Mr. & Mrs. Vandebilt + kids

There are no right or wrong ways to travel by backpack. I have experience traveling with a backpack and have gathered some insight through my own trials and errors. I will assume that everyone understands the basics of backpacks and the different types that are widely available. Here are a few things I think are important to note about my choice of backpack:

Size:

My backpack is not a large backpack.  I have traveled with a 90L backpack and hated it.  The backpack I choose to carry now is a 38L backpack.  This means I can carry my backpack on flights to avoid the baggage hassles.  I can also keep it with me on a bus or train.  I prefer not to carry my backpack all day but I can easily carry it all day long if I have to.

Type:

My backpack is a hiking backpack because I prefer the fit. A hiking backpack fits comfortably for carrying it for extended periods.  There are a lot of hiking specific features on a hiking backpack.  The features of a hiking backpack are not necessarily suitable for a travel backpack.  This means I had to change the backpack to suit some travel specific needs.

Features:

My backpack is not bulky – it is compact.  A travel backpack should not have a bunch of loose straps to catch on things as you pass by them. Originally my backpack had long straps and loops that you could use to attach hiking gear to the outside of the backpack. I chose to remove these loops and shorten the straps. I also use safety pins to pin the loose straps in place and prevent slippage. A good travel backpack is also secure.  You need to strike a healthy balance between accessibility and security. Instead of the standard zipper pulls I chose to replace them with key rings so that I can easily attach a lock (for security) or carabiner (for accessibility).

Style:

My backpack does not look brand new and does not advertise “I have valuables”. It is obvious I am foreign so I can only try not to look like a ‘rich’ foreigner.  Some people suggest roughing up your backpack to make it look used. I rough mine up legitimately.  My backpack does not advertise a brand but I do display my country of origin.  This is my preference although some people suggest not displaying anything at all.

Photos:

A friend of mine, Dan James, also purchased this backpack.  He wrote a review of this backpack in its unmodified state.  You can compare the features of his backpack to mine to notice the differences between a hiking backpack and a travel backpack.  In his review he notes that the backpack sits flat on his back because of the internal frame.  I chose to remove the frame and find it more comfortable without the frame.