When you travel a lot, everything you take with you is important. So when we talk about backpack, it is even more the case!
The bottom line is, there is no such thing as a "best" travel backpack. In fact, everything will depend on you, your budget, your needs, the length of your adventure and the way you travel. So I developed the subject in depth by offering you different models based on all of this
How to choose your travel backpack?
Here are the criteria that seem to me the most important when choosing a travel backpack:
Weight: the lighter you travel, the better you feel. I wrote a full article, called " Travel light (or leave that horrible t-shirt you will never put on at home!) ."
Capacity: In general, travel bags are classified by capacity in liters. For a small bag to take everywhere on a daily basis, we turn around 15-25 liters. For a bag to leave for a few days, even months in minimalist mode, it goes from 30 to 45 liters. And for a longer travel bag, it takes 50 to 65 liters.
The type of opening: Most travel backpacks open on the top. This is quite impractical because in order to get something from the bottom of your bag, you will have to remove everything. Fortunately, there are travel bags that open at the front, much like a suitcase.
The type of straps: This is the waist strap that balances the weight of your backpack across your body rather than your shoulders. It avoids hurting your back, especially when you wear your bag for a long time. Some bags have padded straps, which is much more comfortable.
The interior layout: There, it is specific to each one. For my part, I prefer that there are a few pockets inside my bag, but not too many. The most important thing for me is the laptop sleeve.
Zippers: As you will be opening and closing your bag several times a day, it is better that they are practical and sturdy.
The fit: To choose the right travel bag, take measurements, keeping in mind that your torso length is more important than your height.
Style: There are bags that look better than others, but it's a matter of taste. It's up to you to see if it matters to you.
Weather resistance: It depends on the materials used. Some backpacks have a built-in rain cover, and others are designed with a water-resistant textile.
The possibility of taking it in the cabin: Airlines are increasingly strict about the size and weight of cabin baggage. For my part, I always forbid myself to take a bag of more than 45 liters.
Which traveler are you?
To choose the right travel backpack, you have to know what it will be used for. And to know what it will be used for, try to find out what type of traveler you are among these three categories.
The “minimalist” traveler (cabin baggage)
You hate wasting your time at the airport. You love to visit cities, sleep in hostels and go on day trips from time to time, but without bringing your camping gear.
Travelers "sabbatical year"
You are a student and took a sabbatical year to travel before entering university, or you are a recent graduate and want to see some of the country before you start working. You are traveling for the first time and do not yet have any experience in the field. You need checked baggage because you take a lot of stuff.
“Adventurous” travelers
You will be spending a lot of time in the jungle, the desert or the mountains. You think about hitchhiking , and you love to leave the beaten track, even if it means sleeping outside. You want to bring equipment so that you can sleep in the great outdoors.
Choosing your travel backpack will depend on the type of traveler you are (or will be). If you are traveling light, be aware that you can already fit a lot of things in a 40-liter bag. On the other hand, if you want to transport photo equipment, camping equipment or a lot of clothing, you will need a larger piece of luggage (and therefore to be put in the hold).
The best backpacks for minimalist travelers
Osprey Farpoint 40 - The Most Popular Backpack
Weight: 1.4 KG
Capacity: 40 liters
Loading: 10-20 KG
Colors: Black, Gray, red, blue
Good for: Traveling with cabin baggage
It is THE most popular backpack for travelers who do not want to travel with a bag in the hold as well as for those who leave for a full year. The Osprey Farpoint 40 opens at the front. It is very easy to use and comfortable to wear thanks to the excellent suspension offered by its straps and its design.
The straps can be separated with a zipper, transforming this backpack into a classic travel bag with handle. The strap at the hips is very comfortable and in terms of style, it is quite pleasant to look at.
Benefits :
- Front opening
- Secure closures
- Modular straps
- Ideal for day hikes
Disadvantages:
- Laptop sleeve is not against the back
- Neon green interior may turn some people off
Nomadic Travel Bag 40 - Perfect For Digital Nomads
Weight: 1.8 KG
Capacity: 40 liters
Loading: 10-20 KG
Color: Black
Good for: Traveling with cabin baggage
The Nomadic Travel Bag was created by a digital nomad for digital nomads. There are plenty of very practical features for those who work while traveling: a pocket for underwear, a pocket for wires and chargers… Nothing is missing! In addition, it can easily be transformed into a tote bag and it has a computer pouch.
Benefits :
- Water resistant
- Detachable belt
- Front opening
Disadvantages:
- Gadget features
- The design is too square
- The price
If you are a minimalist traveler and a digital nomad , you will inevitably fall in love with all the small details of this bag. For my part, I prefer the bag I'm talking about right after.
The best travel backpacks for hikers
Traveling only with cabin baggage is not for everyone. Maybe you've never traveled before, or you just need more space in your bag for your clothes, or you love adventure and want to take your gear ...
Then maybe you should look for the best backpack for traveling AND hiking. These backpacks are big enough to hold your clothes, but also kitchen supplies, a tent, a sleeping bag and other small things you might need.
Arc Blast 55l Backpack - Ultra Light Trekking Backpack
Weight: 573 g
Capacity: 42 + 13 liters
Loading: 16 KG
Color: Black, blue, green, gray
Good for: trekking, hikking
If you plan to go out for several weeks in nature and you need an ultra light and rainproof backpack, I recommend Arc Blast by ZPACK .
It's a pretty obscure brand, and you'll have to order it from the United States. But it's the best bag for long trails. There is of course the very efficient suspension system and the super comfortable belt.
What I love about this bag is its “Arc” system which allows you to avoid having your back in direct contact with the bag (and therefore to avoid having your back sweating).
The “cuben fiber” fabric being one of the lightest that exists, it will be necessary to take great care to prevent it from degrading.
Benefits :
- Ultra light
- Integrated rain protection
- Simple
- Perfect ventilation
- Several sizes
Disadvantages:
- Price
- Order from US
- Fragile
DeuterAircontact 65l - Travel Backpack For Hiking
Weight: 1.9 KG
Capacity: 65 liters
Loading: 20-25 KG
Colors: Gray, green
Good for: Hiking and traveling
The Deuter Aircontact 65L is halfway between a travel backpack and a hiking backpack. Its suspension system is ultra comfortable and distributes the weight correctly, with plenty of vents to keep your back cool.
Inside you'll find a small, lightweight bag perfect for day trips or walking around town. The belt is well padded and two pockets are directly accessible when you have the bag on your back. It is a robust bag, able to face all situations when traveling.
Benefits :
- The opening on the front or the top
- The compartment for the sleeping bag
- The integrated rain protection
Disadvantages:
- No laptop sleeve
- Too big to take in the cabin
The best travel backpacks for photographers
Do you love photography and want a bag that can carry all your gear? Lenses, devices, drones… For all this, there are backpacks specially designed for photographers, to allow them to transport their equipment in complete safety.
My Utility Bag- Ultra-Minimalist Backpack
Weight: 1.45 kg
Capacity: 29 liters
Loading: 15-20 KG
Color: Black
Good for: Geek & ultra-minimalist
By idea of the challenge, I wanted to go under the 30L bar for a few trips. For that, I needed an ultra practical, multifunctional, waterproof and light backpack. This is how I came across the MUB.
The MUB is one of the best backpacks I have used. What makes it so practical are the pockets and compartments for everything. Storage is therefore smarter and saves a lot of space.
This bag can also be used to carry only electronic equipment and devices.
Benefits :
- Waterproof
- Ultra practical
- Minimalist use
- Device transport
Disadvantages:
- No hip straps
- Only one color available
LoweproWhistler 350 - Camera Backpack
Weight: 2.5 KG
Capacity: 30 liters
Loading: 15-20 KG
Color: Gray
Good for: Adventurous photographers
The LowePro Whistler 350 is ultra water resistant and its large zipped opening makes it quick and easy to handle devices , even with gloves. There are straps on the outside where you can also stuck a tripod, après-skis, skis, a snowboard… In short, just about anything and everything! There is the same larger version, but not compatible with cabin travel.
Benefits :
- High water resistance
- Allows a lot of material to be transported
- Accepted in the cabin
- Quick and easy access to contents
Disadvantages:
- Side pocket a little small
- Dear
- Only one color available
Suitcase with wheels or backpack?
Difficult to answer, I have never used a suitcase with wheels . It is surely very comfortable. But since I travel with little, I always preferred the backpack (hence the name of the blog, otherwise I would be called The Rolling Suitcase - less glamorous by the way).
Traveling with a backpack allows you to walk while keeping your hands free. It's very practical, especially when you want to find your way on a GPS or a map, or buy things, or even climb stairs. You don't necessarily think about it before, but it offers a lot more freedom than a suitcase!
I have several travel backpacks, which I use depending on what I'm going to be doing there. For example, I do not use the same if I go for a weekend near my home or if I go camping on the other side of the world in the countryside.
Small list of bags that I own and that I prefer
Eagle Creek Companion 40L - This backpack is very light and comfortable. I use it to travel in digital nomadic mode (and therefore my computer equipment). Its front closure allows me to store and access my equipment easily.
Arc Blast 55L Backpack - This is my favorite backpack for hikes and treks of several days / weeks. It is extremely light, rainproof, simple and also fits in the cabin.
My Utility Bag 29L - My little favorite to carry my camera equipment, but not only: tripod, jacket, food, water, etc. I also use it for Ultra-minimalist trips or for weekends.
Eagle Creek Packable daypack - This bag folds into its pouch and fits easily in my main bag.
It allows me to carry my things during the day; computer, sports business etc. He follows me on a daily basis.
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