Top 5 Best Backpacks For Travel

By Alice Ross | BACKPACKS & SUITCASES

Oct 15
best backpacks for travel

If you like to keep convenience while you are traveling or even only when moving around your town, then you may want to ditch the wheeled luggage and go for a backpack. The convenience gives offers every traveler ease of moving from a place to another while on the road.

A backpack is very functional and something every traveler must have. But the hardest part a traveler faces when they are buying a backpack is choosing which one suit them best. In this article, we will share you our list of the best backpacks for travel.

More...

**Below, you'll find more detailed reviews, but you can also click links above to check current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.

How to Select a Backpack for Travel Suitable For You

If you are planning a long transition, the back design is very important. Just like when you are buying a pair of boots, the fit of backpack plays a big role. The second thing you need to consider is the weight because a refined, heavier backpack might offer you a more comfy ride than a much lighter bag carrying the same weight.

Choose the best backpacks for travel derived from the kind of trips you're planning to have - are you planning to have a long backpacking in Asia or are you hiking a mountain? Most new travelers make a mistake buying a too big or a too small backpack. So, in order to help you choose the best one for you, here is our guide...

Think Before Buying: Every Step is Important

choose a backpack

Via nomadicmatt.com

Consider the amount of room you'll need for a backpack, consider the number of compartments you'll need, and the places you'll have the bag with you. Consider the amount of stuff you will have to put and the places you are going to take it.

Choosing the best backpacks for travel is important for any traveler. If you select a pack that is too big, you'll be carrying more weight than you should, and a bit too little in the other hand will mean not sufficient space to bring all the necessary.

The materials that are used plays a great role as well, the poor material will mean that if it rains, the things inside your bag will be drenched and will get ruined and carrying it will be even harder. With a lot of options available in the market, it can be really difficult for anyone to choose which one is the best for them.

best travel backpack

Via gobackpacking.com

When it comes to buying clothes, choosing brands is not really a big deal, but when it comes to choosing out a backpack to buy, it plays a really big part. Selecting a nice brand means something in terms of travel bags.

First of all, it normally means they offer a warranty. It is very convenient if something breaks while you are doing some hardcore travel, if it someway rips, the straps breaks, or anything, you will have peace of mind that you will get a new one. But because the brand is known to offer high-quality products, this is really less likely to happen.

Most of the famous brands make bags that will last for years or even decades.

Look At Every Detail

You have to look at every little detail, try to wear them first and feel them on your body before deciding to pay for it. We're going to write up all the qualities that you have to look out for in every backpack in order for you to choose wisely which one suits you best.

What Type of Backpack to Buy?

Any backpack no matter what the size is that's adjusted wrongly can lead to pain and be hard to take on your long periods of traveling.

Every backpack is designed to put most of the weight on the hip side of the belt! Internal and external frame backpack should both have tight fitting, well-padded, well-designed hip belts! Don't depend on the shoulder straps to bring the weight for a long period of time.

Ask the Right Questions to Get the Correct Answers

Selecting the best backpacks for travel can be complicated, so in order to help you out, we have compiled some guidelines in order to make your shopping for backpack a little bit easier. Answer these following questions:

  • What are the activities I am going to do while traveling with my bag?
  • ​Do I need to carry my bag all the time?
  • ​Can my backpack endure the length of my travel plan?
  • ​Can I easily keep the backpack in the overhead compartment when I'm riding the plane?
  • ​Is the bag going to be easy to carry if I have to walk long distance during the trip?
  • Is the bag suitable for a trip that will ensue for a short period of time?

The Guidelines to Buying the Best Backpacks for Travel

alice with friend

Now that you've answered the questions, remember the following points when you're planning to buy a backpack. The following points are very important as if you're going to invest in a good amount of money it has to serve you for a long time. Search for characteristics that will ensure that the backpack is hard-wearing, protecting and will last for years.

Know the size of your torso: A big, tall person who has a big torso needs a bigger bag. A shorter, smaller person with smaller torso may need a smaller backpack.

All bag makers design their backpacks while thinking about your torso. So make sure to measure your torso, rather before you go shopping, so you'll have that knowledge with you. Hopefully, this will eliminate your need to ask help from a salesperson who sometimes doesn't know what he's doing.

hiking people

Via skyscanner.net

Make sure it's suitable for your trip: There are backpacks that are available in the market which is made in a modified fashion so as to appeal to particular demands. Are you going to use it for hiking, camping, backpacking, beach trip, or just an overnight trip?

Know if you can carry on it on the airplane: The size of your backpack is its most essential characteristic. Your backpack you have to be shouldn't be no larger than 22" x 14" x 9" front up to the back. This size of a backpack is allowed to be carried by most airlines.

If your bag doesn't stick to these rules, you might need to check it. If you are a light packer, you are able to carry an even smaller travel pack with you. On the other hand, if the suitcase is generally bursting at the seams, choose to buy a 45-liter bag and carry another, a more little backpack which you define as a personal item.

backpacker

Know how secure the bag is: Choosing the best backpacks for travel can also help in defending you from thieves. Criminals like victimizing unsuspecting backpackers. Make sure to select a secure travel pack to derail burglars.

The safest backpacks can normally be closed by fastening zippers. Less reliable bags are secure by knotting a string, which is very simple for criminals to open. Compact, TSA-approved luggage could be used to lock the zippers on the most important parts of the backpack.

By doing this, you will be able to prevent chance robbery but would not make your bag 100% safe from the thieves. Your backpacks are not required to be Fort Knox, you only have to make sure it is going to be harder to rob than the bag of the person next to you. Criminals are always looking for victims who are easy to target. By having a bag that is secure, you will able to shun bad people away.

Consider the comfort: The backpack has to be comfortable when you are wearing it, so put it on your shoulder to know how comfortable it is. Trying out the backpack before you buy them is extremely important and essential. So try it on, and preferably make a research about them before even considering buying them. This practice will guide you to what best suits you depending on your needs and necessities.

The Best Backpacks for Travel

Every backpack listed below is ideal for traveling. So, before deciding which brand and model to buy, take your time to check out our list to guide you in choosing the best one that suits your travel needs and necessities.

best-camera-for-wildlife-photography

Via Amazon.com

This is a waterproof backpack, so if you are planning to do a hardcore backpacking, this would be a great option.

Additionally, the bag can also fold into a small pouch placed in the top pocket that is excellent if you have to put it inside the bigger bag. It has a good design, lightweight, and big enough which offer enough room for your shoes, clothes, accessories, and even toiletries in it. You can fold it easily into the little bag and very handy.

98
/100

Editor's Rating: 98/100

Price On Amazon: from $19.89


Pros


Cons

  • It only has a sternum strap
best-camera-for-wildlife-photography

Via Amazon.com

This backpack has enough room for all the things you would want to bring for your travel. The multiple pockets allow you to keep different things in the pockets depending on the sizes which make it easier for you to organize things.

There are a lot of features that you would not be able to resist, and the design is extremely attention-grabbing which makes it easy for you to find them at the airport. It is available in different colors which include green, red, yellow, light blue, and dark blue to suit your preference.

97
/100

Editor's Rating: 97/100

Price On Amazon: from $49.9


Pros

  • It is lightweight
  • It is proven to be high durable
  • It is very comfortable when worn
  • Offers a lot of color options

Cons

  • It doesn't have back support
best-camera-for-wildlife-photography

Via Amazon.com

The Mountaintop 65-liter backpack offers well-padded mesh shoulder and hip belt straps and additional padding on the kidneys and scapula. Throughout the lower spine and mid-back are channeled to offer good airflow to the back. The chest strap attaches strongly and the strap itself is somewhat flexible, which lets you have a comfortable fit that is helpful in keeping the backpack cozy on the back.

95
/100

Editor's Rating: 95/100

Price On Amazon: from $59.99


Pros

  • It offers a lot of space for your stuff
  • It is adjustable and comfortable when worn

Cons

  • The Buckles and zippers seem to be made low quality
best-camera-for-wildlife-photography

Via Amazon.com

This is a top loading pack with the entrance to the main compartment below the top lid. The top collar will give you some extra 3-5 liters of volume if needed. There are two drawstrings with clips for that purpose, one for normal load and another when the collar is extended up.

Inside the main compartment you have a water bladder sleeve for up to 3 liters of water. The single opening for the water hose is on the back side of the pack.

93
/100

Editor's Rating: 93/100

Price On Amazon: from $69.17


Pros

  • A number of nice features
  • Reasonable weight
  • Rain cover
  • Harness adjustability

Cons

  • Complaints about zippers
  • Reports of chest buckle and chest strap problems
  • Reports of damaged pack when delivered
  • Reports with buckles that broke
best-camera-for-wildlife-photography

Via Amazon.com

The G4Free Backpack 40-liter backpack was made to offer the best stability in between size, durability, compact, lightweight, and ideal for traveling. When you're not using it, you can easily fold the backpack into a self-containing pouch and make it very compact option for you.

90
/100

Editor's Rating: 90/100

Price On Amazon: from $19.99


Pros

  • It is made from waterproof nylon fabric
  • It's extremely lightweight
  • It's super compact
  • It offers multiple compartments which make it easier for you to organize your stuff
  • It has a big capacity

Cons

  • It doesn't have cross-hips straps
  • The fabric tends to rip apart
  • IZippers seem to be low quality

Summary

All in all, if you have a budget and are looking for a backpack that offers high-quality assistance for your travel, then choose Mountaintop 65L Internal Frame Backpack or TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack.

If you are looking for a backpack the gives you the chance to choose colors, then WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack would be a perfect fit. If you have a limited budget but still looking for a high-quality bag, then Coreal Hiking Foldable Backpack Packable Lightweight Daypack 35L or G4Free Large 40L Lightweight Water Resistant Travel Backpack would be great options.

Your backpack can either make or break your travel, so you have to make sure you get the best one for you. When finding the best backpacks for travel, there are a lot of other things you need to consider.

If you almost don't feel the backpack in your bag while you're traveling, then you most likely got a good fit for you.

Rating: 4.38 (8 votes)

Follow

About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

Leave a Comment:

(2) comments

Irakli March 18, 2018

Hi Alice. Useful article. loved it!
I personally own TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack and gonna travel to Europe with it. Do you think it has eligible size to carry on the airplane with me?
Thanks 🙂

Reply
    Alice Ross March 18, 2018

    Hi Irakli, thank you for reading my article!
    Unfortunately the backpack is too high so you won’t be able to bring it on the plane with you 🙁 If you just want to bring a carry on backpack, maybe you can check my top picks out here: https://www.fortravelista.com/best-carry-on-backpack/
    Goodluck travelling!

    Reply
Add Your Reply

Leave a Comment: