Which size of backpack would you chose for your alpine style journeys? The 60L / 25kg load with comforts on the left or the 30L / 5kg with essentials on the right? The question is less relevant when hiking in the plains but becomes essential when traversing steep (and challenging) terrain. Carrying a light / compact backpack in the Himalayas will make your journey so much more enjoyable and you can more easily take on the steep mountains and high altitudes (low oxygen) than being dragged down by a heavy backpack with city comforts.

Once you get a large backpack the mistake has been made. You'll automatically start filling it up completely with "nice to have" gears. Only when you start with a 30L bag you'll make a conscious effort to start prioritizing and focusing on the "must have" gears.