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Wtf it is that you guys have inside of there? Ive done some backpacking and I just used a regular sized backpack from high school.
here is an example
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ongaein2/90392395/ but the ones I see people with usually are bigger than this and go about a foot over their head.
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I have the big backpack mostly because I'm a big guy myself. A smaller backpack wouldn't fit well on my back - which could worsen the back problems all tall people have to struggle with. A good backpack like the one I have is also very useful when you go out to do some multi-day hikes.
I never managed to fill my huge pack more than halfway though - I have experienced travellers in my family that got me to travel very light.
Cancuk,
that trip sounds sweet. I've already been to most of the places you mentioned - the town from where you took the boat to Trinidad is called Puerto Villarroel, I'm pretty sure. I worked in Villa Tunari for a while, which is very close. You are right about El Bolson, by the way - I spent almost a week there just chilling, cooking, drinking, eating - god the fresh bread was so incredibly good. And the microbrewed beer. Paradise with gorgeous views of the mountains.
Only two more weeks before I get on the plane to BA again. Teehee.