Finding the Perfect Bag
During the planning stage of an adventure, finding the perfect backpack is arguably the most important part of your preparation. You know that while making your way through unfamiliar cities, and traversing foreign lands, this is what you will be living out of.
Before, during, and after your time on the road, your bag becomes your most prized possession. This is why it is so important to find something that is ultra-mobile, durable, versatile, protective of its contents, reasonably priced, and at least moderately stylish (while looking "cool" should not be a top priority, one of my personal rules of travel is that I make sure not to look so "touristy" wherever I visit).
While organizing my first backpacking trip to Europe, I spent an inordinate amount of time searching for my dream pack. I browsed dozens of articles online that claim to list the best travel bags for the modern backpacker. Even though I really didn't have much travel experience at the time, I knew that none of the bags I saw came close to what I wanted. I ended up abandoning the recommendations that each one of them gave me and I ended up purchasing a bag that a close friend couldn't stop raving about. It is still in use today and I consider it the best I have owned so far.
Now, I am considerably more experienced in the backpacking lifestyle, I find myself shaking my head in disagreement when scanning over the articles and lists I once looked to for advice. I decided that it was time to weigh in and help anyone who on the hunt for the perfect backpack for traveling, for you are are currently in the position of which I am all too familiar.
What NOT to Buy
Before I begin listing my favorite bags, I want to quickly mention the kinds of backpacks that I suggest you avoid purchasing. On any backpacking trip, you will to need to get around cities easily and comfortably. You will constantly be unpacking and then repacking, squeezing onto crowded trains and buses, and dodging check-in fees at airports. The following types will only be a detriment to your mobility, comfort, and safety. Plus, the following bags make you stick out like a sore thumb.
The Top Loader
The contents of these top loaders can only be accessed through a zipper flap on the top. This means that you will often have to unpack everything in the bag to get something you need at the bottom. These behemoths scream, "I AM NOT FROM AROUND HERE AND I AM LIKELY CARRYING VALUABLES!". They are a incredibly difficult to keep organized, are bulky, come up over your head, and will almost always have to checked-in at airports. Any pack that has a volume of around 50 liters or lower can be carried on to planes and these usually range from 65 to 120 liters. Checked in baggage is always susceptible to damage, theft, or luggage loss (a nightmare for backpackers who are moving every few days!). These packs are better suited for hiking or camping and should generally be avoided by any sensible backpacker.
The Rolling Bag
For everyone who remembers how dorky it was for someone to have one of these rolly-polly-bags in high school, I've got news for you.... nothing has changed. These things are atrocities and should be avoided by anyone who doesn't want to be mistaken for an old woman coming home from the super market. Sure they may be carried onto planes, but how could anyone be satisfied with knowing that, for your entire trip, the comfortable transport of your belongings is entirely dependent on the proper function of 4 tiny plastic wheels. Many roads you are bound to find yourself on in Europe are cobble-stone, gravel, or even dirt... good luck pulling one of these handcarts through that! Even in cities where the roads and walkways are paved, you can hear the "BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" of someone dragging one of things down the road from a mile (or should i say 1.6 kilometers) away. When a tourist pulls one of these wagon-bags down a road, it literally interrupts the conversations of all within earshot the same way motorcycles do when its rider revs his engine down the street.What to Buy
There are a few considerations to keep in mind before deciding on your backpack:
It should be durable - You will be moving around a lot, packing, unpacking, opening it, closing it, shoving it under seats, and into the tight spaces above your seat on planes, trains and buses. The last thing you ever want to worry about are zippers jamming or compartments tearing open. Your pack needs to be built to last, and quality of the bag lies with the material it is made with.
It should be versatile - Whether you are on a weekend getaway, a road trip across the United States, or a cross-continental trek, this bag will be your ride-or-die partner in crime. The bags I selected can be converted from traditional backpacks to shoulder bags, and/or suitcase style carriers, to serve any purpose.
It should be comfortable - You have to actually enjoy wearing this thing. Padded shoulder straps, sternum straps, and hip straps make a world of difference when find out your hostel is 2 miles from the train station.It should meet the carry-on restrictions of every airline - Your backpack should never leave your side until it can be properly stored at your place of accommodation. To ensure this is the case, choose a bag between 40 and 50 liters (with 55 liter bags as the max) to meet the standards of all commercial airliners. Never having to check in your bag means it won't get lost, stolen, or broken in to.
It should look good and not attract too much attention - Stay away from bright colors and overly large bags. Bags that scream "I'm a tourist!" are to be avoided. You want to be able to slide around European cities as if you live and work there.
Okay, I've gone on long enough. I know you're thinking, "get to the bags already!" Fine. The following (in no particular order) are my picks for the absolute best options for any prospective backpacker, whether this is your first, second, or twentieth, trip:
Eagle Creek - Gear Hauler
Size: 51 Liters
Price: $169
Timbuk2 - Wander Pack
Size: 40 Liters
Price: $179
Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
Size: 40 Liters
Price: $219 (with accessories)
Douchebags - Hugger 60L
Size: 60 Liters
Price: $179
REI - Co-op Ruckpack 40 Pack
Size: 40 Liters
Price: $139
Patagonia - Black Hole MLC
Size: 45 Liters
Price: $189 - $199
Tom Bihn - Aeronaut 45
Size: 45Liters
Price: $295
Honorable Mentions
