Despite hours of internet research, reading reviews, and visiting every outdoor store in town, I spent well over an hour in the store choosing the perfect travel backpack and trying out different backpacks before I actually made a purchase. It was a total faff.

But boy, was it worth it.

Four years later, we’re still an unbeatable pair… but it wasn’t always this way.

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Travel Backpack

I bought my first backpack without a single thought. It had no padded straps, no waterproofing, no back support, and it was a top-loader. Shudder. I’d just never thought about all that stuff. Buying the perfect backpack is a big deal, especially if you’re heading off on a big trip. After years of travelling, I’ve seen and tried many backpacks and learnt what works and what doesn’t.

Here is my guide to help you choose the perfect travel backpack for your travels:

What to Look for in a Travel Backpack

Front-Loader: When shopping for a backpack, you will often be presented with tall, cylindrical, top-loading, hiking backpacks. They look the part, and everyone seems to have one, so they must be great… Right? Hell no. Don’t be ashamed, I made the same mistake with my first backpack, too. A top-loading backpack opens at the top, like a garbage bag. The problem arises when you want to get something out of the bag, and have to unpack everything to find it. The alternative is a front-loader. Front-loaders, like suitcases, allow you to open the front of the bag, giving you access to everything in your bag. Make the right choice and opt for a front-loader. My first pack was a top-loader. These days, it only sees the light of day at music festivals because I could not care less if it was stolen. I really despise top-loaders… Can you tell?

Water Resistance: A backpack doesn’t need to be totally waterproof, but some waterproofing will come in handy if you are caught in a shower. As I sometimes travel during the wet season, I opted for a bag with a built-in rain cover for convenience. Some bags don’t have them, but you can always purchase a separate rain cover if you need one… or carry an emergency garbage bag.

Multiple Compartments: The ideal bag should have multiple compartments. I personally like the typical twin compartments – a second compartment is a great place to keep a sleeping bag, muddy hiking boots, or a grotty beach towel separate from fresh attire. Also check if the backpack has an internal organiser. Organisers can help keep your electronics, washing, shirts and pants separate. As an alternative you could use packing cubes , which I love.

Lockable Zips: Make sure each compartment has two zippers which you can overlap and lock together. Don’t worry if the pack doesn’t come with padlocks. If it does they probably aren’t that great. Thefts I hear about are usually because people have left things lying around, or unlocked. A small lock is often enough to deter opportunistic thieves. I love my little Abus 65/20 padlocks , which are the perfect size for luggage.

Padded Hip & Shoulder Straps: If a backpack does its job properly, much of the weight will be sitting on your hips, so make sure the hip belt is padded, comfortable and adjustable. This will help distribute the weight properly between your back and hips. Similarly, good, ergonomic, padded shoulder straps will make the weight sit comfortably, and prevent straps from cutting into you. A chest strap is also useful to at stopping the weight cutting into your shoulders.

Lumbar Back Support: Avoid packs with flat backs. Look for a backpack with lumbar support. This will support your lower back, improving posture by keeping your spine in a neutral arch, and distribute weight more evenly.

Support Frame: Make sure that your backpack has an internal support frame of some sort. Some cheaper backpacks, and hiking packs don’t have them, but a frame provides great support for your back, and helps to keep your gear secure. Most backpacks these days have internal frames which are much prettier.I actually quite like a semi-exposed frame, as it gives me something to wrap my cable lock and chunkier Abus 65/40 padlock around, which I use to attach my backpack to a static item if the place I’m staying doesn’t have any lockers.

Other Extras to Consider

Compression Straps: I am a big fan of compression straps. When my pack is fairly empty, I can tighten it up to prevent things from rattling around, and when it’s overflowing, it makes it more compact. Plus, they are practically weightless. As an alternative you could look at using a smaller compression pack such as the Hoboroll, which can help you organise and compress your gear inside your pack.

Expansion Gusset: I travel light but like most travellers, I occasionally get carried away with how cheap things abroad can be, and want to bring home the whole market. In India, I brought a huge blanket, which miraculously fit inside my pack, thanks to its 10L expander. If you want to buy a few things along the way, or you’re the kind of person who likes to pack extra items at the last minute, an expansion gusset can certainly come in handy.

Day Pack: Many backpacks come with an added day pack which often zips onto the main pack. If you also want to use the day pack on your travels, look to see if it has clips which attach to the main pack. This means you can clip it to your main pack when walking, rather than having to fiddle wrapping the straps around your arms.

Weight: You often pay for extra features in extra weight. The weight of the pack itself is important, though not as important as comfort. Ultralight travellers will be fine with an ultralight backpack to match. If you are looking at ultralight packs, be sure that you are in fact, an ultralight traveller. Ultralight packs sacrifice many qualities which make packs comfy and durable. For me, a few added extras was worth the extra weight.

Wheels: Ask yourself, how much do you actually need a backpack? How often are you going to be clambering onto a rickety boat on the shores of Vietnam? Probably not very often. In recent years there has been an increasing trend of hybrid wheeled backpacks, which offer the ‘best of both worlds’. Hannah and Adam of Getting Stamped recently made the jump to wheeled luggage. These are probably better suited to long-term travellers with heavy packs, rather than short-trippers. I haven’t made the jump yet and I’m not likely to any time soon, but I’ve started to think about it.

Warranty: A decent warranty is always, and obviously, an attractive extra. My Blackwolf backpack has a lifetime warranty, and my Eastpak day pack has a 30 year warranty. A long warranty can be a sign of quality and long-lasting gear, and it’s nice to have a back-up. Knowing it came with a lifetime warranty was definitely one of the reasons I felt confident spending a little extra on a pack.

What Size Backpack is Best?

It’s the question everyone wants the answer to, but the only answer is how long is a piece of string? Only you can decide which size is right for you. The most important thing is that your pack is proportional to you. Backpacks are usually sized between 35-80L. Ask yourself – How long are you travelling for? Are you a light packer? Are you planning to do much shopping? I opted for a 55L backpack and it is perfect, especially with a 10L expander for when I get a little carried away. If you want a carry-on sized backpack, aim for 35-40L.

Most long-term travellers have around 50-65L packs. This seems to be about the perfect size. Really, don’t be tempted to buy anything over 65L – you honestly will not need it. You will be the clown, with a big pack, rather than big shoes. Chose smaller, it will be worth it. I promise.

Most outdoor stores have weights which you can use to try out bags. Pack it pretty heavy (15kg+), get it fitted properly, and see how it feels. Make sure you like each other – you are going to become really good friends.

How Much Should You Spend on a Travel Backpack?

Most backpacks are priced between £50-£200. For less than £100 you can get some really decent packs. Don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest one. Buy what is comfy – your back will thank you. Choosing the perfect travel backpack doesn’t mean purchasing the most expensive either – many have bells and whistles (literally) that you just don’t need.

I spent £150, because it just felt perfect at the time, but I’ve seen decent backpacks for as little as £60. I’ve picked out a few below. The more you spend, typically, the more features you will get. As a long-term traveller, I wanted something that really ticked all the boxes, so I was happy to spend more on added extras, which most backpackers won’t need, especially those travelling ultralight.

Overwhelmed? Let me sum it up. You may be tempted to get the cheapest or the first one – don’t be. Comfort is priceless.

You don’t need every possible added extra, only what you actually want.

Only you can decide on the perfect size , but if you can’t decide – go smaller.

, but if you can’t decide – go smaller. You might have to try a million bags…That’s fine, I did too.

If you get it home, pack it, and it isn’t right, don’t be afraid to return it. Spending a little time to find the right pack is so so worth it when you are on the road.

The Best Travel Backpacks

My Backpack – Blackwolf Cedar Breaks 55 +10: Blackwolf’s Cedar Breaks has it all. Front-loading access, compression straps, an internal organiser, ergonomic gel straps, a built-in rain cover and zip-away straps which is great for flying. Its £130 price tag is fair for it features. It has every feature imaginable. I couldn’t be happier and 4 years later, we’re still best friends. If an airline lost it tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one.

Osprey Farpoint 55L and 70L: Travel bloggers rave about this backpack constantly because we know it’s a goodie. It comes in two sizes so if you pack light, go for 55L. It also has two shapes for all body shapes. It’s front-loading with lockable zips, compression straps and Osprey’s great warranty. At £100 they aren’t the cheapest, but they are best. >>> Check out the 55L Farpoint and 70L Farpoint.

Osprey Sojourn 60L Hybrid Wheeled Backpack: Osprey has a great range of wheeled backpacks meaning you avoid the hassle of carrying your gear, but have you the opportunity should you ever need to! The Sojourn is front-loading with compartments, compression straps, and a reasonable £159.99 price tag. Travel bloggers rave about Osprey hybrid packs (see Adventurous Kate’s review), and one is likely to be my next purchase, too. >>> Check it out on Amazon here.



Vango Freedom 60 + 20: For the £69.99 price, the Vango Freedom seems like a real bargain. It has many features including adjustable padded straps, chest strap, side handles, interlocking zips, compression straps, and an attachable 20L day pack. >>> Check it out on Amazon here.



Berghaus Motive 55 + 10: The Berghaus Motive is great for basic travel needs and has a front-loader, attachable day pack, and adjustable hip and chest straps. It has easy access and the straps also zip away which is great for travelling by plane. It doesn’t have everything. At only £70 it seems decent for the price. >>> Check it out on Amazon here.



The Best Carry On Travel Backpacks

The Best: Osprey Farpoint 40: Osprey’s backpacks are fabulous and if the Sojourn or Farpoint 55/70 is too much for you, or you want to travel carry-on only, consider the Farpoint 40. It can fit even within Ryanair’s restrictions.Its £80 price tag reflects its quality.The straps are comfy, it has a laptop sleeve, lockable straps, and has Osprey’s quality and warranty. >>> Check it out on Amazon here.

The Best with Wheels:

Osprey Ozone 36L Convertible:

This hybrid carry-on backpack has both wheels, and foldaway backpack straps. Its dimensions are suitable even for Ryanair! I bought this as soon as it was released and it’s amazing. At £90 it’s not the cheapest, but it’s probably the best. It is lightweight with many pockets. It is an excellent choice for short trips. >>> Check it out on Amazon here

The Budget Option: Cabin Max Carry-on Backpack: At £26.99, the Cabin Max is ideal for limited budgets. The dimensions will even fit Ryanair’s draconian carry-on size restrictions. It has two compartments, and lockable zippers. The bag lacks hip straps, but up to 10kg should be comfortable. It’s a good choice if you don’t have a big budget, or want a carry on backpack for a short trip. >>> Check it out on Amazon here.

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Good luck choosing the perfect travel backpack! Do you have anything to add?