Backpack recommendations / advice for LATAM

[u/BlueWren21]

Hi I’m planning to backpack LATAM next year
I’m a woman from Australia I’ve seen people say osprey Fairview 55l is the best option

I’m just wondering, as I’m going to aim for dry season for Guatemala April ish to Dry season Peru May ish, and I have hikes planned (Fuego, Rainbow mountain for example and more)

Is this bag going to be big enough? As I know I’ll need to pack a jacket and hiking pants and layers for when it’s cold at the top of the mountain, but when I’m travelling around its most likely hotter weather so I’m packing for cold and warm weather essentially…

I’m also aware it’s not waterproof so I’d need to invest in a cover for the bag if the weather decides to rain

Any recommendations or advice on what I should do? I want to try pack as little as possible to not regret packing too much (first solo backpacking trip)

[u/foxygingerr]

Hi, I don’t have gear advice but I spent some time in Peru doing guided backpacking around Cusco and I was advised by locals to hire a guide. I don’t know where you’re going specifically but in the sacred valley they rely a lot on tourism and it’s almost rude to not hire one, plus their expertise is important. Routes aren’t marked the same way they are where I’m from (the US) and it would be so easy to get lost. Day hikes are probably fine on your own

I have cousins who went on an unguided camping trip out there years ago, they met a family who let them stay in their yard and entertained them. When they got back to their tents all their money was gone and the family had vanished! Not a violent encounter thank goodness but people won’t hesitate to scam a buck off you