There are really only two types of bag you can consider when going on a trip; a backpack or . . . → Read More: Types of bag]]>

There are really only two types of bag you can consider when going on a trip; a backpack or a suitcase.

If you are just going to be carrying a bag between cars, planes, taxis and hotels (for example, on a 2-week vacation or on a business trip), then a suitcase will be as good as any other bag.

For walking any distance a suitcase is not recommended at all, as the weight of the bag and contents is carried using the upper body only, and the weight is also off-centre. Even if they have wheels you won’t get many opportunities to use them.

A backpack is far better as most of the load is (or at least, should be) carried by the hips (not the shoulders as you may think).

There are three types of backpack; external-frame, internal-frame, and frameless.

External-frame backpacks

Very popular in the past, but far less common than the internal-framed type these days.

Almost all of the weight is transferred to the hip belt and high above the centre of gravity, which means they are good for hiking on regular trails, but the size and shape can make things awkward when on buses, trains, etc.

Internal-frame backpacks

The internal-frame pack is similar to the external except that frame is inside the pack. The arrangement of straps and hip-belt mean that most of the load is transferred away from the shoulders and onto the hips.

They are also smaller and are easier to manoeuvre on buses and trains.

Most are top-loading, enabling gear to be stuffed into the bag and pushed down, making them very efficient. However, finding specific items may involve emptying the whole bag, unless you plan well when packing.

However, some come with an abundance of external pockets which makes it easier to store and get to commonly used items (and for light-fingered thieves to get to).

Frameless backpacks, daypacks and duffel bags

It is possible to travel with bare minimum of gear using a daypack (similar to student book packs). This is a small, frameless backpack with just shoulder straps. This means, of course, that all the weight is carried on the shoulders.

You can also use a cheap duffel bag in the same way (nylon, not the heavy canvas army type). This is light and convenient but won’t hold much and if it does it won’t be easy to carry for long distances.

Travel packs

There is another type of pack which has become more popular recently; the travel pack.

These look like a cross between a soft-shelled suitcase and a backpack and are built specifically for travel. They are made of heavy duty nylon (Cordura and ballistic) and have a zip-open main body for easy access.

Most have internal frames, as well as straps and hip belts which can be zipped away behind a nylon panel which makes them look like a regular suitcase, with the addition of a handle or strap so they can be carried like one. Some also have external pockets.

The suspension system is not quite as good as an internal-framed backpack, but then you have to decide if you are going to be hiking in the jungle, climbing mountains wearing it, or just walking around a city for an hour or two or from the train station to your hostel.

Some packs come with zip-off daypacks which attach to the front, but these may not be necessary as you can always buy a separate daypack. Also, such a pack will move the centre of gravity further back (especially if you fill it with heavy gear).

My personal choice of travel pack for business and short trips where I will be staying mainly in hotels is the Victorinox wheeled backpack. I am not sure they make this model any more but you can get something similar.

This is exactly airline carry-on size and is made of ballistic Cordura nylon fabric. The handle you use when wheeling the bag through the terminal or hotel lobby rotates 360 degrees and is very comfortable to use.

The shoulder straps and hip belt are hidden behind a zip-away panel and when used they transfer the pack’s weight to the hips and reduce stress on wearer’s back. There is a sleeping bag/boot compartment with an anti-bacterial treatment.

It comes with a front docking daypack (which makes an excellent bag on its own). This has tuck-away, padded shoulder straps with moisture wicking mesh lining, a front pocket, a spacious main compartment with audio pocket, a hydration/audio port and dual mesh water bottle pockets.

The travel pack I use when not on business or for long-term, third world travel is the MEI Voyageur (shown on the right), which meets all of the above criteria. For example, as well as being the ideal size for a carry-on bag (22×14×9 inches), it is also well-constructed, strong and very light.

Internal volume is 3000 cubic inches, about 43-48 litres. The frame is a parallel stay internal frame. The straps and padded hip belt zip away under a panel at the back when not in use. Other carrying options are a rubber side handle, and D-rings which are included for a shoulder sling.

It also has interior and exterior compression straps. The zippers are good quality and lockable. You can buy the packs directly from the manufacturer (in the USA) via their website or by emailing them by clicking here mei-legacy@netscape.com

Packing

One advantage of having straps and hip belts that zip away behind panels (as do both of the packs above) is that they are less prone to get caught in conveyor belts or other machinery at airports, or even in racks in buses and trains.

Packs that don’t have this feature will have to be prepared for travel when they aren’t being carried. This may only be a problem on the initial flight to your destination, however.

So before surrendering your bag to the airlines, try to remove, tuck away, or tie-up any straps, belts, and anything dangling which might catch in mechanisms.

Also, lock, or otherwise secure (tie with string, dental floss, etc.), all zips, pockets, etc.

Put all liquids in plastic bags to prevent them leaking everywhere if they get damaged or burst due to the cold and pressure changes in the hold.