Backpacks 35+ litres
You often don't buy a backpack for just one trip; it can prove useful much more often than that. Check carefully beforehand whether it's what you expected, whether you're happy with your purchase, whether you trust this backpack. Yes? Then you can travel with peace of mind!
How do I wear my backpack?
It's wise, before buying a backpack, to always walk around with it a bit first, with some weight in the bag. Feel how the backpack sits, whether the straps fit well, whether it's not too big or too small, whether it feels comfortable. On some models it's also possible to adjust the straps, letting you fully tailor the backpack to your body. By properly adjusting the hip and shoulder straps, the backpack sits more stably, and the shoulders and back are relieved.
Which backpack suits me?
Think carefully about everything you want to bring on your trip and how you want to carry it. Do you need lots of compartments? Or would you rather have a backpack you can unzip completely, to organise everything inside your bag? Do you want a separate compartment to, for example, separate dirty and clean clothes? All questions worth thinking through carefully beforehand! If the backpack consists of just one large compartment, it's of course possible to create separate compartments yourself, for example by using a bin bag for your dirty laundry and a vacuum bag for your clean clothing.
Some backpacks come with a rain cover included or attached to the bag; if that's not the case, it's wise to buy one. Most backpacks aren't completely waterproof, and it can regularly happen while travelling that the backpack still gets wet.
Travelling safely with your backpack
A backpack offers a bit less protection than a suitcase, so a backpack can't be locked as standard either. If the backpack's zip consists of two zippers, it's possible to fasten them together with a padlock. Preferably choose a TSA lock, which customs can open without having to force the lock. There are waist bags specially designed to store important (travel) documents and money. You can wear these small bags under your clothing against your body, so you always have your valuables safely with you!
How do I pack my backpack?
While travelling, your backpack is essentially a wardrobe you carry with you at all times. All the items you have with you at that moment, you constantly carry on your back. So pack your bag strategically, and always the same way, so you always know where to find everything. To prevent back pain, it's best to put heavier items at the top of the bag, as close to your back as possible. Use the space in your bag cleverly. For example, you can fill the hollow parts of your shoes with items and roll up clothing so it takes up little space. Don't bring too many items on your trip. It would be a shame if the souvenirs from all the lovely destinations you're going to visit no longer fit in your bag!
Tip
Bring a daypack for day trips, so you don't have to lug your whole backpack around everywhere.