Travel backpacks are one of the most used and practical luggage options for travelers. For first-time buyers, it can be quite confusing in choosing the right kind of travel backpack. In this article, I am going to cover quick tips that will provide clarity in making a better choice while buying a travel backpack.
What you pack in your bag is equally important as to what kind of bag you pack it. Traveling for a short-term or long term, Travel backpacks are preferred by both kinds of travelers.
How do you pick your travel backpack?
Pick the wrong material and your stuff will be at risk.
Packing my travel bag was a challenging task for me. I had to face the frightening consequences of poor packing during the trip. That made me very specific about choosing a travel backpack.
New travelers can be understandably overwhelmed while choosing a travel backpack for their trip. Are you planning on a trip? Are you planning to buy a travel backpack but confused about making the right choice. Because a travel backpack offers so much comfort in our travel, I am sharing these tips with you to clear this confusion.
Travel backpacks are both sturdy and light. It offers more compartments to pack things than standard suitcases. It is also small enough to carry on a plane.
1. Take care of your “Pack and move” attitude.
I have traveled across the globe for my business meeting. I never faced any problem with my “Pack and move” attitude. During vacation, I along with my team planned for hiking. It was the first time I was going to experience hiking. I was very confused about which backpack I should buy.
Being deeply involved in my business development, I was unaware of those tools and accessories that were required for hiking. At the last moment, I started packing my stuff in my travel bag. Perhaps, it was not a good choice of bag for hiking. At the last moment, I had to go to the shop to buy a travel backpack. At that moment, I was completely blank when it came to choosing the right kind of backpack. It was great learning for me.
Features to look for in a travel backpack
Several features are offered by bag brands with an effort to differentiate in a crowded market. These features are designed to meet very specific requirements, which are not always explained to the customer. The first and foremost part of planning a trip is picking up the right travel backpack. Too big or too small, both kinds of bags create trouble in the journey.
If you choose big bags than required, you will have to carry extra weight. You might lose the chance to carry your backpack with you on an airplane. If you choose small bags, you will end struggling up in packing all your stuff in it. Pick the wrong size and you will never be satisfied.
Shopping for a suitable backpack meeting your requirements is a time-consuming process. Not all bags can give you – it’s amazing and will last long – feeling. To save you from this time-consuming process, consider looking for these qualities in your backpack.
2. Choose a water-resistant backpack
It is more frustrating during a trip when you realize your pieces of stuff are soaked through. Picking up the right bag for the trip is important. I prefer a backpack made up of material that is thick and lightweight. I have experienced that Nylon fiber is good. It protects inside clothes from getting wet. During one of my trips, I have been caught in a rainstorm. As my backpack is water-resistant, I have never opened my bag to find wet clothes.
It is one of the most important features of a backpack. With this feature added in your travel bag, you can travel carefree.
3. Prefer only lockable zips
Make sure each compartment of your backpack has two zippers. It helps in locking the compartment. I prefer locking up my bag always when I am traveling.
If your pack doesn’t have two zippers, you can always get a bag cover. It does not provide security like lockable zips. But, it prevents someone from grabbing your articles without any hesitation.
Due to convenience in opening the backpack, the majority of thefts take place. A backpack with lockable zippers will be beneficial for you. It will prevent any wandering hands from your bag.
4. Prefer backpacks with multiple compartments
A good backpack provides multiple compartments for storage. It helps me in breaking up my belongings into smaller sections. It’s easier for me to access and find the stuff that I need. For example, I put my clothes in the main compartment of my bag, and my shoes in the separated side compartment. This way my clothes don’t get dirty. You can use these compartments according to your belongings.
5. Prefer Internal-frame packs over external-frame
An internal-frame pack means the support rods and frames that are built into the backpack. It is hidden from view. However, you may get an option to buy a backpack with an external-frame pack. In such kind of bags, rods are separate from the actual pack and stick out. I suggest do not buy such a bag. Make sure that your backpack comes with an internal frame.
6. Importance of Padded Hip belt
When you carry heavyweight in your backpack, most of the weight pushes down on hips. If your backpack provides you a padded hip belt, you are a lucky traveler. Padded hip belt distributes the weight and makes the journey more comfortable. It will protect you from any strain. Make sure that your hip belt is adjustable so that you can tighten it for extra support.
7. Importance of Padded Shoulder Straps
Padded shoulder strap in the bag helps in carrying the load more conveniently. The weight of the backpack pushes downward resulting in shoulders pain. The pads will put less pressure on your shoulders. It will also ease the pressure off your lower back. Make sure the padding is very thick and comfortable. Look for a backpack with adjustable straps and fall evenly on your shoulders.
8. Importance of Padded Back
A padded pack in the bag saves you from the back pain. It makes the carrying weight of your bag more comfortable. It distributes weight in an even manner and ensures no back pain. Moreover, this type of padded pack helps in creating a small space between your back and the bag. This allows air to move through and help keep your back sweat-free.
9. Importance of Front Loading
A front-loading backpack allows me to access my stuff from a by opening the face from the side of the bag. This provides easy access to my stuff. Always get a backpack that has front loading. Don’t confuse with front loading and top loading. A top-loading only allows you to access from a hole in the top. It makes difficult in getting the stuff inside the bag.
10. Importance of Compression Straps
Compression straps are great because they compress your bag. The main purpose of compression straps is to squish the load closer to the pack frame. Compression straps are also useful in another way around. For example, you can put your jacket or any item you temporarily want to attach to the outside of the bag.
11. Bungee Ties and Drawstrings
Bungee Ties and Drawstrings are exterior accessories of your backpack. It helps in attaching items temporarily or even permanently. Items that don’t fit or you don’t want inside your bag can be attached with help of Bungee ties and Drawstrings. Items like dirty shoes, a sleeping bag, or a plastic bag with wet clothes.
12. Sleeping Bag Compartment
It is a built-in space within your bag. This space is provided to carry your sleeping bag. If you don’t use a sleeping bag, this compartment can help you organize other items like clothing and other essentials.
13. Trusted warranty and reliable brand
When we go to buy any item, we enquire about its warranty. It is a common ideology that any product that provides warranty is trusted by more buyers. The basic warranty that a bag comes with is about 1 year. There are other bags available with a higher warranty. We can use this as a base to identify good material.
When I go out to buy a backpack for travel, I check these qualities in my travel bags. We recommend making sure that the backpack of you buy adheres above provided quality checks. Proper space for packing all the necessary materials required during a trip is essential. The quality of the bag must be checked before it disappoints you in your journey due to overpacking.
As a traveler, you must always prefer purchasing for quality, not price.
There are many options for travel backpacks and more places where you can purchase one. Several features are offered by bag brands with an effort to differentiate in a crowded market. These features are designed to meet very specific requirements, which are not always explained to the customer. I suggest you make your purchase by keeping these tips in your mind.
Nevertheless, your bag needs to last long as a one-time wise investment for many adventurous trips.
