Choosing the Right Travel Backpack for Your Globetrotting Adventures

There’s nothing more liberating than travelling with just one bag. With everything you need close at hand, you are forced to reduce your consumption of numerous seemingly essential consumer things that you can definitely do without. And best of all, without a big load of luggage, you can effortlessly hop from place to place, always having just enough but never too much.

Choosing a travel backpack can be challenging and time-consuming, but this is how it should be. There are countless of options available, and selecting one is basically a science! When choosing a backpack, consider these important factors. 

Size

Choosing a backpack that is too large puts you at risk of loading too much and making it excessively heavy. Additionally, it might not fit the airline’s size requirements. On the other hand, if you choose a bag that is too tiny, you will not be able to fit all you need in it. When browsing the range of travel backpacks, you will notice that capacity is expressed in litres. But if you have no idea how much you can fit in say, forty litres, it’s best to decide by looking at the physical size.

The travel pack you buy should be slightly larger than the items you want to bring, but no larger than that. When preparing for your trip, remember that you only need to bring the bare necessities. You can pack 7 days’ worth of clothes on hand, do the laundry, and then wear it again.  Finding things you need on the road is easy, there’s really no need to bring a lot of stuff. 

Multiple Compartments and Pockets

Multiple separate compartments are essential in a quality bag. This enables you to divide your possessions into more manageable groups, making it simpler to locate the items you require. For instance, you can keep your shoes in a separate side compartment (so they do not get everything dirty), the umbrella and flip-flops in the top, and your clothes in the main section. You may also need a laptop sleeve or an external water bottle pocket. 

It also helps to get some packing cubes for extra organising. Even if your luggage has several compartments, they can help you keep everything neatly organised.

Then there’s pockets to think about. To carry everything you need and have easy access to it, you need a pack with enough pockets, but not thousands of pockets. Imagine having to search through all of the pockets to locate the passport while passing through passport control. Or consider the scenario where you need to pay for coffee but are unable to find your wallet since it is tucked down between your shirts.

Material

Unless you are going on a lengthy, multi-day walk, your pack does not need to be completely waterproof, but it should be constructed of a semi-waterproof material to prevent things from getting wet in a downpour. Most travel backpacks come with covers that you may use in the event of a heavy rainfall.

Additionally, ensure that the fabric will not become musty from prolonged wetness. Choose materials that are both lightweight and strudy. Treated nylon fibre is excellent, offering longevity while also preventing the inside of the pack in case of rain. 

Padded Hip Belt 

You should use a cushioned belt to help bear the weight more comfortably because the majority of it will be pressing against your hips. Your back will experience less strain thanks to the belt’s assistance in supporting it and distributing the weight more evenly. For further support, the hip belt should also be able to be tightened. For convenient access, look for a bag with zipped pockets on the hip belt as well. Bus passes, spare change, and other small items you need to have easy access to fit in these pockets.

Ventilation and Back Support

A good travel backpack should have a proper ventilation system and back support to ensure comfort, especially during long days of carrying it around. Look for backpacks with a mesh panel or breathable padding on the back. This design helps to reduce sweating and keeps you feeling cool in hot climates.

Equally important is ergonomic back support. A backpack with a contoured back panel aligns with your spine, reducing strain and improving posture. Some premium travel backpacks even feature an adjustable suspension system, allowing you to customise the fit to your height and build.

Accessibility

Easy access to your belongings is crucial, especially during hectic travel schedules. A clamshell or suitcase-style opening is a fantastic feature to look for. It allows you to open the backpack like a suitcase, offering full access to its contents without needing to dig through layers.

Security Features

When travelling, safety is paramount. Invest in a backpack with built-in security features to protect your valuables. Lockable zippers are a must, allowing you to secure your main compartments with a small padlock. Some travel backpacks also include RFID-blocking pockets to shield your cards and passports from electronic theft.