With so many different options out there, finding the perfect backpack can be tricky. Before choosing my new backpack, I spent over 72 hours (not kidding) watching online videos of different backpacks, shopping and trying them on.
After comparing the specifications of hundreds of different backpacks and bags, I thought it would be a great idea to share my method for finding the perfect backpack. If you don’t know where in Moscow you can buy a high-quality thermal lunch bag or a sports bag, we recommend that you look at the catalog of the VeryBest store.
Some people might think that choosing a backpack is as simple as looking at what pack size you need and just picking the one you like. Unfortunately, this is not really the case. If you want to find the perfect backpack, you will need to do a little research, maybe not 72 hours, but at least a couple of hours.
So how do you choose the perfect backpack?
Well, there are certain things to look for in a package and some questions you need to ask yourself before you start looking.
What are you going to use it for?
This was a big problem for me when I first started looking for a new backpack. I wanted to use the backpack for travel, hiking and everyday use. Unfortunately, while I've been going through countless backpacks, I've been constantly changing my mind about what I'll be using this backpack for the most.
In the end, I had to ask myself some tough questions:
Will you be hiking and camping very often or once or twice a year?
How often do you really travel by plane? Do you really need a bag that you can carry around with you?
Are you going to use the backpack for everyday use in the city?
Is this the backpack you are going to use to carry all your stuff overseas?
It is so important to decide on the main purpose of your backpack. Otherwise, you will end up with something that does not fully meet your needs and you will have to buy another one.
Types of bags
Once you've decided exactly what you're going to use your bag for, you can start looking into different types of bags and backpacks.
Different types of bags:
- Suitcases.
These are usually the bags you see at airports. Suitcases usually have wheels for easy movement and simple compartments to maximize storage space. Unfortunately, these bags are usually heavy and difficult to take with you when you are outside the airport, especially if you are traveling on uneven ground. - Travel bags Travel bags,
relatively recently appeared on the market, are becoming extremely popular. This is a regular backpack in which the straps can be hidden while traveling through airports. This makes it easy to carry over your shoulder like a suitcase or duffel bag. Be careful, though, because the shoulder straps on these bags usually don't provide good support and can get really annoying after a couple of hours. - Backpacks
I prefer backpacks! A good backpack that is easy to carry both in airports and in the jungle can offer you a versatile bag that can be used for many different types of adventures. - Hybrid backpacks
Hybrids are suitcases on wheels that can be carried like a backpack. Rather, these are backpacks with wheels and a handle. Unfortunately, they are much heavier than a regular backpack and are not comfortable to wear as a backpack for long periods of time. - Sport bags
Perfect for storing a lot of stuff, duffel bags are a great option for those who travel looking for a little extra space in their bag. Sports bags with soft edges can be placed in smaller compartments, such as in the upper compartments of aircraft.
Features of a good backpack
So, you are probably thinking that a backpack is the best type of travel bag due to its wide range of uses.
The next step is to find a backpack that will last you long and comfortably. Unfortunately, not all backpacks are the same, and buying a low-quality backpack can be incredibly painful and annoying.
Your ideal backpack should have the following features:
- Padded shoulder straps
If you are going to be walking a lot, it is vital to have padded shoulder straps for maximum comfort and support. - Padded hip belt
If you're going to be walking and carrying a heavy load, you'll want to put some of your weight on your hips with a hip belt. The padded hip belt is more comfortable for both hips and shoulders. - Lumbar support
A good backpack will have adequate lumbar support with a padded back. You want a backpack with comfortable back support that also allows airflow to keep your back from getting too sweaty. - Waterproof.
At some point it will rain and your bag will get wet. You need to have a waterproof bag to keep it dry before putting on your raincoat. - Multiple pockets
To keep your backpack organized, it's best to have multiple pockets to sort your luggage for quick access and ease of use. - Inner frame
The inner frame is much less heavy and bulky than the outer frame. When planning to travel with a bag, you should definitely choose a backpack with an internal frame. - Lockable zippers.
While your backpack does not need to have lockable zippers, it is recommended that you purchase a backpack with two zippers for each compartment. So they can be locked together for peace of mind while traveling through airports and dangerous places. Be sure to lock your bag with TSA-approved locks so they don't have to break your locks when they go through your bag at the airport. - Front Panel Loading
This is an optional feature, but I find it a lifesaver. Unlike a traditional top-loading backpack, front-loading backpacks mean you can open your bag like a suitcase and have access to all your gear at once. - Compression straps
If you want your pack to shrink and shrink when empty, compression straps on your pack are essential. If you have a larger bag that has only been full for a while, you can compress the bag to a smaller size using the tie down straps.
The size
Unfortunately, this is not a universal approach for all situations. Everyone has different needs for backpacks, and subsequently they will need backpacks of different sizes.
Backpacks are usually measured in liters. For example, a small backpack for a day trip might be only 20 liters. However, a multi-day hiking backpack can be larger than 80 liters. When choosing the liter capacity of your bag, there is no right or wrong answer, but rather which capacity is best for your situation.
If you're going to be traveling a lot by plane, I suggest getting a backpack that fits most carry-on size restrictions, usually around 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. restrictions on the size of hand luggage. Overall, I would suggest a 35 liter backpack is pretty safe to carry, but be sure to check the dimensions of the bag.
Not everyone wants to travel from a backpack small enough to fit in carry-on luggage. Don't worry, it's normal.If you are going to do a lot of hiking and overnight travel, then a 65 liter backpack would be the best option. A backpack in this size will provide better lumbar support and more room to pack extra clothing, food, and gear.
General rule of thumb: less is more. The larger the size of your bag, the more useless things you will take with you that you will never use.
Go to the backpack store again, try on several different backpacks in different sizes and see which one is the most comfortable.
Price
Good backpacks can cost anywhere from $75 to $600. When it comes to finding the perfect backpack with all the features you need that suits your price range, you need to do your research.
I wouldn't spend more than $250 on a backpack because no backpack costs more. Above $250 and you're just paying for a brand of backpack that's no better designed than a similar backpack from another brand, but at a much lower price.
