Choosing the Right Travel Backpack: Backpacking for Every Trip

Deciding on the best luggage for long-term travel can be overwhelming. For years, I swore by rolling luggage, convinced that backpacks were a thing of the past. However, after extensive travel and trying various luggage types, I’ve learned that the ideal choice isn’t always black and white. Whether you should opt for backpacks, rolling luggage, or a hybrid really depends on your travel style and destinations.

Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel: Backpacks vs Rolling Luggage

This guide dives into when a Travel Backpacking Backpack is the best choice, and when rolling luggage or even wheeled backpacks might be more suitable for your adventures. Let’s unpack the pros and cons of each to help you make the perfect luggage decision for your next journey.

When is a Backpack the Ideal Travel Companion?

My initial travel experiences started with backpacking, a rite of passage for many long-term travelers. I went through several backpacks before firmly landing in the roll-aboard camp. Despite my personal preference for wheeled luggage these days, I recognize that backpacks are undeniably practical for specific types of travel:

Hiking and Backcountry Adventures: If your itinerary includes trekking, camping in remote areas, or any significant time spent in nature, a hiking backpack is indispensable. Wheeled luggage simply won’t cut it on trails and uneven terrain.
Extensive Walking with Luggage: For travelers who anticipate moving frequently between locations on foot, especially in cities or towns with pedestrian-friendly zones but less smooth pavement, a backpack distributes weight effectively and keeps your hands free.
Rough Terrain Travel: Cobblestone streets, unpaved roads, sandy paths – these are the natural habitats of backpacks. If your destinations involve challenging surfaces where wheels struggle, a backpack is your most reliable option.
Carry-On Only Travel: When you are committed to traveling light with just carry-on luggage, a backpack, particularly one designed for carry-on dimensions, is manageable and avoids the extra weight of rolling mechanisms.
Youthful, Energetic Travelers: Let’s be honest, carrying a backpack, especially a fully loaded one, requires a certain level of physical fitness. Younger travelers or those without back issues may find backpacks less cumbersome and more aligned with an adventurous spirit.

Backpacks Evolved: The Modern Travel Backpack in 2024

My early backpack experiences were with models designed for backcountry camping, not specifically for travel. These were often bulky, lacked organization, and were frankly uncomfortable for urban travel. Hauling a heavy, ill-suited backpack quickly soured me on the whole concept.

However, the world of travel backpacks has evolved significantly. Tortuga Backpacks, a company specializing in travel-focused backpacks, recognized my initial skepticism and introduced me to their carry-on sized Travel Backpack 40L. Taking it on a week-long international trip changed my perspective. While my back still prefers wheels, I had to admit that as far as travel backpacks go, the Tortuga 40L is exceptionally well-designed.

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

Exploring their website and listening to positive reviews from fellow travelers, I realized the appeal of modern travel backpacks lies in these features:

Suitcase-like Space and Accessibility with Backpack Comfort: These backpacks offer the organizational features and full-opening design of a suitcase, combined with ergonomically designed straps and harness systems. This ensures a comfortable fit and minimizes back strain when properly adjusted. Learn more about fitting your backpack.
Carry-On Compliance: Designed to meet most airline carry-on size restrictions, these backpacks fit easily into overhead bins, streamlining your airport experience.
Full-Access Main Compartment: Unlike traditional top-loading backpacks, travel backpacks often feature a clamshell opening. This allows you to fully unzip the main compartment, providing complete visibility and easy access to all your belongings without digging.
Smart Pocket Design: Thoughtful pockets, including water bottle holders, hip belt pockets, and external quick-access pockets, keep essentials within easy reach while on the go.
Organizer Pockets: Dedicated organizer pockets, often in the front of the backpack, offer compartments for smaller items, including padded sleeves for e-readers and tablets.
Secure Laptop and Tablet Storage: Padded sleeves located close to your back provide secure and discreet storage for laptops and tablets, minimizing the risk of theft.
Weather-Resistant and Secure Materials: Waterproof materials and water-resistant, lockable zippers protect your belongings from the elements and enhance security.
Sustainable Materials: Many brands, like Tortuga, are using recycled polyester, contributing to environmental sustainability by repurposing plastic bottles and reducing carbon emissions.
Risk-Free Trial Periods: Some companies offer home trials with free returns if the backpack doesn’t meet your needs, making it easier to test out a travel backpack without commitment.

Tortuga travel backpack with pockets on hip strapTortuga front pocketTortuga travel backpack opens up fullyTortuga backpacks laptop pocket

Tortuga offers their Travel Backpacks in 30L and 40L sizes, each designed for different trip lengths and packing styles. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the choices, their bag finder quiz is a helpful tool to narrow down the best option for you, whether it’s a carry-on travel backpack, a laptop bag, or a daypack.

While I remain a devotee of rolling luggage for my primary long-term travel setup, the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L has shown me the merits of a well-designed travel backpacking backpack for shorter trips and more adventurous excursions. Its waterproof exterior proved invaluable during an unexpected downpour, keeping my gear dry and secure.

Considering Wheeled Backpacks for Long-Term Travel

When wheeled backpacks entered my travel gear repertoire, I felt like I had found the perfect hybrid. As a “recovering backpacker,” I still appreciated the option of straps, but the allure of wheels was undeniable. I used wheeled backpacks extensively, including the High Sierra Overpass and the Osprey Sojourn 60L, and recommend exploring the Osprey Fairview/Farpoint family of Wheeled Travel Packs. I genuinely loved the concept.

Osprey Wheeled Backpacks

However, a curious thing happened – I rarely utilized the zip-away backpack straps. The convenience of wheels usually prevailed. For short obstacles like stairs, it seemed less cumbersome to simply carry the wheeled backpack by its handles rather than unpack and deploy the straps. While the wheels were generally effective, carrying a 20kg pack wasn’t ideal for extended periods.

Despite this realization, wheeled backpacks still hold a valuable place in travel luggage options, particularly when:

Traveling with Checked Luggage: Wheeled backpacks are well-suited for those who prefer checked baggage, offering a larger capacity while retaining the backpack option for occasional needs.
Wheel-Centric Travel with Backpack Backup: The primary advantage is the ease of wheeling through airports and on smooth surfaces, with the flexibility of backpack straps for those inevitable moments when wheels are impractical.
Occasional Rough Terrain Encounters: If your trip involves mostly urban environments but with potential for occasional rough patches, a wheeled backpack offers a versatile solution.
Easy Access Needs: Wheeled backpacks typically offer suitcase-style access, making packing, unpacking, and finding items easier compared to traditional top-loading backpacks.

Rolling Luggage: My Current Go-To for Long-Term Travel

Nora Dunn, The Professional Hobo, with rolling luggage in front of a train

Eventually, I transitioned to traveling exclusively with a rolling carry-on bag for trips lasting up to three months. This experiment proved that I could manage long-term travel even in diverse climates with just carry-on luggage. This realization led me to fully embrace carry-on sized rolling luggage as my primary travel companion. While packing light can be occasionally challenging, the ease of navigating airports and transportation hubs with carry-on rolling luggage is unmatched.

Why have I abandoned backpack straps altogether? Because when wheels fail, carrying a carry-on sized rolling suitcase by its handle is perfectly manageable. Weighing around 10kg or less when packed for carry-on limits, these bags are easy to lift and carry short distances. A carry-on wheeled backpack, while an option, sacrifices valuable packing space for the straps and rolling mechanism, which becomes crucial when maximizing carry-on capacity.

My preferred carry-on rolling luggage was the Pacsafe Toursafe 21 (now succeeded by the EXP21 Anti-Theft Wheeled Carry-On), known for its lightweight design, durability, security features, and internal organization.

[2024 Update: Unfortunately, Pacsafe discontinued their anti-theft rolling luggage line due to supply chain issues. While hoping for its return or a suitable alternative, I’ve been testing the Osprey Daylite Carryon Wheeled Duffel 40L. Although I generally find backpack straps unnecessary for carry-on rolling luggage, the Osprey Daylite’s straps are detachable and don’t compromise packing space, making it a promising option.]

Rolling luggage is an excellent choice for long-term travel in these situations:

Carry-On Only Travel and Easy Portability: Ideal for those committed to carry-on travel and comfortable carrying the bag short distances when wheeling isn’t possible.
Linear, Direct Travel Routes: Best suited for trips with straightforward itineraries, moving directly from one accommodation to the next without frequent detours or changes in terrain.
Less “Roughing It”: Rolling luggage excels in urban environments, airports, hotels, and smoother surfaces, fitting a more comfortable travel style.
Frequent Flying: Rolling luggage is perfectly designed for air travel, fitting seamlessly through airports and into overhead bins.
Back Pain Considerations: For travelers with back problems or those who prefer to avoid carrying weight on their back, rolling luggage offers a back-friendly alternative.
Organized Packing Preference: Rolling luggage typically provides suitcase-style organization and easy access to contents.

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Key Features to Consider When Choosing Luggage:

Before purchasing any new luggage, regardless of type, consider these essential features:

Telescoping Handle: A sturdy, adjustable handle is crucial for comfortable wheeling (for rolling and wheeled backpacks).
Lockable Zippers: Enhance security and deter theft with lockable zippers on all main compartments.
Zip Pockets: Internal and external zip pockets provide organization and secure storage for smaller items.
Top-Loading vs. Front-Loading: Consider whether you prefer top-loading (traditional backpack style) or front-loading (suitcase-style) access based on your packing and access preferences.
Overhead Bin Compatibility: Ensure your luggage, especially carry-on, meets airline size restrictions for overhead bin storage.
Premium Spinner Wheels vs. Inset Wheels: Spinner wheels offer maneuverability, but inset wheels (found on some rolling luggage) can maximize internal packing space while still rolling effectively.

The Indispensable Daypack

My carry-on travel system is incomplete without my daypack. This smaller backpack serves as my personal item, carrying my laptop, essential documents, electronics, and valuables that stay with me at all times. Most airlines allow a carry-on bag plus a personal item, making a daypack an essential part of efficient travel.

A daypack is also invaluable for daily excursions, from working in cafes to carrying groceries and even for day hikes, although for serious trekking, specialized hiking daypacks are recommended.

Essential Features of a Great Daypack:

Side Water Bottle Pockets: Keep hydration handy with easily accessible side pockets for water bottles.
Padded Shoulder Straps: Comfortable, padded straps are essential for carrying a daypack for extended periods.
Separate Compartments: Multiple compartments help organize your belongings and keep items easily accessible.

For years, my go-to daypack was the 25L Pacsafe Venturesafe Daypack. Pacsafe offers a wide range of daypacks in various sizes and styles. I find 25L to be an ideal versatile size for travel.

Recently, I’ve been testing the Peak Design Everyday Totepack, which combines style and functionality. My video review offers a detailed look at its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s right for you.

[2024 Update: Currently, I’m optimistic about the Knack Bags S2 Medium sized Expandable Backpack. Its expandable design (24-35L) and organizational features could make it my new favorite travel daypack.]

Want to see what I pack in my daypack? Watch this video for a carry-on essentials packing demonstration!

For an ultra-light packable daypack, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is an excellent choice. This award-winning 20L pack folds into a tiny pouch, perfect for day hikes, shopping, or as a spare bag without taking up space. See my video demo here.

Packable day pack

[2024 Update: While the Sea to Summit daypack is incredibly light and packable, it lacks side water bottle pockets and internal organization. The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack addresses these issues, offering a lightweight packable daypack with improved features.]

Confused about packable daypacks? My comparison of the Top Packable Backpacks for Travel can help you choose the best one for your needs.

2024 and Beyond: Strategic Luggage Choices

Having established a home base, my approach to packing has become even more strategic. The nature of each trip now dictates my luggage choices, regardless of trip duration.

For straightforward trips to a single destination, checked luggage might be preferable for added comfort items. For complex itineraries with varied climates or activities, checked luggage is also often necessary.

However, for my current five-month trip, I opted for rolling carry-on luggage – specifically the Level8 Grace EXT expandable hardshell spinner luggage. This hardshell spinner is my first foray into this luggage style.

To understand the considerations behind choosing checked versus carry-on luggage, this article provides further guidance.

Explore More Travel Gear Insights

Looking for more travel gear advice? Check out these resources:

The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel (Updated for my current checked luggage system)

Pro Packing Hacks – Best Travel Accessories for Saving Space and Organization

The Best Carry-On Backpack for One Bag Travel

My Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothes For Women

The Ultimate Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Men

My Search for the Perfect Travel Sandal

And explore TONS more Travel Gear features and reviews!