For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the dream that all of us have felt at some time or another is completing a thru hike of one of the most legendary long trails traversing the country. The Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail are the big three when it comes to long hikes, but there are dozens of other long trails that can be looped together to easily make for a year-long adventure.
Whether you are planning to hit the wilderness for a year (or more) or are planning on travelling/backpacking through Asia or South America for a year, the most important piece of gear that you will need is a great travel backpack. When you are carrying all you own on your back, something as simple as a broken zipper can lead to a major disaster.
Below we look at some criteria to help you choose the best travel backpack for long journeys, wherever you may be headed.
Lightweight Options are Best
After being on the road (or the trail) for several months, you will learn to be able to feel every extra ounce that you are carrying on your back and shoulders. That extra can of beans will be easily felt as will that bottle of wine you bought to share with your trail companion once you make it to the top of a certain peak.
Since every ounce counts when hiking, you would do well to find a pack that is ultra-lightweight while not skimping on quality or space. Many medium volume packs can be found for under three pounds total weight. Any pack that is heavier than three pounds is probably too heavy, unless you are planning on carrying serious gear for extreme climate and temperatures.
Comfortable Suspension Systems
Just as you won´t be able to hike with tight fitting boots that rub blisters all over your feet, the same goes for a quality backpack. You will want to test several packs and find one that offers the best suspension system for quality support that distributes the weight of your pack across your back, shoulders, and hips. There are certain travel backpacks made especially for women with contoured straps that adapt better to the female body.
A Bag That Doesn´t Break the Bank
Custom patches are the best way to make your bag look different. There’s no need for boring old embroidery, because you can just iron-on or stick on a piece of fabric that looks exactly as desired!You can also get iron-on custom patches from 4incustompatch. This will give your bag an extra personalized touch that’s perfect for any occasion! To make these patches, all you need is some fabric (or leather) and sewing skills; then select one of our many designs to personalize yours in whatever way suits best – just be sure not too big so it doesn’t cover up anything on top where there might already be nicely pleated skirts or pants.
Multiple Compartments and Easy-Access Pockets
Imagine backpacking through Central America and each time you come to a border crossing (quite often in a land of tiny countries) you have to open your bag and take out all of your stuff in order to find your passport. To save yourself from this embarrassing ritual of showing your dirty underwear to innocent bystanders and border agents, finding a bag with several easy to access outside compartments is a must. A bag with several pockets will allow you to keep your life organized while on the road or on the trail.
