Choosing the Right Travel Backpack
Whether you are traveling for just a
week or several months, choosing the right travel bag is an
important part of your pre trip planning. Many people consider that any large backpacks
will do, even if they aren’t specifically made for traveling. Often people
choose climbing or trekking backpacks; however these types of bags are
not made for traveling due to their shape, design, numerous straps and outside
pockets. Often backpackers who purchase these bags end up cursing them
for the rest of their trip. Below is a list of what you should look for when
buying a new travel bag or backpack :
Figure Out How You Like to Travel
Will you actually hike and camp with your backpack? Or will it function as a wearable suitcase? It's important to be honest here: Sure, it seems cool to paint yourself as an extreme sports adventurer, but if you're really not, you'll get the wrong gear.
Will you actually hike and camp with your backpack? Or will it function as a wearable suitcase? It's important to be honest here: Sure, it seems cool to paint yourself as an extreme sports adventurer, but if you're really not, you'll get the wrong gear.
- Water resistant material - While your pack does not need to be 100% waterproof, make sure your bag is made out of a semi-waterproof material so everything doesn’t get wet in a sprinkle (many packs come with tarps you can put over them in case of a ruthless downpour). Moreover, make sure the material won’t stay wet long and thereby get musty. I look for material that is thick but lightweight. I should be able to pour a cup of water over it without the insides getting wet. I’m not traveling a lot during torrential downpours or monsoons but I have been caught in small rainstorms before and because my backpack is made out of a good material, I’ve never opened my bag to find wet clothes.
·
Lockable
Zippers - Make sure each compartment has two
zippers so you can lock them together. While am not really worried about people
breaking into my bag and stealing my dirty clothes in a hostel, I like locking
up my bag when I am traveling. I’m always paranoid that someone is going to put
something in my bag or a grabby baggage handler in airport is going to take my
stuff.
- Multiple Compartments - A good bag must to have multiple compartments. This way, you can break up your belongings into smaller sections so it’s easier to access and find the stuff you need. For example, my clothes are in the main compartment of my bag, my umbrella and flips flops in the top, and my shoes in the separated side compartment (that way they don’t get everything dirty). It saves time from having to dig around your bag.
- Internal Frame - The majority of backpacks today are internal-frame packs, meaning the support rods and frame are build into the backpack and hidden from view. However, there some are still external frame backpacks made where the rods are separate from the actual pack and stick out. Think backpacks you see in old hiking movies or movies about people backpacking Europe in the 1970s. A big clunky metal frame. Don’t get one of those. Make sure you buy a backpack with an internal frame. It not only looks better, but the rods won’t get caught on anything and your bag will also be slimmer making moving around easier. Additionally, internal-framed packs tend to be lighter as the frame is composed of a carbon fiber or tough plastic making them easier on your back as well as more durable.
- Padded Hip Belt - Most of the weight you will be carrying around will be pushing down on your hips, so you’ll want a padded belt to make supporting the weight more comfortable. The belt will help provide support and distribute the weight load more evenly on your back causing less strain and problems. The hip belt should also be adjustable so you can tighten it for extra support.
- Padded Shoulder Straps - These make carrying your load more comfortable, as the weight of your pack will be pushing downward on your shoulders. The pads will put less pressure on your shoulders and also help take pressure off your lower back. Make sure the padding is very thick and made up of a single piece of material as it will be less likely to split and thin out.
- Contoured/Padded Back - A lumbar-shaped pack makes carrying it more comfortable, as it helps distributes weight more evenly. The same principle applies that is used in contoured chairs. It allows for a more natural arch ensure no back pain. Moreover, this type of pack creates a small space between your back and the bag allowing air to move through and help keep your slightly cool. Lugging your bag around can build up a sweat!