If you are an avid traveler, this buying guide on how to choose the best backpack for travel will prove useful. The indefinite choices available on the market as well as lack of knowledge on what one should consider when shopping for a travel backpack make it hard for many to find that suits their needs. In this post, we explore everything you should know before beginning your search.
What is a travel backpack?
This is a backpack that is specially designed to be carried for long periods of time or long distances. It can also be used on public transport. While it doesn’t have as much capacity as a suitcase, this bag is excellent for light trips that involve sightseeing where you need something that can accommodate a few clothes, gear and other essentials. It is available in the form of sling backpack, hiking backpack, day backpack and urban backpack.
Hiking backpacks are designed for serious backcountry campers and usually have a capacity of up to liters. Day packs are an excellent choice for casual travelers around town. They are slightly larger than fanny packs and smaller than hiking backpacks. Many are usually detachable parts of larger backpacks for travel. Travel backpacks are also generally classified as internal frame or external frame.
Benefits of using a backpack for travel
This backpacks offer a variety of benefits to travelers including:
• Ease of storage: Its design makes it to easy to store in the tightest spaces such as overhead carriages of trains, buses and planes. Some even come with compression straps that cinch the contents down so that they take up less space.
• Comfort: Since they don’t pull on one side of the body, these backpacks are incredibly comfortable to carry around. They are designed to distribute the weight evenly, eliminating the risk of discomfort and tiring fast.
• Ease of moving around: Unlike huge suitcases, one doesn’t have to worry about rolling this backpack up and down the stairs. It is also easy to maneuver in large crowds.
• Organization: Travel backpacks often come with several compartments that allow for organization. This means that you can easily access your essentials without having to unpack everything.
How to choose the best backpack for travel
Shopping for the best travel backpack can prove a pain, probably because the word “best” refers to what the market has to offer as well as something that suits your needs. Sightseeing in Paris and backpacking in Europe are two different travel experiences that require different backpacks. So how do you choose the best travel backpack? Which factors should you consider?
1. Padded back
A lumber-shaped backpack distributes the weight evenly, making it more comfortable to carry. Like contoured chairs, backpacks with a padded back allow for a more natural arch, thus eliminating back pain. In addition, they allow for better air circulation between your back and the bag.
2. Padded shoulder straps
This also helps improve comfort as it pushes weight down on the shoulders without applying too much pressure. Padded shoulder straps reduce pressure on the back. You want to ensure that you look for something with thick padding.
3. Padded hip belt
With most of the weight pushing down on your hips, a backpack with a padded hip belt makes supporting the weight easier and more comfortable. Additionally, it helps with even weight distribution leading to reduced strain. Whatever you choose, ensure that it comes with padded and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.
4. Internal frame or external frame
Many travelers today opt for backpacks with internal frames that are built into the back and hidden from view. External frame backpacks have clunky metal rods that are separate and stick out. Don’t opt for these. Those with internal frames are more comfortable to carry and look better.
5. Compartments and organization
A good travel backpack should have sufficient storage space and allow you to organize your things in an efficient manner. This means compartments are a must as you can store your clothes, gadgets, flip-flops and shoes separately. This will save you time digging through everything to find your iPhone. A hidden compartment is essential for storing valuable items like credit cards and ID.
6. Lockable zippers
Every compartment should have two zippers so that you can lock them together. Theft is a real threat and the last you need is to lose all of your stuff at the airport. Look for TSA friendly locks, which are readily available at local stores and allow TSA officials to inspect your bag without breaking the lock.
7. Water-resistance
While you don’t have to get a 100% waterproof backpack, having something that is semi-waterproof helps protect your things from getting wet when it rains.
Main drawbacks of backpacks for travel
The main disadvantage when it comes to use of travel backpacks is that they don’t have as much capacity as suitcases. This can prove detrimental for trips that last weeks or even months.
Conclusion
Now that we have discussed important features to look for in a travel backpack, you can now start your shopping expedition. Keep in mind that what matters most is your travel needs. This YouTube video provides more tips on choosing the best travel backpack.
Travel Backpacks on Amazon
[amazon bestseller=”travel backpacks”]
