I chose the Deuter Air Contact Pro 60+15. I would suggest that you visit the sports and outdoor equipment store you trust and try on some bagpacks. It's important that it's comfortable, handy to use, not too big nor too small and that it has a reasonable price. For my purpose the Deuter is perfect. It comes with a lot of practical feauters like rain cover, compartments for drinking systems, it's extendable and very comfy. I paid something like 230 $ which is ok.
2. The shoes
I would say that the shoes are the most important piece of equipment you will need for such a tour. Don't save on good shoes cause you will be spending weeks in them and have them on for several hours a day. They should be comfortable, strong, support your feet and give you good grip on every underground you come across. I chose the Lowa Kody GTX II Mid. It's a trekking shoe and suitable for flat and slightly rocky underground. As I'm not planning to hit the mountains in terms of climbing, it's the perfect shoe to go for. It's around 180 $. I suggest you get good outdoor socks - which by the way are the only way to control the tempreature in such a shoe. The shoe is made of a Goretex material and thus very respiratory - anyhow...the right sock makes sure you don't sweat too much or it will keep you warm in higher regions. Ask your retailer - he'll be happy to help you on that matter.
You will spend a lot of time outside on a backpacktour - so I believe that a good knife will be very useful. For me it was important to get a small, lightweight and flexible knife. I chose the Gerber Remix foldable knife. It's small, made of aluminium and has a serrated blade as you can see on the picture.
4. Clothes
Space is the only thing you don't have on a backpack tour cause you don't want to carry around a heavy bagpack. So you need to cut back on the clothing you take with you and choose wisely. What I take with me is 3 tee's, 6 briefs, 3 pairs of socks (2 for warm temperatures, one for cold temperatures), a hat to protect your head from the sun, a thermo shirt for the mountains, 2 pairs of outdoor pants with zipper to take off half of the legs, a raincoat. If there's anything else you need, you can still get it at your destination. And to be honest - I'm really looking forward to get one of those alpaca wool pullovers they sell there. :-)
5. A moskito net
As we'll be spending nights in the jungle or nearby a lake, a moskito net is definitely a must-have. I got one from a friend which is very small and lightweight.
6. The first aid kit
You never know what might happen - so I think it's wise to take some medicine. A few basic things like aspirine or paracetamols, something against diarrhea, patches for small wounds, desinfectant, insect repellent and not to forget: the vaccinations you should get beforehand! These would be Hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, tetanus, polio and typhus. Talk to your doctor to find out about that.
I think that's all for now. I will add things if I can think of more. If you have any questions - feel free to ask! :-)
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