HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK

How does your travel style influence the type of backpack you should buy?

What are the key features to look for in a good travel backpack? How do you choose the best backpack for travel? To answer this question, it is essential to consider what type of trip you are taking.

For the past year, I have traveled with a 38-liter Kathmandu carry-on backpack I purchased in New Zealand.

For the past year, however, I have primarily lived in warm climates (I chase the sun while I travel). I knew I wanted to travel with the sun when I purchased my backpack. Because I live in areas with great weather, I don’t need to bring heavy items. I only take a few jackets, some trousers or jeans, and one oversized warm jacket with me on the plane.

This backpack was chosen for several other reasons. My girlfriend and I had a tight budget, so this backpack was a great choice. We had planned an extensive trip to Asia and Europe, with stops in Europe to Volunteer in different countries with World packers.

We had to make sure we saved as much money as possible. Carrying a backpack with you saves you a lot of money on luggage fees. We can take any low-cost flight without worrying about buying extra luggage or paying ridiculous amounts.

We are also winning time, and money is secondary. This is the most important reason to only travel with a carry-on bag. It’s possible to get to the airport within an hour of our flight. We don’t need to wait until the counter opens two or three hours earlier. You can check-in online and go through security. Then, you’re straight to your gate. After landing, we don’t need to wait at the baggage belt. We can go straight to the bus/metro station from the plane.

While I will always advocate a carry-on backpack that fits in the overhead compartment, there are other ways to travel. You must be honest with yourself about your travel plans.

If you plan to travel to Andorra during winter, you might need a giant backpack (58 or 65 liters). Perhaps even 70.

You will need a large backpack to store your clothes and a carry-on for your equipment if you plan to travel through Southeast Asia for a year as a photographer.

You may need to learn more about your itinerary. Plan the first two months of your trip and let nature take its course. You can focus on the essentials in these cases. You can always buy something on the road if you need it. Always keep a few liters in your backpack, just in case.

A step-by-step guide on how to pick the best backpack for travel.

When choosing the right backpack, there are many factors you should consider. Do not buy backpacks just for the brand. Take your time. Each of these factors is crucial, and taking into consideration only some of them could lead to a poor journey.

1. Size

I recommend that you travel with at least 38 liters of backpack. However, each trip is unique, and your backpack must accommodate your trip’s purpose.

A 70-liter backpack is an excellent option if you’re traveling to Europe in June for two months. You can fit everything in a 40-liter bag if you are more discipline. This will help you save time and money. Your back won’t hurt so much.

Consider a giant backpack, ranging from 58 to 70 liters, if you’re planning on taking a gap year and traveling to Nepal to hike in the Himalayas, ski in the French Alps, and then stop by Australia to take a break on the beach. Various clothing and accessories will be required, which may not fit into a smaller backpack.

There are many answers when choosing the perfect size backpack for your travel. Each size has its pros and cons. Be honest with yourself, and consider the whole picture of your travel plans.

2. Straps

Knowing how many straps you have on your backpack and where they are located is essential.

Any backpack that you are considering purchasing should have hip straps. It is a grave mistake to carry all your weight on your back. This will cause you severe injuries that you can’t even imagine.

Your body should bear the weight of your backpack equally. A hip strap allows you to use your upper body to carry your backpack more efficiently and effectively.

A supportive backpack for your body will make your journey more enjoyable.

3. Pockets

You will also need flip-flops, jeans, and a shirt. Your passport? Or your wallet? Or your laptop? These things won’t be able to be stored in one large pocket or among your clothes. It could be more practical.

A backpack that has enough pockets and is easy to access is essential. There should be enough pockets and a few. It is also not a good idea to have too many bags that aren’t used.

Imagine that you’re going through passport control. You have to go through your clothing to find the passport. Imagine that you must pay for coffee, and your wallet is tucked between your shirts.

The best way to travel is with a backpack with practical and functional pockets.

A pocket on your backpack’s hip strap is a great place to store your passport or cell phone. Having a secret pocket can be beneficial when it comes to hiding money or important papers. If you don’t want your laptop to be damaged, you should have a pouch in which you can store your money.

4. Weight

Only pack a little weight, even if you are allowed to carry 30kg by your airline. You will be the one lugging all that weight around! It may be easy to deal with the weight for the first few days or weeks, but eventually, your body will tell you, “Enough!”

An unspoken rule states, “If you have any space in your backpack, please fill it.” Although I don’t know who invents this rule, it is a lie.

It doesn’t matter if you have free space in your backpack. It’s a good thing to have some space! It may be necessary to fill it in later.

Your life will be easier if you don’t put too much weight in your backpack.

5. Material

What material would you like your backpack made from? This is also an important consideration.

Polyester, leather, canvas, nylon. What material is most suitable for your purpose? Are you going to be in hot countries? Are you willing to travel to Asia in the rainy season? Are you ready to travel on dusty and sandy roads?

6. Comfort

This is the most important thing to remember when shopping for a backpack.

It doesn’t matter what color your backpack is or whether it costs you 20 or 50 dollars more than one from another brand… If you feel comfortable with your backpack, it’s the right backpack.

As I mentioned at the beginning, your backpack will hold all your belongings. It will have all of your life. It must be something you love and feel at home with. Buying something that will make travel more difficult is not a good idea.

There will be good times on your journey. There will be difficult moments. Sometimes you will cry, sometimes your plans may need to change.

Your backpack will always be with you, no matter what. It’s essential to be comfortable with your gear. It must be integrated with your body.

Which backpack is the best?

There are many brands available, as well as different styles and models. Here’s a list I believe to be the best:

1. Kathmandu Litehaul 38L Carry-On Pack

I use the Kathmandu Litehaul backpack for my travels. It is so comfortable and easy to use. Lightweight, flexible, and so comfortable. It can be placed under or above your front seat. It can be taken everywhere and not hit anyone if you turn around.

2. Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack

These backpacks have become more popular over the years. This brand was founded by two friends tired of searching for the perfect bag for their travels. They decided to make their backpack. They did a great job!

This Tortuga Outbreaker combines the portability and ergonomics of a backpack and the organization and ease of packing a suitcase.

3. Quechua Easyfit Men’s 70 Litre Backpack

When choosing a backpack for travel, the Quechua Easyfit offers an economical but excellent option. It is reasonably priced and of solid quality.

I used a Quechua backpack of 70 liters in Australia and Southeast Asia. It was very similar to the Easyfit Men’s Backpack. It was lightweight, versatile, and had great pockets. It was still in excellent condition three years later.

4. Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack

The Tortuga Setout laptop backpack has many valuable features for travelers. It can be placed under most aircraft seats and offers storage space to hold all your electronics, chargers, clothes, and other essentials.

5. Kathmandu Hybrid 70L Trolley

For almost three years, my girlfriend used the Kathmandu hybrid 70L Trolley for her daily commute. It’s a lightweight, sturdy, and stylish backpack.

If your back is too tired or your environment doesn’t allow you to drive it, the Kathmandu Hybrid has wheels. Travel can be unpredictable.

6. Nomatic Travel Bag

The Nomatic travel bag is elegant and one of the most valuable backpacks. It is small enough to carry on and has many great pockets. It is made from durable material and even has a shoe pocket.

This is an excellent option if you’re an organized person who doesn’t want much weight.