How to pick the perfect backpack for a cross-country European trip

Roughing it around Europe is an age-old rite of passage into adulthood that everyone should experience. Backpacking in Europe, or anywhere for that matter, is a quintessential adventure that will leave you with countless memories and unbelievable stories to tell for the rest of your life.

Photo provided by C. Bueno - Flickr

Although part of the adventure requires things to go wrong, you shouldn’t take that risk with your gear. Here are some tips for picking the perfect backpack for your backpacking trip.

Comfort

Above everything else, it’s absolutely essential that your backpack is comfortable. You don’t want to get a few days into your trip to realize that the straps are rubbing you the wrong way and your backpack is unpleasant or else you’ll be stuck the rest of the way. Solid camping backpacks tend to fit the bill because they are strong enough to carry 20 or 30 pounds of clothing and material. Before you buy a backpack, test it out by putting some weight in the pockets to simulate how it will really feel. If you find yourself grimacing during the trial, keep looking.

Make sure it fits you

Aside from the straps, the backpack should not be an overwhelming behemoth that towers over everyone. The only part of the backpack that’s fitted are the straps that wrap around your body, but aim to get a backpack that’s proportional to your body. You don’t want to constantly feel unbalanced.

Get one with an internal frame

Even if a backpack is comfortable, you also want to make sure it has a few things that will make your life on the road a lot easier. For example, get a backpack with an internal frame because it makes the load more comfortable and easier to carry.

Look for quality backpacks

Although the more expensive something costs doesn’t necessarily mean it’s higher quality, you don’t want to compromise the longevity of your pack by buying the cheapest model. You will be in dire straits if your backpack rips or falls apart while you’re traveling through foreign cities or wilderness areas.

Pick the type you prefer best

There are two main types of cross-country backpacks to choose from: top-loading or front-loading. There are pros and cons to each, but in the end, it’s all a matter of preference. Top-loading backpacks feature a main compartment without a zipper that makes the more waterproof but harder to unload. Front-loading backpacks provide easier access, but the zippers are more susceptible to breaking.

Timothy Martinez Jr. is a freelance writer and writes about a number of things, including camping equipment for Camping Gear Outlet.