Backpack For Travel

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

How much should I spend on a travel backpack?

You need a backpack that lasts, not one that falls apart on your first trip. I’ve seen travelers spend €20 on a backpack that ripped after two weeks. That’s why I stick to brands like Osprey or Eagle Creek starting at $150 (around €135) for reliable gear. Don’t cheap out—you’ll pay more in replacements.

Mid-range options like the Deuter Transit 40 cost $120 (€105) and handle 10+ years of travel. I tested one for a 3-month Southeast Asia trip and it survived monsoons and overpacked buses. Cheaper bags from discount stores? They’re a gamble, especially if you’re flying budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air that charge €25 for oversized carry-ons.

What’s the best size for different trips?

For short trips under 2 weeks, a 40L backpack is perfect. It fits most airline carry-on limits—like Ryanair’s 40x20x30cm rule (or 15x8x12 inches). I packed my Osprey for a 10-day trip to Lisbon and fit everything without hitting the weight limit (10kg max for most carriers).

For longer trips (1-3 months), go 50-60L. The Cotopaxi All-Purpose Pack (55L) fits 30 days of clothes plus a laptop in one bag. I used it for a 3-month Europe tour from Bucharest (OTP) to Prague (PRG), and it never felt bulky. Avoid anything over 70L—airlines like Lufthansa charge €45 for oversize bags.

When should I replace my backpack?

After 3-5 years, the zippers wear out and the fabric thins, especially if you’ve hiked in places like the Carpathian Mountains. I replaced my 10-year-old Osprey after a trip to Transylvania—it started splitting at the seams on a bus from Sibiu (SBZ) to Brașov.

Check for stress points: if the shoulder straps fray or the bottom tears, it’s time to go. I’ve seen travelers carry backpacks for 8 years, but I’d never risk it on a flight. That’s why I got a new Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube for my recent trip to Istanbul (IST)—it’s worth the €50 investment to avoid losing your passport in transit.

What features matter most for safety?

Safety is non-negotiable. Look for slash-proof pockets—like the ones on the Osprey Farpoint 40—and anti-theft zippers. I had my wallet stolen in a crowded train station in Budapest (BUD) when I used a basic pack without these features. Now I only buy bags with hidden pockets.

Also, ensure your backpack has a laptop compartment. I travel with a MacBook Pro and need to access it quickly at security. The Eagle Creek Hidden Cargo pack has a padded sleeve that fits a 15" laptop and keeps it secure. Skip backpacks without this—airports like Amsterdam (AMS) or Frankfurt (FRA) have strict bag checks, and you’ll waste time pulling out your laptop.

How do I pack a backpack efficiently?

Roll clothes to save space—this cuts volume by 30%. I learned this in Vietnam: unrolled shirts took up double the space. Pack heavy items (like shoes) at the bottom, not the top. I once packed my heavy boots on top of my clothes in a backpack for a flight from Vienna (VIE) to Warsaw (WAW), and it made the bag lopsided on the scale.

Use packing cubes. I use Eagle Creek’s Compression Cubes for my 40L backpack—they keep clothes neat and cut packing time in half. I packed for a 2-week trip to Berlin (BER) in 10 minutes using them, versus 25 minutes with loose items. Don’t overload: aim for under 15kg total weight, or you’ll get charged for checked baggage.

Q: Can I use a backpack as carry-on on budget airlines?

A: Yes, but only if it’s under 40x20x30cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air enforce this strictly—they’ll make you pay €25 to check it. I always measure my Osprey with a ruler before flying.

Q: What’s the heaviest I can pack without fees?

A: Stick to 10kg (22lbs) for most airlines. I’ve had to pay €30 for extra weight on easyJet when I packed too much in my backpack. Use a luggage scale at home—it’s cheaper than airport fees.

Q: Should I buy a backpack with a built-in rain cover?

A: Absolutely. I got caught in a downpour in Barcelona (BCN) with a backpack without one, and my laptop got soaked. The Deuter Transit 40 has a built-in cover that’s a for sudden weather.

Q: Is a backpack better than a suitcase for hostels?

A: Yes, 100%. Hostels often have tiny rooms with no closet space. I’ve stayed in 30+ hostels across Eastern Europe and a backpack always fits better than a suitcase. Plus, you can leave it under the bed instead of lugging a suitcase up stairs.

Plan Your Trip

Watch: Related Videos: Travel Packing Tips Carry On Only

Video by YouTube · For informational purposes only

How we build these pages

Privacy by default. First-party analytics only. No remarketing cookies, no data broker pixels. What you read here is for you.

Transparency on money. Booking links may be affiliate. Our edit doesn't change based on commission — we recommend what the data supports.

Primary sources over aggregators. Prices from airline/rail/hotel APIs; seasonality from tourism boards; safety stats from national archives where possible.