THE BIG TRIP - COUNTDOWN

I am now beginning to panic. Less than 3 months to go to my 87 day Oz-Bus overland London to New York trip and I still haven't resolved what sort of luggage to take. The guidelines are that we take:

"one backpack and one day bag. Old style, external framed rucksacks are out: the new style backpack-cum-carry bags very much in. These backpacks with conventional padded straps that can be zipped away if necessary giving the appearance of a soft suitcase. They also have a zip around the entire perimeter of the bag so access is not restricted to the top, enabling greater speed with packing/unpacking plus they can fit into spaces where rigid suitcases would not. Being restricted by the amount of luggage stowage space, we can't accommodate people brining more than one back pack and you will most likely buy a lot along the way as well. If you bring too much to departure you may be asked to make your bag smaller, so don't bring more than is needed."

You would think that these very specifice guidelines would help me make my selection wouldn't you? Wrong! I sourced what I thought was the ideal thing on-line - a Berghaus Women's Jalan 65+15 Convertible Travel Rucksack on wheels with detachable daysac. Sorted. However, when it arrived I found that the wheels made it very heavy. I could wheel it easily, but it would have been too heavy for me to carry on my back. I gave that one to my grandson.

My thinking then was "would any loaded rucsac be too heavy for me, would I be better to buy a light weight holdall on wheels?". So I went on-line again. My next purchase was the Berghaus Mule 100 and a Berghaus Twentyfourseven 15 Litre Womens Backpack.

Then to "hedge my bets" I also ordered A Gelert RUC643 Global Jet Set 60+15L Rucksack. I liked the colour it also has a detachable Daysac and I thought "I'll keep one and return the other"

This is where I am now. The holdall on wheels is ideal, but a tad HUGE. How would I cope over rough terrain? And, if need be, is it too big and unwealdy to carry comfortably up steps etc. More important, would I look like an CLUELESS IDIOT in front on my new friends? The Gelert is a beautiful colour. I love it, but is it too small? The daysac certainly is.

I did make one decision, the 15 litre Berghaus daysac was not big enough. That went back. But what to do about the others? I sought the advice of my colleagues in the office. Tanya said there was a Mountain Warehouse outlet a about 4 miles away. Kimberley said that she had bought Taylor's camping gear there and the prices are good. Now they tell me!

So I haul myself down there. I was so obviously overwhelmed by choice that a charming young man came over and asked if he could help me. I explained what I needed and why and he didn't laugh. That was good. He showed me a 60 litre rucksac with a zip around the whole perimeter and detachable 20 litre daysac. It seemed ideal, but I didn't like the colour, was completely unsure of my mental state and totally unable to make a decision so I said I would think about it.

Back at the office they suggested I buy it, compare it with what I have and then make a decision. Easier said than done.