Must-have Features For Your Backpack When Traveling

One of the best reasons to pack is for a holiday. You’ll explore a new city or town, a new country, and experience a new adventure. Packing the essentials is extremely important to ensure that you have all the necessary items, such as the right travel documents, medication, personal care items, and of course, suitable clothing for the climate you’ll be going to.

Once you’re done packing your suitcase, you’ll also want to pack a backpack or sling bag where you can always keep essential items. These essentials include your passport, wallet, sunglasses, and water bottle.

If you’re looking for a backpack, here are some must-have features that will make your travels comfortable and your items secure:

It has comfortable straps

Remember that you’ll be carrying your backpack almost everywhere during your travels. Unlike the suitcase that’ll be kept in the accommodation, the backpack goes with you everywhere you go. So, the essential feature that you should look at is the straps. Backpack straps that are padded and adjustable are helpful because they’ll help you adjust the backpack to your body. It’ll also ensure you can distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back, thus decreasing discomfort and strain.

It comes with multiple compartments

Backpacks with multiple compartments are always a good idea, and it helps you keep your things organized and know where everything is. It’ll help you keep your essentials separate and be easier for you to find them when you need them.

It’s durable

A backpack with good durability is value for money. Choose a backpack made of high-quality, durable materials. Materials such as nylon or canvas, which are resistant to wear and tear, are some of the most durable in the market. Nylon is a strong and durable material, which means that it can withstand heavy use and is resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasions. It is also naturally water-resistant, which means that it can help to protect your belongings from rain and moisture.  Canvas is also a favorite choice for backpacks however, most are not completely waterproof and may require additional precautions to protect your items from water damage.

Lockable zippers are your best friend

One of the many concerns travelers have with backpacks is the level of security. Because it’s on your back, it’s hard to know if someone will open it and steal your things, unlike a sling or crossbody bag. To keep your belongings safe, choose a backpack with lockable zippers. This will help prevent theft and give you peace of mind while traveling. You can also get a backpack with a hidden zip pocket at the back of the backpack where you can place important items such as keys and your ID for an added layer of protection. This will help you retrieve these items quickly and discreetly, reducing the risk of theft or loss.

It’s water-resistant

This is another crucial feature to have. You’ll be walking around exploring, and the last thing you want is to worry about the contents of your backpack getting soaked from the rain or spills. It’s worth increasing your budget slightly to purchase a water-resistant backpack. Look for features such as FC0-DWR (Durable Water Repellent) like the one on arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mantis-26-backpack. This will protect your belongings from rain, spills, and other unexpected water hazards.

It’s lightweight

It would help to have a backpack that doesn’t weigh you down. A lightweight backpack is easier to carry and will not add unnecessary weight to your travel load. Also, a backpack that is lightweight will reduce fatigue which is especially important if you’re carrying it around while discovering a city or doing different activities throughout the day. Look for lightweight backpacks that are durable enough to withstand your travels.

It has adequate ventilation

Good ventilation is essential in a backpack, especially if you’re planning to travel for an extended period or in hot and humid environments. It helps to keep you comfortable and healthy and prolongs the life of your backpack. Look out for backpacks with mesh panels or air channels. These allow proper cross-air flow, keeping your back and your belongings cool and dry. Ventilation also helps to regulate your body temperature and prevent excessive sweating from having your backpack on you all the time.

You can access your belongings easily

Accessibility is vital so you can easily reach and take out your belongings. You can quickly grab what you need promptly and efficiently without removing all the contents in your bag. Accessibility is linked to the compartments in your bag, and the number of compartments helping you organize your items allows you to put things where they should be and reach in to grab them quickly. An excellent way to assess how accessible your backpack can be is to understand why you need it and the items you want to fill it with.

It gives you peace of mind

When you’ve narrowed down the choices of your backpack, please take a moment to assess all its features. You want a backpack that is value for your money, and plenty of brands out there have good features with affordable pricing. The practice here is to understand your needs in a backpack and evaluate it against your budget. Could you expand your budget slightly more for a backpack that serves your needs? 

Aesthetics isn’t the deal breaker

Sure, having a backpack that looks good and photographs well in all your Instagram photos is excellent. But aesthetics shouldn’t be the reason you choose a backpack. Its features, durability, organization, and comfort need to be the main elements for selecting a backpack. 

Size matters

Choose a backpack that is the right size for your needs. Besides the type of activities you will be doing, consider the length of your travels and the amount of gear you need to carry. A backpack that is too small will not hold everything you need, while a backpack that is too large will be bulky and difficult to carry. Remember the climate you’ll be going to as well, as this will be a factor when choosing the material for your backpack.

Overall, a good travel backpack should be comfortable, durable, organized, secure, and easy to access. It’ll make for safer and more comfortable traveling, when you know you’ve got all your essentials in one place.