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A backpack or rucksack is an essential purchase for any traveller heading overseas to travel or to live and work abroad. Choosing the perfect backpack can be a hard decision, but it doesn’t have to be. The backpack, once seen as the budget traveller’s best friend has evolved making it the ideal companion for the modern traveller. Their biggest advantage is they are easy to carry around. So what do you look for in a pack? I have had a couple of backpacks (and suitcases) that I have travelled with over the years and I love them all. If you are in the market to purchase a new backpack, here is what I consider when I look at buying a new one. It should help you to choose the perfect backpack for your travels.
My Top 2 Picks for Best Backpack
Why I love this. This Osprey backpack is so versatile. It is the right size and has loads of pockets to carry all my stuff.
Why I love this. I get the best of both worlds from this Rockland double handle rolling backpack. I can wear it as a traditional backpack, then turn it into a suitcase on wheels to pull along.
Things to Consider to Help You Choose the Perfect Backpack
1. Size
The first thing to consider when choosing a backpack is its size. New travellers are notorious for filling their luggage with clothes they might wear and knick-knacks they might use and so purchase the largest pack possible. Big is not always best. The bigger the pack, the more likely you are to over pack and end up with a very heavy pack. A heavy backpack can hinder your well-being while travelling. Buy too small a pack and you won’t be able to fit in everything you need to take.
Most packs are measured by their litre capacity which, if you’re like most, doesn’t mean very much at all. Therefore, a visual evaluation and some guidance from a specialist outdoor attendant in a specialist travel and adventure accessory store will be your best bet to help you choose the perfect backpack for you.
2. Comfort
Not everyone is the same height or size so try the backpack on first. The only thing worse than a heavy pack is an uncomfortable heavy pack. So choosing the perfect backpack is essential for your travelling comfort. Your pack should fit you like a glove because the more comfortable you are the better you travel. You never know what you might do during your travels. You could jog up a mountain, walk around town for hours or stand in a queue waiting to get on to transport. Your backpack needs to be comfortable during this time. So I consider comfort a big thing to consider before you choose the perfect backpack.
3. Versatility
As well as being the right length, the straps on backpacks should be adjustable. They should be padded for comfort, particularly the shoulder straps. These straps should be removable straps making them easier to store in a compartment in the pack. Most packs have straps and handles that you can change around enabling you to carry the pack like a suitcase. Some backpacks now come with wheels and telescopic handles. Having these features help make your chosen backpack very versatile.
4. Style
How do you choose the perfect backpack for travel when there are many styles of backpack available? Well, one that has an inner frame is best because you cannot see the frame and it won’t get caught on anything while you are travelling. In my opinion, having an internal frame also makes it look nicer. And the way something looks is often the way we choose to purchase an item.
Some packs unzip like a suitcase while others open at the top. A pack that unzips like a suitcase is much easier to pack and re-pack than top-opening ones which are mostly used by hikers. This is because people with top opening ones may have to dig deep or unpack their belongings to find what they are looking for. I find it easier to pack my packing cubes in the zip opening backpacks too. As soon as I open the backpack I can see which things I need from the packing cubes.
5. Detachable Day-pack
Many packs come with a detachable day-pack which will be handy for overnight stays and for carrying knick-knacks around. Some packs include a removable toiletries bag. The more compartments the better because you will be able to categorise your gear, ie. underwear, sleeping gear, toiletries, digital nomad electronics, etc. and make them easier and quicker to find. Some people don’t need a day pack as they may travel with a smaller bag such as a messenger bag.
6. Quality
The quality of the pack will determine its strength and sturdiness. In particular, a lot of strain is exerted in the zip area. A pack with a heavy-duty lockable zip is a good investment. Also consider the type of material the pack is made from. Strong material that isn’t heavy is a good investment to help keep the pack in tact and free of tears and holes which can only get bigger with wear and tear. I would also look for a pack that is waterproof as you never know when you will be caught in the rain. And if your things get wet, they get heavier to carry.
7. Price
Packs can and do vary in price and can be a big influence when choosing your perfect backpack. It is really up to you to do your research and purchase a pack that will suit your needs and your budget. Speak to staff in adventure gear, camping and disposal stores first. They will usually ask you how much you want to spend and show you what they have available in your price range.
Best Backpack for Travel
Now you know what you need to look for in a backpack, one of the best overall backpacking backpack currently on the market is the Osprey Atmos AG 65 Mens Backpack / Womens Backpack. But there are plenty more brands to choose from. Becoming popular is the hybrid backpack-suitcase. These are backpacks that can also be used as a suitcase. They have a telescopic handle you pull up to pull along the backpack-suitcase on wheels. Pretty cool. The one I have is the Rockland Double Rolling Backpack. And I team my travel backpack with a cross body messenger bag. Then I also have a daypack and a bag to carry all my electronic gear.
Tip: My best tip for choosing a backpack for travel is go into a store and try it on. There is nothing worse than a backpack that doesn’t fit you. A comfortable backpack will help you travel better and longer.
Final Words on Choosing Your Perfect Backpack
So if you are considering purchasing a new backpack for your travels abroad then my biggest tip is try different backpacks on first before your buy. I suggest you visit a store that specialises in backpacks and travel gear and get the advice you need. As I mention, a backpack is a big and important purchase as when you travel you will have most of your life packed into your backpack. When knowing what to look for in a backpack you will be able to either purchase your backpack from the store or have the confidence to buy from an online backpack retailer. What backpack do you take travelling? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I have just bought my son a new backpack for his trip overseas but after reading this great information I will be returning my purchase, reassessing his needs and buying a more appropriate style for his holiday!
The price tag on the ‘perfect’ bag is usually a big pill to swallow, but this post is very helpful to ensure you’re getting good value from the investment!
Osprey is great but as a city traveller, I personally prefer the ones that unzip like a suitcase.
Having the right backpack is very important for travellers and especially for hikers. Thanks for the great tips for choosing. I agree that Osprey backpacks are awesome. Thanks for sharing!
I only have a backpack for day use. We travel with suitcases or bags, since we usually travel by car. But that backpack needs to be good, because I have to be able to carry it the whole day.
Finding the best backpack is definitely an art, and these are also extremely useful and worthwhile things to consider. I agree that trying it on in store is one of the best things to do before committing as comfort and fit is everything!
Great guide! I love osprey packs, especially the ones with detachable day packs!