What you pack your luggage in is as important as what you pack, and travel backpacks can be one of the most practical and efficient luggage options. These travel backpacks are light and sturdy, with too many compartments compared to the standard suitcases. Generally, these travel backpacks are small enough to carry while traveling on a plane. But as they offer so much, travel backpacks can be quite confusing for the first-time buyers. To get rid of this confusion, here are a few tips to choose a travel backpack.
Mostly, bag brands offer more and more features to differentiate in a crowded market. These features are generally designed around specific use scenarios, that are not properly explained to the customer. For instance, a travel backpack might provide a pocket specifically designed for Bose headphones- and you own a pair of Beats headphones.
So, let us see how to choose the right backpack for travel.
Tips to choose a travel backpack
Consider the weight and size
Decide what size backpack for traveling are you looking for. A travel backpack must be spacious enough to hold everything you want to pack. If you plan to use backpack bags for travel- it is unlikely you will require something more than 30 liters. It is better to choose a small travel backpack. Buying a big pack will finally lead to a heavier and larger load. A smart design in a small pack will encourage you to choose what you are packing carefully and make a huge difference in the future for easier travel.
Then, the next important thing to consider while choosing travel packs is weight. Be sure to choose the lightest, yet high-quality backpacks. If you are going to travel more often, then you want to ensure that you are not carrying too much load on your back. A huge weight on your back can surely wear you down over a long period of time. So, ensure that you get a bag carry on a backpack that is lightweight, but still has all the features and quality you are looking for.
A backpack made of water resistance material
While your travel packs must not need to be 100% waterproof, ensure your bag is made of a semi-waterproof material. This important so that when it rains, things inside your travel bag does not get wet. In addition, ensure that the material will not stay wet for long hours and therefore get mushy. Always look for material that is thick yet lightweight. Treated nylon fiber is a good choice. Pour a cup of water and check whether it is getting wet. Or else, you should avoid traveling during the rainy season.
Choose bags with padded Hip Belt
Most of the weight that you will be carrying around will be pushed down on your hips, so you should use a padded belt to make supporting the weight comfortable. This belt will help offer support and distribute the load evenly on your back, which in turn will cause less strain. The hip belt should also be adjusted so that you can tighten it for additional support.
Comfort is a necessity
Comfort is one of the most important tips to choose a backpack, especially if you are looking for a travel backpack for women. Unlike the traditional luggage that you pull beside or behind you, you will be carrying this travel bag on your back. You will wear this bag a lot, sometimes while you are stuck in airports, while standing long hours waiting for your ride to come, etc. And if the backpack you are carrying is not comfortable, then you will not feel good in any of these situations.
Choose a travel gear with padded shoulder straps
A padded shoulder strap makes carrying your load comfortable, as the weight of your pack will also come down on your shoulders too. A shoulder strap will put less pressure on your shoulders. It will also ease the pressure off your lower back. Ensure that the padding is thick and made of a single. So, there will be less chances of it to split and thin out.
Front loader
When buying travel packs, you will be generally presented with a tall, top-loading, cylindrical hiking backpacks. Are you also among those people who think this type of backpack is great? If you are buying your first backpack, then do not commit this mistake. Go for a top-loading travel backpack that opens at the top, similarly like a garbage bag. The issue arises when you want to take something out of your bag, and you have to unpack everything. The best choice is a front-loader travel bag. Front-loaders, like suitcases, allow you to open the front of this bag, providing access to everything in your bag. Make the right choice and choose a front-loader.
How much should a travel backpack cost?
The price of a backpack depends on fabric, brand, and size. Most of the backpacks cost between $99–300 USD. Generally, the medium-sized store brands cost around $199 USD. Store brands are cheaper than the big-name brands like Gregory, Osprey, and North Face. The costly backpacks tend to be big and have more whistles and bells, material, and special padding than you really require as a traveler.
Also, you will find that most of the travel backpacks are hiking backpacks. These are perfect for multi-day treks and camping. These days, backpacks are interchangeable.
Best large backpack with a lumber back support
You must avoid backpacks with flatbacks. Choose a backpack that comes with a lumbar support. This will give support to your lower back, enhancing your posture by keeping the spine in a neutral arch position and distribute the weight evenly.
Support Frame- The best backpack for long-term travel is the one that comes with an internal support frame of some type. Some cheap backpacks and hiking backpacks do not include these, but a frame offers great support to your back and at the same time also helps in keeping your gear secure. These days, most of the backpacks come with internal frames that look beautiful.
Too many compartments
An ideal travel bag should have too many compartments. You can go with a bag with two compartments. In the second compartment, you can keep a sleeping bag, wet beach towel, and dirty hiking shoes. Also check if the travel backpack has an internal organizer. You can keep your washing clothes and electronics separate in the organizers.
Lockable zip
Considering zips while buying a travel backpack is also important. Make sure that the compartments have two zips so that it can be overlapped and locked together. No worries if the bag does not have padlocks. If it has, they probably are not that great for use. Travel packs with locks will ensure that your things are safe.
Travel backpacks with wheels
Ask yourself, how important are backpacks for you? How often are you going to travel? Probably not much. During recent years there has been a rising trend of hybrid wheeled travel backpacks, which offer the best of everything. Travel bags with wheels are best for long-term travelers who travel with heavy luggage, rather than short travelers.
There are a lot of backpacks available in the market. Following these tips to choose a travel backpack will help you make the right decision.