Travel Tip: How To Choose The Perfect Travel Backpack

BERLIN - JULY 19: British backpacker rest prior to their next trip at Hauptbahnhof train station on July 19, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. Millions of youth people taking a gap year between high school and college to see the world. Backpacking is the cheapest way to travel the world. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
(Photo: Andreas Rentz / Staff)

So, how do you choose the perfect travel backpack? With so many to choose from, where do you even begin? Are you going on a backpacking trip? Is it for hiking? Or maybe just for a weekend trip? These are some the basic questions you have to determine first to slim down your options.

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There are three main categories to consider when choosing a backpack which are capacity, features, and fit. Based on Rei.com, capacity depends on the length of your trip to distinguish how much you want to carry. Sometimes, people lean towards the bag with most features when picking their long-term travel "buddy", then there's fit. The bag's size, shape, and fit should be proportionate to your torso so you can comfortably carry it for long hours. It shouldn't be bigger than you!

Now, we're going to decipher each category, as published on Rei.com.

Backpacks by Trip Length and Capacity

Weekend (1-3 night; 30-50 liters) - Keep things light when going on a weekend flight. You need careful planning when packing light but i'll do wonders on your back and feet once achieved.

Multiday (3-5 nights; 50-80 liters) - These are excellent choice when you want to invest on a bag slightly bigger than the one above.

Extended-trip (5+nights; 70 liters or larger) - If you'll be carrying more items due to long trips or treks, then using this can accommodate more clothing, sleeping bag and tent.

Backpack Features

Although there's a lot of features in a backpack, we'll just include below the most important ones.

Frame Type - The three frame types available are internal-frame which are designed to keep a traveler in balance while off-grid; external frame bag is a perfect choice when your tagging along heavy equipments which offers good ventilation; and frameless backpack is for quick getaways or hikes.

Ventilation - To avoid sweaty-back syndrome, backpacks with good ventilation should be taken into consideration. There are "suspended-mesh" back panel and "tension-mesh suspension" to choose from.

Padding - Always go for packs with cushier hip-belt when going backpacking. These will help carry on the weight and avoid sore spots on your hips due to thin cushion.

Backpack Fit

The measurement of your torso and waist are highly considered for bigger backpacks, so it's best to put it on and feel how it sits on your back. There are also gender and age specific types of backpacks for people with smaller frame size.