Not really a frivolous question!
But I am planning my first tour this year and want to get the balance right between travelling light and having appropriately sturdy shoes and backpack.
Normally on holiday I alternate between little slip on trainers (for dusty/sandy walking) and birkenstocks (as a cooler alternative) but as I hope to be climbing Mount Sinai, I wonder if I need more sturdy trainers/walking shoes?
Also, I don't own a backpack and would need to buy or borrow one for the trip. What sort of size is average to use (eg 65l/90l)? Is it best with or without a frame? Am I right in guessing that the backpack is recommended for convenience over a suitcase, but that there won't be a need to carry it for a long period - so I won't need a top of the range bag??
And for July, I'm assuming that I'll only need a really thin sleeping bag, with a sleep sheet?
I'd be really grateful for your help!!
tequila
Re: Shoes and Bags! (Egypt)
Hi, tequilla-sunrise
I have just come back from a Jewels of Egypt tour and climbed Mt. Sinai. Normal running shoes or joggers are fine for the climb. The only shoes I took were some sandals for the warmer days and my joggers. Didnt need anything else. As far as a backpack is concerned, out of our group of 15, only 3 had backpacks. The rest had wheeled suitcases. I found the suitcases just great, although mine was quite a small one. Did not have to carry it very far. However, would depend on what tour you are planning. No sleeping bag is required on the Jewels of Egypt tour but is if you are staying on a felucca. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Re: Shoes and Bags! (Egypt)
If you know someone who already has a pack, you might as well borrow it and see what you like/don't like. That way if you decide to do more traveling you'll know what to look for if you buy your own.
Re: Shoes and Bags! (Egypt)
Hi, I was on the Jewels of Egypt in February and here are my answers for you:
If you just take the imaginative tour and no other travel than you'll be fine with a normal suitcase (just a small backpack as daypack for your stuff you need during the day would be helpful); there are just a few times when you have to carry your (big) baggage by yourself.
As for shoes I think the same as "khawthorne" and I think it'll do no good to have just your "slip in trainers" or sandals for the climb( it's not so hard but it's still about 2 1/2 hours up and at least another 2 hours down on sandy and stony terrain).
Re: Shoes and Bags! (Egypt)
Hi Tequila,
I just came back from Nile And Beyond (combination of Beyond the Pyramids & Alexanrida and Siwa). I borrowed a backpack from a friend, and definitly a backpack was better for that tour. For my tour, a decent day pack is also essential, especially for the Bedouin Camp in Sinai. It defintly depends on what tour you are doing. If you are doing any of the above, let me know, I can give you some advice. For certain parts of the tour, I had advise of things to take before I left, and it came to be invaluable help.
thanks