04/29/2023
Just call her Frankenpack.
I bought my backpack off Marketplace for $60. She was a steal, fits me perfectly, and we have seen more places together than I can keep track of. However, she sustained some pretty considerable damage trekking down a volcano in Guatemala. Let's just say her owner is clumsy, and she took the brunt of the (many) falls down Volcan Acatenango.
While this tear wasn't too bad in the beginning, it's gotten worse with each adventure. Rather than parting with this pack that I genuinely love so dearly, I took a spare cloth napkin (with durable fabric) and patched my little friend up. I have some pretty exciting things planned for the next few months, and I need to make sure this pack won't burst at her seams (literally).
One of the BEST things you can do for the environment (and your wallet) is to not buy new or buy anything at all. So many items can be easily mended or repaired versus tossed in the trash and repurchased. Plus, now she's got a bit more character, a GREAT story to tell, and more years of life added to this well-loved travel buddy. And that money saved is going straight towards my next adventure 🙌