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Travel Packs vs Backpacks

I am about to embark on a three month long European adventure with my boyfriend, both our very first time backpacking. We have gone to REI and a few other stores to get ideas on packs and it looks like the travel packs may be the way to go? I was told that if you have a regular backpack it must be covered up (the straps) in order to be checked at airports and that the travel pack is better in this way because it zips up. Has anyone found travel packs to work better? Because there is quite a large price difference, being that the regular backpacks are cheaper. I just want to know what I should invest in, thanks!

Posted by
441 posts

Desiree, it sounds like you've done your homework well. The travel pack is indeed a better choice for air travel. Also, most are panel opening (like a suitcase) which is easier to find things than having to empty out the pack to get what's on the bottom. The travel packs are more likely to have lockable zippers too which is handy if you're going to use public transport with your bag.The reason to cover a regular backpack is that the baggage rollers and belts are notorious for ripping off any exposed straps and buckles. Have a good trip. You may want to check out bootsnall.com

Posted by
32171 posts

Desiree,

I believe your question relates to Top Loading Packs (Hiking/Trekking) vs. Panel Loading Packs (Travel). Both types will work for travel, but I prefer a panel loading pack.

In the past, top loading packs were a bit more cumbersome to use as if something on the bottom of the pack had to be accessed, the user had to "dig down" to get at the item. Newer packs have minimized this problem to some extent by adding access panels at the bottom. Panel loading packs are far easier for access, as these open like a "book" so everything is visible.

Some of the features to consider:

- Stowable harness system, as you mentioned (but not ALL panel loading packs have this feature)

- Detachable Daypack (I like this feature as it provides a Pack for carry-on or day touring)

- Front carry option for Daypack (this helps to balance the load and also keeps Daypack visible)

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to consider when buying a Backpack of either type, is to be properly fitted for torso length! Any competent sales person should be able to fit you properly. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, NOT your shoulders. Much of the time you'll probably just be wearing the pack from train station to Hostel, there MAY be times when you need to wear it longer.

One other point regarding stowable harnesses. Lots of travellers use Packs without this feature, and they compensate by using a packable Duffle to store the pack during air travel, by wrapping the pack with saran wrap (a bit tough to remove at destination, since all cutting instruments are INSIDE the pack) or sometimes airlines place the pack in a plastic bin. I prefer a stowable harness. My Pack is a 2003-vintage Eagle Creek Continental Journey which has this feature.

Lockable zippers are good, but given the nature of soft-sided luggage they're basically only a deterrent. Be sure to use TSA-approved Locks.

When does your trip begin?

Happy travels!

Posted by
14806 posts

First, Desiree, define "backpacking." I find it has different meaning for travelers. Do you mean backpacking as having the pack on your back for hours while traipsing through the woods, or do you mean "backpacking" as a way to carry your bag on and off trains, buses, public transport, etc?

For the first, you might want a proper backpack fitted. For the latter, any number of convertible bags, such as the Rick Steves Convertible would be fine.

If you could also give us some examples of which bags you're looking at, people here who have those bags can comment about them.

Posted by
1158 posts

I chose to travel with something that has both in it.
Yes there are manufacturers that make that kind of packs like: Eagle greek, Kelty (redwing) . I have one of each.
The backpacks have the disavantage of being skinny and hard to search for things inside.
And if you are not going to have your pack on your back for many hours , a travel pack should be fine, the kind I mentioned before.
You can try ebags.com cheaper and better info than REI.

Posted by
32171 posts

Ellen,

"Backpacks offer much better support for carry than any travel pack out there...the hip belts are much better, as are the straps."

I'd have to disagree with that assessment of travel packs. Both the waist belt and straps on my venerable Eagle Creek (travel) Pack are very robust and very comfortable. I've worn the pack for periods of one or two hours (or more) at a time and it's incredibly comfortable! If a pack is properly fitted for torso length, it shouldn't matter in the least whether it's a "Trekking Pack" or a "Travel Pack".

I've never compared the weight of my Pack against that of "Backpacks", however even if it is a pound or so heavier that's not a problem at all. I'm quite capable of carrying it comfortably!

Cheers!

Posted by
441 posts

I agree with Ken on the comfort issue. It depends on the individual pack. I've got an REI Vagabond and it has really comfortable straps. Some travel packs just have an unpadded belt, not a padded waist strap. It depends on your use for the pack. If you plan to hike for hours or just go from train to Hostel. To me, the main difference between backpacks and travel packs is their ruggedness. Somewhere they will be tested, maybe by a chicken bus with a few hundred pounds of produce on it, maybe by a tuk-tuk, but they'll have to be rugged to stand up to travel. A backpack isn't meant for this abuse.

Posted by
1806 posts

You get what you pay for. I shelled out for an Eagle Creek travel pack and took it on a round the world for a year. Was it more expensive than other brands? Yes. Was it a couple pounds heavier than some backpacks I looked at? Yes (but not by much). But the pack I chose had all the features I needed for extended travel-comfortable padded straps and padded waist belt, internal frame with stowaway harness & straps, separate compartment for dirty shoes, easy to load and unload, detachable day pack.

I used this travel pack on trains, planes, buses, subways, for city walking and on multiple overnight trail hikes where the pack was on my back for hours.

I watched other travelers lose straps and harnesses on airport luggage carousels, but the real test of my pack was when it, along with several others, fell out of an unsecured luggage hold on a New Zealand highway and hit the asphalt where it was clipped by several cars going about 60mph. My pack was bounced around, but I got it back with a few minor scuff marks on the outside and a TSA luggage lock that was broken. The other packs had split open and the contents destroyed. Everything in my pack was fine...including several glass souvenirs I had packed inside.

That made the extra money I had to spend on the pack worth it, and a few years later my pack has been on more trips and it still is as rugged as ever. Eagle Creek offers a lifetime warranty on their packs. I can see why...nobody has to take them up on the offer if their product can withstand that kind of abuse and I will probably wear out faster than my pack!

Posted by
28 posts

I could use some help with this question too... I have a RedOxx SkyTrain that I love, and, for a two-week trip, pack to about 17 pounds. But it's difficult for me to manage with my daypack on a longer trip (more than 4 days. I can't go one-bag only - it's just too heavy). Sooooo... I was looking at a wheeled/backpack convertible. I bought the Rick Steves Autobahn Rolling Backpack, but has anyone else tried it? There are no reviews on the bag anywhere and I don't know about the quality. I'm thinking about exchanging it for the Eagle Creek Switchback 22 as it's a little bigger and has a complete guarantee. Any ideas on which might be better?

Posted by
14806 posts

The Autobahn is a new line by Kiva carrying the Rick Steves name. The line includes a rolling backpack, a smaller non-wheeled backpack, and a large messenger bag.

The Autobahn line has only been out a short while so no reviews. Surprisingly, only the rolling backpack is available through the Rick Steves Travel Store yet all three bags are available through many online retailers.

Ebags used to have their own wheeled version of their popular Weekender bag but it seems that it has been discontinued. I have it but never use it as I've decided to go wheeless--and I have their 22" rolling duffel for occassions I need to roll (usually car trips.)

Rolling backpacks are unique in that they allow you to either carry the bag on your back or wheel it. The downside is that they are heavy. The RS Autobahn weighs in at over 8 lbs.

Posted by
12172 posts

If I were going to check, I would probably take a backpack. They are more comfortable to carry long distances. They usually don't come in a carry on size so you have to add a bag to check them in (to make sure the straps don't get caught in baggage handling machines).

I like to carry on, so I carry an ebags weekender (it was considerably cheaper than a backpack). I'm not usually carrying stuff further than from the train station to lodging, so a true backpack is less important to me than flexibility and convenience.

Whichever you choose, the zippers can make a big difference. A full panel zipper will be much easier during your trip than always having to get in and out of your pack from the top.

Posted by
590 posts

Buy whatever is most comfortable to you. Just don't buy too big or you will fill it with way too much stuff! And don't buy a cheap bag either, it is very important that you pick a good quality bag that won't break during your travels. North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Eagle Creek have lifetime warranties as well as others I am sure...

Posted by
951 posts

I have gone to Europe with my Osprey Ariel back pack for the last 4 years. Until last year, I would not have complained. I have back issues, and my Osprey pack allows me to carry a 40lb load and walk a few miles without hassle. Now that everyone brings a bag on flight due to fees, there are carry-on restrictions. My Osprey Ariel now just does not cut it, it is beyond the carry on dimensions. I did manage to sneak it on a United flight last year, with only 2 cubes of packed clothes and everything else in my messenger bag, but that was desperate measures. I was too paranoid to check my bag, as I was planning on getting off the plane and immediately onto a train to another country. There was no time for me to wait for a lost bag, if that were to happen.

We are planning on a eastern European vacation this year and are trying out a more carry on option. Osprey Porter is our bag this year. It is like a backpack and a travel pack had a baby. Most important it has backpack straps and a waist belt. Have not walked 2 miles with it, but hopefully it will work out well.
Kelly