Don’t want to watch the video? No problem! Here’s a summary of it and how you can pick the best travel backpack for your trip:
The best backpacks — the ones that last the longest and stay in good condition no matter how much you abuse them — have all the following characteristics that make them durable, long-lasting, and weatherproof. Don’t get a backpack that doesn’t check off all the boxes on this list:
1. Water-Resistant Material
While your pack does not need to be 100% waterproof (that is unless you are going on some long multi-day hikes), make sure your bag is made out of a semi-waterproof material so everything doesn t get wet in a drizzle (most travel backpacks come with covers you can put over them in case of a severe downpour).
Moreover, make sure the material won t stay wet long and thereby get musty. I look for material that is thick but lightweight. Treated nylon fiber is really good. You should be able to pour a cup of water over it without the insides getting wet. I m not traveling a lot during torrential downpours or monsoons, but I have been caught in small rainstorms before. Because my backpack is made out of good material, I ve never opened my bag to find wet clothes.
2. Lockable Zippers
Make sure each compartment has two zippers so you can lock them together. While am not really worried about people breaking into my bag and stealing my dirty clothes in a hostel, I like locking up my bag when I am traveling. I m always paranoid that someone is going to put something in my bag or that a grabby baggage handler in an airport is going to take my stuff.
When purchasing locks, make sure the package says they are TSA-friendly locks. These locks have a special release valve that allows the TSA to open the lock without breaking it so they can check your bag. You can purchase TSA locks at any large retail store, such as Target or Walmart.
If your pack doesn t have two zippers, you can always get Pacsafe (www.pacsafe.com), which wraps a lockable metal mesh around your whole bag and can be tied to a large object. It means that not only is no one breaking into your stuff, no one is walking away with it either. Pacsafe is a good form of protection for your bag, especially if you are going to be somewhere where your bag will be unattended for a long time.
One thing to remember about Pacsafe is that this metal mesh also adds a lot of weight to your bag and it can be burdensome to carry around. Most people I know who use Pacsafe are photographers who carry a lot of expensive equipment.
3. Multiple Compartments
A good bag must have multiple compartments. This allows you to sort your belongings into smaller sections so it s easier to find the stuff you need. For example, my clothes are in the main compartment of my bag, my umbrella and flips-flops in the top, and my shoes in the separated side compartment (that way they don t get everything dirty). It saves having to dig around your bag.
4. Internal Frame
The majority of backpacks today are internal-frame packs, meaning the support rods and frame are built into the backpack and hidden from view. However, there some are still external-frame backpacks, where the rods are separate from the actual pack and stick out (think of those backpacks you see in old hiking movies or movies about people backpacking Europe in the 1970s — a big, clunky metal frame). Don t get one of those. Make sure you buy a backpack with an internal frame. It not only looks better but the rods won t get caught on anything and your bag will also be slimmer, making moving around easier.
Additionally, internal-frame packs tend to be lighter as the frame is composed of carbon fiber or tough plastic, which makes them easier on your back as well as more durable.
5. Padded Hip belt
Most of the weight you will be carrying around will be pushing down on your hips, so you ll want a padded belt to make supporting the weight more comfortable. The belt will help provide support and distribute the load more evenly on your back, causing less strain. The hip belt should also be adjustable so you can tighten it for extra support. Look for a bag that has zippered pockets in the hip belt too for easy access. These pockets are good for loose change, bus passes, and other small things you need quick access to.
6. Padded Shoulder Straps
These make carrying your load more comfortable, as the weight of your pack will also be pushing down on your shoulders. The pads will put less pressure on your shoulders and also help take pressure off your lower back. Make sure the padding is very thick and made up of a single piece of material as it will be less likely to split and thin out.
The best way to test this out is to visit a store and try the bag on. Have a staff member load the bag with things so you can see how it feels on your shoulders when fully weighted.
7. Contoured/Padded Back
A lumbar-shaped pack makes carrying it more comfortable, as it helps distributes weight more evenly — the same principle applies as is used in contoured chairs. It allows for a more natural arch ensure no back pain. Moreover, this type of pack creates a small space between your back and the bag, allowing air to move through and help keep you slightly cool (lugging your bag around can build up a sweat!).
8. Front Loading
A front-loading backpack is one that allows you to zip open the face from the side and access all your stuff. A top-loading bag only allows you to access your stuff from a hole in the top. This makes getting your stuff (especially if it is at the bottom of your bag) really difficult. Always get a backpack that is “front loading” so you have easy access to all your gear.
Conversely, a bag with both top and bottom-loading will suffice as well. Just make sure you don’t buy a bag with only one opening as that will make accessing your stuff inconvenient.
The Best Travel Backpacks: Does Size Matter?
One of my most frequently asked questions about backpacks is about size. Everyone wants to know what the perfect size is. No one backpack size is better than another. What matters is that your backpack should be proportional to your body — that might mean a backpack that is 40 liters or 60 liters.
If your backpack is too big or too small, the weight won t be balanced properly and will cause back pain or maybe even make you topple over. You don t want a skyscraper rising up from your back, but you also don t want a pack that is clearly too small and overflowing with your stuff.
You want a backpack that is big enough to hold just a bit more than the stuff you are bringing and not more than that. If a backpack fits everything you want, has a bit of extra room, and feels comfortable, then you have found the perfect backpack size. Manufacturers also have suggested torso and waist sizes for each model they produce, but I ve found that the best way to know if a backpack feels right is to simply try it on.
When you are at the store (and any good camping/outdoors store will do this), they should be able to stuff your backpack with the equivalent of 30 pounds (15 kilograms) so you can see how that much weight feels on your back.
It s important to remember that the bigger your backpack is, the less likely it is that you ll be able to carry it on the airplane. Additionally, since you can no longer bring liquids in containers larger than three ounces on airplanes if your bag has soap and liquids in it, you ll be forced to check the bag. Most baggage sizes are 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels so if you get a backpack with those dimensions, you’ll be able to carry on. This is roughly 45L (depending on the brand and shape). If you want to fly carry-on only, aim for a 40-45L bag.
You won t face any baggage fees from the major airlines for checking your bag when flying internationally. Budget airlines, on the other hand, charge a fee for checking a bag based on weight, so the more your bag weighs, the more you will have to pay to check it at the gate. Even though my bag fits in the overhead bin, I often have to check it when flying a budget airline.
The Eternal Question: Should you Buy a Backpack or Suitcase?
I have a confession: I hate suitcases for long trips. If you’re traveling around the world, your luggage is going to get thrown about and piled high on buses in random countries. It will get used and abused and it s simply hard to walk up hills and stairs with your suitcase bumping everywhere. Try carrying a suitcase up five flights of stairs in a tiny hotel in Italy! It’s a pain!
Suitcases are great for weekends away or if you ll be staying in one place for a long time. I always use a carry-on suitcase on my short trips.
But, if you are moving around a lot and backpacking around the world, it is far better to have a proper backpack. They are simply more versatile, easier to carry up flights of stairs, pack into tight places, and overall, they just make life simpler. I don t need to pick them up when getting on the escalator or drag them up a flight of stairs or across cobblestone streets.
Backpacks just make more sense, which is why this page is devoted to them and not suitcases.
If you have back problems and can t use a backpack, a smaller suitcase with wheels and a long handle can be a good substitute. It will still be difficult carrying it up and down stairs, and annoying as you roll it across uneven sidewalks, but there are many companies (those listed at the end of this section) that make fairly good and lightweight travel cases.
Additionally, you can get a hard backpack with wheels that’s sort of a hybrid between the two so you can get the best of both worlds. (However, my personal preference is for a backpack so we’re going to talk about that!)
Travel Backpacks: How Much Should a Backpack Cost?
Backpack prices depend a lot on size, fabric, and brand. Most backpacks cost between $99 300 USD. The medium-sized store brands generally cost around $199 USD. Store brands are cheaper than big-name brands like North Face, Osprey, and Gregory.
I don t believe that any backpack is worth $300 USD, no matter how nice it is. These expensive backpacks tend to be large and have more bells and whistles, special padding, and material than you really need as a traveler.
Additionally, you ll find that most travel backpacks are hiking backpacks, meant for camping and multi-day treks in the woods. Buying a backpack that was meant to be used in the Rockies instead of the streets of New Zealand doesn t matter, though — backpacks are pretty interchangeable these days, and getting a backpack meant for the outdoors simply means you ll have a stronger and more durable pack.
You should aim to spend between $100 250 USD on your a backpack.
The Best Travel Backpacks: My 13 Favorite Packs
The custom-fit harness and mesh back panel on this backpack will keep the weight off your hips and back.
Size: 57-63L
Straps: Dual upper side compression straps, lower inside-out compression straps, and dual front compression straps
Features: Large front J-zip, detachable daypack, hydration sleeve, plenty of pockets
Not a trekking pack, but a lightweight travel pack that can be carried as a duffel bag, messenger bag, or backpack. The front panel opens making it easier to use than digging around in a tall pack.
Size: 38-40L
Straps: 2 front compression straps and 2 internal compression straps
Features: 15-inch laptop sleeve, large zippered panel, padded handles
The Fairview is a great carry-on option, and works exactly like the men’s Farpoint but fitted for a woman’s physique. It be worn as a backpack, messenger bag, or a duffel.
Size: 38-40L
Straps: Dual front compressions traps
Features: Large zippered front panel, pockets, padded handle, laptop sleeve
This one is built specifically for women and for keeping the weight off the hips, and has breathable mesh paneling ideal for hikers. It’s extremely customizable.
Size: 59-65L
Straps: Dual upper side compression straps, lower inside-out compression straps, dual front compression straps
Features: Large J-zip at the front, sleeping bag compartment, removable sleeping pad straps, removable daypack
This is a heavy-duty pack designed to evenly distribute weight, and it comes with 3D suspension so that you have better upper body mobility.
Size: 62-68L
Straps: Upper and lower side compression straps
Features: Adjustable harness and hip belt, lots of pockets, hydration sleeve, FlapJacket to prevent against bad weather
The wheels give this convertible luggage a unique advantage. You can pull it along dusty roads or smooth sidewalks, or simply pick it up and turn it into a backpack.
Size: 60L
Straps: Quick-deploy shoulder harness and padded back panel
Features: Converts to wheeled luggage, detachable daypack with laptop sleeve, zippered top pocket for toiletries, large panel opening
Designed for both quick trips and longer journeys, the Porter looks and feels a lot like the Farpoint thanks to its large front panel opening. This is one of Osprey’s best-selling packs – it also gives you the option to add a daypack.
Size: 46L
Straps: Padded hip belt, shoulder harness
Features: Laptop sleeve, lots of pockets, lockable zippers, padded handles for toting
A water resistant bag with a ton of nifty extra features. It was designed by digital nomads for digital nomads, so it’s super handy for anyone who’s location independent!
Size: 40L
Straps: Padded straps, detachable waist straps
Features: RFID protected pocket, cord organizer, laundry bag, cord organizer, shoe compartment
Pacsafe’s bags are all about their extra security features, like exomesh slash guard fabric to protect against “slash-and-run” thefts. It’s a good option if you carry expensive gear.
Size: 46L
Straps: Breathable shoulder and waist straps
Features: Built-in rain cover, main compartment accessible through back panel, smart zipper security
The back paneling on this pack is breathable, and the handy water bottle pocket is located near the front of the hip belt so you never have to take off your backpack to get a drink. The design is great!
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Compression technology pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so that the pack is closer to your center of gravity
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, 3D contoured hip belt
This is the women’s version of the REI Flash 45 Pack for men, but fitted specifically for a woman’s frame. The low weight of the bag itself plus the excellent hip support makes for comfortable usage, even for long distances.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Compression technology pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so that the pack is closer to your center of gravity
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, 3D contoured hip belt
REI’s Traverse pack keeps the weight of your contents well balanced, and comes with a ventilated mesh back panel. The top lid turns into a small day pack or sling!
Size: 66-74L
Straps: Adjustable padded shoulder straps and hip belt
Features: Large zippered front pockets, accessible water bottle pockets, hip belt pocket, hydration compatible, rain cover
The 65 pack has all the bells and whistles of the men’s 70 Traverse Pack, but with slightly less space. There are lash points at the front of the bag to let you add extra gear, though.
Size: 61-69L
Straps: Adjustable padded shoulder straps and hip belt
Features: Large zippered front pockets, accessible water bottle pockets, hip belt pocket, hydration compatible, rain cover
Where to Buy Your Travel Backpack
There are a lot of camping stores out there. Here are the best places to buy a backpack:
- REI – This is my favorite outdoor store. They have amazing service, knowledgable staff, cool events, and the best refund policy ever. This is a place that cares.
- EMS – Another great outdoor store with a wide selection of bags, great places, and friendly staff.
- MEC (Canada) – The REI of Canada is the best place to buy a backpack if you’re Canadian.
- GO Outdoors (UK)– The REI of the UK is the best place to buy a backpack if you’re a UK resident.
I personally use an REI backpack. REI is an American company that sells a wide variety of sporting, outdoors, and travel gear. I ve had my backpack since 2004 and it works, looks, and feels just as it did the day I bought it. You know those advertisements where they try to destroy products in order to prove how good they are? Well, my life is that ad. I have put this backpack through the ringer. It s been crushed, thrown around, dropped, squeezed into tiny places, dragged, and kicked around.
The quality of their products has made me an REI customer for life. I buy all my travel gear there — from daypacks to bug spray to tents to sleeping bags. Additionally, I love REI s one-year warranty and return policy. I know if something goes wrong, I can take the gear back — even after I ve used it!
Buying a backpack for your trip is going to be a time-consuming process. You’ll need to try a lot on. If possible, head to your nearest outdoor store to try the bags on. You can get input and advice from the store’s staff, who will be able to answer any and all questions you have about your backpack. They can walk you through the proper fitting process too.
Conversely, you can also just get a bunch sent to your house, load them with all your gear, and try them on to see what one feels right. That way you will know exactly how the bag fits when you have your gear in it, not padding in the store. Return the others.
However, this process doesn’t need to be too painful if you follow the rules laid out in this post. If you do, you’ll find the perfect travel backpack for your trip in no time at all!
And it will be a backpack that will last you years and years and years!
READ NEXT —-> What to pack on your trip (For women travelers, click here.)
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