Don’t Buy a Travel Backpack Until You Watch This, by Wild Travel Dreams on YouTube. 34 min 44 s.
- Video length
- 34 min 44 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Write down your trip length, climate, whether you will do laundry and whether you want carry-on only. These answers decide the size and features you need before you look at any bag.
Choose a volume from that plan. Around 30 to 45 litres suits carry-on only travel, while 50 to 70 litres suits checked bags and longer trips with gear.
Measure your torso length from the bony bump at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. Buy a bag whose harness adjusts to that length, not one sized by your height.
Check the features you will actually use: a clamshell opening, lockable zips, a padded hip belt, a laptop sleeve and a side water bottle pocket. Skip extras you will never touch.
Compare three or four shortlisted bags on weight, fabric, warranty and exact dimensions against your airline's carry-on limits. Read reviews from travellers with a similar body size.
Load the bag with about 10 kg of your own gear and wear it for at least 15 minutes in the shop. Walk, bend and climb stairs to feel where it presses.
Save money by buying last season's model, waiting for a sale or choosing a lightly used bag. A mid-priced bag that fits beats an expensive one that does not.
Tips and common mistakes
Bigger is not better: a full 65 litre bag is heavy to carry and may get checked at the gate.
Never buy a pack without loading it first, since an empty bag feels fine on your back.
Pack your bag, then walk a full lap of your neighbourhood before your trip to find rubbing points.
Questions
What size backpack do I need for carry-on only travel?
Most travellers do well with 30 to 45 litres, and 34 to 40 litres is a common sweet spot. Check your airline's exact centimetre limits, since they vary.
How do I know if a backpack fits my torso?
Measure from the bump at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones, then match that number to the bag's adjustable harness range. The hip belt should sit on your hip bones, not your waist.
Can I buy a travel backpack online without trying it on?
Yes, if the shop has free returns and you order two sizes to compare at home. Load both with gear and walk around before you decide.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
