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How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Last Updated on April 17, 2020

One of the most recurrent questions that every person asks himself during the organizing phase of a trip is the type of suitcase he plans to buy. Assuming you have never traveled as a backpacker and plan to do so for several weeks (or even months), you will most likely have to purchase a hiking backpack as such and not the classic wheel bag.

Why do I say this last? The traditional rolling suitcases are effective as long as you do not have to carry them, which is not always the case when you travel for an indefinite period. Also, backpacks allow you more mobility, especially if you carry a considerable amount of weight.

The process of finding a good backpack requires that you dedicate some time to choose the right one. With so many varieties that abound on the street, it is normal for many to be confused and choose the first one they see.

On the other hand, some get carried away by the low prices of certain backpacks, which ultimately ends up disappointing them when they see the low quality of their new acquisition. A quality tactical backpack will cost you a little more money, but in the end, you will find that its durability is extraordinary, and it is better for you if you make extensive trips.

As an example, I bought mine in March 2010, and I have gotten it wet, it has been on the top of the buses (a fact that implies constant blows to it), it has been dirty and I have washed it countless times, and yet it is as if nothing had happened to him.

Although only a year and a half have passed since I premiered it on my first trip, there is no doubt that its high level of resistance guarantees that it will continue like this for several years.With the purpose of saving hours investigating how the ideal backpack should be, I will describe what would become those essential details that you have to look for when looking for one.

Before Purchasing a Backpack

Internal framework

Almost all backpacks today bring an internal frame, or in other words, come with the support bars integrated inside them. I would not mention this point in the least if it is not because they still sell backpacks that use an external framework.

In addition to being somewhat ugly in style, its use is quite old and are not as functional compared to those that come with the internal frame. An internal frame backpack will give you the certainty that your weight will be lighter by having all the metal incorporated inside.

Resistant and waterproof material

The backpack does not have to be 100% waterproof, but at least indicate on the label that it is made of a semi-waterproof material. A thick material and lightweight is appropriate, and so you will prevent a simple drizzle leaving you all soaked inside, leaving your things wet and even damaged if it is electronic equipment (laptop, camera).

Currently, most of them come with a compartment that brings a waterproof cover, which can be used if exposed to a lot of water (such as a torrential downpour or when traveling by boat and water splashes every time), so make sure that yours brings it.

Compartments

All backpacks have a series of compartments on the back and side, where you can quickly save those things you will use more often. If you are going to put valuables like passport, camera, cell phone or money in those pockets (which I do not recommend at all), try to keep them closed with a small padlock for greater security.

Look also at the number of compartments that are included and how they are divided. More important is that they are easily accessible when packing and unpacking. There are even removable compartments that go on top of some concealed carry backpack models, a detail that comes in handy when it comes to small excursions.

Zippers

Parallel to the amounts of compartments of your backpack, make sure that each one has its pair of zippers so that the closures with a small padlock.

In my case, I confess that I am half paranoid with the simple idea that a stranger decides to open my backpack and see what something of value can take, or worse, put an improper object inside it (drugs or weapons). That is why I always say that it is better to prevent than to regret later.

Comfort

The comfort that your backpack can offer you when you have to carry it is very fundamental, even more, important than the size or type of material it is made of. An error that most backpackers make is not to buckle their backpack, and failure to do so results in back and leg discomfort.

Be clear that much of the weight you will carry you will feel more on your hip than in the back. Therefore, it is necessary for the belt to be as padded and adjustable as possible, so that you can better control the weight and thus do not bother the lower back when walking.

Since the backpack will lie on your back, the front straps (with which you will load your luggage) and the area of the shoulder pads should be padded, and molded to your shoulders in such a way that they do not get to generate pains gradually.

Do not go to buy a backpack whose straps are thin, because it is almost certain that they will not resist so much weight and will spoil in a short time.

Similarly, it is very useful for your backpack to have the chest strap. This belt will help you to carry the weight forward, distributing it better and avoiding the tendency of it to go backward. The usual thing is that it is positioned slightly higher than the chest so that you do not feel that sensation of oppression when you walk.

Size

The size of the backpack is something vital and personal at the same time. If you get a very large one, instinctively you will not want to leave any empty space and you will end up putting on extra weight, which could degenerate into discomfort in the back when you have to carry it.

A too small and simply will not give you enough space to enter all the belongings that you’re really going to use. The truth is that there is no size that is better than the rest since the perfect backpack has to be proportional to your body. The size is defined by its capacity in liters.

Those of 20 to 40 liters are considered small backpacks, those of 40 to 65 liters have an average capacity and those of larger size range from 65 to 90 liters. Whatever size you choose, the crucial thing is to know how to distribute the weight you put inside.

Price

I prefer to answer this in dollars to make it more understandable and in the process, you have a clearer idea. The price range usually ranges from $ 100 to $ 300. Of course, paying $ 300 for a backpack, in my opinion, is total madness. Instead of wasting that excess money, get yourself a $ 170 down payment.

I paid about $ 120 for my current backpack and it came out pretty good. There are little-known companies that manufacture backpacks of spectacular quality, and they will not cost you as much as you tend to think.

The essence of getting the desired backpack is to not buy the first time, even if its cost is very cheap. Finally, regardless of the type of backpack you have chosen, the key to not pass paramo is to carry the least amount of luggage possible. Believe me when I tell you that, although it may seem a lie, you will not use everything you carry with you.

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Campbell John

Hi, I am John Campbell, an outdoor enthusiast. Just like you, I value the habitat, heritage and tradition of great outdoors. I do my best to make sure the correct research, writing, and photo are shown on Tacticalgearslab.com. Indeed, I am committed to preserving a great online experience for you.