How to Choose the Perfect Travel Backpack for You! (Advice + Recommendations)
After 2+ years on the road, I have swiveled through my fair share of travel backpacks. I have first-hand experience with what works- and what absolutely doesn’t when it comes to backpack functionalities. I want readers to enjoy their travels rather than learning the hard way. After much personal trial and error and a rotation of backpacks later, I want to share with you advice on how to choose the perfect travel backpack for you.
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Factors to Consider
Factors to consider when choosing the perfect travel backpack for you:
- Size and capacity
- Weight
- Comfort and Fit
- Durability and materials
- Organization and compartments
- Price Range
Size and Capacity
Travel backpacks are typically measured in liters.
For reference, a regular, medium-sized Jansport backpack is only 25 liters. Popular capacity sizes for travel backpacks include 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 liters.
But if you have a good-quality travel backpack, you can utilize limited spaces more than you think. I took the Osprey Tropos 32L—Osprey Tropos 32 Pack | REI Co-op on a one-week trip to Taiwan with bulky clothes and skincare in the dead of winter, and it worked terrific.
I recommend a travel backpack sized at 30-40 liters for a one-week trip. Usually, this falls into an airline carry-on size, though you must check your specific airline’s travel rules and regulations. For anything longer than that (multi-week/year travel), I recommend sizing up to 45-65 liters. However, these are just my recommendations. I have previously met someone on a year-long trip with just a 40-liter travel backpack, living off the basics!
I would deem 65 liters is the maximum you should carry in a backpack. And I definitely wouldn’t carry this much in capacity with a cheap bag. Realistically, you can go even smaller than this. I am a high-maintenance travel girl with three pairs of shoes, a dozen skirts and dresses, tons of makeup, nail polish, and more—and my whole life (literally everything I own) exists out of a 65-liter backpack.
Weight
Weight is significant because not all travel backpacks are made equal. When choosing the perfect travel backpack, you should look for a naturally low-weight bag. Four pounds is bulky for my liking, even for a 65-liter bag. Two pounds would be ideal if you are looking for a smaller-sized travel backpack, around 30-40 liters.
Remember, every pound matters when you are the one carrying the travel backpack on your own back. Whenever I travel with too much, I am less inspired to move around and see things. Do not overdo your travel backpack and fall into this demotivation. Do yourself a favor and shed any extra weight that you can, whether through packing or the bag itself. You will thank me later.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are essential with larger backpacks.
Interestingly, some modern backpacks have a unique design that takes the weight off your back and makes them feel lighter than they are.
Osprey travel backpacks are famous for their Anti-Gravity technology. However, other travel backpack companies feature similar technology. When shopping for a backpack, look for that back shell/panel with foam and weight-stabilizing hipbelts. The back panels offer back support for heavy loads while the hip belts allocate some of the weight onto your hips, relieving your back of any unnecessary pressure.
Some travel backpacks also come in varying sizes to better fit its individual users. Before choosing a size, make sure you are looking at a travel bag specifically for women. Usually, two sizes are available—XS/S or M/L—though each brand has different offerings.
Durability and Materials
I have heard horror stories from fellow travelers of their travel backpacks ripping halfway through a trip. Disregarding essential aspects of choosing the perfect travel backpack can really throw a wrench in your plans and cause unnecessary stress.
The majority of travel backpacks are made of some mixture of polyester and nylon materials. Nylon is waterproof, lightweight, tear-resistant, and highly durable but expensive. Polyester is affordable and flexible but heavier and less durable than nylon.
Some blend of nylon and polyester are ideal for both quality and price.
Additionally, when reading a bag description, you should look for the term “DWR” in the material description, which stands for durable water resistant. While this does not mean it is waterproof, this material proofing does protect from most weather troubles.
Organization and Compartments
I have a few personal preferences that I want to share with you when picking the perfect travel backpack.
When grading or picking a travel backpack for myself, I look for many outer pocket options and a top lid. The top lid is a floating top piece on the bag where you can store any extra items you don’t want to be buried deep into the bag. It’s a bonus if the top lid is detachable and can turn into a day pack!
The outer pockets are perfect for storing items you want to slip in and out of your bag or items you don’t want to mix with your other belongings, such as wet clothes/towels or even shoes. I usually look for travel backpacks with a large mesh back pocket with additional mesh side pockets.
Internal organization and compartments depend on the traveler. As someone who travels with a laptop, I love a laptop compartment. I also love many internal pockets and zippers that help me organize my trinkets. Consider your personal needs and preferences when choosing the perfect travel backpack for yourself.
Price Range
The last thing to consider is your budget. This should be an investment. A decent travel backpack should cost between $120 and $400.
A mid-range, more affordable backpack could be shopped from brands such as Gregory or The North Face for a cheaper but still structurally sound travel backpack. The high-end, holy-grail travel backpacks would come from Osprey (the bags I travel with). The Osprey bas are more expensive than other companies, but the nylon material, AntiGravity technology, and other Ospey-unique features make a noticeable difference in quality for the users.
With price in mind, consider this list of all my factors to help you choose the perfect travel backpack and get the most bang for your buck!
Additional Considerations for Women Travelers
Additional considerations for choosing the perfect travel backpack would be:
- Safety Features
- Versatility
- Style and Aesthetics
Safety features: Look for backpacks with anti-theft features such as lockable zippers and hidden internal pockets. These can provide peace of mind, especially for women traveling solo.
Versatility: Consider a backpack that can adapt to different situations. A detachable daypack top lid can be handy for short excursions or as a carry-on bag. Some travel backpacks offer convertible straps that allow you to wear them as backpacks, carry them like duffel bags, or even roll them like suitcases.
When choosing your bag, keep your travel plans in mind. If you plan to move every other night, go for a smaller bag, like a 40-liter. The less you carry around, the easier your life on the road will be.
Style and Aesthetics: While functionality should be your primary concern, there’s no reason your backpack can’t also look good. Many brands now offer travel backpacks in a range of colors and designs. Remember, this backpack will be your constant companion, so it should be something you enjoy wearing and looking at.
Considering these additional factors alongside the main criteria discussed earlier, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a travel backpack that meets your practical needs and enhances your overall travel experience as a solo woman traveler.
Top Recomendations
For a variety of my favorite travel backpacks, check out my article, 5 Best Travel Backpacks for Women Backpackers, which includes my recommended products and bag descriptions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect travel backpack is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your travel experience. Remember that the ideal backpack is one that feels like an extension of yourself, allowing you to move confidently and focus on the joys of your journey. Whether you’re embarking on a week-long adventure or a year-long expedition, investing time in selecting the right backpack will pay off in comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. So take your time, weigh your options, and choose a travel companion to support you through all your adventures.
If you have any of your own advice for picking a travel backpack, or travel backpack recommendations, feel free to comment them down below! I would love to hear your thoughts.
Happy travels and see you next time!
