Why the right travel backpack matters more than you think
A travel backpack spends most of its life on your back, often for hours at a time, whether you are crossing a city on foot or climbing a trail in the Lake District. A pack that suits the trip keeps you comfortable and leaves your hands free. A poor choice can cause sore shoulders, a sagging load and constant readjusting.
Before you look at colours or brands, start with three questions: how long you will be away, what kind of ground you will cover, and how much you need to carry. A weekend city break calls for a different pack from a fortnight of hiking with camping kit. Think about the weather too, because a typical British trip can include a sudden downpour on any day of the year. Getting these basics right narrows the field quickly and saves you from buying twice.
How to choose: criteria, trade-offs and common mistakes
Capacity is the first criterion. Packs are usually measured in litres, and a range of about 30 to 45 litres suits many travellers who want carry-on flexibility. Larger packs offer more room but tempt you to overpack, and they can be awkward on public transport. Check whether the pack is designed to be carried as cabin luggage, since airline size limits vary.
Fit and comfort matter more than most people expect. Measure your torso length, not your height, because the harness and back panel need to sit correctly. Look for padded shoulder straps, an adjustable back system and, for heavier loads, a hip belt that transfers weight onto your hips. Try the pack on with some weight inside and walk around the shop. Access and security depend on design rather than layout alone. A top-loading main compartment is not automatically safer, and a front-opening panel is not automatically worse. What matters is whether the zips can be locked or secured, whether the pockets are hidden or close to the body, and whether the closure stays secure when the pack is full.
Pack for the trip you will actually take, then test the backpack with a full load before you commit.
From the editors
A common mistake is buying for the best-case trip rather than the realistic one. Many people choose a large pack for a single holiday and end up carrying unused space. Another is ignoring materials: a lightweight nylon may be ideal for walking but less hard-wearing for rough handling at airports. Finally, do not skip a test run. Pack your usual items, walk for at least half an hour and check that the pack still feels comfortable.
Backpack types worth considering
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Travel backpack of 35 to 45 litres
A medium-capacity pack suits most multi-day trips with one set of clothes and basic toiletries. It keeps weight manageable while still allowing you to carry a few spare items.
Search termstravel backpack · 35 litre backpack · carry-on size pack
Our recommendationberghaus.comGood for outdoor designHiking backpack with a supportive hip belt
A pack with a padded hip belt moves more of the load onto your hips, which helps on long walks. It works well for trips that mix trails with transfers and walking days.
Search termshiking backpack · hip belt pack · padded backpack
Our recommendationultimateoutdoors.comBest for hiking packsWaterproof rain cover for your pack
A fitted cover protects contents during sudden showers and on wet transfers. Check that it fits your pack size before buying.
Search termspack rain cover · waterproof backpack cover · rain protection
Our recommendationregatta.comUseful for wet weatherCompact daypack for city days
A small, lightweight bag is useful for sightseeing and carrying water, a jacket and a camera. It can also serve as a secondary bag for excursions from your base.
Search termsdaypack · city backpack · lightweight rucksack
Where to start shopping
Begin by deciding on your capacity and the type of trip, then make a shortlist of two or three packs that match. Ultimate Outdoors at ultimateoutdoors.com is a good place to compare backpacks alongside hiking boots and camping gear, which helps if your trip includes walking or basic camping. Berghaus at berghaus.com is well suited to shoppers who want a pack designed with hiking and outdoor use in mind, with features that suit longer days on the trail. Regatta at regatta.com is worth checking if you also need waterproof layers or a rain cover, since keeping the pack and contents dry matters on a British trip.
Once you have a shortlist, measure your torso, read the product details on capacity and closures, and check the return policy before you order. If possible, try packs on in person.
Before you order
- Confirm your trip length and the type of terrain you will cover.
- Measure your torso length before comparing harness sizes.
- Check the pack capacity against airline cabin size limits.
- Look for lockable zips or secure closures if you carry valuables.
- Test the pack with a realistic weight for at least 30 minutes.
- Check whether a rain cover is included or needs buying separately.
- Read the returns policy before ordering online.
The stores at a glance
ultimateoutdoors.com
Best for hiking packsUltimate Outdoors stocks backpacks alongside hiking boots and camping gear, so you can compare pack sizes with the footwear and kit you plan to carry.
Recommended for Hiking backpack with a supportive hip belt
berghaus.com
Good for outdoor designBerghaus sells backpacks and outdoor equipment made for hiking and camping, which suits trips where the pack will be carried over rough ground.
Recommended for Travel backpack of 35 to 45 litres
regatta.com
Useful for wet weatherRegatta offers waterproof jackets, walking boots and camping gear, which helps if you want to match your pack with weatherproof layers for a trip.
Recommended for Waterproof rain cover for your pack
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Frequently asked questions
How big a travel backpack do I need?
For most trips of a few days to a week, a pack of around 35 to 45 litres is a practical size. For shorter city breaks, a smaller daypack or cabin-sized pack may be enough. Check airline cabin size rules before you buy.
Is a top-loading backpack more secure?
Not automatically. Security depends on the closure design, the zip hardware and where the pockets sit. A well-designed front-opening pack with lockable zips can be as secure as a top-loader.
Do I need a hip belt?
A hip belt is helpful if you carry a heavier load or walk for long periods. It shifts weight from your shoulders to your hips. For light loads on short city walks, it is less essential.
Should I buy a rain cover?
A rain cover is useful in the UK, where showers can arrive without warning. Choose one that fits your pack size, or look for a pack with a water-resistant material.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
