Choosing the right travel bag is not as easy as before. There are so many brands out there and the prices can be varied according to the quality, size and other factors.

Honestly, there are a lot of brands, company and online shops that carry all sort of travel backpack, and sometimes they tend to sell their most expensive or the biggest size they have in store just to 'clear' up their stocks.

If you are a frequent traveller, by frequent we are looking at maybe twice a month, we suggest that you opt for a 'carry-on' size and this also might differ from one airline to another. Most of them agree for backpacks that are not more than 7kg.

For AirAsia (as an example), you may want to keep to the regulations below :

What to look for in a good travel backpack

As general guidelines; there are few things or what to look for in a good travel backpack and hopefully, you'll able to pick and buy the right one that suits your travel style.

#1. Front-loading

Most backpack will come with a top-loading compartment and they will have an elastic band to secure your belongings. Honestly, this is impractical.

Just imagine you want to take out your stuff at the immigration and the item if way further down, yes, you need to literally take out everything and this will surely take a lot of time and tedious as well.

Go for backpacks with clamshell design or the ‘ordinary’ backpack.

#2. Padded Hip Belt

A backpack with a hip belt (padded or not) will help to reduce the burden on your shoulder especially the backpack weight a lot. Of course, padded belt will make supporting the weight more comfortable as it will provide support and distribute the load evenly.

#3. Compartments

A good travel backpack should or we would say must have multiple compartments especially one for your laptop and its better well padded to ensure that your laptop is safe.

On another note, some airports (including KLIA) require you to separate all the electronic related products such as camera, laptop etc for the security screening.  With the 'special' designated compartment for all your electronics, you will pass the security check, in no time.

#4. Water-resistant Material

The ideal backpack does not need to be 100% waterproof; just make sure that the bag is made out of semi-waterproof material so that it won’t get wet in a drizzle.

The material that you’re looking for is treated nylon fibre, you may able to pour a cup of water without the insides getting wet.

As an option, try finding a backpack/daypack that comes with a rain cover or, brings an extra plastic bag just in case. I'll always have one to protect my laptop and camera while travelling.

#5. Carry-on Size

There's a lot of opinions on the 'correct' backpack sizes to be considered 'carry-on' size. If you are going by the 'rule book', obviously the length of the travel backpack will be considered 'oversize'.

According to a cabin crew, as long as the backpack is secured on your back (without any part going out from your body frame), it is good to go. But again, this will differ between airports security or destinations. Some of them will allow, some of them might create a scene before allowing and some just ask you to pay for it.

As for now, I’ve been travelling with 45L and 55L Deuter (not on the photo above obviously) and there is no problem carry it on the flight.

You may refer to the tips provided by AirAsia (again) on the cabin baggage size :

Editor Notes: There is no right or wrong in choosing one, it depends on your travel length, destination and the most important is the practicality of the backpack itself.