Storing energy, Swedish style

Travelling around the world will require quite some energy. And that means we'd need to stock up on some energy while we can. Cue the Swedish meatballs, caviar sandwiches, blueberry yoghurts and frothy Nordic beers. In fact, when we're not eating, we're sleeping. Or, at least, preparing to eat. Or preparing to sleep. Sofas, blankets and DVDs are also useful weapons for such indulgent pre travel calorization preparations. Bellies galore, indeed. But, hey, this time it's in the name of endurance, right? Perfectly justified. Skål!

Luggage mutt, anyone?

Some further Googling for backpacks, turned up this blog-worthy mongrel. Evidently an often overlooked alternative; a cargo carrying dog to haul the gear. Why didn't we think of this? A medium sized German Shephard who'll obediently carry our tighty whiteys, in evenly balanced and surprisingly fetching saddle bags. Besides, as it happens, such a canine companion would prove useful in getting a seat on them crowded Asian trains. What a bonus. Thank you, Rocky. Here's a biscuit.



Ok, couldn't resist, found another wee four legged travel buddy, complete with strap on baggage. And this time, it's upper crust Gucci too. UUuuoooohh.

Ok, what size bag?

Right then, next necessary decision - choosing the right bag. After several days of visiting the gauntlet of ruggedy outdoor shops, in the traveller dense High Street Kensington (and trying on entire walls of ingeniously designed top loaders, front loaders and side loaders), we finally chose the all round nifty carrier pictured above; the Lowe Alpine Travel Trekker ND, no less. It holds an impressive 60 Litres of volume (which equates to a fair bit of contraband), and seems to be a nice compromise between a decent wardrobe choice and irreversible spinal numbness. It's big enough to hold the essentials. Yet small enough to save our lower backs. Sweet. Job done. Next.

Which way?

Weighing up countries you haven't been to is trickier than it sounds. How long exactly do we spend in Sri Lanka? Do we prioritise Vietnam over Korea? Are we really going to skip Africa? After much debate we've finally decided on the route ahead. One that offers both excitement and relaxation. Dotted line means overland.