Choosing The Right Travel Backpack: Comfort And Capacity

When choosing a backpack for travelling, it's important to consider the size, weight, material, and cost of the bag.

The size of the bag will depend on the length of your trip and how much you plan to pack. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bag that is big enough to hold slightly more than what you plan to bring, but not so big that it becomes bulky or heavy. Look for a bag with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, and make sure the material is water-resistant to protect your belongings from rain or spills.

When it comes to weight, a lighter bag will be easier to carry and leave more room for your belongings. However, a heavier bag may be more durable and have more features. Consider the trade-off between weight and functionality when making your decision.

The material of the bag is also important, as it will affect the durability, weight, and price. Nylon and polyester are common materials, with nylon being more durable and polyester being lighter and less expensive. If you plan to travel frequently, investing in a higher-quality bag with a durable material may be worth the extra cost.

Finally, consider your budget. Backpacks can range in price from $50 to $300 or more, so it's important to set a budget and look for bags that fit within your price range. Remember that a higher price doesn't always mean higher quality, so read reviews and compare features to find the best value for your money.

Some recommended brands to consider include Osprey, Cotopaxi, Peak Design, and Tortuga. These brands offer a range of sizes, styles, and price points to suit different needs.

Ultimately, the best backpack for travelling will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By considering the size, weight, material, and cost, you can find a bag that suits your travel style and makes your journeys more enjoyable.

Size and weight: The ideal backpack should be proportional to your body and not too heavy

When it comes to choosing the right backpack for travelling, size and weight are important factors to consider. The ideal backpack should be proportional to your body and not too heavy.

• Consider your body size and type: The backpack should fit comfortably on your body and not be too big or too small. Look for backpacks with adjustable straps and hip belts to ensure a proper fit.
• Choose a backpack that is lightweight: A lightweight backpack will make it easier to carry and leave more room for your belongings. Look for backpacks made with lightweight materials such as nylon or polyester.
• Pay attention to the weight distribution: A backpack with good weight distribution will help reduce strain on your back and shoulders. Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps, hip belts, and back panels for added comfort.
• Consider the capacity: Choose a backpack with enough capacity to fit your belongings, but not too large that it becomes bulky and heavy. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a backpack that is between 30-50 litres for travelling.
• Try the backpack on: It is important to try on the backpack to ensure it fits comfortably on your body. Some stores will even allow you to load the backpack with weight to simulate how it will feel when packed.
• Look for compression straps: Compression straps help to cinch down the backpack and reduce bulk, making it easier to carry.
• Consider your travel style: If you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking, choose a backpack with a more streamlined design and comfortable suspension system. If you will be mostly travelling by plane or car, a larger backpack with more compartments may be a better option.

Water-resistant: Look for semi-waterproof material and two zippers on each compartment so you can lock them together

When buying a backpack for travelling, it's important to consider the material and zipper design to ensure your bag is water-resistant.

Most backpacks are made from materials such as nylon, cotton, or plastic, which are not inherently waterproof. However, manufacturers can treat these fabrics to make them more water-resistant. For example, nylon can be tightly woven and coated with polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) to improve its water-repellency.

Even with water-resistant fabric, it's crucial to consider the bag's construction. Seams created by stitching are common entry points for water, especially if the bag uses larger needles that create bigger holes. Some manufacturers use techniques like ultrasonic welding to fuse fabrics without stitching, but this method is expensive and not widely available.

Zippers are another potential entry point for water. While waterproof zippers exist, they are rare and require frequent maintenance. A more common solution is to use coated zippers, which can keep water out in light rain but may not withstand more intense conditions.

To ensure your backpack and its contents stay dry, look for semi-waterproof material and double zippers on each compartment. The double zippers allow you to lock the zippers together with zip ties or small locks, providing an extra layer of security and protection from the elements. This feature is especially useful when travelling in rainy conditions or places with opportunistic thieves.

Multiple compartments: This makes it easier to find your stuff

Multiple compartments are a key feature to look out for when buying a travel backpack. This feature makes it easier to find your stuff and is especially useful when you are on the move. Here are some examples of backpacks with multiple compartments:

• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack has a clamshell design, which means it opens like a book and is easier to pack. It has a deep main compartment on one side and two smaller organising compartments on the other.
• The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L has a back panel, front and side access. It also has a laptop compartment tucked behind the bag's back panel.
• The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L has a simple design that is light, affordable and durable. It has a highly comfortable, fully-featured harness and a lightweight design that keeps more of your precious carry-on luggage allowance available for your gear.
• The Osprey Farpoint 40 has a clamshell design, which means it is easy to pack. It also has a back panel that can be adjusted to your torso height.
• The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it great for business travel. It is also very comfortable to carry.
• The Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 has a dedicated laptop pocket and is durable and adaptable.

Padded hip belt: This helps distribute the weight more evenly on your back

A padded hip belt is an important feature to look out for when buying a travel backpack. It helps distribute the weight more evenly on your back, making it more comfortable to carry. This is especially important if you're going to be carrying a heavy load or walking long distances.

The hip belt should 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 to small items such as loose change, bus passes, and other small essentials.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack is a good example of a bag with a well-designed hip belt. It has a fully featured hip belt, sternum strap, and load lifter straps, which make it extremely comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances. The Osprey Fairview 40 is a similar bag designed specifically for people with smaller torsos.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is another bag with an excellent hip belt. The bag's vast open interior mimics luggage, but it also has a fully adjustable hip belt, which makes it comfortable to carry over endless miles. The hip belt is also removable if you don't need to use it.

Padded shoulder straps: These make carrying your load more comfortable

Padded shoulder straps are a must-have feature for any travel backpack. They make carrying your load more comfortable by putting less pressure on your shoulders and taking pressure off your lower back. The best shoulder straps are thickly padded and made up of a single piece of material, which is less likely to split and thin out over time.

When trying on a backpack, it's important to test it with weight inside. Visit a store and ask a staff member to load the bag with the equivalent of 30 pounds (15 kilograms) so you can see how that much weight feels on your shoulders and back. You should also test the backpack with the weight positioned at the bottom of the pack, as this is where you're most likely to feel the strain.

Look for shoulder straps that are contoured to fit people with both large and small chests. This isn't a specifically gendered design feature but a way to ensure the backpack fits a wider variety of body sizes.

Backpacks with a hip belt can also help to make carrying a heavy load more comfortable, as the belt transfers the weight from your back and shoulders onto your hips, where your legs can more easily bear the brunt of the weight. A good hip belt should be padded and 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 to loose change, bus passes, and other small items you need close at hand.

The best travel backpacks will allow you to adjust the position of the shoulder straps to fit your body. The straps should be easy to adjust to your torso height and length. This will ensure the backpack sits comfortably on your back and doesn't hang too low or dig into your shoulders or neck.

Finally, the best backpacks will have a chest strap, also known as a sternum strap. This helps to distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly, making it more comfortable to carry. Some chest straps have an elasticated portion, which allows them to flex with your body as you walk, so you don't have to keep adjusting the fit throughout the day.

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