Going travelling? How to pick the perfect backpack

I have been lucky enough to do a lot of travel in my life, from interrailling across Europe to backpacking across South Africa and camping on the West Coast of Scotland, I've have travelled in a variety of ways including backpacking for long periods of time so I felt it would be useful to share some of my expierence and put together a guide to selecting backpacks. 

The trusty backpack, if you pick the right one, it can be a game-changer when it comes to travel, esepically when you are travelling from city to city or doing a big hike-thru trail. I've done 3 backpacking Interrail trips, two before having kids and one with my kids, and I know firsthand how important it is to pick the right backpack as it can change how you experience travel in terms of logistics, comfort, and ease.

Firstly, be practical.

Pick your backpack for the purpose and length of the trip. If you are only going away for a weekend, then just opt for something small, durable and practical, and if you are flying, make sure it's a cabin-friendly size so you can bypass baggage fees. Of course, if you are planning a much longer trip, maybe weeks or months, then you need to take a lot into consideration. I went backpacking for over a year and I know how overpacking can ruin a trip, you have to be realistic on what you can and cannot take and don't overpack or get a pack that's so large it's hard to manoeuvre with. 

Get the right fit

Once you have decided on the size, you need to make sure the fit is comfortable by checking torso length and adjusting the hip belt to rest on your hips, not your waist. You also want to consider features like padded straps, a breathable back panel, and storage pockets that suit your travel style. I also recommend trying a few different packs on to have a real feel for what works and what doesn't

 
Extra features

As mentioned, there are some extra features you need to consider when purchasing a backpack and this all depends on your individual needs. If you are going to potentially be carrying this backpack a lot, like on a hike or across a city, then you want to look for padded adjustable shoulder straps as well as a breathable back panel. Side compression staps are also very useful to help cinch your bag when it's not full. 

You may also need to opt for waterproof or shower-resistant material if you are going to be heading outdoors, as keeping the contents of your pack dry is a priority. You also need to have a rough idea of what you will be packing and if your backpack needs to feature specific pockets or compartments, such as an area if your laptop or tech as well as a separate compartment for toiletries. 

When it comes to travel, there are quite a few things you can scrimp and save on but a decent, well-fitted backpack isn't one of them. While you do not have to spend a fortune, it is important to take time to ensure you have the right one for your needs. 

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