travel backpack - why use it

If you're on business, you can take taxis around and are not required to walk to places with all your stuff so there isn't any point in carrying a backpack.  But for budget travellers and backpackers who are moving around to various destinations and not taking taxis everywhere, backpacks are the most suitable luggage for you to use.

A backpack gives you flexibility and options.  You don't want to be stuck needing to take a taxi because your suitcase is too cumbersome to take on the train or bus. Ultimately, it can save you money and will be far more convenient when backpacking around.

I absolutely love using my backpack.  It's very satisfying walking around a large crowd of people because everyone is wanting to push their trolley or use the wheels on their suitcase to go down a small ramp.  You can simply walk around and take the one or two steps down and look at all the impatient people around you.

Easy to carry

Once you know how to handle a travel backpack properly, it is very easy to put onto your back. Once it is on, there is no more lifting required. You don't need to always find the ramp to push your trolley on or drag your suitcase up. Plus, no lifting is involved when you have to go up/down one or two steps.

More portable when travelling

A travel backpack is easier to use when walking and catching public transport. You can easily walk onto the train or bus without being troubled with the lifting required.  It is especially useful in undeveloped countries as the footpaths (if they exist) may not be smooth enough to support the wheels for your suitcase. It would be a whole lot easier walking.

But despite these advantages and the flexibility of a travel backpack, you will only have these advantages if you are able to carry the backpack. There's no point buying a backpack if you're unable to lift it, put it on and walk around with it. Even if you're not walking around with a full pack, I still believe it is handy to have that option - you can always get someone else to carry it for you… (I’m a nice guy ok).

Read about:

• size and features of your backpack
• choose a backpack part 1
• choose a backpack part 2
• other things to take – sleeping bag, books, Ipod, digital camera
• choosing quality sleeping bags
• carry on luggage restrictions

Return to packing a backpack