What to Look for When Buying a Travel Backpack

Choosing the right travel backpack is essential for ensuring comfort, convenience, and functionality during your trip. Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway, a hiking adventure, or an extended international trip, a good travel backpack can make all the difference. From size and material to security features and style, there are many factors to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to look for when buying a travel backpack to help you find the one that best suits your travel needs.

1. Size and Capacity

One of the most important factors when selecting a travel backpack is its size and capacity. You’ll want to choose a size that can comfortably hold your belongings without being too bulky or cumbersome.

Choosing the Right Size

Travel backpacks come in a variety of sizes, usually measured in liters. The size you need depends on the length and type of your trip, as well as your packing habits.

• 20-30 Liters (Daypack or Minimalist Travel): Ideal for day trips or minimalist travelers who prefer to pack light. These backpacks are small enough to be used as carry-ons and are suitable for those who can pack efficiently with just the essentials.
• 30-50 Liters (Weekend or Short-Term Travel): This is the perfect size for weekend trips or short-term travel where you need more storage space for clothing and gear, but still want a backpack that’s easy to carry.
• 50-70 Liters (Longer Trips): Great for extended trips of one to two weeks, providing enough room for clothes, shoes, toiletries, and travel gear. These backpacks offer more storage options but can still be used as carry-on luggage for some airlines if packed efficiently.
• 70+ Liters (Extended or Outdoor Adventures): Ideal for long-term travel, hiking, or camping trips where you need to carry additional equipment like a sleeping bag or tent. These backpacks are generally large, providing maximum capacity for those who travel with bulkier gear.

Carry-On Size Considerations

If you plan on using your backpack as carry-on luggage, be mindful of airline size restrictions. Most airlines allow carry-ons with dimensions of approximately 22 x 14 x 9 inches (about 40-45 liters).

• Best For: Air travelers who want to avoid checked baggage fees and save time at the airport.
• Tip: Always check your airline’s specific size and weight limits to ensure your backpack fits within their guidelines.

2. Backpack Weight

The weight of the empty backpack can have a big impact on your overall comfort, especially if you plan on carrying it for long periods.

Lightweight Backpacks

• Best For: Minimalists and travelers who need to keep their total weight down for convenience and comfort.
• Pros:
  • Easier to carry, especially during long trips.
  • Reduces the strain on your shoulders and back.
  • Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or trekking.
• Cons:
  • May sacrifice some durability and features.

Heavier Backpacks

Heavier backpacks usually come with more padding, extra compartments, and thicker materials, which offer more comfort and protection for your belongings.

• Best For: Travelers who need extra support or are carrying delicate or heavy items.
• Pros:
  • Provides more padding and support, reducing strain.
  • Often feature more durable materials and additional compartments.
  • Great for carrying laptops, cameras, or heavy gear.
• Cons:
  • Can be cumbersome, especially if you have a long journey or hike.

3. Backpack Material

The material of a travel backpack will determine its durability, weather resistance, and comfort. It’s important to choose a backpack made from materials that suit your travel style and destinations.

Common Backpack Materials

• Nylon: One of the most popular materials used for travel backpacks, nylon is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. It’s ideal for both urban and outdoor travel.
• Polyester: Similar to nylon, polyester is also durable and water-resistant but generally more affordable. However, it may not be as long-lasting as nylon.
• Canvas: Canvas backpacks are often favored for their rugged, outdoorsy look and durability. While heavier than synthetic materials, canvas is great for long-lasting use and can handle tough environments.
• Ripstop Fabric: Ripstop nylon or polyester is woven in a way that prevents small tears from spreading, making it ideal for outdoor and adventure travelers who need extra durability.

Water Resistance

Many travel backpacks are made from water-resistant materials, which are ideal for travelers heading to destinations with unpredictable weather.

• Water-Resistant: Water-resistant backpacks can handle light rain or splashes but may not be suitable for full submersion or prolonged exposure to water.
• Waterproof: Fully waterproof backpacks are ideal for outdoor adventures like kayaking or trekking through rainforests. These backpacks often feature welded seams and roll-top closures to keep water out completely.
• Rain Cover: Some backpacks come with a detachable rain cover, which is a lightweight solution for keeping your bag dry in heavy rain.

4. Compartments and Organization

Having enough compartments and pockets for organizing your belongings is crucial for any traveler. A well-organized backpack allows easy access to essential items and prevents your belongings from becoming a cluttered mess.

Main Compartment

• Best For: Storing clothes, large items, and gear.
• Design: Look for backpacks with a large main compartment that opens widely for easy access. Some backpacks offer front-loading or suitcase-style openings, which make packing and unpacking much easier.

Laptop Compartment

If you’re carrying a laptop or tablet, choose a backpack with a padded compartment specifically designed to protect electronics.

• Best For: Digital nomads, students, and business travelers.
• Design: Look for a padded, shock-absorbing compartment that can fit your laptop securely. Make sure it’s easily accessible for quick removal at airport security checkpoints.

Exterior Pockets

Exterior pockets are useful for stashing items you need quick access to, such as snacks, passports, travel documents, or a water bottle.

• Best For: Keeping frequently used items within reach.
• Types:
  • Zippered Pockets: Secure and ideal for storing valuables.
  • Elastic Pockets: Useful for holding water bottles or umbrellas.
  • Hidden Pockets: Great for concealing important items like passports, money, or keys for added security.

Internal Organization

Look for a backpack with internal dividers, mesh pockets, and compression straps to keep your belongings organized and prevent them from shifting around during travel.

• Best For: Travelers who like to stay organized and want quick access to smaller items.
• Compression Straps: Help keep clothes in place and prevent them from wrinkling.

Separate Shoe or Laundry Compartment

Some backpacks feature a separate compartment for shoes or dirty laundry, helping to keep clean clothes and gear fresh.

• Best For: Travelers on longer trips who want to separate dirty items from clean ones.
• Design: Look for a compartment that’s ventilated to reduce odor.

5. Comfort and Fit

Since you’ll likely be carrying your travel backpack for extended periods, comfort and fit are essential factors to consider.

Adjustable Straps

Properly fitting straps are key to ensuring comfort. Look for backpacks with adjustable shoulder, chest, and hip straps to customize the fit.

• Shoulder Straps: Should be padded and wide to distribute weight evenly across your shoulders. Adjustable straps allow you to find the right fit based on your height and torso length.
• Sternum Strap: A sternum (chest) strap helps stabilize the backpack and keep it from shifting while you’re moving.
• Hip Belt: A padded hip belt is essential for larger backpacks (40 liters or more) as it helps transfer the weight from your shoulders to your hips, reducing strain.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is important, especially if you’ll be wearing your backpack in hot or humid conditions.

• Mesh Panels: Some backpacks feature mesh panels on the back that allow airflow, keeping your back cool and reducing sweat.
• Airflow Channels: Backpacks with raised foam panels create airflow channels, improving ventilation.

Padded Back and Lumbar Support

A padded back panel with ergonomic lumbar support will make carrying heavy loads more comfortable and prevent strain on your back.

• Best For: Travelers carrying heavier loads or going on long hikes.
• Lumbar Padding: Look for backpacks with extra padding in the lumbar (lower back) area to support your spine and reduce discomfort.

6. Access and Openings

How you access the contents of your backpack is important for convenience and ease of packing. Some backpacks offer multiple ways to access the main compartment, which can make a big difference, especially during travel.

Front-Loading (Panel Access)

A front-loading backpack opens like a suitcase, allowing you to access the main compartment from the front.

• Best For: Travelers who want easy access to their belongings without having to unpack the entire bag.
• Pros:
  • Easy to organize and pack.
  • You can access your items without having to dig through the entire backpack.
• Cons:
  • Front-loading designs may have fewer external pockets.

Top-Loading

A top-loading backpack is accessed from the top and often features a drawstring or roll-top closure.

• Best For: Outdoor adventurers, hikers, and campers.
• Pros:
  • Typically lighter and more durable.
  • Offers more vertical storage for taller items.
• Cons:
  • Can be harder to access items at the bottom of the bag.

Side Access

Some backpacks offer side access to the main compartment, allowing you to retrieve items without fully opening the bag.

• Best For: Quick access to items like a camera or jacket.
• Pros:
  • Convenient for grabbing items without unpacking.
  • Adds versatility in how you access your belongings.

7. Security Features

Security is a major concern for travelers, especially when carrying valuables like laptops, passports, or cash. Look for backpacks with built-in security features to give you peace of mind.

Lockable Zippers

Many travel backpacks feature zippers with lockable pulls, allowing you to secure the compartments with a small padlock.

• Best For: Travelers visiting high-theft areas or using public transport.
• Pros:
  • Prevents pickpockets from easily accessing your belongings.
  • Adds an extra layer of security for valuables.

Hidden Pockets

Hidden pockets, often located on the back panel or within internal compartments, are great for storing cash, passports, or important documents discreetly.

• Best For: Concealing valuables from potential thieves.
• Pros:
  • Makes it harder for pickpockets to find your valuables.
  • Ideal for storing sensitive items securely.

RFID-Blocking Pockets

Some travel backpacks feature RFID-blocking pockets, which help protect your credit cards and passport from electronic theft.

• Best For: Digital nomads and travelers concerned about identity theft.
• Pros:
  • Protects against RFID skimming, where thieves can steal your card information without physically accessing your wallet.

8. Durability and Build Quality

A well-built backpack will last for years and withstand the wear and tear of travel. Consider the following when assessing durability:

Stitching Quality

Check the stitching along seams and stress points like the shoulder straps and handles. Double or reinforced stitching provides added strength and longevity.

• Best For: Ensuring the backpack can handle heavy loads and rough handling.
• Tip: Pay attention to areas where the backpack will bear the most weight, such as the shoulder straps and hip belt.

Zippers and Buckles

High-quality zippers and buckles are essential for ensuring your backpack remains secure and functional.

• YKK Zippers: One of the most reliable and durable zipper brands. YKK zippers are known for their smooth operation and resistance to breakage.
• Durable Buckles: Look for buckles made from tough plastic or metal, especially on the hip belt and compression straps, as they experience the most strain.

Reinforced Bottom

A reinforced bottom adds extra durability, especially if you frequently set your backpack on rough or dirty surfaces.

• Best For: Outdoor adventurers or travelers who frequently place their bag on hard or rough surfaces.
• Material: A rubberized or double-layer bottom can protect against wear and tear.

9. Specialized Travel Backpacks

Depending on the type of travel you’re planning, you may need a backpack designed for specific purposes. Consider the following specialized backpacks:

Backpacking or Hiking Backpacks

Backpacks designed for outdoor adventures come with specific features like hydration reservoirs, trekking pole attachments, and external gear loops.

• Best For: Hikers, campers, and adventurers who need to carry extra gear.
• Features:
  • Hydration system compatibility.
  • External attachment points for gear like trekking poles or sleeping bags.
  • Ventilated back panels for added comfort.

Camera Backpacks

If you’re a photographer, a camera backpack with padded compartments for cameras, lenses, and accessories is essential.

• Best For: Photographers who need to protect delicate equipment.
• Features:
  • Padded, customizable compartments for lenses and cameras.
  • Side access for quick retrieval of your camera.
  • Water-resistant materials to protect gear.

Business or Work Backpacks

Business travel backpacks are designed to be sleek and professional, with features that support office and tech equipment.

• Best For: Business travelers who need to carry laptops, documents, and professional accessories.
• Features:
  • Laptop compartments and organizers for tech gadgets.
  • Sleek, professional design.
  • USB charging ports for convenience.

10. Style and Aesthetics

While functionality is key, the style and aesthetics of your travel backpack should also suit your personal taste. Consider whether you want a sleek, minimalist look, or something rugged and outdoorsy.

Urban vs. Outdoor Aesthetics

• Urban Backpacks: Typically feature a minimalist design, neutral colors, and clean lines. These are ideal for city travelers or business professionals.
• Outdoor Backpacks: Often have a more rugged appearance, with bright colors and functional designs like external straps, loops, and large pockets. These are great for adventurers or hikers.

Gender-Specific Designs

Some backpacks are designed specifically for men or women, with considerations for body shape, shoulder width, and torso length.

• Women’s Backpacks: Often have narrower shoulder straps and a shorter torso length to accommodate women’s bodies more comfortably.
• Men’s Backpacks: Typically larger with wider shoulder straps and a longer torso length, designed to fit a broader frame.

11. Price and Value

Travel backpacks come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features.

Budget-Friendly Backpacks

• Price Range: $50 to $100.
• Best For: Travelers on a budget who don’t need premium features.
• Features: Typically made from lighter, less durable materials with fewer compartments and features.

Mid-Range Backpacks

• Price Range: $100 to $200.
• Best For: Most travelers who want a balance of durability, features, and affordability.
• Features: Often include more compartments, padding, and water-resistant materials. Many offer reinforced stitching and YKK zippers.

Premium Backpacks

• Price Range: $200 and above.
• Best For: Long-term travelers, outdoor adventurers, and those who need advanced features like hydration compatibility, high durability, or professional organization.
• Features: High-end materials, superior craftsmanship, and advanced features such as waterproofing, reinforced frames, and specialized compartments for tech or outdoor gear.

12. Warranty and Brand Reputation

A good warranty and reputable brand can offer peace of mind when investing in a travel backpack.

Warranty Coverage

Check if the backpack comes with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Many premium brands offer lifetime warranties or extended coverage.

• Best For: Travelers looking for long-term reliability.
• Features: Look for warranties that cover zippers, buckles, and seams, as these are the most common failure points.

Brand Reputation

Choose a backpack from a well-known, reputable brand that is known for quality and durability. Brands like Osprey, Patagonia, North Face, and Deuter are known for producing reliable, high-quality travel backpacks.

• Best For: Ensuring you’re investing in a product that will last.
• Tip: Read customer reviews and product ratings to gauge the experiences of other travelers.