how to choose a backpack - part 1

As well as the features already considered on jafatravel.com's travel backpack pages, here is a step by step guide to choose a backpack. It will also help you differentiate why some backpacks are expensive and why others aren't.

1. Decide on the type of backpack you are after (travel pack, hiking style pack or hybrid)

2. Consider the fabrics, zips, stitching and harness

This part looks at the types of packs when you are considering how to choose a backpack.

Types of Packs

You can choose from either:

• travel packs
• hiking style packs
• hybrids

Travel backpacks

This is the style of backpack that jafatravel.com recommends for a backpacking trip. It is the most flexible and easy to use.

Travel backpacks have zips right around the sides which allow you to open the backpack up almost like a suitcase. This is great as it allows you to easily pack and access any particular part of your backpack simply by moving the zips around.

Some travel backpacks will have a bottom compartment. This may be useful for you because it provides greater access. However, it is another section which you should be locking before you check your backpack onto planes/trains etc. In most cases, you won't need the bottom compartment as the travel backpack opens quite wide anyway.

All travel backpacks should include a detachable daypack. As mentioned on jafatravel.com’s page on backpacks, try to find backpacks which have clip on daypacks rather than zip on. Clips are far easier to attach/detach and are less likely to be damaged easily. If it is a zip on, you may not be able to pack the full capacity of the day pack as some capacity may be lost when you zip it on. Being able to attach/detach the daypack easily is essential as in most cases, you’ll be carrying the daypack against your chest when you are carrying your backpack. This means you’ll be able to keep your valuables in front of you and it helps distribute the weight.

A travel backpack should have a cover which can be used to pack away the straps/harness. This is handy when you check your bag onto planes/trains etc.

Hiking style backpacks

As the name suggests, these are designed for hiking. But there is nothing stopping you from using this as a backpacker. These packs are different to travel backpacks as they are top loading. They have a lid on top which opens similar to a mouth.

The main inconvenience that arises with a hiking style backpack is that it is only top loading. It is not easy to access all different parts of the backpack unlike a travel backpack. However, most hiking style backpacks will have a bottom compartment.

The design of a hiking style pack makes it suitable for hiking and carrying long distances. Usually, this won’t be a concern for most backpackers as you won’t be spending lots of time with the backpack on your back.

Hiking style backpacks usually do not have a detachable daypack.

Hybrid backpacks

These packs combine the features of a travel backpack and a hiking style backpack. You have the best of both with a lid on top for top loading and zips to open up the backpack like a suitcase. These packs are great if you are considering using it both for backpacking and hiking.

However, you do need to consider how security conscious you are. Having many ways to access your pack will mean that you require many locks to ensure that no one can access anything inside it. This also means that there any many ways for people to put things into your pack. If you are quite security conscious, you may want to reconsider buying a hybrid backpack. Stick to a travel backpack.

Read on about how to choose a backpack - Consider the fabrics, zips, stitching and harness

Read about:

• choose a backpack part 2 - consider the fabrics, zips, stitching and harness
• why use a backpack?
• size and features of your backpack
• other things to take – sleeping bag, books, Ipod, digital camera
• choosing quality sleeping bags
• carry on luggage restrictions

Return to packing a backpack