0:00 - Intro 0:43 - Travel backpack weight & size - we prefer carry-on 1:15 - Why "liters" in travel backpacks aren't always accurate or consistent from brand to brand 2:35 - Pack profile - try to find a slimmer bag - it will feel lighter and be easier to manage with it closer to your back 3:12 - Top-loading vs panel-loading (clamshell) backpacks 4:36 - Weather resistance and protecting your gear from the elements 6:28 - Durability and quality - how is the pack going to hold up with heavy usage? 7:12 - How to identify quality zippers that won't break 9:42 - Travel backpack fabric and materials and the definition of denier (ripstop nylon, ballistic nylon, cordura, kodra, sailcloth, dyneema) 14:20 - Warranties & company ethics
Our team at Pack Hacker developed the “How To Choose The Best Travel Backpack” guide in partnership with our friends (and bag experts) at Carryology http://www.carryology.com/
Choosing the best travel backpack for one bag carry-on travel can be a tough endeavor. There are so many brands and models to choose from with varying degrees of durability, price, and try-on-ability (we made this word up for trying something out before buying it online). Add varying views and opinions into the mix from folks with different values, needs, and body types—and you’ve got a veritable clusterf*ck of options to wade through. Whether you’re a new traveler gearing up for your first trip, a digital nomad going through a “sell-all-my-stuff-and-put-it-in-a-backpack” phase, or somewhere in between, it’s essential to have the best travel backpack that works for you.
Here’s the bottom line: There is no “best” backpack that is perfect for every traveler in every scenario. However, we believe it is possible for everyone to find a pack that’s perfect for their unique needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors we think are most important when choosing the perfect one bag travel backpack for you.
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