Backpack For Travel

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-13 · Packing

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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.

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