I've had this reoccurring dream three times in the past few weeks about packing for my upcoming trip to London & Morocco. The dilemma is the same every time: do I pack a suitcase or a backpack?
Not once has my decision been made in the dream. And I've yet to make up my mind in real life either.
On one hand, the suitcase provides a sophisticated, sturdy and structured unit to carry your belongings in. It follows your lead pretty nicely, but can really get in the way when you really want it to be flexible. It's practical and predictable, but unless your suitcase has polka dots, it's pretty boring.
On the other hand, there's the backpack (not like a book bag). It comes with secret compartments, allows you to fasten additional bags, water bottles, etc. to the outside. It fits perfectly on your shoulders, and comes with additional support around your waist. Although it is still heavy and bulky, once you put it on it's weight is well-distributed, and it doesn't tie your hands down like pulling a suitcase does. Yet, the backpack's flexibility is somewhat juvenile, and is indicative of a nomad never settling in one place long enough to unpack. It lacks the stability of the suitcase.
As someone who once spent a summer living out of a backpack, I admit I'm a big fan. There's an inexplicable (and kind of weird) bond you develop with a fabric container as you wander across foreign territory. It provides security knowing that it is literally attached to you when you're in high-theft areas, and doubles as a pillow when you have a long train ride or layover. Knowing that you are carrying all of your possessions on your back makes you feel free and like you are equipped to go anywhere.
I told a friend of mine about my reoccurring packing dilemma dream. He said it must be a metaphor for bigger, more important decisions in life. I think he may be right.
For now, the verdict is still out.
UPDATE: I went with the backpack. In every sense of the meaning, and I'm really glad I did.
Not once has my decision been made in the dream. And I've yet to make up my mind in real life either.
On one hand, the suitcase provides a sophisticated, sturdy and structured unit to carry your belongings in. It follows your lead pretty nicely, but can really get in the way when you really want it to be flexible. It's practical and predictable, but unless your suitcase has polka dots, it's pretty boring.
On the other hand, there's the backpack (not like a book bag). It comes with secret compartments, allows you to fasten additional bags, water bottles, etc. to the outside. It fits perfectly on your shoulders, and comes with additional support around your waist. Although it is still heavy and bulky, once you put it on it's weight is well-distributed, and it doesn't tie your hands down like pulling a suitcase does. Yet, the backpack's flexibility is somewhat juvenile, and is indicative of a nomad never settling in one place long enough to unpack. It lacks the stability of the suitcase.
As someone who once spent a summer living out of a backpack, I admit I'm a big fan. There's an inexplicable (and kind of weird) bond you develop with a fabric container as you wander across foreign territory. It provides security knowing that it is literally attached to you when you're in high-theft areas, and doubles as a pillow when you have a long train ride or layover. Knowing that you are carrying all of your possessions on your back makes you feel free and like you are equipped to go anywhere.
I told a friend of mine about my reoccurring packing dilemma dream. He said it must be a metaphor for bigger, more important decisions in life. I think he may be right.
For now, the verdict is still out.
UPDATE: I went with the backpack. In every sense of the meaning, and I'm really glad I did.
