Travel Backpack
A travel backpack is a short, fat looking rucksack which is often displayed in store or online with a small daypack attached to it. This is the type of rucksack you will probably end up buying. These rucksacks are especially designed for backpacking because the features are included with the lifestyle in mind.
The main factor is the fact that travel backpacks open like suitcases which means that they are very easy to pack and unpack (or throw clothes etc into when you’re in a hurry for a bus/train etc).
Because they open like suitcases they are easy to lock because they have two zippers which can be locked together, keeping your bits and pieces secure when they’re on a bus/airline/transportation or stowed in your hostel.
The travel backpack has a helpful flap which can be zipped over the straps when they aren’t in use, for example to keep them secure when checking your luggage in on airlines. If this flap wasn’t there is a risk that the straps will get caught up on the various mechanisms the luggage has to pass and the way to and from the plane.
Travel backpacks come with a free daypack! Handy for day trips, short treks and hand luggage
What’s all this about a free daypack?
Travel backpack type rucksacks come with a daypack zipped onto it. This is a fantastic idea by manufacturers who realised that the average gap year traveller needs not only something to put their entire luggage in but also a smaller bag to carry around during the day. However, there is something you need to be aware of when using the daypack when you are also carrying your main rucksack.
As you know, the daypack is detachable from the main rucksack. The ONLY reason it is zipped onto the main rucksack is because it’s designed to be stored that way (and it is easier to sell like that). You should not wear the main rucksack with the daypack attached to the back. There are two reasons for this:
- If the daypack is filled with bits and bobs and attached to the back of the large rucksack, the extra weight will, at the very least, because you to lean forwards as you are walking to compensate for the unbalanced weight. This can cause backache and generally make life more difficult. In the worst case (and this has happened to me), you will simply topple over backwards ‘turtle on its back’ style, which is not a cool look.
- When the daypack is zipped onto the main pack it’s easy for a potential thief to either: a) unzip it completely without you noticing b) unzip the zipper and grab something from there without you noticing.
What is the best size for a travel backpack?
Most travel backpacks are between 25 and 85 litres. That range is huge.
Smaller bags, starting around 25L, are ideal for use as daypacks. They work well when you’re only carrying a few items that you need to keep handy, like a light jacket, book, or camera. Twenty-five litre bags can also be used for short weekend trips if you’re a light packer.
Very large bags, 65L and up, are for long hiking trips. These bags work well in the outdoors when you will be carrying multiple days’ worth of clothing and camping gear.
Bags larger than 65L are too big for travel, even on extended trips. If you’ll be traveling for more than a week or two, you’ll need to do laundry. Pack light, preferably in a carry-on bag, and do laundry every few weeks. Don’t carry your entire closet on your back.
Between these two extremes is the sweet spot for luggage size. Thirty-five to forty-five litre travel backpacks are ideal for travel. We recommend 45L if you like to pack a little more and 35L if you prefer to pack light.
The Best Size for a Travel Backpack is Carry on Size
The ideal volume for a travel backpack is a function of its dimensions. Most airlines allow carry-on luggage up to 22″ x 14″ x 9″. You may also see a limit of 45 linear inches (length + width + height). The ideal bag is carry-on-sized and takes full advantage of the airlines’ size restrictions.
Unless you’re a paragon of light packing, you’ll want all the space you can get without having to check your bag.
A bag measuring 22″ x 14″ x 9″ is 2,772 cubic inches in volume. Just multiply the three measurements together. 2,772 cubic inches translates to 45.2 litres.
A 45L bag is the most efficient use of your carry-on luggage allowance. It affords you the most packing space without having to check a bag.
Bags larger than 45L cannot be carried on. If you see a 50L travel backpack marketed as a carry on, double check the dimensions. It’s probably too big to technically qualify as a carry on.
Take every inch the airlines will give you. The ideal travel backpack is carry-on-sized for:
- Easy transport – Smaller is lighter
- Avoiding baggage fees – Save money per roundtrip flight
- Downsizing your luggage – Packing light can be hard, so self-imposed constraints can be a good thing
- Preventing airlines from mishandling or losing your bag – Keep it on the plane and in your hands, not theirs
On budget airlines, make sure to weigh your bag, even if it is carry-on-sized. Most airlines allow bags up to 22 lbs (10 kg), but budget airlines are stricter and may charge you for the extra weight or force you to check your bag and pay the baggage fees.
For Organization Enthusiasts
The Out-breaker travel Backpack combines the ergonomics and portability of a backpack with the obsessive organization and easy packing of a suitcase. With the Out breaker, you have a place and a compartment for everything. Feel free to over pack, because it will feel comfortable no matter how much you’re carrying.
For Light Packers
The Homebase travel Backpack was designed with the minimalist traveller in mind. For light packers, a maximum-sized carry on is too much bag. Work bags are the right size but aren’t built for travel. The Homebase is an ultralight, mid-sized carry on that is ideal for minimalist packers and short trips.
The Best of Both Worlds
If you like internal organization, lots of packing space, and a hip belt but still prefer a lightweight bag; the Set-out travel Backpack is your holy grail. It has most of the organization and packing space of out breaker in a lighter weight package. It’s also our most affordable travel backpack.
Conclusion
For most people’s gap year travel needs, a travel backpack is the best bet for comfort, security and peace of mind. But if you already have a top loader or a trusty favourite rucksack without all the bells and whistles don’t feel you have to go out and spend money on something new. Just be aware of the potential issues we’ve outlined above and work out if it would be worth it to upgrade or change.
The most important thing is that your luggage is comfortable, it won’t fall apart halfway through your trip and it makes your travels as simple as possible. Happy travelling!