The easiest way to ruin your trip before it’s even started is to choose the wrong travel bag. You need a good pack for travel whether you’re vacationing for two weeks in Paris or spending a year vagabonding around the world. Everybody has his or her own individual style, but, regardless of the pack you bring, make sure it has the following features.
The most crucial ingredient of a good travel bag is its size. Your pack’s length should be at most 22″, its breadth 14″, and its depth 9″. This size bag is allowable as carry on baggage on most main airlines. If your backpack is any larger than this, you may be told to check it. Checked baggage is vulnerable to breakage, theft, and loss by the airlines.
If you are a minimalist backpacker, you can bring an even smaller travel backpack. If your bag is ordinarily bursting at the seams, buy a 45 liter bag and bring another, littler pack as your “personal item.”
Most large-capacity backpacks are designed for hiking, not traveling. These bags are generally top-loading. The best bags for travel are packed from the front, not the top. Front-loading packs provide better access to your gear than top-loading packs do. Think of front-loading backpacks more like a suitcase than a backpack. You’ll be able to reach all of your stuff without digging through your bag and creating a mess.
Instead of packing in a pile (like a top-loading bag), you can neatly pack all of your clothes just like in a suitcase if you use a front-loading bag.
When in a foreign country, safety should be one of your biggest priorities. Criminals love to victimize naive backpackers. Make sure that you are not the victim of cursory theft by choosing a secure travel bag.
Ideally, your bag should have locking zippers. Less dependable bags are fastened by tying a drawstring, which is too easy for thieves to untie. For maximum protection, zip each opening completely closed and secure the zipper with a TSA-approved lock.
You’ll never be totally immune to robbery. Your goal should be to not be the easiest mark. Thieves are lazy and looking for a vulnerable target. Make sure a thief will pass over your bag because of the degree of difficulty to steal from you.
Finally, make sure your bag feels good on your back. You’ll often find yourself trudging several miles with your bag, jam-packed to its maximal weight, on your back.
A comfortable pack will have high-quality, thick padding on the shoulder straps and touching your back. Thick cushioning will make the bag feel less heavy than it is. Air should be able to circulate between you torso and your pack. These spaces are called air channels. Air channels keep your back cool despite the weight of your bag.
A well-built bag for travel will also handle weight distribution. In addition to shoulder straps, your backpack must have a chest strap and padded waist belt. By tightening the waist belt, you can spread your pack’s weight to your hips while removing the stress off of your spine and shoulders.
Your comfort is also dictated by your packing. All weighty stuff should be secured near the top of your pack and against your back. Heavy things can include a laptop, boots, or books. Prevent back pain and shoulder problems by packing these objects as close to yourself as you can.
When choosing a travel backpack, make sure to select one that is carry-on-sized, front-loading, lockable, and comfortable. The right pack can make the difference between the best and most horrible trip of your life.
If you want to learn more about buying a backpack for travel, check out this post on how to choose a travel pack.

