How to choose a travel rucksack: A comprehensive guide to capacity, materials and comfort

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HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A CARRY-ON BACKPACK?
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A TRAVEL RUCKSACK IS COMFORTABLE BEFORE YOU BUY IT?

To choose the right travel backpack, you must consider three things: the capacity in liters (20–35L for the cabin, 40–60L for longer stays), durable and possibly water-repellent materials, and the weight distribution system on the shoulders and back. A good travel backpack is most noticeable after six hours of walking around — not when it is brand new.

Choosing a travel backpack seems simple until you are at the airport with aching shoulders, a pack that feels twice as heavy as you remembered, and the right pocket always in the wrong corner.

In this guide by Faraone.shop, we look at how to choose a travel backpack based on how you actually travel, not based on how you think you travel.

How many liters should a travel backpack have?

Capacity is the first filter. But the number alone is not enough — it depends on how long you are away and your packing habits.

Practical guide for capacity:

20–25 liters: Day trip backpack or minimal carry-on. Perfect for light weekends, low-cost airline flights, and business trips;
30–35 liters: The "sweet spot" for 3–5 days. Fits as cabin luggage on major airlines. It is the most versatile size;
40–50 liters: For longer stays or those who pack a lot. Often needs to be checked in or counts as carry-on for intercontinental flights;
60 liters and above: Trekking, long-term travel, or specific uses.

Practical tip: If you are unsure, choose the 30–35 liter size. It is rarely too small and almost never too large for the cabin.

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Hand luggage has specific size limits, and each airline has its own. However, there are dimensions that almost always work.

How do you choose a carry-on backpack?

The safe dimensions for the cabin: maximum height of approximately 55 cm, width of approximately 40 cm and depth of approximately 20 cm

Please note: A soft backpack with a flexible structure is more "negotiable" than a hard-shell trolley. Many 30–35 liter backpacks, if not overstuffed, pass through even the strictest airlines without issues.

What to check before buying:

The manufacturer's measurements, not just the liters;
If it has a top handle, useful for loading it into overhead bins;
If the shoulder straps can be tucked away—some airlines include them in the overall dimensions.

Which materials are best for a travel backpack?

The material determines weight, durability, and water resistance.

The most common materials:

Ballistic Nylon or Cordura: Extremely high abrasion resistance, slightly heavy, excellent for frequent travelers;
Ripstop Nylon: Lightweight, durable, often water-repellent. The best choice for frequent trips;
Standard Polyester: Affordable, less durable, good for occasional use;
Canvas or natural fabrics: Aesthetically pleasing, but less functional for travel; not recommended as a primary travel backpack.

Water-repellent vs. Waterproof:

Water-repellent: Resists light rain and splashes. Sufficient for most trips;
Waterproof: Only necessary if you travel in extreme conditions or love technical outdoor activities.

What to look for in the internal organization of a travel backpack?

Total capacity matters, but how it is divided matters even more.

Compartments that really make a difference:

Large and accessible main compartment: Ideally opens like a book (suitcase-style);
Quick-access external pocket: For passport, boarding pass, and earphones;
Laptop pocket: Separate, padded, and accessible without opening the whole bag;
Side pockets: For a water bottle, umbrella, or items needed close at hand;
Anti-theft system: Back pockets or hidden zippers, useful in crowded areas.

A backpack that opens like a suitcase (clamshell zip) is the most convenient for those who need to pack and unpack their luggage frequently.

A common search is also: backpack or travel bag? The change of perspective that changes everything. Liters, weight, and structure: the three parameters that truly matter.

A 40-liter backpack that weighs 2 kg empty won't get you anywhere without causing pain. The empty weight of the backpack, load distribution on the shoulders, and back rigidity are the three parameters that the numbers in product spec sheets don't always tell you. Always read reviews from people who have used that backpack on a real trip.

Comfort is assessed in three ways: shoulder straps, back panel, and chest or lumbar strap

How can you tell if a travel rucksack is comfortable before you buy it?

If you're buying online: read the reviews, filtering by ‘shoulder straps’, “back” and ‘comfort’. That's where you'll really see how the product performs.

Travel backpack or cabin trolley: which one to choose?

It depends on how you travel.

Choose the backpack if:

You often move by public transport or on foot;
You have layovers and don't want to wait at the baggage carousel;
You prefer to have your hands free;
Your trip includes outdoor activities or irregular movements.

Choose the cabin trolley if:

You move mainly by taxi or car;
You are carrying shoes, formal wear, or items that wrinkle easily;
You want maximum capacity within the cabin format;
You are taking primarily business or leisure trips with fixed hotel stays.

The winning combination for many: a 30–35L backpack as a carry-on + a small shoulder bag as a personal item.

How much should a travel backpack weigh (empty)?

The lighter, the better, all other quality factors being equal.

Orientation references:

Under 1 kg: Ultra-light, ideal for minimal travelers;
1–1.5 kg: The normal range for quality travel backpacks;
Over 2 kg: Acceptable only for very large backpacks (45L+) or those with an internal frame.

Remember: Every gram of the empty backpack is one less gram of gear you can pack before exceeding the airline's weight limit.

What not to put in a cabin travel backpack?

In addition to the standard prohibitions (liquids over 100ml, sharp objects):

Do not overstuff the backpack so much that it doesn't close properly; you risk problems during boarding;
Do not put valuables in places that are hard to reach if the backpack has to be moved to the hold;
Don't forget that weight matters—even a cabin backpack has limits (usually 8–10 kg).

The question worth asking before leaving: travel backpack or cabin trolley?

There is no universal answer. There is only the right answer for your type of trip. A train journey through European capitals requires something different than a week in a resort with a direct flight. Choose the backpack when the movement is part of the journey; choose the trolley when the journey is just the means to get somewhere.

Why choose your travel backpack on Faraone.shop?

On Faraone.shop, you will find a selection of backpacks and travel duffels designed for those who actually move, not just for those who take photos of them. Durable materials, cabin-optimized sizes, and internal organization that works.

Whether you are looking for a lightweight backpack for a weekend or a more structured model for long hauls, our selection covers every need. Fast shipping and easy returns: starting off right begins here.

How to choose a travel rucksack: A comprehensive guide to capacity, materials and comfort

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Andrea Faraone

A fashion enthusiast with a keen eye for detail. From the quality of the fabrics to the perfect fit of shoes and trainers, I select the best trends for Faraone to help you find the right look. As an expert in image consulting, I’ll guide you through our brands with practical advice on materials, style and fit.

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