According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), around 1.4 billion people travel overseas every year. That’s a whopping 56-fold rise compared to the 25 million international arrivals estimated during the 1950s.
This proves that travel is an essential part of life. Be it for leisure, business, or any other reason, people go on trips more often these days. Sometimes, they do so for longer periods. It is during those extended stays that you’ll be able to appreciate a well-designed and high-quality travel bag.
For people moving cross country or even across the world, a reliable backpack is essential. However, the sheer number of these products available in the market today might give you a hard time choosing.
Lucky for you, this article lists down five crucial considerations when purchasing travel backpacks online or at the mall.
Size
When it comes to travel bags, size matters.
People impulsively buy bigger bags for their trips, thinking that these would fit everything they could ever need to bring and more. But while that much is true, it doesn’t necessarily mean that bigger is always better.
Since a bigger bag will let you bring more items with you, it will also mean you’ll have a heavier pack to carry around. Ever tried sprinting through an airport to make a flight? Do you want to try doing it with a 50-pound bag on your back?
If you answered “no” to the second question, then you should think more carefully before buying your travel backpack.
Think about what you usually carry with you on your travels. Consider the length of the trip and whether you may need to stay the night, or several nights, for that matter. For the latter, it would also be best to consider your lodging arrangements so you would know if you need to bring items that are usually provided in hotels.
All these will help you determine the size of the bag that best suits your trip. Who knows? You might even discover that a small one would be enough.
Compartments
Besides the size, you should also think about the number of pockets and other compartments your travel bag will have. This will ensure that all your things are sorted and organized. It may even affect the safety of your belongings.
Do you know what’s worse than having to cram everything into a bag with only one compartment? Having to pull out most of your belongings in a public place to find a single item you require.
This is more than enough reason for you to buy a travel bag with several compartments.
Go with those designed with the realities of travel in mind. This means that the pockets should be intuitively arranged according to how you pack and sort the things you usually bring on your trips.
For example, if you’re traveling overseas, pack your things in a bag with a pocket for your passport and other travel documents in its outermost part. If you’re traveling with your laptop, it should have its own sleeve and, preferably, a separate access point in your backpack.
Features
Travel backpacks offer lots of different features compared to traditional bags. However, you must first know what you need before you can use them to the fullest.
If you’re not sure how to look for the best travel bag for you, think about the things you require on your trip. This will help you prioritize certain features that you’ll need the most.
For example, you can bring a separate organizer for your toiletries that may spill, but some bags also come with a detachable water-proof organizer for this very purpose. Others are made of the same materials that help prevent moisture damage, removing the need for bag covers during seaplane tours or trips to the beach and other water-related travels.
Do you need to bring water and snacks? Find a bag with easy-access external compartments and a water bottle holster.
Perhaps you tend to bring your laptop, tablets, and other gadgets on your trip? Then, separate compartments for each of them is what you need.
Comfort and Convenience
Unless you have someone to do it for you, you’ll be carrying your bag often during your trip. To avoid strain or injury from the activity, you should pick a bag that is built for comfort.
Select those that feature comfortable handles that fit your hand well.
Also, go with bags with additional shoulder strap padding. While they may come with additional costs, it would be worth it. Your shoulders will thank you later.
Bags have also come a long way not only in terms of style but also in terms of functionality. Travel backpacks, in particular, are now designed with the facts of travel in mind.
If you’re going by plane, a bag that grants unhindered access to your laptop and other electronic devices allows you to quickly and easily remove them during airport security checks. Having a cord management feature will also help you avoid messy, tangled cords.
If you frequently bring your suitcase along, consider a backpack with a trolley sleeve. This will let you slip your carry-on bag over the luggage’s handle when the need arises.
Quality and Material
Quality and price are two things consumers often choose from when making a purchase decision as important as a travel bag. Of course, both aspects of the purchase are vital. But if you must pick one, go with bags with high quality.
Never compromise quality as it could lead to headaches (and even more expenses) later. Instead, choose bags with solid construction.
Steer clear of backpacks with components attached together using thin thread and sparse stitching. Check the seams to see how well they are done. Those made using thick, high-quality fabrics and durable hardware made of metal are good choices.
Unless you’re buying online, perform a stress test before making the purchase. You want something sturdy and that can withstand pushing, pulling, yanking, and stretching. If it feels like it’ll break easily, it probably will.
Travel with the Right Backpack
The first thing you need when packing for a trip is the right travel bag. Be sure to consider the things listed in this article, and think carefully before buying one.
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