Buying a backpack can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it's your first time traveling this way. Your average REI or local sporting goods store will have a dedicated section, sometimes even a wall of options.
When traveling around the world, your backpack is your best friend. It will go everywhere with you and act as your home away from home. How do you know which one will be right for you before handing over your credit card? Several factors will play into your decision-making process.
The key things to take into consideration when buying a backpack are:
- length of your trip
- where you are going
- personal travel style
In this guide to buying a backpack, we'll explain what to consider and look for to help you make the best choice.
Table of Contents
Things to Consider When Buying a Backpack
Purpose
First, think about what type of backpacking you'll be doing.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- Will you be hiking in the wilderness?
- Are you riding trains from city to city in Europe with a Eurail pass?
- Hostelling in Latin America?
- Will you walk and move from place to place or stay put for long periods?
- If you plan to go island-hopping in Thailand or Greece, you may want to bring a smaller backpack than if you're moving to Paris for the summer.
- Are you confident you can carry all your belongings (on your back)?
- How much stuff will you need to bring with you?
Specific traveling backpacks are available, but hiking backpacks are most often used. Before you buy a backpack, it can help to physically go into a store and try some on to see how they fit and feel. Your backpack will be on you quite a bit, so it must fit properly and feel good on your body when full.
Cost
Keep in mind that there can be a direct correlation between price and quality. The last thing you want to happen is to have your backpack tear open down the side and all your stuff spill out while on a bus or walking down the street. Some backpacks cost as little as $50, while others can easily cost a few hundred. A mid-range backpack that costs $100 – $200 will suit most travelers' needs.
Size
When buying a backpack, you should analyze its physical size—both empty and full.
- Is it a rigid frame, or is it collapsable?
- Will the dimensions fit the standard airline size regulations for a carry-on bag when fully packed?
- If not, are you okay with checking your backpack for flights?
The trick to buying a backpack is to make sure it's big enough to carry your things but not too bulky that it becomes a burden.
Weight
Not only does the weight of the stuff you pack in your bag add up, but you'll also want to consider the weight of the empty backpack. Some bags are made of thick canvas, while others are constructed of high-tech, low-weight fabric like Tyvec. Buying a backpack that isn't too heavy but still feels strong is essential.
Benefits of Packing Light
Here at Go Backpacking, we've always recommended a less-is-more approach. Over the last twenty years, Dave (our editor-in-chief) has experimented with mainly medium and small backpacks. Traveling light was a consideration when he bought his first backpack, a Gregory Chaos, which lasted 15 years (1998-2012).
Here are a few reasons to consider carrying a small, school-sized backpack instead of a large, bulging rucksack.
- Small Size: When you carry less, you have more options. A small-sized backpack doesn't tie you down or prevent you from doing things on the go.
- Convenience: We bet you enjoy walking, exploring, and thoroughly checking things out when you travel. It's priceless to walk across a city with all your belongings easily and not feel like you need to find a place to stay so you can drop off your stuff.
- Standing Out: The bigger the backpack, the more you'll stand out as a tourist. This isn't always a bad thing (we are all tourists when we travel), but blending into your local surroundings has benefits.
- Safety: Because of its small size, you can carry all your belongings anywhere, making them less of a target. A giant bag can draw more attention, as many people go about their daily lives with smaller backpacks worldwide.
Related: 5 Must-Have Items for Female Travelers to Pack
Types of Travel Backpacks
There are many different kinds of packs to consider when buying a backpack for travel.
Hiking Backpack
One of the most popular kinds of travel backpacks is made as a hiking backpack. These packs are made for carrying long distances and are often filled from the top. The packs are usually lightweight and durable for every condition you may experience on the trail.
Specific Travel Backpack
These packs are usually not made for walking long distances but rather for carrying heavier loads than hiking backpacks. Travel-specific backpacks are very sturdy and sometimes include a zipper opening around the belly to conveniently open like suitcases.
These packs are suitable for digital nomads who may stay in one place for extended periods, but they must carry rather large loads when moving. They often have individual storage compartments for things like travel laptops.
Wheeled Backpack
If carrying a bag on your back all day is not for you, you might consider a wheeled backpack. They include a rugged set of wheels as well as backpack straps. For those who have never used a wheeled backpack for travel, you may consider borrowing a friend's for a trial run before buying one yourself. Many people find the grass isn't greener on the other side, and the hassle of lugging around something on wheels is not worth the stress.
Day Pack
It's called a day pack because it's typically only large enough to carry enough supplies for a single-day trip. However, if you travel easily with super lightness, you may want to consider fitting everything you need into a convenient day pack. Generally speaking, the smaller the day pack, the better. The pack does the trick if you can fit the essentials for a day spent out of your accommodation.
Note: Many backpackers carry a large main backpack and a smaller day pack. An ultra-lightweight day pack that folds into a shoe can be found almost anywhere, even when traveling.
Reputable Brands
- Gregory - Comfortable packs that are sturdy and often cater to mountain hiking
- Osprey - Stylish, lightweight outdoor packs
- The North Face - Mountain hiking backpacks and excellent day trip packs
- REI Brand - Specializes in hiking and travel-specific gear and a wide range of backpacks
- Eagle Creek - Specific travel backpacks and accessories
Recommended Backpacks (2019)
Osprey Atmos AG 50L
The Osprey Atmos AG 50L backpack is the most compact and well-ventilated pack on the market. The Anti-Gravity feature makes you feel like you carry less for long-distance hikes and everyday travel. The removable floating lid makes the backpack more accessible. Osprey is known for providing a backpack that contours to your body, guaranteeing a better fit.
Capacity: 3,051 cubic inches, 50 liters. The Atmos AG is also available in a 65-liter variety. Buy it on Amazon. See all Osprey backpacks on Amazon.
Gregory Zulu 40
The Gregory Zulu 40 backpack is the most versatile on this list. It is small enough for a day pack yet large enough for a light traveler to use on backpacking adventures. With its Free Float Dynamic suspension and adjustable torso length, it is one of the most agile packs on the market.
Although Gregory is often known for making rugged, heavy-duty packs for mountain hiking, this backpack is suitable for any travel. The Zulu model fits men better than women. Gregory also offers a smaller Jade model (28 liters) comparable to the Zulu for women and within the same price range.
Capacity: 2,319 cubic inches, 38 liters. The Zulu is offered in 55 and 65-liter varieties. Buy the Zulu 40 on Amazon. See all Gregory backpacks on Amazon.
Eagle Creek Unisex 65L
The Eagle Creek Unisex 65-liter backpack was made for both male and female travelers. The easy-to-use adjustable suspension will improve the comfort you experience and make it feel like you are carrying less weight.
Digital nomads and travel bloggers will appreciate the dedicated space for up to a 17" laptop. This backpack's unique feature is the safety whistle built into the sternum strap. Buy it on Amazon. See all Eagle Creek backpacks on Amazon.
Granite Gear Crown 2 60L
The Granite Gear Crown 2 60L backpack is the ultimate lightweight, low-cost budget backpack. At only 2.2 pounds, it is unimaginably light, and the frame can be removed on lighter loads to reduce the carrying weight to 1.7 pounds.
The Crown 2's torso length is not adjustable. However, Granite Gear makes the product in three sizes to accommodate your body size. Granite Gear provides a backpack that does the job without the unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up the cost.
Capacity: 3,660 cubic inches, 60 liters. The Crown 2 is also available in a 38-liter variety for both men and women. Buy it on Amazon. See all Granite Gear backpacks on Amazon.
The North Face Banchee 50
The North Face Banchee 50 backpack has proprietary OPTIFIT technology, which allows you to adjust the pack to your preferred fit. Plenty of front panel storage makes accessing things on the go easy. This is an often overlooked aspect of a great travel backpack. The North Face is known for providing quality products that last, and the Banchee 50 is no different.
Capacity: 3,051 cubic inches, 50 liters. The North Face Banchee 50 is a unisex pack not offered in any other size. Buy it on Amazon. See all North Face backpacks on Amazon.
