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If you need to buy a backpack for your next trip or road too, there are a few tips you can follow before you check out. It’s very important not to make a mistake when choosing the model that will accompany you. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect travel backpack.
© Can Stock Photo / MihaiZaharia
A bag that suits you
The first thing to consider is the dimensions of the bag in question. Your model will need to fit perfectly on your back. Imagine carrying a bag that’s too big for you. It won’t fit. And that’s perfectly normal. A bag has to fit you.
If you’ve chosen a bag that’s too big for you, you can’t change it. You’ll suffer from having to carry it, and have great difficulty transporting it. So it’s vital that your bag is adapted to your morphology. You can also choose a bag with a high-quality adjustment system. This will give you the opportunity to adjust your bag perfectly to you. If you’re a woman, opt for a women’s bag that’s better adapted to your morphology (hip, shoulder, build).
A bag adapted to your activities
In addition to the shape and size of your bag, it’s also very important that it’s adapted to your activities. A backpack must have the right back systems for you. Otherwise, you’ll suffer. A backpack for hiking is not the same as a backpack for biking. So it’s imperative that you choose a bag that corresponds to the main thing you’re going to be doing. This will save you pain and make it easier to carry (and bear).
As for the size of the bag, we generally recommend a 50-liter model if you’re planning a 15-day trip. A 70-liter bag is ideal for a trip lasting more than 15 days. A bag larger than 70 liters will be considered very heavy and impractical to use. You can also select a bag with an adjustable volume.
+10l” bags, for example, can be an excellent choice if you’re unsure about what equipment to take with you. This will allow you to adapt the volume to your equipment as best as possible.
Well thought-out fasteners
Another thing to think about when choosing a backpack is the fasteners. First and foremost, it’s important that your bag has straps for your waist and chest. But that’s not the only feature to consider. You’ll also need load-retention straps. This will enable you to fasten the bag more securely. It’s also an opportunity to better glue your bag to your shoulders and lighten its weight.
There’s plenty of choice here. There are a variety of straps to choose from. For example, you can choose straps with a padded waistband, which are very comfortable. If you’re traveling in a hot country, choosing straps with a ventilation system can be very useful. This will prevent you from sweating too much. A less rigid structure is ideal for carrying your bag. The purpose of your bag is to rest mainly on your hips. You’ll need to adjust it so that it doesn’t pull you back or press too hard on your shoulders. You’ll need to adjust it just right: height of shoulder straps, chest strap, load-retention straps and hip strap.
Practicality, a must
If you need to travel with your bag, and still find it practical for everyday use, a front opening can be an excellent idea. You’ll be able to rummage through your bag without having to empty it completely. It’s a simpler solution than the sleeve opening often found on trekking backpacks. Models with additional small pockets can also be very useful.
Choose a model with one or two small pockets on the waist strap. A hidden pocket can also be an excellent idea for concealing important documents and keeping them safe. To distribute the weight of your bag as evenly as possible, it can also be very useful to choose top and bottom compartments. These are very practical, so you don’t have to pull out everything to find something at the bottom.
Compartments are very useful for storing everything. It’s best to choose a bag with lots of compartments. You’ll be able to keep everything organized without wasting time. It’s also great for retrieving your belongings without having to spend a lot of time on them. Having lots of pockets is a very good thing for optimal storage and quicker retrieval.
It’s not a random thing, and you’ll find your way around more quickly. So don’t hesitate and opt for numerous compartments. It’s a plus for transporting your belongings in the best possible conditions and, above all, for finding them quickly. It’s also synonymous with organization. You’ll be able to organize your belongings better. A specific compartment could be an excellent idea, depending on your needs.
Useful features
A waterproof bag can be an excellent idea if you’re traveling for several days. You can also choose a protective cover (or waterproof cover) if you have to endure heavy rain. There’s almost no point in choosing a totally waterproof bag. You probably won’t spend all your days in the rain. But a model that can withstand the rain can still be very useful if you have to face the elements. It will provide the best possible protection for your belongings, which won’t like being carried in the wet. It can also be very useful to choose a bag material that dries quickly. This will prevent your belongings from soaking in moisture for long hours. A nylon fiber can be very useful, as it doesn’t retain moisture for long and dries quickly.
It’s also essential that your bag is durable. You’ll need to choose a bag with particularly strong seams, as well as strong fastening systems. This is essential to keep your belongings in the best possible condition.
Your bag also needs to be secure. For this, you’ll need to opt for double zippers. This allows you to attach a padlock to protect your belongings. If you’re traveling non-stop for several days, this can be very useful. Choose models with two zips, as this will make it easier to close securely. You can also choose a model with TSA-standard closures. This will ensure your belongings are protected.
A compactable bag can also be very useful. It’s perfect for adding an extra jacket or sleeping bag to your bag. Equipped with extra straps, it allows you to adapt your contents to your needs without any headaches.
Finally, the bag’s lightness also plays an important role. An empty bag can weigh a lot, and this must be taken into account. A 60-l model, for example, can weigh up to 2 kg. So this is important. You should always weigh your empty bag to determine whether its weight is too great. This will help you carry it, so you can fill it better. After all, a light bag is always more pleasant than a heavy one.
How to buy the right backpack for your trip?
You’ll probably find that a good backpack will cost you a certain amount of money, especially if you want to use it several times over the long term. On average, you’ll need to budget around 200 euros for a quality model that will follow you on your peregrinations for a long time to come. This will give you a bag that’s adapted to your morphology, sturdy and with appropriate compartments. That’s the basics.
However, you can reduce the cost by buying during sales or special offers. Backpack retailers offer attractive discounts on their most iconic models, so you can find a good backpack without spending too much.
If you’re not sure which model to choose, don’t hesitate to compare models by visiting dedicated websites. Many will give you excellent advice on making the right choice. They’ll compare models and help you choose the right backpack for your needs.
Think about storage when you’re not using your backpack. The simpler it is, the easier it will be for you to store it and keep it in good condition.
So, now you know more about what’s important when choosing your travel backpack. Make sure it fits your body and is sturdy. It should also have useful compartments, so you can keep everything organized without wasting time. You’ll have a quality travel backpack that’s easy to use.
