that have taken a backpack with wheels themselves!