Best Travel Backpacks For Avoiding Back or Hip Pain

Let’s talk travel backpacks – you know, those trusty companions that somehow become your entire home when you’re wandering the globe. After seven years of being professional nomads (aka living out of our backpacks), we’ve learned a thing or two about finding the perfect pack. And trust us, having the right one can mean the difference between feeling like a graceful gazelle and a tired turtle.

The Great Backpack Paradox

Here’s a truth bomb: You can fit an astonishing amount of stuff in an average-sized backpack. But here’s the real question – should you? The number one rookie mistake we see (and hey, we’ve been there) is going for a bag that’s way too big. Sure, that 85-liter behemoth looks mighty impressive in the store, but fast forward to trudging through Bangkok’s steamy streets, and you’ll be questioning all your life choices.

“The bigger the backpack, the more fear you carry.” – Us, probably after ditching half our stuff in a hostel.

The SUV vs. Scooter Showdown

Picture this: You’re in Paris. Would you rather be that person in the massive SUV, circling for parking for three hours, or zipping through traffic on a stylish scooter? Your backpack choice is exactly like that.

Think of your backpack as your travel vehicle. SUV-style packers end up lugging around three different types of formal shoes they’ll never wear, while scooter-style travelers are already sitting at a café, sipping espresso, and living their best life.

Finding Your Perfect Match

Here’s the deal – finding the right backpack is like dating. You’ve got to try a few on, and maybe have some awkward moments, but when you find “the one,” you’ll just know. After our own backpack speed-dating adventure, we fell head over heels for Gregory’s line of packs. They just get us, you know?

The Secret Sauce – Best Backpacks for Back and Hip Issues

Look, we’ve got to talk about Gregory backpacks for a minute. When we first tried them on, it was like that scene in Cinderella with the glass slipper – pure magic. Harry’s got some serious back and hip issues, but somehow Gregory’s “FreeFloat suspension” (fancy name for awesome tech) makes 50 pounds feel like you’re carrying a couple of breakfast burritos. More on our specific picks later.

Here’s a pro tip: When you’re looking at a backpack like the Gregory Zulu 65 (check out that beauty above), look for that gap between your shoulders and hips. That’s not just empty space – it’s engineering magic. Your hips are doing all the heavy lifting while your shoulders are just along for the ride, providing balance like a good wingman should.

Now, here’s where people mess up: They think backpack sizes work like t-shirts. “I wear an XL shirt, so I need an XL pack, right?” Wrong-o! Plot twist: Your torso length is its own thing. Two people who could share clothes might need completely different pack sizes. Do yourself a solid and take five minutes to measure your torso. Your back will thank you later.

Real talk: We wanted to love Osprey backpacks (they look so cool!), but when it came down to comfort, Gregory backpacks knocked it out of the park. Sometimes love isn’t about looks.

The Holy Trinity – 3 Must-Have Elements in Travel Backpacks

Listen up, future backpack warriors! Here’s what you need to know:

• Capacity: Size matters, but not how you think. Here’s the scoop:
  • Weekend warriors (1-3 nights): 30-50 liters
  • Multiday adventurers (3-5 nights): 50-80 liters
  • Long-haul legends (5+ nights): 70+ liters

  Plot twist: We did a 5-YEAR trip with just a Gregory 50L (Audrey) and a Gregory Zulu 55L (Harry). Bigger isn’t always better, folks!

• Features: Think of these as superpowers – adjustable everything, magic pockets on hip belts (perfect for snacks), load lifters that make physics work in your favor, and stretchy pockets that somehow always fit one more thing. Figure out which features you actually need, not just what looks cool.
• Fit: This is the dealbreaker. Your torso length is the VIP here – everything else is just window dressing. Getting the right size is like finding the right dance partner; when it works, you’ll know.

Best Travel Backpacks

Here’s the deal: While we’re about to drop some serious knowledge about gender-specific packs (they’re designed for different body types, who knew?), remember this – your body is unique. Try everything. A women’s pack might be perfect for a guy, and vice versa. It’s not about the label, it’s about what feels right.

The Fantastic Five: Best Women’s Backpacks

Ladies, these packs were designed with you in mind – think narrower shoulders, shorter torsos, and hip belts that actually make sense for your body. But hey, if these don’t feel right, check out the men’s or unisex options. Your comfort is what matters here.

REI Co-op Traverse 35L, 65L

Osprey Aura AG 50L, 65L – $270

Deuter Futura Vario 45L + 10L – $165

Gregory Deva 60L, 70L, 80L – $220

Gregory Jade 28L, 38L, 53L, 63L – $200

5 Best Men’s Backpacks

Alright, fellas – let’s dive into the world of men’s travel backpacks! While the designs might lean a bit more rugged than the women’s options, these packs are engineered for durability and comfort on those long-haul journeys. We’re talking wider shoulder straps, extended hip belts, and the flexibility to carry a bit more weight – so you’re set for any adventure, from mountain trails to city streets.

In our book, Gregory packs steal the show with their perfect blend of support and style!

Osprey Aether 60L, 70L, 85L  – $377

REI Co-op Traverse 35L, 70L

Deuter Futura Vario 50L + 10L – $173

Osprey Atmos AG 50L, 65L – $240

Gregory Mountain Products Baltoro 65L, 75L, 85L – $195

5 Best Unisex Backpacks

So, what’s the deal with unisex travel backpacks versus those made for women? The big difference is the back length – women’s packs tend to have a shorter back designed for the shorter torso. But here’s a fun fact: guys on the shorter side might actually prefer a “women’s” backpack since it could fit them better. Trust us, no one’s going to bat an eye! Just choose what feels right for you and your adventures.

Granite Gear Crown 38L – $138

Gregory Alpinisto 35L, 50L – $200

The North Face Terra 65 – $190

Gregory Optic 48L – $224

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400/3400/4400 – 40L, 55L, 70L – $320

Best Travel Backpacks For Kids

Kids are going to be all about this 30-liter travel backpack from Deuter! It’s currently the top choice for little adventurers, perfect for kids under 12. Whether they’re exploring the great outdoors or heading off on a camping trip, this backpack has got them covered. It’s the ideal companion for their next big adventure!

Deuter Fox 30L – $88

Best Travel Daypack

When we’re not jet-setting from city to city with our backpacks, you’ll find us toting our PacSafe Venturesafe G3 28L Anti Theft Black Casual Daypack everywhere.

On a typical day, it’s packed with our camera gear, a drone, and a wallet. But on travel days? We load it up with two laptops, a bunch of electronics, cords, and everything else you could imagine⁠—it’s jam-packed! Yes, Harry might be rocking the pregnant backpacker look⁠—but for now, it works for us.

PacSafe Venturesafe G3 28L – $93

We’ve been using the same Pacsafe daypack now for over five years. You might not have heard of this brand, but let me assure you, it’s easily the best travel daypack I’ve ever come across, and it’s unbelievably durable. With our heavy use, any other daypack would have quickly fallen apart.

Features of a Pacsafe Travel Daypack

These daypacks come with a treasure trove of features for travelers, many of which are anti-theft. We can proudly say that with the help of this daypack, we’ve never had anything stolen⁠—which is something most long-term travelers can’t claim.

The secret to these daypacks’ strength lies in their design—lined with thin stainless wires, they effectively become little cages! The straps also feature stainless steel wires, making them splashproof and capable of handling way more weight than your average daypack.

If anti-theft features pique your interest, check out the additional security perks like lockdown, RFID protection, and smart zipper technologies. We were so impressed with Pacsafe products that Audrey even snagged one of their travel purses. And just to be clear, we have no affiliation with Pacsafe and make no money when you make a purchase or visit their site.

Our Backpacks, Our Lives

After extensive research and some solid advice from the folks at REI, we picked out these bags, which were rated the best all-around backpacks by Backpacker Magazine. Yes, we’re old—and so are our backpacks! But that’s a good thing, because for many of us, a travel backpack is a significant investment.

Audrey chose the Gregory Jade 50 liter, and Harry picked the Gregory Z55 55 liter. The Jade is still in production, but the Z55 has transitioned to the Zulu, which comes in 30L, 40L, 55L, and 65L.

We highly recommend checking out various outdoor retailers and trying on backpacks before making a purchase. The staff at REI were super helpful and incredibly patient with us!

Why Did We Choose 50 and 55-Liter Backpacks?

We opted for medium-sized backpacks to encourage ourselves to pack lighter. During the planning stages of our round-the-world trip, it quickly becomes clear that every item you want to bring represents some kind of physical or mental comfort—and trust me, they’re only going to weigh you down.

Unfortunately, there’s no backpack out there that can carry all your belongings. As you start packing, concentrate on items that offer practicality and purpose, rather than comfort, nostalgia, or warm fuzzies.

And don’t forget: you can find just about anything you need around the globe! For example, there’s no reason to bring 12 bottles of contact solution or a dozen pairs of socks—pack one bottle of solution and four or five pairs of socks instead!

What’s In Our Backpacks?

We typically carry about 30-35 lbs worth of gear each. Here’s a rundown of most items in our backpacks right now to give you an idea of what the best travel backpack can hold:

• Shoes
• Flip-flops
• Clothing (for all seasons)
• Packing cubes
• Electronics
• Toiletries
• Extension cord

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