As a backpacker I’ve collected numerous backpacks over the years. Every trip led me to becoming more efficient in selecting what to take and how to pack. As my packing skills developed my wants and needs for my backpack changed, until I eventually found my canvas soul mate.
Choosing the right backpack for your trip is probably one of the most important decisions you will make. Getting the right fit is crucial. After all, your backpack will be your home for the entire duration of your travels!
So how do you know which backpack is the perfect fit for you?
Size matters – If you’re travelling during winter a larger pack is convenient to carry your bulky items such as jumpers, coats and enclosed boots. However, this can be reduced with smart choices and packing techniques. Similarly, if you’re trip is too SE Asia you’ll only need a smaller backpack as you won’t need to pack and bulky items due to the hot climate.
Small < 50 L Medium 50 – 60 L Large > 60 L
If you do decide to opt for a larger pack make sure you take weight into consideration. An oversized and over packed bag can be damaging not only to your back but also your whole trip!
For round the world trip’s a moderate sized backpack is the most common for travellers. You need to fit in not just clothing to cater for all seasons but other luxuries too as you will be on the road for a long time. I’ve condensed all my travel gear to fit comfortably in a 40 L Osprey Waypoint (carry on size) as well as a small day pack to keep valuables and food/water when in transit. For stricter airlines I take my full hiking boots out of my main pack and put the smaller bag inside.
Size isn’t the only important consideration when choosing the right backpack. Security is a big issue as you will be living in a public environment for the foreseeable future. A backpack with minimal outer pockets is ideal for securing your belongings and valuables. In addition to this, few or no outer pockets reduces the risk of things being stolen or added in transit, whether it be a bus, plane or train.
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CASE STUDY: Osprey Waypoint vs. Mountain Hardwear Intention
When you compare the Osprey Waypoint and the Mountain Hardwear Intention you can immediately see a huge difference in security. This is because the backpacks have been designed for different uses.
The Osprey Waypoint has been designed with travelling in mind with only one opening into the main portion of the pack as well as a secure zipper which accommodate a padlock. Not only is this convenient but it is secure.
In comparison, the Mountain Hardwear Intention has been designed with hiking in mind and has multiple openings for easy access. In addition to this, the main storage section cannot be locked. With only one small opening at the top of this pack it is frustrating to find things and often you are required to unpack everything for one item (which can often get lost in the void) – I went a whole trip in South America unable to find my pair of shorts till I got home!
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One final element to consider when choosing your backpack and is comfort. I’ve had several first time backpackers confess that they forgot that they’d actually be carrying their bags on their backs! In Bangkok, I helped a newbie traveller shop for a brand new pack on Day 2 of her trip. She couldn’t bear to carry the old second hand backpack she’d borrowed off a family friend to save some money another step. Why? Because it was beyond uncomfortable.
It’s worth investing in a quality pack but make sure you give it a test run before buying. You may feel like a complete idiot stuffing a backpack full of stuff (aka weight) in a shop. More so when you then proceed to walk around making sure it is comfortable. This short-term embarrassment is way better than the embarrassment and pain of being incorrectly equipped for your trip.
(If you’re thinking I’ve forgotten about hybrid backpacks, I haven’t. I feel they deserve a post on their own as it enters a whole new ballpark of travel luggage.)
What’s your favourite travel backpack?
We’d love to hear about your backpack successes and failures (and promise we won’t judge)