How to choose the right travel backpack for your trip
Check these things before you pay:
Storage capacity
The length of your trip and the weight of the items you are carrying determine which backpack you should choose. While packing, remember to keep only the necessary items for a more comfortable and organised experience.
Buying the biggest backpack isn't always the smartest choice. For a short trip up to three days, a backpack of up to 50 litres of capacity should suffice for storing your necessities.
Most travel backpacks are between 50 to 80 litres, which is ideal for trips lasting up to a week. Backpacks larger than 70 litres might be difficult to manage for most people, but are ideal for those carrying specialised equipment like cameras or parents to keep baby care items.
Accessibility
The most important feature of a backpack is how easy it is to grab items you have packed inside. Backpacks that have zips at the top are known as top-load openings, which sometimes make it difficult for you to see and access things that might be stored at the bottom.
Front-load opening backpacks are similar to luggage, with a zip that runs throughout their side.
Some people prefer pockets with specific functions based on the items they are carrying. Certain features to look out for include side pockets to hold water bottles or baby bottles, laptop compartments, shoe compartments, and anti-theft zipper pockets.
Comfort
An uncomfortable backpack can affect your posture, cause neck and back pain, among others.
Ensure that the backpack you choose has sufficient padding for your shoulders and hips. Many backpacks also come with lumbar back support and a ventilation feature that helps to keep your back cool despite sweating.
Some travellers also prefer backpacks with chest straps that help to secure the bag and evenly distribute weight across their shoulders. It is also advisable to choose a backpack that has a waterproof sleeve to keep your items safe from the rain.
Security
If you're travelling only with a backpack, ensuring that your items are safe from theft or tampering is paramount. Many backpacks come with lockable zippers that can only be used after entering a number code. For added security, you can also add padlocks to your zippers.
You can also opt for anti-theft features like slash-resistant backpack materials, hidden compartments to store your valuables, and RFID blocking pockets that stop radio waves and prevent thieves from scanning any cards stored inside your bag.
Durability
A good quality backpack can last up to 10 to 20 years. The best way to determine the quality of a backpack is to look out for its function, fabric and stitching. Choose a sturdy fabric that can ensure wear and tear and is water-resistant.
If you pick a bag based on style over functionality, you might end up with an uncomfortable bag without proper support and storage capacity. It is also important to purchase a bag with a warranty that ensures that the product is of good quality.
So now that you know how a backpack is an important travel product, choose wisely! It's an investment for sure.
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