The pandemic isn’t over yet, but the good news is that travel is opening up once again.
You know what that means: It’s time to start planning your next getaway! And since you’ll probably be traveling light, you may need to add a small travel backpack to your shopping list.
What should you look for in an ideal travel backpack for men (or travel backpack for women)? Regardless of your destination, here are five important factors to consider in your next travel backpack.
1. Comfort
The best travel backpack for you isn’t necessarily the same one your boyfriend/sister/boss/Uncle Ted prefers. You need to find a backpack that fits your unique body in a natural and comfortable way.
Try it on for size and notice how the back panel, waist straps, and shoulder straps feel. Do they pinch or rub anywhere, or do they feel just right? Is there plenty of padding, or do you feel hard plastic or metal edges?
The best travel backpacks also feature an adjustable suspension system you can adapt to your individual torso height.
2. Weight
It seems like every year, airlines get stricter and stricter about the size and weight of your luggage. Many airlines are even charging for small carry-on items like your travel backpack!
Ideally, you want a sturdy backpack that’s as lightweight as possible. Not only will this cut down on your baggage fees, but a lighter bag means you can pack more. It will be easier on your body for the long haul too.
3. Capacity
As you browse a travel supply site like backiepackie.com, you’ll notice an array of different sizes and capacities to choose from. Typically, backpacks fall into one of three categories:
- Daypacks (15-30 liters)
- Carry-ons (30-40 liters, suitable for a weekend getaway)
- Large capacity (45-65 liters for extra clothing or camping gear)
For the sake of comfort and convenience, don’t buy a bigger bag than you need. On the other hand, you’ll make it harder on yourself if you try to backpack around Asia for six months with only a tiny daypack.
4. Usability
This comes down to personal preference, so think about the features that mean the most to you. This could include:
- Front-loading or top-loading
- Pocket placement
- Compression straps
- Lockable zippers
- Retractable wheels or handles
Make a list of your “must-have” features and also a list of “nice-to-have” features, just in case you can’t find everything you want in one bag.
5. Ruggedness
How durable is the backpack you’re considering? The materials will make all the difference between a bag that lasts for years or one that falls apart a week into your first trip.
Specifically, find out whether the backpack is water-resistant or if you’ll need a special rain cover to go with it. The last thing you want is your bag (and all your belongings) getting soaked during transit.
Find the Best Travel Backpack for You
Ultimately, the best travel backpack for your needs depends much on your travel style and destination. However, no matter where you’re jetting off too, you’ll want to be sure that your backpack ticks all the boxes mentioned above!
Ready for more great travel tips and inspiration? Keep browsing our blog for other helpful articles like this one.
