Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
streets. An overbearing bag will quickly become a huge burden and it will negatively impact
your trip.
Backpacks are measured in either liters or cubic inches. Most bags range from about 35L
(2,140 cubic inches) to more than 100L (6,000+ cubic inches). However, I recommend choos-
ing a backpack that's around 50L (about 3,000 cubic inches). Personally, I wouldn't go over
65L. You can always go smaller, but packing becomes a little trickier once you go under 35L.
Although, I know plenty of ultra-light travelers who've traveled for months with a very small
backpack, so it is possible.
The size of your backpack doesn't necessarily need to correlate with the length of your trip.
You'll basically carry the same amount of gear for a two-week trip, as you will for a four-
month trip. The only difference is the amount of times you'll do laundry.
If you want to avoid checking your bag while flying, I wouldn't get a bag over 50L (3,000 cu-
bic inches). I have a 50L bag and it barely it most budget carrier's guidelines (it may have even
been a smidge too large but I forced it to it their baggage template). In addition to skipping
the baggage claim, you'll never have to worry about the airlines losing your luggage—which
can be absolutely disastrous on a backpacking trip.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Listed here are some of the features you should look for when choosing a travel backpack. It's
not surprising that the more features a backpack has, the more it will cost, so if you're on a
tight budget you'll have to make a few sacrifices.
Internal frame. Most travel backpacks have an internal frame made of metal or a light-
weight composite material that gives the bag structure. Bags that don't have an internal frame
will be less comfortable.
Quality materials and construction. Your backpack isn't going to take a huge amount of
punishment but it still needs to be tough enough to withstand airports and being thrown
around a bit.
Comfortable shoulder straps. Quality shoulder straps will make your journey much more
comfortable and your shoulders will thank you. Look for padding thick enough not to cut into
your shoulders. Also make sure the shoulder straps don't pinch your neck because that means
the bag doesn't fit correctly.
Adjustable shoulder straps. The most comfortable backpacks have shoulder straps that
can be adjusted in multiple places. Additionally, load lifter straps and sternum straps offer fur-
ther adjustment to ensure a comfortable fit.
Stowable shoulder straps. The ability to stow away the shoulder straps behind a zipped
panel is a great feature if you plan on checking your bag while flying. This prevents the straps
from getting ripped off or damaged from the airline' s conveyor belts.
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