How to Compare Travel Backpacks

Compare travel backpacks with three distinct criteria.

Backpack-style travel is almost a rite of passage for many college-aged youth. Beyond the younger set, backpack-style travel for all ages provides an independent and lightweight means to see many different regions of the globe. A travel backpack is more than a pack, it is the key piece of gear that holds your traveling "home." Compare travel backpacks using three criteria: load capacity, containment systems and attachments. The backpack you select must fit your body beyond the three criteria. Always select the pack that fits your body, as this prevents back injury.

Instructions

1. Read the load capacities for each travel backpack you are interested in. Different pack makers use different scales for capacity. One company may use cubic inches while another uses cubic meters. If unsure of the conversion, use a conversion chart (see Resources). Select a backpack with less space than you feel you need. A common mistake is overpacking. If you have less space, this is harder to do.

2. Clip and unclip each attachment and containment system for the packs being compared. Ask yourself how each system could be manipulated by thieves or pickpockets; will the clips break easily and what systems may be repaired the easiest. When traveling, being able to make quick repairs may be the difference between a minor frustration or a large expense.

3. Check the packs for any smaller lumbar packs or day packs that attach and detach to the pack. If you need a pack with a small day-pack feature, look at those with small day packs that attach to the outside panels of the main pack.

4. Check for any small locks or warranties on the packs. Some travel packs come with small padlocks or combination locks, adding an extra level of security. In addition, check the warranty for the products. One company may offer lifetime repair or replacement while another may offer a one-year, limited warranty. Check before you buy. Also check what the international distribution for the pack is. If you select a pack that has dealers in your area of travel, it may be easier to get replacement parts or repairs.

5. Look at the prices of each bag you have selected after all the other criteria have been met. If you wish to save extra money for the trip itself, select a pack within a modest budget and use the savings to take that side trip to the beach.

References

• Backpacking.net: Backpack Comparisons Matrix Sorted by Manufacturer
• REI: How to Load a Backpack

Resources

• AskNumbers.com: Volume Conversion