How To Choose The Best Travel Backpacks For Your Next Trip

Uninformed travelers might be stressed out while buying a new bag for their next vacation. While I don’t have hair to tear out, I’ve spent years purchasing, hating, upgrading, and loving travel backpacks across 100+ countries before I found one that worked. I made all the beginner errors, so you don’t have to. 

After foolishly buying a backpacker’s deal, I felt lower back ache from spinal support or lack thereof. My old travel backpacks would tear at the worst moments, had no pockets, and didn’t open properly. Stop talking about my arduous path to becoming a backpack reviewer, and let’s look at the most significant long-term travel backpacks.

Things To Look For In A travel Backpacks

Several must-have characteristics are essential when selecting a travel bag that will be your buddy. My most significant tip is urgent, so I will keep it last. Always get a front-loading backpack. Front-loading backpacks, often called “panel-loading” backpacks, open like suitcases, making reaching and arranging your things more straightforward. 

Otherwise, you’ll have to dig through your things at the top of your backpack to get what you need, and you’ll toss everything on the hostel/hotel room floor in an explosive tantrum at least once throughout your beginner tour. The original backpack I went with years ago didn’t have a front-loading mechanism, adding stress and time to my trips.

This shot shows the terror above. After three months, internet revenue began coming in, and I upgraded. However, I was still naive about what to look for in a robust, comfortable, and trustworthy backpack, and the lengthy search for “the one” continued.

Spinal Support

Comfort comes into play when you’re carrying most or all of your worldly things on your back, typically in unfamiliar conditions, and traveling longer than you would back home. Even the toughest pilates puritans and gym dudes get weary and slump when they do. Not all backpacks are comfortable and injury-proof. Choose a bag with a spinal support system, which gives a soft surface that conforms to your spine. 

Waist And Shoulder Padding

The waist belt should be cushioned and rest on the hip bones to provide travel comfort and support. It should sit evenly in the center of your back and not touch your buttocks, spreading your load. Your backpack should have adjustable straps that tighten the belt to match your body. Padded shoulders support weight and prevent backpack straps from chafing. If skipped, this feature might cause rotator cuff or neck pain.

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Waterproof Material

‘Water-resistant’ is not ‘waterproof’ thus. Your backpack must survive a deep water submersion with all of your stuff. If you require it, you’re undertaking extreme travel, but if you’re a long-term hiker, a water-resistant bag will suffice.

If you’re from a wet western nation like me and have yet to travel to the tropics, you only know what heavy rain is once you go! It may hit strong and fast from nowhere, so it’s wise to travel with a cover over your pack. Look for a water-resistant one to protect your bag and belongings.

Designing Smart Compartments

I know a smartly designed backpack is imprecise, but I wouldn’t say I like backpacks with poorly thought-out sections while traveling. Backpack items are frequently needed swiftly and stress-free; unlike a nice bag, you want to avoid a battle for it.

More sections are preferably tools. Consider what you’ll bring on vacation and whether the backpack’s pockets will fit. Being frugal or impatient in your search doesn’t mean you should settle for a bag with lazy sections that will bother you on your journey.

How Much Should I Pay For A Good Travel Backpack?

With many things in life, you get what you pay for, particularly backpacks. I tried to get under $100 before I left, but this is hardly frugal, not clever, and far too dangerous for little gain. There are various methods to save money on vacation, but if you purchase a cheap bag with poor materials, you’ll need another quickly. Suitable backpacks cost $150-$300 and above; however, once they go over $300, they give only $200-$300.

To keep my bags from breaking on the road, I’ve paid over $300 twice, which I consider reasonable expenditures. Every rule has exceptions. You could find a used backpack with a bit of mileage. When choosing a nice travel backpack, inspect the pouches/pockets, zips, spinal support, and waist system for holes, wear, and condition.

Which Travel Backpack Size Is Best?

Should you buy a travel backpack of any size? Is a big backpack preferable to a small one? Personal choice and travel style determine this. I like a 70-liter (or 80-liter) backpack with ingenious pockets to maximize capacity. I always carry a day bag with my backpack. My day bag carries my most expensive goods, including gadgets. 

I need a big backpack since I travel and do plenty of activities. Those who value minimalism can get by with a 40-liter backpack, which I shall consider when giving suggestions at the conclusion. Explore my blog article on necessary travel accessories, where I have compiled the best gear list for your trip bag. 

Wheeled Travel Bags

Travel backpacks with wheels are suitable for shoulder and back pain sufferers. Some individuals choose them to avoid accidents, while others prefer them to regular travel backpacks. Business travelers like them over long-distance walkers and multitaskers. They also appeal for their flexibility. Try smooth sailing on a concrete route, then lumpy cobblestones or muddy banks. Push the handle down and fling it over your back.