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Admiring the beauty of the world and exploring all the secret corners of the earth is the most enjoyable when you’re traveling light. Hence, you need to be very careful in choosing a backpack as it will be your travel companion. Alas, it is hard to find such a backpack that suits your needs always and everywhere. But if you look through this article, you will find one for sure.
But before planning a vacation, you should ensure that you have accomplished all your remaining university work. If you still have plenty of assignments like writing essays left to do, you should turn to professional paper writers, who will gladly lend you a helping hand. Now when you are free, let’s go into the details on what you need to pay attention to when choosing a backpack for a great and comfortable trip.
Light Weight or Durability?
Since you have to carry a backpack on you the entire trip, one thing you should take into account is its weight. As well as that, you’re not likely to want to pay for the extra luggage weight. So, it’s understandable that you would rush to buy a light model. But it’s not that simple.
Don’t forget that a light backpack likely will not last you very long in comparison to a more durable one. And it’s good not to have to worry about it being broken in the middle of a trip. So, it is much better to buy one that is made of more durable materials.
But still, take into account that it may not be as light as you wish. Hence, we recommend you weigh all the features of your faithful travel helper when making your decision. For instance, if you travel a lot, maybe choose the model that will last longer.
Resilience to Weather Conditions
Weather can often be unpredictable. One day it’s sweltering, and another day the rain comes pouring down in buckets. Thus, you must be prepared for anything because you do not want your belongings to be damaged. Therefore, another important factor to consider is how the material of the bag deals with weather and other natural conditions.
The ideal variant of the bag is when it’s moisture-impermeable and has zippers. There are, of course, fully waterproof backpacks, but they cost a lot, and you may hardly need it. You could limit yourself to buying a special waterproof bag for more specific baggage. There you can put valuable things such as electronics that need to be protected from the weather inside.
Size and Capacity
The necessary capacity of the backpack is determined by the duration of the hike and its purpose. It is measured in liters and indicates how much equipment and other useful things you store.
The most versatile bag volume is 60-80 liters, as it is suitable for both a two-day trip and a week-long hike. Due to the versatility of such backpacks, you can use them not only on hiking trails but also on long ski trips, as well as in mountain climbing.
But ultimately, the most convenient size is the size allowing you to carry it on a plane. Such a compact version will always be with you, and the risk of losing it in the airport during transport is minimal. Because of this, it is best to choose the models in which you can adjust the volume.
The ideal volume of the backpack depends on the length of the route and its standard load:
- 1 day or one overnight stay – 20-30 liters;
- 2 – 3 days – 30-50 liters;
- 3 – 5 days – 45-55 liters;
- A week or more – from 55 liters.
The Outer Appearance
Being a tourist is an obvious pleasure, but you should avoid showing it off to others. Otherwise, you could become a potential target for pickpockets or scammers. For this reason, appearance plays an important role, as does versatility. When traveling around cities, you should choose a discreet design without any bright colors.
Thus, you will not stand out from the crowd. Such a modest backpack is convenient because you can take it everywhere: to the university, a business meeting, and on a regular walk or trip.
Straps
The backpack’s shoulder straps should be strong and soft but resistant to deformation. It is better to choose anatomical straps. They fit your body more snugly, which means they won’t rub against your skin. The length of the straps is adjusted by using the bottom sling of each strap. For a tighter fit on your back, many designs have a height adjustment for the straps.
Also, pay attention to the chest straps. It is a must if you intend to carry a heavy backpack. These kinds of straps are fixed on the chest, and the backpack becomes even more comfortable to carry. If your bag is not equipped with such a strap, you can purchase it separately.
Waist Belt
This element transfers almost half the weight of the bag onto your hips. Its inner part should be soft and the outer part rigid. The width of the belt should be at least 10 cm. Such a waist belt will perform perfectly. Another thing to consider is that the buckle should unbuckle comfortably and quickly.
How Many Pockets?
The pockets are an important part of the backpack. It should have at least a couple of quick-access pockets where you put things you might need right away (passport, tickets, wallet, phone, and water bottle).
If you have to carry large things, like a sleeping bag, then pay attention to the availability of special devices for this, like straps and carabiners. Also, remember that a large number of pockets is not always a good thing, as their excessive number can weigh down your bag.
Floating Suspension
This is the most versatile option, but you can’t save money on such a bag as its price is very high. But such a bag is worth buying if you can afford it because it can be adjusted to any height. Thus, the backpack will perfectly fit anybody.
Summing Up
We hope this article will help you determine the main functions of this accessory that are needed specifically for you. This way, you can choose the right travel backpack that meets all your needs.
