Are you wondering what size backpack for 3 months of travelling will suit you? Congratulations! You have decided to travel for 3 months. That’s awesome, but now comes the hard part.
Packing for an extended trip can be overwhelming, especially when visiting multiple climates. You don’t want to be caught without a necessity, but you also don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag filled with things you don’t need.
I’ve been travelling for 4 months, and I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen people with huge roller suitcases, and I’ve seen people with tiny backpacks. I’ve seen people with a backpack on their back, a backpack on their front, and a backpack on their side.
Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Size Backpack is Important
If you’re planning an extended trip for the first time, you probably feel excitement and anxiety. You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, but you must also make many important decisions before you go.
One of the most important things to consider is what kind of backpack you’ll need to take with you. Your backpack will be your home on the road, so choosing one that’s comfortable and practical is crucial.
One of the most important things to consider is what kind of backpack you’ll need to take with you. Your backpack will be your home on the road, so choosing one that’s comfortable and practical is crucial.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Size of Your Backpack
You must consider a few factors when deciding what size backpack is right for you. We will go into more detail on each of these factors below. But for now, here are the main factors to consider:
• How much stuff you want to bring
• How much you can carry
• Your travel style
• How long will you be travelling
• How much you will be moving around
• How much you will be buying
Understanding the Different Types of Backpacks
There are three main types of backpacks you’ll want to consider when choosing the right one for your 3-month trip. Each type has advantages and disadvantages; the best one for you will depend on your travel style, where you’re going, and what you’ll be doing.
1. Travel Backpacks
Travel backpacks are the most popular choice for people on a gap year or traveling long-term. They’re specifically designed for travelers and digital nomads and come with a wide range of features that make life on the road easier.
Travel backpacks usually open like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking your bag easy. They also come with many internal and external pockets, making it easy to organize your things. Travel backpacks also come with a detachable daypack, which is great for short-day trips and carrying valuables.
Travel backpacks are also designed to be carried comfortably for long periods. They come with a padded hip belt, which helps distribute the backpack’s weight evenly across your body. The hip belt also takes the weight off your shoulders and prevents back pain.
2. Hiking Backpacks
If you plan to do a lot of hiking and trekking on your trip, you may want to consider a hiking backpack. Hiking backpacks are designed to be carried for long periods and are perfect for people who love to be active and explore the great outdoors.
Hiking backpacks come with many of the same features as travel backpacks, such as a padded hip belt and internal and external pockets. However, they’re usually top-loading and don’t open like a suitcase, making it harder to access your things.
Hiking backpacks also don’t come with a detachable daypack, so you must bring an additional bag on day trips. However, they are more durable than travel backpacks and are perfect for carrying heavy loads.
3. Rolling Backpacks
If you have back problems or just don’t want to carry a backpack on your trip, you may want to consider a rolling backpack. Rolling backpacks come with wheels and a retractable handle, making it easy to pull your bag behind you.
Rolling backpacks are perfect for city travel and are a great option if you move from place to place quickly. However, they’re not the best option for people who will be doing a lot of hiking or trekking, as the wheels can get damaged on rough terrain.
How to Determine Your Packing Needs for a 3-Month Trip
Packing for a 3-month trip can be overwhelming. You may be tempted to pack everything you think you could possibly need, but don’t give in to that temptation! Overpacking is a common mistake that can lead to unnecessary stress and make travelling less enjoyable.
Remember, you can buy things you need on the road, and you can always do laundry. It’s better to pack less and leave room for souvenirs than to pack too much and end up with a heavy, bulky backpack.
To determine your packing needs, consider the following factors:
Pros and Cons of Travelling Light vs. Bringing More Items
Travelling light is the way to go for most people. It saves you money on checked bag fees and allows you to move from place to place easily. But, there are a few cons to travelling light.
Pros of Travelling Light
• You won’t have to worry about checking your bag. This means you won’t have to wait in long lines at the airport or worry about your bag getting lost.
• You can easily move from place to place. You won’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy bag or finding a place to store your bag if you want to go out and explore.
• You’ll save money. Most airlines charge a fee for checked bags. If you’re travelling light, you won’t have to worry about this. You’ll also save on transportation costs if you don’t have to worry about checking a bag.
Cons of Travelling Light
• You won’t be able to bring as much stuff. This means you’ll have to be really thoughtful about what you pack. You’ll also have to be really good at packing and unpacking your bag.
• You’ll have to do laundry. If you’re only bringing a few outfits, you’ll have to do laundry more often than if you were bringing more clothes.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Backpack
Backpacks are made from a variety of materials, and that material can affect the durability, weight, and price of the backpack. Here are some of the most common materials you’ll find when shopping for a backpack.
Polyester: This is the most common material used to make backpacks. It’s durable, lightweight, and affordable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly backpack, you’ll likely find one made from polyester.
Ripstop Nylon: This material is similar to polyester but has a grid pattern sewn into the fabric. This makes the material even more durable and resistant to tearing. It’s a great choice if you plan to take your backpack on outdoor adventures.
Cordura: This is a fabric brand known for its durability. It’s made from high-tenacity nylon or polyester and is resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a backpack that lasts many years.
Canvas: This is a heavy-duty fabric that’s made from cotton. It’s very durable, but it’s also heavy and can be prone to water damage. If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired backpack, you’ll likely find one made from canvas.
Leather: Leather backpacks are stylish and durable but heavy and expensive. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for a fashion-forward backpack, but they may not be the best option for long-term travel.
Features to Look for in a Backpack for Long-Term Traveling
Now that you know what size backpack you’ll need for 3 months of traveling, let’s talk about the features you should look for in a backpack.
• Laptop Compartment: If you’re traveling with a laptop, you must ensure your backpack has a laptop compartment. This will keep your laptop safe and secure while on the go.
• Lockable Zippers: Lockable zippers are a great feature to have on a backpack. This will help keep your belongings safe and secure while you’re traveling.
• Padded Straps: Padded straps are a must-have feature for any backpack. This will help distribute the backpack’s weight more evenly and make it more comfortable to carry.
• Padded Hip Belt: A padded hip belt is another great feature to look for in a backpack. This will help take some of the weight off your shoulders and make it more comfortable to carry.
• Water Bottle Pockets: Water bottle pockets are a great feature to have on a backpack. This will make it easy to stay hydrated while you’re on the go.
• Compression Straps: Compression straps are a great feature to have on a backpack. This will help you pack more efficiently and keep your belongings secure while traveling.
• Rain Cover: A rain cover is a must-have feature for any backpack. This will help keep your belongings dry in wet weather.
Importance of Proper Weight Distribution in a Backpack
The weight of your backpack should be distributed evenly in the pack, with the heaviest items closest to your back. This will help to keep your centre of gravity over your hips and prevent you from leaning too far forward or backward.
When your backpack is too heavy, you may hunch over, leading to back pain and strain. If your backpack is too light, you may lean backwards, leading to neck and shoulder pain.
In addition to distributing the weight of your backpack properly, you should also ensure that the weight is evenly distributed.
Tips for Packing Efficiently for a 3-Month Trip
We’ve already covered how to pack a backpack for a week, but what about packing for 3 months? Here are some tips for maximizing space and keeping organized on your long-term trip.
• Choose your clothes wisely. You don’t need to pack a different outfit for every day. Choose a color scheme and pack items that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. And make sure you pack layers to adjust your clothing to different weather conditions.
• Use packing cubes. Packing cubes are small zippered bags that help you organize and compress your clothes. These are especially helpful when you have a lot of clothes to pack.
• Don’t forget about laundry. You can pack less clothing if you plan to do laundry on your trip. If you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, there’s a good chance you’ll have access to laundry facilities. If you will be on the road, you can always wash your clothes in the sink.
• Pack travel-sized toiletries. Toiletries can take up a lot of space, so pack travel-sized items whenever possible. You can also buy toiletries at your destination if you’re worried about running out.
Measuring and Fitting Your Backpack Correctly
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many travellers I see with backpacks that are obviously too big or too small for them.
You need to measure your torso length to get the right size backpack. The torso length is the distance from the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. It’s not the same as your height.
Most backpacks come in different sizes; some even have adjustable harnesses for the perfect fit. Many women’s-specific backpacks also have a shorter torso length and wider hip belts.
You can use a soft tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler to measure your torso length. You want to measure from the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. You can find the top of your hip bones by placing your hands on your hips and then putting your thumbs on your back. The spot on your back where your thumbs point is the top of your hip bones.
If you’re using a string, just measure the string with a ruler. If you’re using a soft tape measure, just place the tape measure at the base of your neck and measure down to your hip bones.
Balancing Comfort and Size in Choosing Your Backpack
When choosing the right backpack size, you’ll want to ensure you don’t go too big or too small. The size of your backpack will directly affect your comfort level.
If you buy a backpack that is too small, you may have to carry extra bags or leave things behind. If you buy a backpack that is too big, you may be tempted to overpack and end up with a heavy, uncomfortable load.
A backpack that is too big can also cause issues with balance and control. You may be unable to move through crowded areas or navigate stairs easily. A too small backpack may feel tight and uncomfortable, and you may struggle to fit everything you need.
Choosing the Right Size Backpack for Your Body Type
We all have different body types and sizes. Choosing a backpack that fits your body type and size is important. A backpack that is too small or too large can cause discomfort and pain.
Most backpacks come in different sizes, so you can choose the right size for your body type. A backpack that is too large for your body type can cause discomfort and pain, while a backpack that is too small can cause strain on your shoulders and back.
If you have a smaller body type, you may want to consider a backpack designed for women. Women’s backpacks are designed to fit smaller body types and have shorter torso lengths. A backpack designed for women may be more comfortable than a unisex backpack.
How to Deal with Size Restrictions on Airplanes and Other Transport
Size restrictions on aeroplanes are a pain. You don’t want to be forced to check your bag and then wait in the baggage claim after a long flight. You also don’t want to be forced to pay a fee for an oversized bag.
Thankfully, we have a few tips to help you navigate aeroplane size restrictions when travelling with a backpack.
• Check the size restrictions for the airlines you’re flying with. Size restrictions can vary from airline to airline, so make sure you know the rules for the airlines you’ll be flying with.
• Pack your bag with care. Be strategic about how you pack your bag. If you can compress your backpack to make it smaller, do so. If you can remove the top lid, do that. If you can stuff the top lid into the main compartment and compress the bag with a set of compression straps, do that.
• Pack light. This is the most important tip. The lighter your bag, the easier it will be to compress it to meet size restrictions. And, of course, the lighter your bag, the easier it will be to carry.
• Be prepared to check your bag. If you can’t get your bag to fit into the overhead bin, you may be forced to check it. In this case, have a lock for your backpack and a rain cover. Locking your bag will help keep your stuff secure, and a rain cover will help protect your bag from the elements.
Durability and Versatility: Choosing a Backpack that Can Withstand 3 Months of Travel
We know that when you’re traveling, your backpack will be your go-to bag for everything. You’ll want a durable and versatile bag to withstand all the different places you’ll go and all the different things you’ll do.
You’ll also want to ensure your bag has a comfortable and supportive suspension system. This is especially important if you’ll be carrying your bag for long periods, like walking around a city or hiking to a remote location.
Reviews and Recommendations of the Best Backpacks for Long-Term Traveling
To help you decide which size backpack is right, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite travel backpacks for 3 months of travelling. I’ve included a range of sizes and styles to suit different travel needs.
The right backpack for you will depend on your travel style, body type, and personal preferences. I recommend reading through the list and clicking on any backpacks that catch your eye to learn more about them.
If you’re unsure what size backpack you need, you can also read our guide on choosing the right size backpack.
Budget Considerations: Finding a Backpack that Fits Your Price Range
Finally, the cost is always an important factor to consider when purchasing any travel gear, especially a backpack. The bigger the backpack, the more expensive it will be.
Larger backpacks will cost more than smaller ones. However, the quality of the backpack, the brand, and the features will also affect the price.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still find a good quality backpack that will work well for 3 months of travel. However, you may have to compromise on some of the features and the brand.
Alternatively, if you have more to spend, you can find a high-quality backpack with all the bells and whistles.
If you’re looking for a backpack that will work for 3 months of travel, we recommend setting aside a budget of at least $150.
In this guide, we’ll cover various backpacks at different price points to ensure you find the right size backpack for 3 months of travelling that fits your budget.
Accessories to Consider for Your Backpack
When you’re packing for a 3-month trip, you’ll want to ensure you have all the right accessories to keep your backpack organized and comfortable.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes organized and to make the most of the space in your backpack. They’re also a great way to separate your dirty clothes from your clean ones.
Luggage Locks
Luggage locks are a must-have for any traveler, but they’re especially important if you carry everything you own in a backpack. Make sure you have a good-quality lock to keep your belongings safe.
Packing Pods
Packing pods are a great way to keep your smaller items organized. You can use them to store your toiletries, electronics, or anything else you want to keep separate from the rest of your stuff.
Rain Cover
If you’re going to be traveling during the rainy season or if you’re going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities, you’ll want to make sure you have a rain cover for your backpack.
How to Adjust Your Packing Strategy Based on Destination and Weather Factors
You’ll need to consider the weather and climate of the destinations you’ll be visiting. If you’re traveling to various climates, you’ll need to pack a bit more strategically.
If you’re traveling to hot destinations, you can pack more lightweight and breathable clothing. This will save you space and weight in your backpack. You’ll also want to pack less clothing and do laundry more often.
It’s also important to consider the culture of the country you’re visiting. In some countries, wearing short shorts or tank tops is inappropriate. In other countries, showing your shoulders or knees is inappropriate. Do some research on the culture and dress accordingly.
If you’re traveling to cold destinations, you must pack more layers and thicker clothing. This will take up more space and weight in your backpack. You’ll also need to pack more strategically to ensure you have everything to stay warm.
Maintaining Your Backpack on the Road
Backpacks are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but they’re not indestructible. A good backpack can last years, but only if you care for it. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your backpack on the road:
• Keep it Clean: Dirt and grime can damage the fabric of your backpack, so be sure to clean it regularly. Most backpacks can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but you can also hand wash them with mild detergent and cold water.
• Protect it from the Elements: Even if your backpack is water-resistant, protecting it from the rain is a good idea. A rain cover will keep your backpack dry and protect it from dirt and dust.
• Store it Properly: When you’re not using your backpack, store it properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
• Inspect it Regularly: Check your backpack for signs of wear and tear, and be sure to fix any problems before they get worse. This can help you avoid more serious damage, and it will also help your backpack last longer.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Size Backpack for a Memorable 3-Month Journey
We hope this guide has helped you to determine the best-size backpack for your 3-month adventure. You’ll quickly find that the longer you travel, the less you want to carry.
For many, a 40L backpack is perfect for 3 months of travel. It’s big enough to fit everything you need but also limits overpacking.
In the end, the best size backpack for you is the one that will help you travel comfortably. After all, the goal of your 3-month trip is to enjoy the journey, not to get to the end with a sore back.
Conclusion
Over time, I’ve learned to travel with less, but I still love my checked bag. I have a friend who has traveled for 6 months with a 40L bag, and she loved it! So it really is different for everyone.
I hope this post has helped you decide what size backpack is right for you to travel for 3 months.