My Recommendation: Travel Backpack

Are you currently planning your next trip and have no idea which travel backpack is ideal? Being on the go for me means either traveling in my own camper van or exploring the world with a backpack.

I completely understand if you're pondering this. I've tested, bought, sold, and retested many backpacks over the years. I've had my current travel backpack for quite some time now.

To make your decision easier, you'll find all the tips and information here on how to find a good travel backpack.

These are the backpacks I own, and I always select which type of backpack to take. I believe it depends on what kind of trip you are planning.

What are you looking for in a backpack: For a longer trip? For a multi-day trek in the mountains? For a mountain biking tour or a climbing trip in the Alps? Do you want to pack your camera securely and waterproof? Or just a backpack for carry-on - possibly with a separate laptop compartment?

The selection is vast; backpacks differ not only in size, material, and extras like side compression straps, mesh outer pockets, gear loops for carabiners, valuables pockets, hip fins, provisions for hydration systems, helmet loops, and much more.

Don't skimp on the essentials and forego extras like a hip belt (which relieves the shoulders and back), padded straps, and enough additional compartments. Make sure the back length is individually adjustable. You should pay attention to size as well.

Many manufacturers offer special backpacks for women and children. I recommend consulting with an expert in a specialty store. They will fit you with a backpack, pack it with weight, and let you walk around with it for a while. Get detailed advice and don't just grab the most visually appealing or cheapest model.

Differences among reputable manufacturers lie in the details. Look for clean stitching and zippers, water-repellent material, and tear-resistant fabric.

With the different types of backpacks, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Some call a backpack with a 25-liter capacity a daypack or a hiking backpack. Then there are bicycle backpacks, touring backpacks, backpacks for trail runners, and trekking. There are also specialized backpacks for climbing or ski tours and many more.

Don't let that confuse you and choose the backpack that offers enough space for your belongings and fits you best.

These backpacks are ideal when you need to change your accommodation frequently.

For round trips in Asia (Japan, Bali), island hopping (Thailand), and travel in Central and South America, backpacks are ideal. You have enough space for all your things and can also walk a certain distance.

A backpack gives you much more flexibility than a suitcase. Trust me, climbing into a boat with a backpack on your back in shallow water is much easier than trying to lift a heavy suitcase into the boat without getting it wet.

Dragging a rolling suitcase over bumpy cobblestones in South America is not fun either.

Therefore, travel backpacks with a volume of 55 - 60 liters are ideal. I'm a big fan of the Yukon 50 + 10 Liters. The space is more than sufficient. Make sure your backpack comes with a rain cover; if not, buy a separate protective cover.

In general, I recommend backpacks from Tatonka, Osprey, and Deuter. These brands also offer models for women and men.

Are you staying in one place or changing accommodations infrequently? That was the case for me on the ship in the Arctic. If you're traveling with a rental car (like I often do in South Africa), then a trolley or backpack trolley is ideal.

Perhaps you have back problems and cannot carry a heavy backpack? Then I have the perfect solution (which I have come to love more and more):

Backpacks for day trips are referred to as daypacks. For this, I like to use backpacks that you can fold up really small and unpack when needed.

My favorite foldable day pack is super light: the Squeezy from Tatonka, 18 liters. Additionally, I often carry the Tatonka CITY PACK with me. I love both, and the Squeezy takes up no space at all.

Image with Squeezy in Helsinki, Finland:

The Venturesafe backpack is ideal if you want to travel with only carry-on luggage. The backpack is not only lockable but also looks great! The straps are adjustable. The back system has ventilation padding.

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The most popular backpack among travelers who only travel with carry-on luggage. I compared this backpack with my Deuter Freeride 26: There's absolutely no difference in visual size, even though this backpack holds 14 liters more.

The layout is excellent, and the adjustable options of the carrying system are also present here. Unfortunately, a rain cover is not included. The cost-performance ratio for this backpack is absolutely right.

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I have tested many other backpacks. One that is ergonomically terrible for the back is the F-stop DuraDiamond Backpack Tilopa. It is used and worn by so many traveling photographers. I wonder how no one has back problems. After a trip, I resold this backpack.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack and Wandrd Prvke Backpack were both actually comfortable. Unfortunately, both were too small for my equipment with camera(s), lenses, and drone.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in answering your questions. If you have any suggestions or questions, we would love to hear your comments here on the travel blog.

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