This blog post will guide you through determining the perfect finding what size backpack for 3 months traveling adventure. From considering the length of your trip to the type of items you plan to pack, we’ve got you covered with expert tips and recommendations to help you make the best decision. So, let’s discover what size backpack is ideal for your upcoming three-month adventure.
Planning a three-month trip can be exciting, but figuring out what size backpack to bring along can be daunting. You want to ensure you have enough space to carry all your essentials without feeling weighed down. Choosing the right backpack size is crucial for a comfortable and organized journey.
Factors to Consider What Size Backpack for 3 Months Traveling
There are several factors to consider when deciding what size backpack you need for three months of travel.
First and foremost, the activities you plan on doing will determine how much gear you need to bring. If you plan a multi-day trek or camping trip, you must bring a lot of gear. However, if you are city hopping and staying in hotels, you won’t need to bring as much. Considering what size backpack for 3 months traveling suits your planned activities is essential for a comfortable and organized journey.
Another factor to consider is your travel style. Some people are minimalists and can pack light, while others must bring everything but the kitchen sink. There is no right or wrong way to travel, but knowing yourself and what you need is important.
Lastly, it would be best if you considered the climate of the places you visit. If you are traveling to many places with different climates, you will need to pack various clothing. If you are traveling to places with similar climates, you can get away with packing less.
Trip Duration and Destination
First, think about the length of your trip and the destination you’re traveling to.
If you’re traveling to various climates and need to pack different types of clothing, a larger backpack might be the best option. A smaller backpack could be the best option if you’re traveling to a warmer climate and don’t need to pack many bulky items. Considering what size backpack for 3 months traveling suits your specific climate and packing needs is crucial for a comfortable and organized journey.
I prefer to travel with a carry-on-sized backpack, even when I’m traveling for 3 months. This forces me to pack light and avoid overpacking. I’ve learned that I don’t need to bring as many items as I think I do!
If you’re traveling to a cold climate, you may need a larger backpack to accommodate your bulky winter gear. If you’re traveling to a warm climate, you may get away with a smaller backpack.
Personal Packing Preferences
The size of your backpack also depends on your personal packing style. Some people like to be more prepared and pack more, while others prefer to pack less and leave more room for souvenirs. Considering what size backpack for 3 months traveling aligns with your packing preferences ensures a comfortable and organized journey.
You’ll need a larger backpack if you like to be well-prepared and pack more. If you prefer to pack less and leave room for souvenirs, you can get away with a smaller backpack.
Type of Activities Planned
When deciding on the perfect size backpack, it’s important to consider the types of activities you’ll be doing.
For example, if you’re doing a lot of hikes, you might want to consider a larger backpack with more space for your gear. On the other hand, if you’re going to be doing a lot of city travel and staying in hotels, you might get away with a smaller backpack.
Determining what size backpack for 3 months traveling suits your planned activities is essential for a comfortable and organized journey.
Recommended Backpack Sizes
Before you start shopping for a backpack, you need to know what size you’re looking for. The backpack size you need is based on your torso length, not your height. You can measure it at home if you don’t know your torso length. Understanding what size backpack for 3 months traveling suits your torso length ensures a comfortable and organized journey.
• TIP: Use a soft tape measure and start at the bony bump at the base of your neck. Measure the length of your spine to the top of your hip bones.
Once you have your torso length, you can use that measurement to find the right backpack size. Most backpacks are available in multiple sizes, such as small, medium, and large. Extra small and extra large options are also available in some cases.
Daypacks (20-30 liters)
If you travel with a 40-60-liter backpack, you’ll also want to have a daypack. This will be the bag you take on day trips and excursions.
I found that 20-30 litres was the perfect size for a daypack. It was big enough to fit everything I needed but small enough not to be too heavy.
Carry-On Backpacks (30-40 liters)
Carry-on backpacks are great for travelers who want to maximize their packing space without checking a bag. These backpacks are usually 30-40 liters and are designed to fit the carry-on size requirements for most airlines.
If you’re a light packer, a carry-on backpack can be a great way to save money on checked bag fees and avoid the hassle of waiting for your luggage at the carousel.
These backpacks are also great for travelers who want to avoid the risk of their luggage getting lost or damaged. Since you can always keep your backpack with you, you won’t have to worry about it ending up in the wrong city or getting crushed under a pile of suitcases in the cargo hold.
Mid-sized Backpacks (40-60 liters)
A 40-60L backpack is the perfect size for a 3-month trip. It’s big enough to fit all your clothes, shoes, and travel essentials. But it’s also small enough that you won’t overpack and end up with a bag that’s too heavy to carry.
A 40-60L backpack is also an ideal size for traveling carry-on only. You can fit everything you need for 3 months in a carry-on size backpack, which means you won’t have to check a bag at the airport or pay any extra fees.
There are a lot of great 40-60L backpacks on the market, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the best backpacks in this size range include the Osprey Farpoint 55 and the Kelty Redwing 50.
The Osprey Farpoint 55 is a great all-around backpack perfect for long-term travel. It has a detachable daypack, a laptop sleeve, and plenty of pockets to keep you organized. The Kelty Redwing 50 is another great option. It’s a little more affordable than the Osprey Farpoint and comes in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Large Backpacks (60+ litres)
If you plan to bring a lot of gear, a large backpack is the way to go. These packs are typically 60-80 liters. Some backpackers might even opt for a backpack that’s 80 liters or more, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
I’ve found that a 60-80 liter backpack is the perfect size for long-term travel. You can fit everything you need in one of these packs without going overboard and bringing too much gear.
I’ve used a 65-litre pack for most of my travels, and it’s been a perfect size. I’ve never had to worry about not having enough room, and my backpack has never been too heavy to carry.
A 65-litre pack is perfect for long-term travel because it’s big enough to fit everything you need but not too big. A 65-litre pack is also the maximum size for carry-on luggage on most domestic flights.
Tips for Choosing the Right Backpack
I can’t stress enough how important it is to have adjustable straps on your backpack. This is especially important if you’re like me and you tend to pack your life into your backpack.
You want to ensure the weight is distributed evenly so you don’t hurt your back while carrying it. Having adjustable straps is crucial for determining what size backpack for 3 months traveling suits your comfort and support needs.
Having adjustable straps also means you can adjust it to your body size. I’ve seen so many people walking around with too big backpacks, and it just looks uncomfortable.
Try Before You Buy
I can’t stress this enough. If you’re buying a backpack for the first time, try it in person.
If you have a friend who has a backpack, ask if you can try theirs on. If you don’t, go to a store and try some on.
Even if you buy a backpack online, you should still try on a few in person. This will give you a better idea of what size and features you like. Exploring what size backpack for 3 months traveling feels most comfortable and suits your preferences is essential for a successful journey.
And remember, you’ll be carrying this backpack for hours at a time, so make sure it feels comfortable.
Consider Comfort and Fit
For finding the right size backpack for 3 months of traveling, comfort and fit are everything.
When you’re traveling with all your stuff on your back, you want to ensure that your backpack is comfortable and not causing any unnecessary strain on your body.
The best way to ensure that you find a comfortable backpack is to try on a few different sizes and styles and see what feels best for you. Exploring what size backpack for 3 months traveling feels most comfortable and suits your preferences is essential for a successful journey.
Weight Distribution and Support
The next most important thing to consider when choosing a backpack is the support system.
This includes the shoulder straps, the hip belt, and the load lifters. All three things are designed to help distribute the backpack’s weight from your shoulders to your hips. The hip belt is the most important part of the support system. Ensuring that these components are properly adjusted is crucial for determining what size backpack for 3 months traveling provides the best support and comfort for your journey.
When the hip belt is fitted properly and the backpack’s weight is resting on your hips, you should be able to lift the backpack with one hand comfortably. If the weight is on your shoulders, you’ll feel it after just a few minutes, and it will only get worse the longer you carry it.
The shoulder straps help stabilize the backpack and keep it close to your body. They should be snug but not too tight. The load lifters are the straps that connect the top of the backpack to the top of the shoulder straps. When the load lifters are tightened, they help pull the backpack’s weight closer to your body.
All three of these support features should be adjustable, and you should take the time to adjust them to fit your body. Once the hip belt, shoulder straps, and load lifters are adjusted, you can use the sternum strap to fine-tune the fit.
Accessibility and Organizational Features
The last thing you want to do after a long day of traveling is to dig through your entire backpack to find your charger or a clean shirt.
I’m a huge fan of backpacks with a front-loading design, like the Tortuga Outbreaker or the Osprey Farpoint 40. This lets you open your backpack like a suitcase and see everything you’ve packed.
No more digging through your entire backpack to find what you need! Considering what size backpack for 3 months traveling with a front-loading design suits your packing style and organization preferences ensures a convenient and efficient journey.
Most backpacks also have various organizational pockets and features, like laptop sleeves, water bottle pockets, and internal compression straps. I highly recommend finding a backpack with many of these features to help keep your gear organized and easily accessible.
Packing Light and Versatile
One of the best things about backpacking is the freedom to change your plans at the drop of a hat. You can’t do that if you’re lugging around a giant suitcase. But with a backpack, you can easily toss it on your back and hop on the next bus, train, or flight with no worries.
Determining what size backpack for 3 months traveling offers the right balance of mobility and storage capacity is key for embracing this sense of freedom during your journey.
I’m a big fan of the carry-on-only life, and I’ve been traveling with a 40L backpack for years. This size is perfect for a 3-month trip because it forces you to pack light and smart. You can’t bring everything you own, so you have to be strategic in what you bring.
With a 40L backpack, you can pack enough for a week and then do laundry. You can bring a few pairs of pants, some shirts, and a light jacket. You can bring a pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers. You can even bring your laptop and camera gear. All in a 40L backpack!
Utilizing Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
Packing cubes and compression bags are a game-changer for packing.
These tools allow you to pack more items in a smaller space. Compression bags are perfect for bulky items like jackets or sweaters. Packing cubes are great for organizing your clothes and keeping them from wrinkling. Incorporating these tools into your packing process is essential for determining what size backpack for 3 months traveling maximizes storage efficiency and organization.
If you’re traveling with a backpack, you can also use packing cubes to help distribute the weight of your bag more evenly.
Rolling vs. Folding Clothes
The age-old travel question: what’s the best way to pack your clothes? Rolling your clothes is the best way to save space and keep your clothes wrinkle-free. This is especially true if you use a backpack, not a suitcase. Rolling your clothes will help you fit more in your backpack and organize your clothes.
I also use packing cubes to keep my clothes organized. Packing cubes is a game-changer. They help me stay organized and keep my clothes smelling fresh. I also use a separate packing cube for dirty clothes. This helps to keep my clean clothes smelling fresh.
Consider Travel-Sized Toiletries
If you’re only traveling with a carry-on-sized backpack, there are some things you’ll have to leave behind.
One of the easiest things to find in a travel-sized version is toiletries. If you’re staying at a hotel, they’ll often have shampoo, conditioner, and soap available. Considering what size backpack for 3 months traveling accommodates travel-sized toiletries ensures efficient packing and saves space for other essentials.
If you’re staying at a hostel, you may have to bring your own toiletries. Here, it’s still easy to find travel-sized options.
I like to use Lush shampoo and conditioner bars, which are small and don’t take up much room. I also use a small bar of soap, and I have a travel-sized toothpaste.
I use a menstrual cup, so I don’t have to worry about bringing tampons, but I know there are travel-sized tampons available.
There is also travel-sized sunscreen, bug spray, and pretty much anything else you can think of!
Conclusion
We hope our blog post on choosing the right size backpack for the 3-month trip has been helpful for your upcoming adventure. Selecting the perfect backpack size is crucial, as it will determine your comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Exploring what size backpack for 3 months traveling suits your needs ensures a comfortable and organized trip.
By considering factors such as the duration of your trip, the type of activities you will engage in, and your personal packing preferences, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. Remember to prioritize functionality, durability, and weight distribution when selecting your backpack. We wish you a fantastic and memorable travel experience.
FAQ
1. What size backpack is recommended for 3 months of traveling?
We recommend a backpack with at least 50-70 liters capacity to accommodate clothing, toiletries, and other essentials for a 3-month trip.
2. What are the key factors to consider when choosing a backpack for extended travel?
Consider capacity, comfort, durability, and organizational features when selecting a backpack for extended travel.
3. Is it better to choose a backpack with a top-loading or front-loading design for extended travel?
Both top-loading and front-loading backpacks have their advantages. Top-loading backpacks are often more spacious while front-loading backpacks provide easier access to your belongings.
4. Are specific backpack features particularly important for long-term travel?
Look for padded shoulder straps, hip belts, multiple compartments, and adjustable suspension systems to ensure comfort and organization during long-term travel.
5. What are the benefits of a backpack with a detachable daypack for extended travel?
A backpack with a detachable daypack provides versatility, allowing you to use the daypack for shorter excursions while keeping your main backpack secure at your accommodation.
6. How can I ensure my backpack meets airline carry-on size restrictions for extended travel?
Check with your airline for specific carry-on size restrictions and choose a backpack that meets those requirements to avoid needing checked baggage during your travels.
7. Are there any packing tips for maximizing space in a backpack for long-term travel?
Rolling clothing items, using packing cubes, and minimizing non-essential items can help maximize space in your backpack for long-term travel.
8. What are the advantages of a backpack with a built-in rain cover for extended travel?
A backpack with a built-in rain cover protects your belongings during inclement weather, ensuring that your clothing and other items stay dry.
9. How can I determine the correct backpack size for my body for long-term travel?
Visit a reputable outdoor gear store to measure your torso and try different backpack sizes to find the best fit for your body for long-term travel.
10. Are any specific brands or models of backpacks highly recommended for extended travel?
Several reputable outdoor gear brands offer backpacks designed for extended travel, including Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, and Kelty. Researching specific models and reading reviews can help you find the best option.